Founding Members
Jessica Weaver
Ex-offico/Co-founder
Department/program: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Biology
About: I am a PhD candidate working to improve production of valuable pharmaceuticals in the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus. As a first generation college student, I realize how fortunate I am to have had so many opportunities to succeed. Providing opportunities for success is of particular interest to me and was a driving factor for founding GWISE at Northeastern University.
My favorite book is . . . Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.
My favorite quote is . . . “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King, Jr. .
Noreen Rizvi
Ex-offico/Co-founder
Department/program: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Chemical Engineering
About: I am currently working on enhancing the production of anticancer pharmaceutical compounds from plant cell cultures through metabolic engineering, keeping in mind that future requirements cannot be satisfied by the low yield and high-cost of existing production. As a graduate student, I’ve come to realize how privileged I was to have mentors who guided me toward science and engineering. Through GWISE, I hope to similarly serve as a leader and assist in the advancement of women in science and academia.
Lauren Fitch
Ex-offico/Co-founder
Department/program: PhD Candidate, Department of Biology
About: I work with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb), which causes 1.5 million deaths each year worldwide. My goal is to determine which MTb genes allow it to survive antibiotic treament, and to use this information to develop more effective tuberculosis treatments.
If I were not a scientist, I would be . . . a writer.
My motto is . . . be kind, be smart, be brave.
Sydney Shaw
Ex-offico/Co-founder
Department/program: PhD Candidate, Department of Chemical Engineering
About: I am a PhD student in the Chemical Engineering department working in Prof. Carolyn Lee-Parsons’ laboratory on metabolic engineering of the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus. My non-research interests include science policy issues, science and engineering outreach, and exploring the outdoors.
My favorite molecule is . . . ATP
My favorite drink is . . . unfiltered wheat beer
Other previous members
Shrav K
President & Advocacy Committee Chair
Shrav is a PhD student in BioEngineering. Her research involves 3D printing of highly aligned collagen, with applications in collagenous structure repair (e.g. tendon damage, cornea replacement).
1. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? To learn how to fly!
2. What do you value the most about being part of NEU GWiSE? Having been part of several student clubs before, I really value the environment in which I can lead – a enthusiastic, smart team in a beautifully organized structure with great support from our advisor/administrators. We honestly have boundless opportunities for events and growth.
3. What is your favorite GWiSE memory? There are so many moments I enjoy, but I think the one that comes to mind here is the Tie-Dye T-shirt social where the E-Board worked hard coordinating activities and our members lingered long after the event was done, taking lots of photos and enjoying themselves.
Another one was when the first tricky event I was in charge took off beautifully, showing off research by female researchers on campus! It was both incredibly relieving and rewarding.
Elena Gonzalez Sosto
Treasurer
Elena is an MSc. in Engineering and Public Policy (with a concentration in Energy and Environment) student from Costa Rica.
There she worked in infrastructure and building projects as a Civil Engineer, and developed a passion for understanding the socioeconomic benefits and consequences construction projects bring to their surroundings.
She loves learning new crafts and hobbies, and is currently immersed in the world of orchids, and also enjoys spending time outdoors.
Katie Vilardi
Co-President
Katie Vilardi is a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Her research investigates the ecophysiology of complete ammonia oxidizing bacteria at drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
Katie is passionate about creating a strong, supportive grad community at Northeastern. She enjoys taking spin classes, drinking coffee and reading anything from J.D. Salinger to Lauren Weisberger.
Nuhiya Rafeeq
Department/program: Master’s student in Information Systems
About: I have over 3 year of experience working with Data in Finance and Telecom Domains. I aspire to solve real world problems using Data Science and Software Engineering.
If I were not a engineer, I would be … a travel writer.
If I could be any age I would be 18, old enough to drive and young enough to make a lot of mistakes and learn from them.
I can never resist good food..!!
Marissa Giel
NE GWISE liaison/advertisement
Judith Piet
Advertisement / Marketing
Department/program: PhD Candidate, Department of Bioengineering
About: I am a French engineer. I am doing my PhD in Prof. Shefelbine’s M4 lab, and I work on restoring mechanosensitivity to aged bones.
The worst advice I have ever been given was … “Don’t dress up as Marie Curie for Halloween.” Obviously it’s a great costume.
The best advice I have ever been given is … “Don’t try to look smart, make the audience feel smart.”
Eliza Zalis
Secretary
Department/program: Graduate Student, Department of Biology
About: I work in Kim Lewis’s lab researching Staphylococcus aureus and microbial persistence. We are trying to figure out what makes it possible for the bacteria that cause chronic infections to tolerate antibiotics. When I’m not in the lab, I spend my time hiking, biking, reading, and cooking.
The worst advice I’ve ever been given: “Bring an umbrella – just in case.”
I can never resist: free food
Department/program: Ph.D. candidate, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
About: My research focuses on modeling, analysis, and predicting the behavior of complex and dynamical networks. In my spare time, I enjoy tutoring and helping educate next generation of accomplished women.
My favorite quote is: … Choose a Job You Love, and You Will Never Have To Work a Day in Your Life
The most joyful moment for me is … When I make someone smile.
Mahboobeh Rezaeeyazdi
Treasurer
Department/program: Graduate student, Department of Chemical Engineering
About: I am a Chemical Engineering PhD student from Shiraz, Iran. I work in Prof. Bencherif lab “Laboratory for Advanced and Multifunctional Polymeric Biomaterials (LAMP Biomaterials)” where my research is on synthesis and optimization of novel polymeric biomaterials for efficient cancer vaccine delivery.
My favorite movie is “defending your life”
If I were not a scientist, I would be a gardener or a baker!
Jaclyn Lock
Vice President
Department/program: Graduate student, Department of Bioengineering
About: I am a Bioengineering PhD student working in Dr. Rebecca Carrier’s Advanced Drug Delivery Research lab. My research aim is to understand the intestinal mucus barrier and how its properties are altered in the presence of different food and in various disease states.
My favorite activity that helps me to relax is. . . baking.
If I could be any lab equipment, I would be . . . a fluorescent microscope.
Michelle Stolzoff
President
Department/program: PhD Candidate, Department of Bioengineering
About: I am a PhD student in the Bioengineering department working in Prof. Thomas Webster’s nanomedicine lab. My work involves the design and optimization of nanocomposites for anti-bacterial, inflammatory and cancer applications. I’ve always been involved with science and engineering outreach, and it’s one of the many reasons I’ve become involved with GWISE.
My favorite scientist is . . . Nikola Tesla
My biggest fan is . . . probably my parents. I am their only child after all.
Sevtap Duman
Treasurer
About: I am a research assistant at College of Computer & Information Science and member of NEU SecLab. My research focuses on systems and Internet security. More specifically, I try to detect and prevent Internet fraud/threat on multiple platforms, under multiple guises. Besides research, I like reading and outdoor sports.
My axiom is . . . everything I dream becomes real; and this is my power.
My favorite time during the day is … now
Jessica Fitzgerald
Treasurer
Department/program: Graduate student, Department of Bioengineering
About: I am a second year Bioengineering Ph.D. student at Northeastern. I graduated with a B.S. in Engineering Physics in 2014 from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK and is originally from Albany, NY. Jessica is passionate about working on interdisciplinary projects to improve quality of life in the medical field, and reaching the younger generation of women in STEM fields. My specific research interests include nano- and micro-materials with applications in medical diagnostics.
My favorite quote is … “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” ~Einstein
If I were not a scientist, … I would run my own bakery/cafe
Jennifer Morales
Director of Recruiting
Department/program: Graduate student, Department of Bioengineering
About: I am currently a doctoral student and a NSF graduate fellow working in Bioengineering and Pharmaceutical Sciences. My research is based on the development of novel fluorescent nanosensors for sensing neurotransmitter transmission within a synapse.
My favorite Boston Getaway is … Green Necklace running path
If I were not a scientist, I would … open a cake and coffee shop!
Yeva Yue Shan
Director of Fundraising
Department/program: Ph.D. candidate, Department of Biology
About: I study bacteriology. My research focuses on the genetic basis of persister formation and mechanism of antibiotic tolerance. This research will provide insights into chronic infection eradication.
If I were not a scientist, I would be … a film director.
My biggest motivation is …curiosity.
Marissa Puzan
Director of Outreach
Department/program: Graduate Student, Department of Chemical Engineering
About: I am a Chemical Engineering PhD student from Atlanta, GA. I work in Dr. Abigail Koppes’ Advanced Biomaterials for Neuroengineering Labratory (ABNEL), where my work focuses on designing an in vitro model of the intestine to study interactions between the epithelium in the small intestine and the neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system.
My favorite molecule is serotonin.
If I were not a scientist, I would be an architect.