Meet the Fellows

Meet the Current STEMLA Fellows

Daiana in white with a brown scarf

Daiana Azim

STEMLA '28 

Prospective Major(s): Neuroscience; Computer Science minor 

Interests: My curiosity about how our brains work sparked my passion for neuroscience, and I am excited to dive into research at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳’s biology labs. Around campus, you will find me involved in various clubs—like MSA, ASA, Owls Ambassadors, Taekwondo, and the Service Club.

Growing up in a culturally rich country, I fell in love with languages early on (currently on a 535 day Duolingo streak!). When I am not learning new phrases, you will probably find me trying out new hobbies—anything from rock climbing and yoga to gardening, traveling, and on lines at pop-up events. Capturing moments through photos and videos brings me joy and fuel my creativity, and I am always down for a good stand-up comedy special, a happy-ending fiction novel and arts & crafts.

Esenia

Esénia Bañuelos (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Majors: English and Linguistics

Interests: I am really interested in pursuing dual Education and Linguistics majors, with the goal of eventually achieving a Master’s (or potentially Doctorate!) in both fields. I am extremely interesting in improving accessibility both in the classroom and on campus for neurodiverse and disabled individuals as an SGA Access Services Co-Head, and my goal is to one day ensure equal access in every classroom for all. Outside of class, I love theatre and am a passionate member of both the Shakespeare Performance Troupe and Hypotheticals & Co. I am also an affinity group historian for the Institutional Memory Committee, a historian for neurodiverse and disabled people, a student worker at Uncommon and Showcase Comics & Games, and a writer for the Bi-College News & Digital Scholarship.

Leila Byerly headshot

Leila Byerly (she/they)

STEMLA '26

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

Interests: I'm pursuing a career in biomedical research, but I am also interested in everything having to do with outer space. I'm also a bit of a grandma because I love cats, tea, classical music, and crafts like knitting, embroidery, and sewing.

 

Margaret

Jack Carlson (any pronouns)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major: Environmental Studies

Interests: I am interested in continuing to study mycology while branching out into other plant sciences and studies including ecology and conservation. Specifically, I am hoping to study the effects of human's perceptions of nature on nature itself and on how societies have evolved around those ideas. Additionally, I am hoping to continue to play the cello and make music and art!

Marie-Claire in a navy sweater with white stripes in front of a landscape

Marie-Claire Davenport (she/her)

STEMLA '28

Prospective Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

Interests: I am fascinated with genetics and stem cell studies and it would be an honor to research these subjects. I am determined to become either a biochemical engineer, bioengineer, or a robotics engineer! I have goals of eventually achieving a Master's and/or a Doctorate in what I am studying. Aside from what I am learning and studying, I enjoy participating in theatre productions and hope to audition for upcoming ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ plays! I also enjoy learning about medical history in the United States, as well as the Atomic Age and history of gender stereotypes between the 1940s to 1950s. I am also an avid video-game enjoyer, and I have two cats which I love and miss so much!

 

Nyemma

Nyemma DeAndrade

STEMLA '27 

Major: Neuroscience 

Lucy in a navy shirt

Lucy Dellera (she/her)

STEMLA '28 

Prospective Major(s): Geology; Environmental Studies minor

Interests: I love geology, it is perfect for me. Ever since I was little I have loved all things science, and I used to collect rocks. In addition to academics, I do theater and love to cook and bake!

Sarabjit Dhillon STEMLA '26

Sarabjit Dhillon (she/her)

STEMLA '26 

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Interests: As an intended Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major, I hope to continue my research on macrophages and would be thrilled to take a deeper look into DNA methylation in the future as well. I am on the pre-med track, and I look forward to working at a Southern California hospital such as Pomona Valley Hospital to serve the inland empire as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. While in practice, I would like to actively be involved in helping low income, undocumented, and other underrepresented individuals access medical care and healthcare education. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading (my favorite genre is historical fiction), and being outside!

Research: I work in the Williamson's Lab. I am working to reorganize modular components of engulfment receptors to design phagocytes that recognize and engulf neurodegenerative brain debris such as amyloid and tau.

Caelin Foley

Caelin Foley (she/her)

STEMLA '25 

Major: Biology; Health Studies and Peace, Conflict, and Social Justice Studies minors

Interests: I am interested in continuing my research in the Williamson and Lambert labs at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ & CHOP respectively; I have a strong interest in immunology and hematology, and would like to do research in sickle cell anemia in the future. I am debating between graduate school and pursuing a Ph.D. or attending medical school and becoming a physician-scientist.

Lab Experience:  Williamson Lab - Cis and trans interactions within Draper

 

 

Elli

Elli Gasaway

STEMLA '27 

Major: Anthropology

Interests: I want to get a Ph.D. in ethnobotany, which is the study of how humans use plants, particularly in medicinal, religious, and social contexts.

Meltem Genc

Meltem Genc (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Major: Mathematics 

Interests: My future career interests include doing a 4+1 Engineering Program with UPenn and working in the Quantitative Finance or Systems Engineering field. My general fun interests are playing tennis, going to concerts, and traveling with friends!

 

Galilea GIl STEMLA '26

Galilea Gil (she/they)

STEMLA '26

Major: Archaeology

 

Emma

Emma Heckmann (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major(s): Neuroscience or Environmental Studies

 

 

Charlee

Charlee Hutt (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Major: Chemistry

Interests: My junior year of high school I did research in a pharmaceutical lab that focused on new drug discoveries. This led me to wanting to pursue a PhD in chemistry. I would like to continue research in drug discovery catered towards women's reproductive health. 

Suli

Suli Kamholtz-Roberts (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Health Track); Spanish minor

Interests: I'm working towards becoming a nurse practitioner for women's health. I love going on walks outside, gardening, baking, crocheting, and dancing!

Lab Experience: I work as an assistant in Dr. Plummer's lab doing research about the structures of bacterial membranes linked to cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

 

 

Rowan Killina '26

Rowan Killina (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Majors: Classics and English; Biology minor

Interests: I like creative writing, knitting, and snails. I hope to volunteer at the Snail Extinction Prevention Program in Oahu, Hawaii and plan to be an author.

Sophia

Sophia Kim (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major: Biology 

Interests: I hope to pursue a career in medicine, more specifically in the field of pediatrics. However, I am open to exploring many diverse topics at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳, such as neuroscience, health studies, and art history. In coming years, I hope to participate in research that focuses on immunology, as well. Apart from academics, I love to sing, watch movies, and play badminton.

Calliope

Calliope Lanier (she/her)

STEMLA '26 

Major: Philosophy

Interests: I'm interesting in pursuing a career in Philosophy. I don't have a concentration yet, but I want to learn more about Philosophy of Science and how studying science and philosophy together is possible.

 

Lisa in a purple shirt

Lisa Li (she/her)

STEMLA '28 

Prospective Major: Physics and Computer Science; Data Science minor

Interests: I'd hope to delve deeper into the fields of cybersecurity, data science, and engineering to one day become a data analyst or a software developer. In general, I love listening to music, dancing, working on puzzles, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Kaili in a green and white shirt, wearing glasses

Kaili Martinez-Beasley (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Majors: Mathematics and Sociology 

Interests: During my time at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳, I'd like to explore the field of data science. More specifically, I want to observe its intersection with sociology and see how STEM as a whole can be used to address various social issues. Some of my interests outside of academics include playing solitaire, trying to get through the unread books in my book collection, cooking for myself and my family, or doing some zany project or activity with my friends.

Lily

Lily Muehlenhard (she/her)

STEMLA '27 

Prospective Major(s): Geology or Physics 

Interests: Geophysics, drawing, baking, pestering my cats, and taking strolls around campus.

 

Ahlaam

Ahlaam Musa (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Interests: I love reading, playing the violin, and going on walks! In the future, I hope to become an obstetrician or a researcher in chemistry.

Mahnoor

Mahnoor Nasir (she/her)

STEMLA '26 

Major: Neuroscience

Interests: I would like to explore STEM in terms of education. Exploring ways to increase accessibility to a strong foundational STEM education is something I'm really interested in.

 

 

Ninel

Ninel Páez Carrión (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Majors: Psychology and Mathematics

Interests: I plan to go into the medical field in hopes of being a surgeon. I am on the ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Crew team, and I aspire to continue this sport after college.

 

 

MR

McKayla Reyer (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major(s): Computer Science and Spanish

Interests: I am a part of ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳'s cross-country and track teams! I like to go on long runs and enjoy nature. I love animals, specifically bugs and spiders! I have two pet jumping spiders and two pet Madagascar cockroaches. 

Rezwana Sarder

Rezwana Sarder (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Major: Neuroscience

Interests: I plan to pursue a career in the medical field, hopefully as a doctor if everything works out the way I want it to. I'm not exactly sure what specialty I want to do yet, but psychiatry and internal medicine are strong contenders for me. I'm looking forward to participating in research that focuses on the nervous system in women and children, among other things. When I'm not doing homework or studying, I love doing community work and giving back to environments that have been pivotal to shaping who I am today. I also love reading the occasional book and am a huge Marvel fan.   

Sofia in a black shirt and glasses

Sofia Sergi (she/her)

STEMLA '28 

Prospective Major: Physics

Interests: I am interested in pursuing a career in physics, and I also love learning about astronomy. I enjoying reading, archery, roller skating and drawing. In my free time, I also like to go on runs, workout, and hang out with my friends!

Hemani

Hemani Sharma (she/they)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major(s): Chemistry and Creative Writing

Interests: I'm interested in working as a forensic scientist and plan to achieve a Master's to do so. I love musicals, writing, the band "Lovejoy", and collecting odd knick-knacks for room decor. I plan to one day publish a book (or several) and I hope to become comfortable enough that I can have multiple pets (the current hopes are a raccoon, frog, snail, and/or fox).

 

Autumn in a red tunic

Autumn Shemitz (she/her)

STEMLA '28 

Prospective Major: Growth and Structure of Cities; Environmental Studies minor 

Interests: I'm interested in the intersections of math and art, particularly in architecture. I would love to research green/eco architecture and could see that as a potential career field. Outside of academics, I am involved with BiCo Chabad and Rock Cimbing Club. My favorite hobbies are spending time in nature or listening to music.

Fiona

Fiona Shen (she/her)

STEMLA '27 

Prospective Major(s): Psychology and Neuroscience; Data Science minor

Interests: I love listening to music, singing, crafting, and journaling. I hope to dive deeper in data analysis and web development/design at my time in ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳.

Research: I work as a research assistant in Dr. Thapar and Dr. Normoyle's lab about memory recall and object recognition in a VR setting.

 

 

Maryam

Maryam Siddiqui (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major: Computer Science 

Interests: I am interested in sewing and joining more clubs at BMC. 

Linnea

Linnea Siderhurst (she/her)

STEMLA '27 

Major: Mathematics 

Interests: Along with my interest in Math, I love to dance and create art. I am hoping to minor in dance and am currently a part of HaverRitmo, a Hip hop and Latin Dance team at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ and Haverford Colleges. I would also love to find a way to connect my passion for art and dance with my STEM interests!

Anna

Anna Skiba (any pronouns)

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science, or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Interests: Ecology, Entomology, and making art.

 

 

Jo Smith '26

Jo Smith (they/them)

STEMLA '26

Major: Environmental Studies

Interests: Russian language, plant medicine, travel, agriculture, hiking, camping

Research: Mozdzer's lab working on the C-EVO project, counting reproductive samples.

Ella

Ella Sokulski (she/her)

STEMLA '27

Major: Archaeology; Museum Studies minor

Interests: I am taking intro to classical archaeology this semester and I am really enjoying it. I hope to be able to partake in field work in the future and to explore multiple areas of archaeology. 

Autumn Soots

Autumn Soots (she/her)

STEMLA '25

Major: Neuroscience; Psychology and Biology minors

Interests: I am interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research, specifically in developing pharmaceuticals and treatments for neurological disorders. I am also passionate about mental health and wellbeing, which led me to my current position as a Peer Health and Wellness Educator on campus. Outside of my academic life, I like to read, crochet, and volunteer at a local cat shelter. I'm originally from the mountains of North Carolina, so I also love to spend time outside exploring!  

 

Sarah Stephens

Sarah Stephens (she/her)

STEMLA '25

Major: Biology; Health Studies and Spanish minors

Interests: II am interested in immunology, and improving health inequities through scientific communication and health literacy. In the future, I hope to obtain a Masters in Public Health to help bridge the gap between clinicians and underserved communities. I am also a member of the ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ Crew team and am very excited to continue rowing and coaching post-grad!

Research: I am a member of the Williamson lab where I research the protein biochemistry of the receptor-kinase pair Draper and Shark.

Jownira Sultana

Jownira Sultana (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Major: Neuroscience

Interests: In terms of my career, I want to become a pediatrician. In supporting that interest, I am interested in participating in research on Child Neurodevelopment. 

 

Mia

Mia Swanson

STEMLA '27

Prospective Major: English; Russian minor

Interests: Outside of academics, I love classic rock and grunge music, coming-of-age movies, and cooking.

Claire Thomas in black long sleeved shirt with green writing.

Claire Thomas (she/her)

STEMLA '28

Major(s): Math and/or Physics

Interests: After participating in a STEM-related summer program in high school, I became very interested in modern physics, and hope to be a physics major here at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳. I've also really enjoyed studying interesting mathematical concepts on my own, so I plan to incorporate that into my academic journey as well. As for my non-academic interests, I enjoy playing the banjo and watching Star Trek. I am also a member of the Crew team!

Grace Trembath

Grace Trembath (she/her)

STEMLA '26

Major: Biology; Spanish minor

Interests: I am very interested in biology (specifically anatomy and physiology) and I am thinking about pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. I really like knitting.

 

Joelle in a maroon Dr. Pepper shirt

Joelle Wise (she/her)

STEMLA '28 

Prospective Major: Biology; Health Studies minor

Interests: My goal after my undergraduate is to complete a masters in Nursing to combine both my intrigue for biological science and my desire to treat and help people in their time of need. I also love volleyball and being active to balance out my academics and social life.