The Chicago Women in STEM Initiative is led by a diverse team of dedicated graduate student, postdoctoral and professional volunteers, as well as liasons from Chicago-area academic institutions and organizations who are committed to promoting equity and diversity in the local STEM community and beyond.
Maya Walker, President, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Maya Walker is a second-year doctoral student in the Biomedical Sciences at Northwestern University, where she integrates computational and experimental approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving cancer biology, focusing on alternative splicing and tumor-associated macrophages in glioblastoma. Utilizing high-throughput RNA-seq analysis, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, flow cytometry, and co-culture systems, her research explores how splicing events and the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. She also leverages human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create glioma models, providing novel insights into tumor development. Beyond her research, Maya is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, serving as President of the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative, where she organizes impactful events like the International Women’s Day Symposium and mentors underrepresented students through STEMpower. As the Communications Director for Northwestern’s Cancer Biology Cluster, she manages the monthly newsletter and facilitates communication among members. Maya aims to become an independent investigator, advancing the understanding of cancer biology while fostering a supportive environment for training the next generation of scientists, with a commitment to mentorship and multidisciplinary research.
Zakiya Barnes, Vice President, Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Chicago
Zakiya Barnes is a postdoc at the University of Chicago at Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. She possesses strong leadership through years of apprenticeships and further paved the way by mentoring research groups, outside groups, undergraduate/ high school researchers, and participants in short-term programs. Her current research interests lie in the intersection of sustainable materials & data analysis and making interpretations using problem-solving & strategy skills that extract a form of knowledge driven by data. In 2024, she received the Leadership in Mentoring Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS) for her service in providing mentees with the skills and resources that equip them for their future in a science career trajectory.
Madeline Mills, Treasurer, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Madeline is a PhD student in chemical engineering at Northwestern University. She earned her bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Purdue University prior to attending Northwestern. Her research interests include developing novel protein structures for use in targeted drug delivery applications. At Northwestern, she also serves as Secretary of the Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ARDEI) committee within the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department. She joined Chicago Women in STEM initiative board in the fall of 2024. In her free time, she enjoys running, playing tennis, reading, and painting.
Thilinie Bandara, Outreach Chair, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Thilinie Bandara is a PhD Candidate in the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She earned her BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her current research focuses on Notch signaling and its role in hematopoietic and endothelial interactions in adult bone marrow following preconditioning treatments for stem cell transplantation. Thilinie joined Chicago Women in STEM in August 2024 as Outreach Chair and aims to engage the Chicago community and youth in STEM to improve scientific literacy, awareness, and career building. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, biking on the lakefront, and spending time with friends.
Kathryn Jackson-Jones, IWD Committee Chair, Postdoctoral Researcher, Northwestern University
Dr. Kathryn Jackson-Jones is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Division of Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University. Kathryn is passionate about molecular biology and viruses, and her current research is focused on understanding how HIV evades the human immune system. Kathryn is originally from Wales, UK and completed her undergraduate studies in Pharmacology at the University of Bath. Kathryn obtained her PhD in Human Genetics in 2021 from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where she researched RNA processing. Kathryn’s work has been recognized by several awards and grants including the “Lewis Landsberg Research Day Award for Basic Science Research”, the “HIV Accessory and Regulatory Complexes Center Mentored Scientist Award” and she was the inaugural awardee of the “Science Olympiad Foundation Alumni Research Grant”. Outside of science, Kathryn enjoys reading, dancing, traveling and singing in the Northwestern A Capella group. Kathryn joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative in September 2024 and serves as the International Women’s Day Symposium Committee Chair. One of the main objectives that Kathryn has for her tenure is to facilitate meaningful connections for Women in STEM across Chicago. Connect with her on Twitter (@gadiscymraes) or LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/kathrynajacksonjones).
Xiaoxiao (Catherine) Ding, IWD Fundraising Co-Chair, Postdoctoral Scholar, Northwestern University
Catherine is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University. She recently moved to Evanston from Boston after obtaining her Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. Her broad research interests are in mechanics, scientific computation, and generative design of functional materials. Currently, she is proposing a new paradigm for future manufacturing of sensors and actuators by combining her expertise from computational mechanics with human-centered functionality design to achieve tailored compliance of such wearable devices. By joining the leadership team of the Chicago Women in STEM initiative, Catherine aims to empower minority groups and international students in STEM to overcome challenges brought by invisible barriers. She is also passionate about improving scientific communication and engagement with the general public. Previously, she volunteered as a graphic designer for Harvard Science in the News, an industrial liaison officer of Imperial College London CivSoc, and a core member of the Red Borneo Volunteering Project. Catherine was born in China and spent half of her teenage years there, including completing her undergraduate study in the UK before coming to the USA. She enjoys traveling and has accomplished the “25 by 25” challenge. During her spare time, when not traveling, Catherine designs graphics for scientific communication with the general public, explores museums and galleries, or gets lost on a bike.
Manju Sivasankar, IWD Speaker Liason, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Manju Sivasankar is a second year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. She earned her Honors Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in French from the University of Delaware before joining graduate school. Her research explores the neural mechanisms of motor deficits following a stroke. She implements robotics, motion capture, and new measurement tools to understand the neurological and physiological mechanisms following a stroke. She joined Chicago Women in STEM Initiative in the summer of 2024 as an IWD committee member and is excited to continue networking with and exploring mentorship opportunities with women in the STEM fields.
Kate Demeulenaere, IWD Catering/Space Coordinator, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Kate graduated from Carleton College in 2017 with a BA in Chemistry and subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate program at the National Institute on Aging, where she investigated how lipid peroxidation products affect astrocyte functions. She is now a PhD candidate in the Pharmacology Department at Northwestern University, studying the role of calcium signaling in microglia reactivity.
Tuba Dolar, STEM Circuits co-chair, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Tuba is a PhD student in mechanical engineering at Northwestern University and a PhD fellowship recipient from the U.S. Department of State under the Fulbright foreign student program. Her research focuses on data-driven engineering design where she develops computational methods for metamaterial design applications. She is originally from Turkey and after getting her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Turkey, she designed washing machines as an R&D engineer. Tuba joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative as a STEM Circuits co-chair and hopes to organize events that will help everyone meet influential people, identify resources, acquire new knowledge, and develop their skills.
Yazmin Cruz Pulido, STEM Circuits Co-Chair, Working Professional
Yazmin Cruz Pulido is a recent graduate of Loyola University of Chicago. She earned her doctoral degree in the Microbiology and Immunology Department where she studied small molecules involved in cellular metabolism as therapeutic targets for viral infections. Her research interests lie in the identification of novel therapeutics for emerging viral threats. She joined the Women in STEM Initiative as a STEM Circuits co-chair with the goal to help provide women in STEM with career and professional development opportunities. Overall, she hopes to connect with women in a wide array of STEM fields to promote success in their careers and bolster the participation of women in STEM.
Jiexi Chen, STEM Circuits Co-Chair, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Jiexi is a PhD candidate at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she studies the virulence mechanisms of bacterial toxins. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Geophysics from Wuhan University in China before moving to the United States in 2016. At Northwestern, she completed her Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, where she developed a strong interest in environmental public health. After studying antibiotic resistance issues in South Africa, she decided to pursue a research career in infectious diseases. In her current PhD research, Jiexi investigates how the toxins of the highly lethal foodborne pathogen Vibrio vulnificus interact with host cell surfaces. Beyond her academic work, she is passionate about advocating for transparent communication within the scientific community.
Folashade (Gloria) Olorunfemi, Social Media Co-Chair, MS, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Folashade (Gloria) Olorunfemi is a rising fourth-year Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Biological Sciences, specializing in Molecular Cell, Developmental Biology, and Neuroscience. With over a decade of experience in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, her research spans fat metabolism, cancer, antidiabetics, and obesity, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms of lipid trafficking and their implications for metabolic diseases. Utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism, Gloria investigates the complex interplay between lipotoxicity, obesity, and diabetes, employing advanced molecular techniques and microscopy. As she advances toward completing her Ph.D., Gloria is eager to transition into a Senior Scientist role, where she can continue her innovative research while contributing to scientific advancements that help ameliorate diseases. She is passionate about driving impactful research and translating her findings into meaningful health solutions. In addition to her research, Gloria is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. She is the Founder of STEM HerStory, an initiative designed to empower women and underrepresented groups in STEM by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. Her leadership extends to her roles as Vice President of Administration for the African Graduate Student Association and Vice President of the Graduate Student Subcommittee for the Bios Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Program, where she has successfully organized events and workshops aimed at creating a more inclusive academic environment. Gloria’s contributions to both science and community service have been recognized with multiple awards, including the UIC Chancellor Service Award and the Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Award. A dynamic speaker, she has presented her research at international conferences and is an active volunteer with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Tutoring Chicago, and America Needs You. She is also a committed member of several professional organizations, including the Genetics Society of America (GSA), the American Society for Molecular Biology (ASMB), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), reflecting her zeal for science and her dedication to the field. Gloria is also excited to step into the role of Social Media Chair for Chicago Women in STEM. She looks forward to contributing to the organization’s mission while learning and growing alongside other women in STEM, supporting their journeys, and amplifying their voices. Enthusiastic about the next steps in her career, Gloria is committed to advancing her research while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in the scientific community.
Advisory Committee Team
Barbara Szynal, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Barbara is a PhD Candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. She earned her Honors BS in Biochemistry from Loyola University Chicago, where she lead research focused on synthesizing and testing photodynamic therapy agents for cancer treatment. Her research interests lie in better understanding cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways in order to design better therapeutics. Her current research focuses on bioengineering antibiotic and light-activatable proteins. Barbara joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative in early 2020 as a Social Media Twitter Coordinator. She hopes that through this role she will be able to continue building a strong network of women in STEM.
Anna Di Staulo, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Anna Di Staulo is a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. She earned her Bachelors of Science at Saint Louis University. After graduation she worked for a couple years as a clinical trial coordinator and research technician before pursuing her PhD. Her research interests lie in stem cell biology and tissue engineering. She is currently investigating the bone marrow microenvironment and its regulation of hematopoietic stem cells. Anna joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative in the spring of 2019 and serves as a member of the IWD Committee Member and Social Media Coordinator. By helping the Chicago Women in STEM initiative, Anna hopes to increase awareness about gender and ethnic bias to encourage equality in the field. Additionally, Anna serves as the Vice President of her graduate student association (GEMSSA) where she enjoys planning STEM outreach and social events. In her free time, Anna enjoys cooking, reading historical fiction, and camping.
Divya Joshi, PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University
Divya Joshi is a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Science at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Before pursuing her PhD, Divya earned her Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research develops and implements novel imaging and biomechanical measurement tools to quantify deficits in musculoskeletal structure following cerebral palsy. Divya is passionate about advancing pediatric rehabilitative medicine, as well as fostering community and involvement in communities affected by childhood-onset disabilities. Additionally, she is enthusiastic about STEM outreach and education, particularly with women and children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and trying new restaurants, reading, painting, and yoga.
Erica Rosario, STEM Circuits Team Member, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Erica Rosario is currently a PhD candidate in the Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program (IBiS) at Northwestern University. Currently, Erica is leading several projects which investigate how membrane dynamics impact organelle distribution and membrane contact site formation. She received her bachelor’s with honors from CUNY Hunter College, where she developed her interest in science communication. Erica has taken part in several STEM outreach and DEI initiatives in the Chicago area, partnering with organizations such as Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Hispanics in Science (SACNAS), Girls4science and Diversity in Biological Sciences (DiBS). Erica joined the Chicago Women in STEM initiative board in the Fall of 2023.
Jazmin Galván Achi , STEM Circuits Team Member, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Jazmin Galván Achi is a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), College of Medicine. She earned her BS in Microbiology and Immunology from Arizona State University, Tempe, where she performed undergraduate research focused on oncolytic virotherapy using Myxoma virus. Her research interests lie in virology, understanding viral pathogenesis, immunology and drug discovery. Currently, her research focuses on antiviral drug discovery. Specifically, her ongoing projects involve identifying small molecules that will inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola, among other viruses, as well as understanding and optimizing the mechanism of action of these small molecules. Jazmin joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative at the end of spring of 2022 as a STEM Circuits team member. Her goal as a team member in the Chicago Women in STEM initiative is to encourage and uplift like-minded women in STEM and to build a community of inspiring scientists, where they feel welcomed, safe, and valued. In addition to this, as a proud first-generation Latina, Jazmin is also an executive board member of the SACNAS Graduate chapter at UIC.
Farners Amargant i Riera, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Farners is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University. Farners is passionate about women’s health and her research has always been tightly aligned with the study of the female reproductive system. Dr. Amargant’s current research is focused on understanding the molecular causes of reproductive aging with the long-term objective to find treatments to extend reproductive longevity and improve overall women’s health. Farners is originally from Catalonia, Spain, where she obtained her PhD in 2018 from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, where she studied the role of the sperm centrosome during fertilization and embryo early development. During her PhD, she also developed a novel system to be used as a gamete selection tool in Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART). In addition to her research, she is actively involved in teaching, serving as a co-chair of several conferences, editing scientific journals, serving on committees, among many other roles. Dr. Amargant’s work has been recognized by several awards such as the “Lewis Landsberg Research Day award for Excellence in Women’s Health Research” and the “Society for the Study of Reproduction trainee research award”. Farners received the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) grant to develop new treatments and technologies to delay reproductive aging (2020-2022). Farners joined the Chicago Women in STEM initiative in May 2019 and served as the Administrative Coordinator. She then took a more senior role in the initiative and co-organized the 2020-2021 edition of the STEM Circuits together with Kacey Suvada and Caren Nassif. In 2021, Farners was elected as the new President of the initiative, and she currently works very closely with Kacey Suvada (Vice-President) and Colleen Zaccard (Advisory Committee Chair) to establish a strong community of women in STEM in the Chicago-area and helping other Women in STEM initiatives around US. One of the main objectives that Farners has during her role as President is to promote the growth of the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative and to welcome new members from all backgrounds, nationalities, genders, and orientations to make science a more inclusive environment.
Twitter @FarnersRiera
Kathleen (Kacey) Suvada, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Kathleen (Kacey) Suvada is the Vice President of the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative and has been with the initiative since 2018. She is a current PhD Candidate in Neuroscience with a BS in physics and mathematics. Her current research interests implement her interdisciplinary background to understand research questions post brain injury with Dr. Ana Maria Acosta and Dr. Julius Dewald. Her research lies at the boundaries of neuroscience, engineering, and neurorehabilitation in studying the impact of a stroke on reaching coordination with the trunk. The goal of her work is to further understand the consequences of altered neural control post stroke and its impact on postural control during a seated reach, and how reaching function may be affected beyond what we have observed with the limb in isolation. Kacey is also engaged in several different organizations inside and outside Northwestern. Kacey volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) educating the Chicago area and Chicago public schools about mental health, mental illness, and mental well-being. In addition, through the Northwestern University Brain Awareness Outreach and Science in Society, she educates K-12 students and science teachers about the basics of Neuroscience with multiple events held during the school year. The goal is to introduce and motivate students to pursue science at a young age. Kacey hopes to remain involved in these passions as she continues her career in research after her PhD. She is thrilled to be a part of the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative and to be a part of this community of amazingly inspiring individuals.
Colleen Zaccard, PhD, Advisory Committee Chair, Research Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Dr. Colleen Zaccard is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the rapidly evolving field of neuroimmunology. Dr. Zaccard’s long-standing interest in immunology, infectious diseases, and public health began with her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and continued with her predoctoral research on novel mechanisms of immune cell communication during HIV infection at the University of Pittsburgh. She currently utilizes enhanced-resolution, live-cell microscopy techniques to investigate dynamic neuro-immune cell cross-talk in health and neuro-psychiatric disorders, i.e., Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Zaccard was recently awarded the 2020-21 Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease Pilot Grant to support her research. Dr. Zaccard is also a strong advocate for gender equity and diversity in STEM, where women are still under-represented at advanced career stages and in leadership. As Founder and Inaugural Chair of Chicago Women in STEM Initiative, she has led a large team of postdoc, grad student, and Chicago-area professional volunteers in implementing programs to support early career women. These efforts included the annual Chicago Women in STEM Symposium, established in March 2018, and STEM Circuits, a monthly interdisciplinary cross-career level mentoring program. The 2019 Daniel I. Linzer Grant for Innovation in Diversity and Equity was awarded to Dr. Zaccard and colleagues by the Provost Office to support these efforts. Dr. Zaccard was selected in 2019 for the Postdoctoral McBride Award for furthering the Graduate School’s strategic priorities of campus diversity, service, and engagement. In late 2019, she received the first Early Career-Motivator Award from the American Women in Science (AWIS)-Chicago Chapter for her service in providing new resources and opportunities for Chicago-area women pursuing a scientist career trajectory. Beginning in 2021, Dr. Zaccard has transitioned to an advisory role in the in Initiative, serving as Advisory Committee Chair.
Twitter @ColleenZaccard