2019-20 Leadership Team:

(they/them) I’m a quantum information/optics theorist in the van Enk group hailing from sunny San Diego, California and, in between, bitter cold Wooster, Ohio (where I studied Philosophy and Physics). My research explores the answer to the question, “What’s the fundamental quantum limit of how good a camera pixel can be?” In my spare time I play the harp, sing, chair the grad student union GTFF Queer Caucus myself, generally overcommit myself, and incessantly remind people that quantum mechanics is non-binary culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a cool-cat named Abby who does experimental quantum optics with glamorous diamonds! I also adventure in the great outdoors!

 

 

I’m originally from a Really Small Town in Arkansas and lived there until grad school, attending the University of Central Arkansas for undergrad. While at UCA I took an Honors College class called “Rainbow Rights” about the legal and social histories of LGBT+ rights. The positive environment in the UCA Honors College helped me realize my identity, but I didn’t come out until my first year of grad school here in Eugene, where I’ve found the same welcoming atmosphere. At UO I utilize native mass spectrometry to study oligomeric protein toxins in the Prell lab. I’m also involved in the local SACNAS chapter and applied for and secured funding to host a symposium on diversity in STEM at UO. Outside the lab, I enjoy nature photography, cooking/baking, gardening, reading for fun, drinking hazy citrus-y IPAs, watching basketball and soccer (Go Ducks! BAONPDX!), and hiking/camping in national parks with my partner.

 

I’m a fifth-year PhD candidate and GE in Chemistry, working in Jeff Cina’s group. I’m from Mansfield, Pennsylvania, a small town of like 3,000 people. It took me a long time to realize that I am a transgender woman; it didn’t happen until my second year here. It was a painful experience, and still is sometimes, but I feel fortunate to be in Eugene during this time in my life. There’s definitely support to be found at the University, attending LGBT+ in STEM events as an “ally” was helpful for one thing, but also in the community of Eugene and in our Union. For example, ask Tzula about the Queer Caucus!

Outside of research, I spend a lot of time working with the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (join your Union!). I’m a member of the Bargaining Committee, and have been negotiating with the UO since November for our successor contract. Also, if you’re a GE, I’m your Grievance Officer this year!

Finally, some hobby things include playing guitar and ukulele, reading, hiking, attempting to learn German, and playing video games.

 

2018-19 Leadership Team:

I grew up mostly in North Bend, WA, but moved to Reno, NV and Lemont, IL at different points in my high school career.  It was during my time in Reno that I realized I was attracted to women, but I remained closeted throughout the rest of high school. While at Russell Sage College, a women’s college, I chose to accept myself and be me. I majored in chemistry and forensic science with a minor in criminal justice. Since coming out, I have worked to create a world of science (and in general) where being you is just as important, if not more, as the science you do. I am a member of the joint Darren W. Johnson and Michael M. Haley labs. My research focuses on how anions interact with small-molecule, organic hydrogen-bonding receptors. I helped co-found LGBT+ in STEM after seeing a lack of discussion around the “invisible” diversities that are gender and sexuality. Outside of science, I am an avid skier and rock climber – I am even a volunteer ski patroller during the winter! More often than not, I am being tailed by my rescue dog and best mate, Rusty.

 

I grew up in Texas and Louisiana and attended Hendrix College in Arkansas where I majored in my favorite subject, Chemistry. In college, I watched a documentary about trans men in an introductory sociology course. It was the first time I had seen transgender people who weren’t being mocked, ridiculed, or depicted as “crazy.” Eventually, I came out as a transgender and later joined the chemistry department at UO because of my interest in green chemistry and the welcoming atmosphere. Currently, I research the synthesis of metal oxide nanocrystals and nanocrystal structure-property relationships in Jim Hutchison’s lab. Beyond my contribution to nano chemistry, I hope to do my part to provide community and normalize the presence of LGBT+ people in all walks of life by simply being out.

 

 

I am originally from Salem, OR and took a break from the PNW to complete my undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Chemistry at Colby College in Waterville, ME. After 4 years with a lot of snow, I returned to Oregon as a chemistry graduate student. I joined Dr. Amanda K. Cook’s lab, where I will be working on nickel-hydride catalyzed reactions for small molecule transformations. At UO, I am also part of a Community for Minorities in STEM and a grad student book club. This year I will be teaching with Dr. Julie Haack as a Science Literacy Program Fellow for her course on Green Product Design. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, traveling, playing rec league softball, reading non-scientific literature, and baking banana bread. Living in Eugene, I have acquired a taste for citrusy IPAs and biking to work, rain or shine!

 

I’m a PhD candidate in the van Enk group. My research applies quantum information theory to single photon detection. I use they/them pronouns and am the only non-binary Physics graduate student at U of O so far, which is a shame because quantum mechanics is one of the few things considered to be non-binary culture.