Rafael Aponte Alburquerque received his B.S. in Biotechnology Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey and is a first-year PhD student in Immunology at the University of Colorado Anschutz. He is interested in tumor immunology, particularly how interactions within the tumor microenvironment shape immune responses, tumor progression, and responses to immunotherapy.

Kim Armas received her BA in Astrophysics & Physics from Harvard University and is a first-year PhD student in Astrophysics at Tufts University. She is interested in studying the atmospheric composition and potential habitability of terrestrial exoplanets around low-mass host stars. She plans to be an advocate for physicists from underrepresented backgrounds throughout her career.

Belen received her B.Sc. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru and currently a second-year PhD student in Genetics, Genomics and Developmental Biology. She is interested in studying the translation control and RNA modifications of virulent genes in non-model bacteria. She is the first in her family to go to graduate school and study a scientific subject, and is committed to democratize access to science for people in Latin America.

Isabella Cerrone received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cal Poly Humboldt and is a first-year Biochemistry PhD student at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focuses on the reproductive physiology and diapause of Lygus hesperus, with broader interests in insect endocrinology, genetics, and pest and vector control. As the first in her family to attend graduate school, she is passionate about increasing representation in STEM.

Aryaa received her B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley. After working as a research technician at UCSF for two years, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Genetics & Genomics at Baylor College of Medicine. She is interested in studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of human disease, with a specific interest in gene regulation and functional genomics. Beyond research, she is passionate about making science accessible to all and is an advocate for inclusion and representation in STEM.

Álvaro is a PhD student in Biomedical Sciences at UC San Diego, where he’s interested in how intrinsic and extrinsic signals remodel lymphoid organs and tumor-associated immune hubs, and how that remodeling can tip the balance between anti-tumor immunity and tumor progression. He earned his B.S. in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from UCLA. Originally from Argentina, Álvaro is an advocate for improving access and uplifting underrepresented voices in American biomedical science.

Claudia received her B.S. Chemistry from The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and will be continuing her studies at UT Dallas as a PhD student in Chemistry studying metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Natalie received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Trinity University and is currently a first-year Ph.D. student in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Vanderbilt University. She is broadly interested in neuropharmacology, specifically integrating animal models of neuropsychiatric disease with behavioral and molecular techniques. As a neuroscientist, she values mentorship and open conversation across scientific subfields.

Christina received her B.A. in Neuroscience from Reed College and currently is a first-year PhD student in Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. She is interested in studying the role of glial cells, specifically astrocytes, in cognition, disease and neurological disorders. As a first-generation low-income student, she is passionate about advancing equity in STEM by supporting initiatives that improve access, mentorship, and retention for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Shenali received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and currently is a first-year PhD student in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She is interested in studying how early developmental defects at embryonic stages lead to disease onset, and later hopes to study developmental disease in the neonatal population.

Shenell received her MPH from St. George's University and is a first-year PhD student in Experimental Psychology at the University of Vermont. She is interested in studying how early environmental experiences, including prenatal stress and adversity, influence brain development, and mental health. As a first-generation student, she hopes to identify mechanisms of resilience that can inform early prevention and intervention efforts while reducing barriers to entry for students pursuing research.

Enyce received her B.S. in Biology from Arizona State University and completed a two-year research program with Johns Hopkins University PREP. She is currently a first-year PhD student in the Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation track at Rutgers University. She is interested in how the human host-microbiome influences disease progression and how these insights can inform accessible microbiome-based therapeutics. In addition to her research, Enyce advocates for mentoring and diversity in STEM.

Goodness is a pharmaceutical science graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her study is on studying the influence of multi-omics on aging and its implications with improved treatment. As a first-generation low income student, she advocates for diversity and inclusion in higher education and science. She loves traveling and meeting new people.

Abby received her B.S. in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology from CSU Long Beach and is currently a first-year student in Bioengineering at UC San Diego. She is interested in leveraging biomaterials for tissue regeneration and studying sex differences in disease.

Sebastián received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras and currently is a first-year PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Texas at El Paso. He is interested in studying how Arctic aquatic ecosystems are changing in response to climate change.

Kevin received his Bachelor's in Computer Science from Rice University and currently is a first-year PhD student in Computer Science (HCI) at Carnegie Mellon University. He is very curious about how language models and agentic system influence our decision-making and reliance. In turn, he designs AI tools that surface our hidden assumptions and encourage reflection with applications in work, the public sphere, and education.

Lizette received her B.A. in IR from Stanford University and then went on to get her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and M.A. in Social Psychology from the Universidad de Granada. She is currently a first-year PhD student in Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development at Boston University. She is interested in studying ethnic-racial socialization and identity development in Latine/AfroLatine youths as protective mechanism against systemic marginalization.

Alex received his B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Riverside and currently is a first-year PhD student in Biomedical and Translational Sciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is interested in uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and translating these discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies. As an immigrant and first-generation graduate student, he is an advocate for expanding access to scientific careers and graduate education.

Gloryalice Jurado-Carter received her B.S. in Biology and Political Science from Troy University and is pursuing an M.S. in Integrative Biology at the University of Colorado Denver. Her research investigates how maternal exercise influences RNA epigenetic regulation and gene expression in the developing brain. Inspired by her daughter with Rett syndrome and her son with autism, she hopes to develop future gene and epigenetic therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Leslie received her B.A. in Biochemistry & Biophysics from Amherst College and was later a post-bac scholar at the Broad Institute. She is currently a first-year Microbiology & Immunology PhD student at Stanford Medical School and is interested in studying antimicrobial resistance and host-microbe interactions. Additonally, her first-gen low income student experience motivates her passion for facilitating education access for the next-generation of scientists.

Jimena received her AB in Molecular and Cellular Biology and History of Art and Architecture from Harvard College, and is currently a first-year PhD student in Biology at MIT. She is interested in using tools from microbiology, experimental evolution and physical and mathematical models to explore fundamental questions in biology. She is passionate about ensuring thoughtful mentorship for the next generation of scientists from all backgrounds, as well as increasing young kids’ exposure to science in Peru.

Angie Maldonado received her B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University and is currently a first-year Ph.D. student in the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP) at Yale University. Her research focuses on the neural circuits underlying sleep, memory, and metabolism, and how sleep disruption contributes to neurological disease. As a first-generation, low-income immigrant from Colombia, she is committed to expanding opportunities in science through mentorship and community outreach.

Joseph holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Amherst College and an M.Eng. from Dartmouth College, and is currently a first-year PhD student at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is interested in uncovering and mitigating hidden societal biases in large language models through interpretability techniques and natural language processing.

Malia received a B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Redlands. Miguel is currently a first-year PhD student in Microbiology at the University of California, Riverside. She is interested in studying coral-algal symbiosis and characterizing the mechanisms underlying intracellular symbiosis through functional genomic approaches. As an artist, she is also interested in scientific illustration and communication.

Vianny received her B.A. in Chemistry from Barnard College of Columbia University and currently is a first-year PhD student in Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University. She is interested in using computational modeling and data-driven methods to understand structure-property relationships and advance the design of energy and functional materials. As a first-generation low-income student, she is also committed to creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented students in STEM.

Alvin received his B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and currently is a first-year PhD student in Molecular & Cellular Biology at the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth. He is interested in studying cancer cell signaling and tumor immunology, hoping to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of tumor development and therapeutic resistance. As a first-generation student, he is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science.

Sandra received her B.A in biochemistry from Mount Holyoke College and is currently a first year PhD student in Biomedical Sciences at University of Michigan. She is interested in molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation in infectious disease and understanding disease pathogenesis

Savaria Parrish received her B.S. in Geosciences, with minors in Physics and Astronomy, from Virginia Tech. She is a current first year PhD student in Physics at the University of Alabama Huntsville. She will be applying machine learning techniques to characterize stellar jitter in extreme precision radial velocity measurements of exoplanets. As a first generation scholar, Savaria serves as the founder of Space to Succeed, an online resource hub for STEM students.

Aleishai Pena Lopez received her B.S. in Biological Sciences, cell and molecular concentrations with the minors of psychology and chemistry. She is a first-year PhD student in Neuroscience at University of Texas San Antonio. Aleishai is interested in studying the impact of cellular senescence and its role in aging and age-related diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases.

Melina received her B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Currently, she is a first-year PhD student in the Microbiology Graduate Group at the University of California, Davis. Melina is excited to use her current knowledge of bacteriophage and bacterial interactions to explore biological mechanisms that lead to successful host infection in new host-microbe interactions.

Gabriela attended the University of Denver and earned a B.S. in biochemistry and public policy. Currently, she is a first-year graduate student in Envrionmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan. She is intereted in studying envrionmental exposures and their influence on cardiometetabolic health with a focus on the Hispanic/Latino population. Her goal is to pursue a scientific career within the federal government.

Sitsandziwe Simelane obtained her B.A. in Neuroscience from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She is currently a first-year PhD student in Biology (Neuroscience concentration) at the CUNY Graduate Center. She is interested in studying molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Having benefited from mentorship, both directly and indirectly, throughout her scientific journey, she hopes to engage in mentoring initiatives during her time at CUNY.

Aaron received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University and currently is a first-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at New York University. He is interested in the genetic engineering of human stem cells, studying how gene arrangement and DNA's 3D folding shape gene expression, with applications in cell therapies. He is also passionate about science communication and broadening STEM participation in underrepresented communities.

Kevin received their B.A. in biology from Macalester College and currently is a first-year PhD student in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. He is interested in investigating the interplay between the immune and nervous systems. Specifically, to uncover novel cellular interactions and functions while exploring the epigenomic and transcriptomic programs that underlie these processes.

Kenneth Vuong received his B.S. in Biology with a minor concentration in Psychology from CUNY - The City College and currently is a first-year PhD student in biomedical sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He is interested in understanding how the developing immune system responds to pathogens and what drives the generation of protective antibody responses in early life.

Jubilie Zeda Rodriguez received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus and currently is first-year PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. She is interested in discovering novel therapeutic agents that are biologically relevant to proteins, applying basic chemistry knowledge, and computational methods. As a first-generation graduate student, she is passionate about science advocacy and diversity in STEM careers.

Alen earned his B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and is an incoming Ph.D. student in Computational Biology at Cornell University. His research experience includes developing natural language processing pipelines for plant science. He is interested in applying machine learning to regulatory genomics, particularly to understand how DNA sequence shapes transcription initiation and pausing.