The Chicago Women in STEM Initiative is led by a diverse team of dedicated graduate students, postdoctoral and professional volunteers, as well as liaisons from Chicago-area academic institutions and organizations who are committed to promoting equity and diversity in the local STEM community and beyond.
Sophie Hu, President, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Sophie Hu is a second-year doctoral student in the Biomedical Sciences at Northwestern University, where she investigates the epigenetic molecular mechanisms driving acute myeloid leukemia. Her research bridges cancer biology, immunology, and stem cell biology to uncover how chromatin dynamics and epigenetic regulators contribute to leukemogenesis and therapeutic resistance. By integrating sequencing techniques with mouse models, she aims to identify novel vulnerabilities in AML. Beyond the lab, Sophie is a committed advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. She will serve as President of the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative, leading programming to support and empower women and underrepresented groups in science. She also serves as Communications Director for Northwestern’s Cancer Biology Cluster, where she oversees internal communications and helps build a connected, collaborative research community. Sophie also serves as a Communications Lead for Nucleate Chicago, a student-led biotech entrepreneurship organization, reflecting her strong interest in industry and translational science. She aspires to pursue a career at the interface of science and people; ultimately aiming for a role such as a project manager, then chief scientific officer, where she can help drive innovative therapies from bench to bedside.
Evelyn Chen, Vice President, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Evelynn Chen is a PhD student in the Driskill Graduate Program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She conducts research in the Laronda Lab, focusing on inducing steroidogenesis in granulosa-like cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to advance ovarian biology and regenerative medicine. By integrating stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and endocrine signaling approaches, her work aims to uncover mechanisms of follicle development and hormone production, with the long-term goal of developing therapeutic strategies for infertility and ovarian insufficiency. Beyond her research, Evelynn is a dedicated advocate for mentorship, education, and diversity in science. She currently serves as STEM Circuits Chair. Through this role, she works with her team to bring in diverse speakers and create spaces for open dialogue, professional development, and community building. Evelynn aspires to become an independent investigator, advancing reproductive biology and regenerative medicine while training and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
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 the Chicago Women in STEM initiative board in the fall of 2024. In her free time, she enjoys running, playing tennis, reading, and painting.
Ivana Chychula, Outreach Chair, Research Tech, Northwestern University
Camila Cardenas, Social Media Chair, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
Camila Cárdenas Hernández is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in Dr. Soroush Tahmasebi’s lab in the Department of Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago. She graduated with honors in Chemistry from Columbus State University in 2019. Her research explores the unexpected role of Rex1 (Zfp42), a transcriptional pluripotency marker, in the translational control of mouse embryonic stem cells. By examining how Rex1 influences both global and mRNA-specific translation, her work aims to expand understanding of stem cell regulation and uncover novel mechanisms with potential relevance to human disease, X-linked intellectual disability. Beyond research, Camila is committed to student advocacy and professional development. As Co-Chair of the Career Committee in the Graduate Student Advocacy Council (GSAC), she helps support domestic and international students through career and networking resources. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Camila values building inclusive communities in science. She aspires to pursue a career in research and development, applying high-throughput and in vivo systems to investigate how translational control shapes gene expression, stem cell function, and disease.
Emilia Gibes, Social Media Team, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Emilia Gibes is a second-year PhD/MPH student in the Biomedical Sciences Driskill Graduate Program. Emilia earned her B.S. in Anthropology and Integrative Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2023. Her research in Dr. Jennifer Kearney’s lab investigates channelopathies relating to neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsies. She is particularly interested in the functional characterization of KCNB1, a gene encoding for the alpha-subunit of the Kv2.1 delayed-rectifier ion channel. She leverages high-throughput flow cytometry and electrophysiology assays to evaluate the extent to which pathogenic variants of KCNB1 alter channel function and protein trafficking to the cell surface, with the broader goal of determining genetic and mechanistic targets for therapeutic intervention. Beyond the bench, Emilia is interested in the intersection of scientific communication and public health. She is a member of the Social Media Team in the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative, and serves as the Communications Chair in the Northwestern Science Policy Outreach Taskforce. In her free time, she loves to travel, swim, and illustrate.
Jenny Nguyen, Social Media Team, Undergraduate Student, University of Illinois Chicago
Jenny Nguyen is an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Chicago studying Biomedical Engineering. She is passionate about the creativity and versatility of BME, especially because it combines innovation, problem-solving, and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives. She is motivated by fields that challenge her, offer strong career growth, and allow her to help others in meaningful ways. Outside of the classroom, Jenny has experience in content creation and digital storytelling, along with teamwork and leadership through Alpha Kappa Psi. As part of the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative Social Media Team, she is excited to bring her creativity and communication skills to a community that celebrates and uplifts women in STEM. Jenny looks forward to contributing to a space that inspires others while continuing to grow professionally and personally.
Manju Sivasankar, IWD Committee Chair, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Manju Sivasankar is a third-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. She earned her Honors Bachelor’s 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 the 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.
Rong Wu, IWD Symposium Co-Chair, PhD Student, Northwestern University
Rong Wu is a second-year doctoral student in Applied Physics at Northwestern University, where she investigates the fundamental mechanisms governing chemical reactions on heterogeneous catalytic surfaces. More specifically, Rong develops advanced observational tools capable of imaging and monitoring catalytic processes in operando. Her work integrates high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), photodesorption spectroscopy, and complementary nanoscale techniques in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments to directly probe surface reactions and electronic excitations. HREELS provides exceptional sensitivity to surface-adsorbate interactions, while photodesorption spectroscopy reveals the dynamics of hot carrier–mediated desorption processes. Together, these approaches offer critical insights into the evolving landscape of catalytic surfaces under realistic reaction conditions. Beyond her research, Rong is an active advocate for community-building and scientific collaboration. She serves as Event Coordinator for the SPIE (International Society for Optics and Photonics) — Northwestern University Chapter, where she organizes seminars, workshops, and outreach events to foster interdisciplinary exchange and professional development among students.
Yi-Ling Cheng, IWD Fundraising Chair, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
Yi-Ling Cheng is a PhD student in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS) at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. Her research focuses on air pollution, climate change, cancer, and sustainability. She holds a BS in Public Health and two master’s degrees in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Civil Engineering (Transportation). Her interdisciplinary training allows her to bridge engineering and public health perspectives, and she is passionate about translating research into practical actions that extend beyond academia. Yi-Ling joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative in the summer of 2024 and is excited to expand her professional network and explore opportunities in both Chicago and the broader STEM field.
Ria Marthe, IWD External Relations Chair, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
Ria Marathe is a third-year Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Illinois, Chicago, where she is currently integrating in vitro, in vivo, and new age methodologies to investigate how environmental toxins and their metabolites disrupt human extravillous trophoblast invasion and placental development. Her thesis project focuses on how neonicotinoid pesticide exposures affect placental function, utilizing various techniques such as a high-throughput three-dimensional placental microtissue platform that enables mechanistic testing of environmental toxicants under physiologically relevant conditions. She is an active member of the Society for Toxicology and the Society for Study of Reproduction. Aside from her passion for academic research, Ria is an advocate for improving access to educational resources around women’s health and other STEM-related topics. In her free time, Ria is on a professional dance team (Movement of Desis) and enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her friends/family.
Vanshika Gupta, IWD External Relations Team, Postdoctoral Researcher, Northwestern University
Vanshika Gupta is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University, where her research focuses on understanding the interface between cellular biology and inorganic nanostructured materials. Her work investigates how cells interact with gold nanoparticle substrates and how nanoscale morphology influences cellular behavior and signaling. Through the development of advanced bioelectrochemical measurement tools, she aims to better understand how biological systems respond to complex material environments. Beyond research, Vanshika is deeply passionate about STEM outreach and mentorship. She strongly believes that access to science education and visible mentorship can play a transformative role in improving representation within STEM fields. In her view, when students see scientists and STEM leaders who reflect their own identities and experiences, they are more likely to envision themselves pursuing similar paths. Toward this goal, she helped organize National Chemistry Week initiatives at Purdue University in 2024 and 2025, bringing hands-on science experiences to more than 23 schools and over 1,700 students. As an aspiring principal investigator, Vanshika hopes to continue advancing the field of bioelectrochemistry while fostering supportive and inclusive environments for future generations of STEM scholars.
Mousumi Paul, IWD External Relations Team, Master Student, Loyola University
Mousumi Paul is first year MS student at Loyola University Chicago, Illinois, United States. She is originally from Bangladesh and moved to USA in August 2025. She secured a fully funded Graduate Research Assistant at LUC. She is doing research on a transcriptional corepressor Goucho(gro) as a point of interaction between Notch and EGFR signaling pathway in spermatogenesis. She is passionate about public health research and policy and aiming to pursue her PhD in clinical science. Concomitantly, she has proven record of leadership, collaborative teamwork and academic excellence.
Gianna Chimino, IWD Fundraising Team, PhD Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago
Gianna Chimino is a PhD candidate in her second year in the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences program at University of Illinois Chicago. Her thesis project involves investigating the effects of environmental chemicals on placental circadian biology, with the ultimate goal of better understanding the etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Gianna joined the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative in the summer of 2026 as a part of the IWD Fundraising team. As a part of the Initiative, she aims to collaborate with her peers to help build and promote a network of supportive women in STEM. Outside of the lab, Gianna spends her time exploring the restaurant scene in Chicago.
Songlin Guo, IWD Event Logistics Team, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
Songlin Guo is a second-year PhD student in the Driskill Graduate Program at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on lung injury, inflammation, and vascular repair, with a particular interest in molecular mechanisms that regulate endothelial responses during recovery. Beyond research, Songlin is passionate about building community, supporting women in STEM, and fostering connection among graduate students. As part of IWD Event Logistics with the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative, she oversees key logistical aspects of the events and helps ensure the event runs smoothly. She also serves on the leadership board of the Graduate International Student Association, contributing to initiatives that foster connection and support among international graduate students at Northwestern. Through these roles, she hopes to help foster inclusive spaces where students and early-career scientists can feel supported, connected, and empowered.
Andreea Bouruc, IWD Event Logistics Team, Master Student, Northwestern University
Andreea Bouruc is a Master’s student in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. She earned her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before joining graduate school. Her research involves investigating membrane properties and their role in disease, specifically glaucoma, and her thesis project focuses on mechanosensitive channels, utilizing techniques such as micropipette aspiration to probe the mechanical behavior of cell membranes under physiologically relevant conditions. Aside from her research, Andreea is passionate about improving access to educational resources around nutrition and addressing the underrepresentation of women in research. In her free time, she enjoys baking, playing soccer, traveling, and practicing yoga.
Christina Nowicki, Outreach Team, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Illinois Chicago
Christina Nowicki, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Her research sits at the intersection of microbiology, immunology, and endocrinology, with a primary focus on how the gut microbiome modulates host physiology, hormone metabolism, and environmental responses. Before joining UIC, Christina earned her Ph.D. from Rush University and was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Chicago, where her work spanned investigating microbial-based cancer therapies to mapping the “estrobolome” in breast cancer patients. Currently, her work expands beyond oncology to explore how resident gut microbes interact with endocrine pathways, diet, and environmental pollutants to influence systemic health. Outside of the laboratory, Christina is a passionate science communicator has served on the Executive Board for the Association for Women in Science Chicago Area Chapter (AWIS-CAC) for several years and written for several science news outlets. In her free time, she enjoys baking cookies, gardening, and walking her dogs, Sunny and Huey.
Ana Cvetkovic, Outreach Team, Computational Scientist, University of Illinois Chicago
Ana Cvetkovic is a translational scientist with a background in immunology and oncology. She earned her Master’s degree at Loyola University Chicago, where she studied the architecture of the intestinal immune system; specifically, the unique function of CD11c+ TCRγδ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and their role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. She went on to join a startup developing small-molecule therapeutics for cancer and immunological diseases, where she led mechanism-of-action studies and preclinical drug development efforts. That experience deepened her appreciation for the full arc of drug development and made her realize how much she enjoys the science-adjacent aspects of strategy and communication. Outside the lab, Ana is a passionate advocate for representation in STEM, particularly for women and international scientists navigating the field. As a member of the WIB Chicago Alliance Committee, she channels that commitment into programming and community-building that open doors for the next generation. A proud Serbian who moved to the US specifically to pursue biomedical science, she understands firsthand what it means to build a career across cultural and geographic boundaries. In her free time, Ana is picking up Spanish and staying competitive on the volleyball court, a sport she played collegiately and that continues to shape her approach to teamwork and resilience. Looking ahead, Ana is committed to the industry, where she can apply her passion for strategy, communication, and cross-functional collaboration to translate science into meaningful clinical impact.
Nefeli Abutahoun, Outreach Team, Undergraduate Student, University of Chicago
Jennifer Sheridan, STEM Circuits Team, PhD Candidate, Northwestern University
I am Jennifer Sheridan, a third-year PhD candidate in the Hauser Laboratory at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, investigating the bacterial factors that drive Pseudomonas aeruginosa gastrointestinal colonization and persistence. My path through science has not been direct, my training spans clinical diagnostics at the CDC’s National Botulism Laboratory, developmental cell biology, and now microbial pathogenesis. Through my work on CWIB leadership, I hope to show women that there is no single road into science, and to support those who may be questioning whether their own path belongs. Beyond my research, I am committed to building the kind of scientific community that reaches every woman, regardless of where she is starting from. I mentored high school students through Northwestern’s MORE program, contributed domain expertise to Nucleate Chicago’s early-stage diagnostics team, and served as an elected Area Chief Steward for Northwestern’s graduate worker union. I joined STEM Circuits because I believe every woman in STEM deserves to be surrounded by people who see her potential and help her reach it.
Badeia Saed, STEM Circuits Team, Postdoctoral Researcher, Northwestern University
Aanya Roy, STEM Circuits Team, Medical Year 1, University of Illinois Chicago
Aanya Roy is a medical student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine pursuing a concentration in Innovation Medicine. In the Cardiology Department at UI Health, she conducts clinical outcomes research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement, studying how frailty, sex, antiplatelet therapy, cardiac remodeling, cardiometabolic medications, and social vulnerability influence post-TAVR care. Her commitment to gender equity in medicine drives her interest in identifying disparities within clinical data and strengthening the representation of women in cardiovascular research. Aanya is further researching reconstructive orthognathic surgical accuracy, evaluating deviation thresholds and tolerance across facial structures using CAD-CAM guides, plates, and splints within plastic surgery. At the UI Health Craniofacial Center, she designs and fabricates 3D-printed devices for patients experiencing trismus and models for pre-surgical planning and patient interaction. She is also continuing the development of a syringe infusion pump system for cardiac arrest response, as lead engineer and inventor alongside critical care and emergency medicine physicians in Peoria. Through Chicago Women in STEM, Aanya serves on the STEM Circuits team and is passionate about building spaces that support women in science, medicine, and engineering. As an aspiring physician, she hopes to unite clinical care, engineering innovation, and advocacy to build more inclusive and effective healthcare systems.
Nimeena Iqbal, STEM Circuits Team, Automation Solution Architect, Mayo Clinic
Nimeena Iqbal is a Solution Architect in Revenue Cycle Automation at Mayo Clinic with over 17+ years of experience in software development, intelligent automation, and enterprise solution architecture. Her work focuses on designing and implementing scalable automation solutions & applications that improve operational efficiency and drive innovation across healthcare and other highly regulated industries. She has successfully led cross-functional teams and enterprise automation initiatives across healthcare, federal, banking, insurance, and manufacturing sectors. Passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful impact, Nimeena is also a strong advocate for women empowerment and increasing representation of girls and women in STEM. She is committed to mentoring aspiring professionals, fostering inclusive leadership, and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through her leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to continuous learning, she strives to bridge innovation, collaboration, and community impact in the evolving world of technology.
Advisory Committee Team
Colleen Zaccard, PhD, Advisory Committee Chair, Research Assistant Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Colleen Zaccard, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research focuses on neuroimmunology, with an emphasis on microglia-synapse interactions in neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. She uses advanced live-cell and super-resolution microscopy approaches to investigate dynamic neuro-immune cell communication in aging and neurodegenerative disease. Dr. Zaccard’s long-standing interest in immunology, infectious disease, and public health began during her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and continued through her doctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, where she earned her PhD in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. As a postdoctoral fellow in the Penzes laboratory at Northwestern, her work on structural plasticity in dendritic spines led to a 2020 first-author publication in Neuron. Her current work has been supported by the Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease Pilot Grant and is currently supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and NACC New Investigator Award. In 2025, Dr. Zaccard was also a panelist at a Featured Research Session on tunneling nanotubes in immunity and neurodegeneration at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto.
In 2018, Dr. Zaccard founded the Chicago Women in STEM Initiative (CWIS), a Northwestern-based volunteer organization that builds community, mentorship, and professional support for early-career women in STEM. As Founder and Inaugural Chair, she led a large team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and Chicago-area professional volunteers in developing programs including the annual International Women’s Day Symposium and STEM Circuits, a monthly interdisciplinary mentoring program connecting women across career stages. In recognition of these efforts, she received Northwestern’s 2019 McBride Award for campus-wide contributions to diversity, service, and engagement, as well as the inaugural Early Career-Motivator Award from the American Women in Science Chicago Chapter for creating new resources and opportunities for Chicago-area women pursuing scientific careers. Dr. Zaccard and her colleagues also received the 2019 Daniel I. Linzer Grant for Innovation in Diversity and Equity from the Northwestern Office of the Provost. Dr. Zaccard now serves as Faculty Advisor to CWIS, which continues to support mentorship, professional development, and pathways to industry through its annual symposium and monthly programming.
Twitter @ColleenZaccard