Graduate Student
Mentorship Initiative (GSMI)

Isabella is working on her B.A. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of California, Davis. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in the UC Davis Britt Lab as well as a student assistant in the Chemical Instrumentation department. She is interested in using spectroscopic and analytical techniques to study metalloenzyme structure and function. She hopes to pursue research combining inorganic chemistry and chemical biology.

Rafael Aponte Alburquerque, from the Dominican Republic, earned his B.S. in Biotechnology Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey and is a research assistant at Washington University in St. Louis. He is interested in tumor immunity and vascularization and aims to pursue a PhD in Immunology to advance understanding of how immune responses influence tumor blood vessels and contribute to cancer progression.

Chantal J. Arbelo-Mejias is an undergraduate Microbiology student at University of Puerto Rico at Humacao conducting research in cancer immunology and science communication. She plans to pursue a PhD in Microbiology, focusing on host-microbe interactions and equitable therapeutics. She is Vice President of the Microbiology Student Chapter and a mentor for her university, committed to fostering inclusive science and student success.

Kim received her BA in Astrophysics & Physics from Harvard University and is currently a Young Scientist at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, analyzing simulated exoplanet spectra to assess their potential climates around M and K dwarfs. This fall, she will join the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian as a SPARK postbacc researcher to develop an ML model for near-Earth asteroid classification. As a first-gen student, Kim is committed to supporting minority retention in astrophysics.

Maria B. Balta received her B. Sc. in Environmental Engineering from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and worked as a research visiting scholar in the Gibbs Lab at UC Berkeley. She is interested in understanding biological functions of microorganisms for applications in addressing societal and environmental issues. As a latino young female researcher, she aspires to be a role model for inclusion and diversity in top-notch science.

Jamie holds a B.A. in neuroscience and computer science from Barnard College, Columbia University, and is pursuing an M.Sc. in brain and data science through the NeuroData EMJMD+ program. They research AI-assisted conflict resolution in the Sarit Kraus lab and are passionate about CS education in conflict-affected regions, volunteering as an instructor and coordinator for a computer science summer camp in Ukraine (Code.X/Code for Ukraine).

Rebecca Bernal is a Biostatistician at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, supporting the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases. She has experience in data cleaning, statistical analysis in SAS and R, and interpreting results for posters, abstracts, and publications. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Biostatistics to develop methods linking rigorous theory with impactful applications in population health and neuroscience.

Erika received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Brigham Young University and just wrapped up working as an Associate in Research at Duke University. Her research interests include substance use disorders/addiction, neurodevelopmental disorders, and social behavior. After spending 1.5 years as a volunteer in Canada, her work with individuals affected by substance use disorders deepened her understanding and urgency for the need of more effective therapeutic interventions and drug-use education.

Seren Castellano is a fourth-year undergraduate from the University of Iowa majoring in Biology and Anthropology with a minor in Ancient Civilization. Currently, she works in several evolution research labs on-campus ranging snails to humans. She is interested in pursuing a PhD studying the genetics and anatomy of hominins and ancient civilizations with an emphasis on archaic admixture and introgression. Outside of research, she is a published children's author for the book "The Brilliant World of Bones".

Aryaa received her B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley and currently works as a research technician at UCSF. She has a strong interest in understanding the functional effects of genetic variation and pathways involved in the progression of various diseases, particularly cancer, and how this can be exploited to develop biological therapies. She is passionate about advocating for women in STEM.

Claudia is a 4th-year undergraduate at The University of Texas at Dallas studying chemistry. She intends to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry upon graduation.

Leilani received her B.S. in Biology from California State University, Los Angeles and just completed a post baccalaureate mentoring program at Louisiana State University. She is interested in studying the diversification of fish, employing genetic and morphological data from museum specimens and digital databases to understand how interactions with environments impact clades. With a history minor, she is also interested in understanding the applications of genetic studies and their sociocultural impacts.

Natalie is graduating from Trinity University with a B.S. in Neuroscience in May 2026 and has been a research assistant in a behavioral neuroscience lab since October 2023. She is interested in continuing to research neural substrates of maladaptive reward-seeking, anxiety, and circuit mechanisms of learning and memory in rodent models. She is passionate about accessible scientific communication and intentional inclusion.

Christina is a first-generation Indonesian-American college student and a senior at Reed College, working toward her B.A. in Neuroscience. She’s currently a research assistant studying the role of astrocytes in the anterior cingulate cortex and how they contribute to cognitive flexibility in rodent models. Christina plans to apply to Ph.D. programs in Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology, and hopes to continue exploring the role of glial cells in neurodegeneration.

A Summa Cum Laude Mechanical Engineering graduate from the National University of San Marcos in Peru, Rivaldo Duran is the Founder of the Intinauta Space Foundation and a Research Intern at Westlake University in China. His experience includes serving as an Analog Astronaut in Spain and as a Peruvian youth delegate in Russia. He has presented his research at international forums in Argentina , Guatemala , India , and Italy , and has been accepted to present in Australia.

Shenell earned her MPH from St. George’s University and is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Columbia University. She interested in studying how maternal stress, early-life adversity, and environmental risk factors affect brain development and childhood psychopathology, with a focus on neural mechanisms and public health implications. As a first-generation student, she is committed to inspiring other Caribbean Americans to pursue research in neuroscience and psychology.

Samantha Elizalde is pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience at the University of Chicago and is an undergraduate research assistant investigating Batten Disease. She is interested in pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience with a focus on studying neural networks in the presence of neurological diseases to develop treatments that can alleviate symptoms or slow progression. As a first-generation student, she is committed to investigating overlooked diseases and amplifying underrepresented voices in scientific research.

Adaugo received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UMD College Park in Maryland and currently works as a Prosthetics and Orthotics technician assistant in a prosthetics clinic. She is interested in studying mechanical engineering principles and biomechanics to create innovative prosthetics and orthotics that enhance mobility and quality of life for underserved populations. She is an advocate for financial aid literacy and diversity and inclusion with her level of involvement in NSBE.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Ada earned their B.A. in neuroscience from Skidmore College before beginning their post-baccalaureate program at Harvard Medical School. There, they work in the Schwarz lab studying the interplay of proteins that mediate mitochondrial motility in neurons, with an interest in understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their research, Ada is a strong advocate for the critical role of community, especially given the current political climate.

Abby is a Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology major and Chemistry minor at California State University, Long Beach, graduating in Spring 2026. With a Biomedical Engineering research background, she aims to study tissue regeneration through the relationship between mechanical cues and cell behavior. As the daughter of Filipino immigrants and the first in her family to attend graduate school, she advocates for diversity in STEM and supports the ethical application and expansion of regenerative medicine.

Sebastián Guerrero Hidalgo, graduated from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras with a B.S. in Chemistry. His research interests lie at the intersection of ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, and environmental chemistry. He's currently a post-baccalaureate researcher at the University of Texas at El Paso studying free-water metabolism and algal nutrient limitation in Arctic Lagoons.

Lizette has a B.A. in International Relations (Stanford), M.A. in Counseling (Santa Clara), and M.A. in Social Psychology (University of Granada). She works as a lab manager at SCU's Tamkin Qualitative Research Lab. Her interests include using art-based CBPR methodologies to study racial socialization in AfroLatiné populations and researching mental health outcomes & intergenerational attachment to mother country in 1/2/3rd gen Mexican-American young adults to inform culturally rooted health interventions

Kevin Hernandez studied computer science at Rice University and is now a research fellow at Stanford University. He explores how practitioners can govern, anticipate, measure, and mitigate risks posed by AI systems, using methods from AI/ML, Human-Computer Interaction, design, and policy. His work centers the lived experiences of those harmed by AI, especially underrepresented youth, to foster critical AI literacy and support more just, participatory AI futures.

Yadielis Hernández Ortiz is a fifth year undergraduate student at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, majoring in Industrial Chemistry with a minor in Astronomy. She is interested in pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specifically within the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy track, which aligns with her interests in the discovery and development of new therapies. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is committed to mentorship and community engagement.

Destinie James earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and B.S. in Computer Engineering from Tuskegee University. As a recent graduate and first-generation student, she is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Machine Learning or Quantum Computing. Her goal is to apply advanced computational methods to the medical field, focusing on innovation in diagnostics, treatment modeling, and ethical AI applications in healthcare.

Gloryalice earned her B.S. in Political Science and Biology from Troy University and is completing a post-baccalaureate in Allied & Health Sciences at CU Denver. She works as a Patient Care Coordinator in IVF, supporting LGBTQ+, oncofertility, and Spanish-speaking patients. She is interested in studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders to develop gene therapies. As a first-generation and parent of two autistic children, she promotes diversity and inclusion in science.

Tara is receiving her B.S in Biology from the University of New Mexico and is an institutional and lab assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. She is interested in studying genetic disorders and how stem cell therapies can make an impact in the creation of drugs. As a first generation student, she is passionate about creating a community for students interested in getting a Masters or PhD which is why she created the Pre-Doctorate Society at her home campus.

Valencia received her B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership and Global Development Studies from the University of Virginia. She is currently a 1st year Counseling Psychology PhD at the University of California - Santa Barbara, with research focuses in Black women's mental, physical, and emotional well being. Valencia cares deeply about diversifying the psychology profession and specifically making space for research and clinical work centered around Black women's experiences.

Yuliya Liberman received her B.A. in Psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and currently works as a lab technician at Temple University. She is interested in studying decision making and cognition through cognitive psychology. As a first-generation, low income, and LGBTQIA+ student, she also advocates for research ethics and accessibility and equity in the field of psychology and neuroscience.

Jimena grew up in Lima, Peru, and recently graduated from Harvard with a double concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology and History of Art and Architecture. She is currently researching the drivers of aneuploidy and other types of genetic instability in budding yeast at the Bravo Núñez Lab (Cornell), continuing projects that she began at the Murray Lab (Harvard). In the future, she wants to study viral RNA structure using genetic, biophysical, and evolutionary tools.

Madeline is a first-generation Latina studying Astrophysics at Barnard College and Columbia University. Her research includes characterizing low-mass exoplanet host stars with a custom computational algorithm and contributing to an orbital evolution model of planet-hosting binary systems with distant companions. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Astrophysics or Planetary Science to continue exploring these topics. Committed to equity in science, she mentors and advocates for expanded opportunities in STEM.

Angie Maldonado earned her B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University and is currently a research technician in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center. Her work explores how sleep interacts with memory, metabolism, and brain disease, using molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches. She is also dedicated to promoting diversity and mentorship within neuroscience and higher education.

Malia received a B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Redlands. Miguel is currently working in a lab at the University of California Riverside. She is interested in microbial diversity and would like to study how microbes adapt to different environments and characterize the genetic mechanisms underlying certain traits through functional genomic approaches. As an artist, she is also interested in scientific illustration and communication.

Mia received her A.B. in Biology from Brown University and is currently doing a post-baccalaureate at the National Institute of Health. She is interested in studying the genetic and epigenetic etiology of aging and age-related diseases from a cultural lens to preserve memory and culture through healthy aging.

Vianny is a Mexican-American first-generation, low-income chemistry student at Barnard College of Columbia University. She has conducted research on enzyme biochemistry, catalysis, and molecular dynamics simulations of lithium-ion batteries. Vianny plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering focused on energy and sustainability. She is also committed to creating more inclusive spaces for underrepresented students in STEM.

Aldair received his B.S. in Microbiology and minor in Latinx & Mexican-American Studies from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He is interested in studying the proteomic & replicative evolution of RNA viruses as they adapt to a changing global climate, as well as developing science policy reforming research funding/oversight and rebuilding public trust in science. As a first-generation DACA student, he is also an advocate for minority & undocumented researchers in higher education & science.

Daned Morales is an undergraduate student in Environmental Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Her undergraduate thesis research focuses on the dietary preferences of native freshwater shrimp in Puerto Rico, with the goal to develop sustainable aquaculture practices and promote food sovereignty. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, with interests in water resource management and renewable energy systems.

Alvin received his B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and currently works as a Research Technician at MGH’s Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research. His research interests focus on how oncogenic signaling in tumors affects neurons and immune cells, and how these interactions contribute to cancer therapy resistance and metastasis. As a first-generation, low-income student, he hopes to mentor others from similar backgrounds who aspire to pursue careers in science.

Yamillie received her B.A. in Biology from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She currently works as a research technologist at Mayo Clinic where she studies lung diseases. Yamillie is pursuing a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. She plans to investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer. Yamillie is a first-generation student and hopes to advocate for underrepresented and underserved populations through her research.

Matthew Pacheco is a Research Associate at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where he studies MAPK hyperactivation as a strategy to overcome targeted therapy resistance in cancer. He previously trained at Max Planck Florida and Yale, gaining experience in molecular virology, neural circuits, and translational oncology. A first-generation college graduate, he founded a nonprofit that raised over $30,000 to expand STEM access for underserved students in Palm Beach County, FL.

Savaria Parrish is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Planetary Sciences. She is interested in the atmospheric detection and characterization of planets both within and beyond our solar system. She has worked as a research intern at the American Museum of Natural History and as a Lamat Fellow at UC Santa Cruz. Savaria is also the founder of Space to Succeed, a college and career resource website for first generation and rural students in STEM.

Joshua Payton earned his B.S. in Biomedical Science from NCCU and his M.S. in Management Information Systems with a focus on Health Informatics. He completed a post‑baccalaureate at Duke University, where he researched viral and microbial biology.He has various interests and he has studied Epstein–Barr virus interactions with host cells and the genetic basis of cryptococcal infections using GWAS. Josh aspires to pursue a PhD to advance precision medicine and mentor future scientists.

Nadeshka Ramirez-Perez is a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Multicultural Alzheimer Prevention Program (MAPP) at Massachusetts General Hospital. She holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Puerto Rico–Río Piedras and is interested in multicultural neuropsychology. Her work focuses on applying neuroimaging and neuropsychological methods to study Alzheimer’s disease in Latino populations, and she aims to continue this research in graduate school.

Moriana Rankins is a chemistry major at Savannah State University and president of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine, Savannah State Chapter. A published researcher with international experience in biomaterials, she aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry focused on gynecologic cancers and health disparities, with the goal of advancing innovative healthcare solutions for underrepresented communities.

Gabriela Recinos earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and Public Policy from the University of Denver. She is currently a post-baccalaureate fellow at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, where she investigates health disparities related to socio-ecological factors, lifestyle behaviors, and cardiometabolic outcomes. Beyond her scientific endeavors, Gabriela has engaged in mission-driven work, such as serving as a fellow at the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.

Vicente is a Mexican trans man who received his bachelors in Neuroscience from the University of San Diego. Currently a post bac in Scott Sternson's lab at UC San Diego/HHMI, his main projects include probing the neural circuitry of dopamine releasing neurons during hedonic consumption (Zhu et.al. Science, 2025) and development of a novel social eating task. He is broadly interested in the interoceptive signaling between the gut/brain axis and how this is affected in neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD.

Elizabeth Seymour holds a B.S. in Public Health from the University of South Florida with experience in maternal and child health and business applications of data. She is an advocate for equitable access to healthcare and technology, drawing on her public health background to amplify the needs of underserved communities. In graduate school, she aims to integrate health policy, informatics, and business strategy to design scalable, ethical, and inclusive digital health interventions.

Sitsandziwe received her B.A. in Neuroscience from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She currently works as a research assistant in Dr. Robert Darnell's lab at the Rockefeller University. She is interested in studying molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, specifically neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Aaron Sykes received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University and currently works as a research specialist at the University of Pennsylvania. He is interested in studying the impact of genetic and epigenetic factors on protein structure and how we can model these processes using molecular, cellular, and computational data. He also aspires to mentor others, contribute to health equity, and increase public engagement in science through outreach and science communication.

Alex is currently working as a Research Assistant in the Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology at Rockefeller University, where she investigates intestinal T‑cell dynamics in early life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology from Kenyon College in 2023. Her honors thesis, “Antagonism of the Xenopus laevis Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors,” earned high honors and explored species‑specific differences in AHR antagonist potency.

Christopher Trejo received his B.A. in Astronomy & Astrophysics from Cal State Northridge and an internship working with LIGO at Caltech. His research interests include exoplanet atmospheres, composition, evolution, and detection. He is passionate about advancing astrophysical discovery with data-driven approaches and expanding public engagement with astronomy. As a first-generation student, he is committed to outreach, mentorship, and building a more inclusive and accessible scientific community.

My name is Alondra Urrutia, and I’m completing my B.S. in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I recently participated in the Fulbright Canada–Mitacs Globalink Research Internship. I’m interested in foodborne pathogens, host–microbe interactions, and how diet influences gut microbiota and pathogen excretion. As a Latina in STEM, I’m committed to advancing food safety, public health, and inclusive mentorship in science.

Dawoud is a valedictory graduate who earned his BSc in Physiology from Ahmadu Bello University and MSc in Physiology from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Nigeria. He is a research assistant, unit head, and lab manager with five years’ experience supporting over fifty wet-lab and computational projects at CAMRET and BioRTC. He is interested in immune mechanisms and therapies in health and disease and aspires to advance Africa’s biomanufacturing capacity by gaining skills to innovate and create jobs.

Celine received her B.S. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southern California. She currently works as a Scientist at Genentech in San Francisco as part of the Development Sciences Rotation Program. Celine is interested in receiving a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on developing more physiologically relevant in-vitro systems. As a daughter of immigrants, she is driven to create space for communities that are too often overlooked in science and beyond.

Maria Sabina Vitola Paredes earned her B.S. in Integrated Engineering with a BME focus through the Iron Range Engineering program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is now pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where she plans to study the neural basis of movement and decision-making using neuroengineering approaches. Born in Guatemala, she moved to the U.S. at 15 under political asylum and takes pride in contributing to the story of immigrant resilience.

Kenneth Vuong received his B.S. in Biology with a minor concentration in Psychology from The City College (CUNY). Ever since, he is a research technician in the Fouda-Nelson Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is researching on understanding viral pathogens, specifically the antibody responses in pediatric cohorts. This sparked his interest in understanding host-pathogens interactions and early-life immunity. He is motivated to apply to Immunology and/or Microbiology PhD programs in this cycle.

Jasmine Wright received her B.S. in Mathematics with an emphasis in Statistics from California State University of Channel Islands, and currently serves as a tutor, and peer mentor on her campus. She wants to learn more about marine mammal communication, and how to use hypercomplex matrices to identify patterns and trends in underwater acoustics. Moreover, she encourages students and other young learners to discover what they love in academia.

Cobi received her B.S. in Psychology with minors in Spanish and Sociology from Louisiana State University and currently works as an English Teaching Assistant in Granada, Nicaragua. Her research interests include youth mental health, socioemotional development, and ethnic-racial identity. She is particularly interested in how culturally responsive educational practices shape students’ ethnic-racial identity, sense of belonging, school engagement, and long-term academic outcomes.

Erika is a fourth year Developmental and Cell Biology major at UC Irvine. She currently does research in Dr. Devon Lawson’s lab studying regulatory T cell-mediated inhibition of microglia in brain metastasis. She plans to do a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology to develop novel cancer therapeutics and eventually run a lab as a professor at a research institution. Erika also mentors in the Research Outreach Program at UCI, where she mentors undergraduates on navigating research for the first time.

Manuela received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. She current works as a research technician at Florida Atlantic University for thee Blakely Lab. She is interested in studying Alzheimer's disease and connection with inflammation, as well as the immunology behind certain psychiatric disorders.

Jubilie Zeda Rodriguez is a senior undergraduate at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, majoring in Chemistry. She works as a researcher studying the interactions between HIV maturation inhibitors and proteins using NMR spectroscopy. Her diverse research experience spans biochemistry, immunology, and pharmaceutical sciences. In addition, she has participated in outreach and conferences. She is interested in studying chemical and biological processes in the field of drug discovery and delivery.