Executive Board
2024-2025
President: Laila Nawab (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
lnawab-at-uoregon.edu
4th Year Ph.D. Student
Lab: Cathy Y. Wong
I graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a BS in Chemistry and took a year off before coming to the University of Oregon. I joined Cathy Wong’s Lab and will be working on creating an imaging technique to study mixed-halide perovskite nanocrystals during synthesis. I like to cook and try new recipes and would say my favorite cuisine is Persian food! When I’m not in lab, I enjoy going on hikes and exploring the great outdoors, but also love laying on my couch and watching the newest Rom-Com.
Vice President: Victoria Olajide (Anthropology)
volajide-at-uoregon.edu
6th Year Ph.D. Candidate
Lab: West African Archaeology Lab
I am currently working on reconstructing early subsistence patterns in prehistoric and medieval West Africa. I was trained as an archaeobotanist using palynological methods (pollen, spores and non-pollen palynomorphs analysis) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where I had my BSc and MSc Archaeology degree. I enjoy the outdoors and sight seeing in Oregon. I just got started on a book called “100 Things to do in Eugene before you die” by Julie Furst Henning and I am hoping to complete every adventure in the book *fingers crossed*
Treasurer & Awards Coordinator: nico conoan nieves (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
nicoconi-at-uoregon.edu
6th Year Ph.D. Student
Lab: Julia Widom
A jack of all trades and master of none. Biophysical chemist, tradesperson, advocate for gender decolonization and universal basic income. In my research, i use a single-molecule microscopy imaging technique to investigate the structure and dynamics of RNA folding. I also have a side-hustle doing home repairs and improvements. When i’m not working, i love playing with my dog arrow as well as climbing, hiking, running or having almost any other outdoorsy adventure.
Communications Chair: Danah Hijaz (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
dhijaz-at-uoregon.edu
2nd Year Ph.D. Candidate
Lab: Darren Johnson
I graduated from UC Irvine with a B.S. in Chemistry and a specialization in Medicinal Chemistry. I’m in the DWJ lab where I have been working on the self-assembly processes in macrocycle formation. I aim to optimize the conditions for producing highly functionalized macrocycles with desired characteristics.
Outside the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities. When I have time, I like to hike and play sports (I’m currently on a women’s league volleyball team). I love to watch movies and cook/bake, one of my fave dishes to make is a salmon bowl.
Social Chair: Naomi Wilson (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
nwilson8-at-uoregon.edu
5th Year Ph.D. Candidate
Lab: Scott Hansen
I am a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Scott Hansen’s lab. Forensics specialized- analytical chemist by education and trade, Biochemistry researcher by choice! In my research, I focus on deciphering the mechanisms underlying how cells proliferate complex signaling outcomes using purified individual components. When I’m left alone, I enjoy playing video games, climbing, gardening, and experimenting with new ferments and recipes.
Outreach Chair: Malvika Singhal (Knight Campus)
msinghal-at-uoregon.edu
3rd Year Ph.D. Candidate
Lab: Marian Hettiaratchi
For my research, I get to work at the intersection of multiple disciplines including chemistry, biology, and engineering to design proteins for drug delivery for bone regeneration. Since I began my undergraduate degree, I have been passionate about science outreach and science communication. My long-term goal is to work towards making STEM spaces more equitable and accessible. I am thrilled to be a part of CMiS and work towards this goal by engaging the local community in STEM outreach activities. Outside of research, I also enjoy cooking and writing.
Departmental Liaison: Nicolette (Nico) Molina (Clinical Psychology)
nimo-at-uoregon.edu
5th Year Ph.D. Candidate
Lab: Sheila Crowell
I am a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Sheila Crowell’s Oregon Research for Clinical Health Innovations in Developmental Science (ORCHIDS) Lab. As a first-generation Latina raised on the east coast of New Jersey, my experiences have informed my research interests. My work focuses on how systems of privilege and inequity interact with individual vulnerabilities to shape mental health challenges and risk for suicide, particularly among marginalized women and gender-diverse people. When not conducting research or doing clinical work, I enjoy spending my time loved ones, my cat, and creative hobbies.
Faculty Co-advisor: Prof. Marian Hettiaratchi (Knight Campus)
mhettiar-at-uoregon.edu
Assistant Professor
I’m a bioengineer working on tissue regeneration. My lab specifically focuses on making injectable biomaterials that carry proteins or cells to repair damaged or injured tissues. I was born in Calgary, AB, Canada but have lived all over the United States and Canada for my scientific training. When I’m not doing science, I’m out running or biking along the Willamette River, trying new ciders or wines, or cooking and eating delicious (very spicy!) food.
Faculty Co-advisor: Prof. Nadia Singh (Biology)
nsingh-at-uoregon.edu
Associate Professor
Nadia Singh is an academic expert in evolutionary genetics, population genetics and population genomics. Nadia runs the SCORE (Students of Color Opportunities in Research Enrichment) program, an academically based, hand-on research class designed for students who are underrepresented in the Natural Sciences.
Faculty Co-advisor: Prof. Cathy Wong (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
cwong3-at-uoregon.edu
Associate Professor
I’m a physical chemist from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, building new techniques to measure the properties of electronic materials while they’re being made. When I’m not doing research or teaching, you’ll probably find me somewhere outside, or blowing my salary at REI. I love hiking, backpacking, dehydrating tastier food for the trail, and figuring out how to make my gear just another ounce lighter.
Undergraduate Volunteers 2024-2025
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Annabelle Bamford (Sophomore – Marine Biology) |
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Lainie Bell (Sophomore – Marine Biology) |
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Alexandrea Thorne (Junior – Marine Biology) |
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Nora Vanasse (Junior – Biology) |
Previous Executive Boards
2023-2024
President: Natanya Villegas (Biology / Knight Campus)
Vice-President: Rose Al-Saadi (Biology)
Treasurer & Awards Coordinator: Faiqa Khaliq (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Social & Community Chair: Laila Nawab (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Communications Co-Chairs: Masha Korchagina (Biology) and Helena Machado (Earth Science)
Faculty Advisors: Marian Hettiaratchi (Knight Campus), Nadia Singh (Biology) & Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2022-2023
President: Rose Al-Saadi (Biology)
Vice-President: Helena Machado (Earth Science)
Treasurer & Awards Coordinator: Faiqa Khaliq (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Social & Community Co-Chairs: Laila Nawab (Chemistry and Biochemistry) & Natanya Villegas (Biology / Knight Campus)
Communications Chair: Masha Korchagina (Biology)
Seminar Co-chairs: Kana Suzuki (Neuroscience) & Isabella Salinas (Biology)
Departmental Liason: Natanya Villegas (Biology / Knight Campus)
Faculty Advisors: Marian Hettiaratchi (Knight Campus) & Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2021-2022
President: Mea Songco (Neuroscience)
Vice President: Helena Machado (Earth Science)
Treasurer: Alison Chang (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Social and Community Chair: Hannah Bates (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Communications Chair: Masha Korchagina (Biology)
Seminar Co-chair: Emily Dennis (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Seminar Co-chair: Emma Tran (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Departmental Liason: Rose Al-Saadi (Biology)
Departmental Liason: Sarah Rich (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Faculty Advisors: Marian Hettiaratchi (Knight Campus) & Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2020-2021
President: Kiana Kawamura (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Vice President: Michelle Muth (Earth Science)
Treasurer & Travel Awards Coordinator: Alison Chang (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Seminar Chair: Evan Christoffersen (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Workshop Chair: Jeremea Songco(Neuroscience)
Communications Chair: Jeremea Songco (Neuroscience) & Hannah Hashimoto (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Social and Community Chair: Hannah Bates (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Department Liaisons: Amy Robbins (Biology/IMB), Efrain Vidal (Chemistry), Aidan Short (Institute of Ecology and Evolution), Helena Machado (Earth Science), Francesco Arceri (Physics), & Theresa Cheng (Psychology)
Faculty Advisors: Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry) & Marian Hettiaratchi (Knight Campus)
2019-2020
President: Kiana Kawamura (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Vice President: Michelle Muth (Earth Science)
Treasurer: Alison Chang (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Seminar Chair: Mea Songco (Neuroscience)
Workshop Chair: Mea Songco (Neuroscience)
Outreach and Communications Chair: Johan Bonilla (Physics)
Social and Community Chair: Tamara Niella (Psychology)
Webmaster: Matt Cerda (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Faculty Advisor: Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2018-2019
President: Johan Bonilla (Physics)
Vice President: Matt Cerda (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Treasurer: Fehmi Yasin (Physics) & Jaclyn Kellon (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Seminar Chair: Meredith Sharps (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Workshop Chair: Michelle Muth (Earth Science)
Social/Outreach Chair: Kiana Kawamura (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Webmaster: Kellum Tate-Jones (Earth Science)
Faculty Advisor: Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2017-2018
President: Jaclyn Kellon (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Vice President: Meredith Sharps (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Treasurer: Hannah Bishop (Neuroscience)
Seminar Chair: Matt Cerda (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Workshop Chair: Arunima Bhattacharya (Mathematics)
Social/Outreach Chair: Michelle Muth (Earth Science)
Webmaster: Fehmi Yasin (Physics)
Faculty Advisor: Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
2016-2017
President: Jaclyn Kellon (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Vice President: Johan Bonilla (Physics)
Treasurer: Hannah Bishop (Neuroscience)
Recorder: Meredith Sharps (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Webmaster/Social Media: Matt Cerda (Chemistry & Biochemistry) & Mayra Amezcua (Physics)
UO Liaison: Andrea Steiger (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
Faculty Advisor(s): Darren Johnson, Jim Prell, & Cathy Wong (Chemistry & Biochemistry)