Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis PhD Candidate

Tehillah’s research involves understanding host-pathogen interactions that direct human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persistence in children. Outside science, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, singing, traveling, cooking, crocheting/knitting and creative writing.

Microbiology and Molecular Genetics PhD Student

A passionate microbiologist who studies how the immune system defends against the world’s leading infectious disease, Tuberculosis (TB). Ayana Paul is a Microbiology and Molecular Genetics PhD student who is motivated by challenges and hopes that her work can inform the development of more effective preventative strategies against TB. Ayana enjoys communicating to others about her research and also learning about others’ work and life experiences. Outside of lab, she loves spending time outdoors with her fur baby, Grady, attending concerts and exploring Atlanta with friends.

Neuroscience PhD Candidate

From the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to the halls of the Whitehead Biomedical Research Building, Betty’s journey has been driven by a deep curiosity about how the brain shapes behavior. Her current research focuses on uncovering molecular targets underlying the sleep and cognitive symptoms experienced by patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM1). Outside of the lab, Betty is involved in mentorship program development with Black in Neuro (a non-profit organization) and is passionate about community building for international students. 

Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology PhD Student

Alexandra’s research is interested in unique nucleic acid structures called R-loops, which are composed of both DNA and RNA. She is specifically investigating how R-loops are regulated by various proteins to prevent a multitude of cancers and neurodevelopmental diseases. She loves learning new techniques and concepts in the lab, but she is also excited to branch out her skills in science communication. Outside of the science world, Alexandra enjoys destressing at the gym or going on walks, finding new favorite songs to listen to on repeat, and watching video essays on YouTube.

Genetics and molecular biology PhD student

Shaelin studies how cells sometimes misbehave in the organ that’s supposed to protect our whole body: the skin and its hair. She hopes that her research studying the smallest intricacies of our skin cells will inform future skin disease treatments. When Shaelin is not thinking about cell biology, she is reading books of all genres, drinking black tea, and picking up a new hobby.

Psychology PhD Student

Anna investigates the neural correlates of parental care quality and quantity, and the impacts that variation in parental care has on offspring behavioral and developmental trajectories. She is extremely passionate about SciComm and increasing public fluency on scientific methodology and competence within research. Outside of research and outreach, her hobbies include cross-stitching, reading with her cat, trying new restaurants, and going on hikes!

Nursing PhD Student

Rajib’s research interests lie in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, healthy aging, and injury prevention. He is passionate  about exploring innovative approaches to improve the quality of life for older adults and addressing the challenges associated with aging populations. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling to new places, meeting new people, and continuously learning new skills to broaden his perspective and enrich his personal and professional growth.

Bioinformatics PhD Student

Elizabeth’s current research explores early biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between biomedical research and the wider community through outreach activities. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys doing pilates and ballet.

Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis PhD Student

Allison studies HIV—specifically how it affects the gut, drives inflammation, and varies from person to person. Her research focuses on diverse populations, examining how factors like sex, gender, age, and race shape the immune system through lived experiences. Ultimately, she hopes that her work can help improve patient care and lead to more effective, inclusive treatments. When she is not in the lab, she is curled up with a good book or hanging out with her dog, Darcy.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology PhD Student

Heidi takes her ‘free time’ seriously. When she is not behind the microscope, she enjoys beginners’ hip hop classes and eating at new restaurants with friends. She has also started her own pet sitting business around the Atlanta area which allows her to play with pups, get outside, and de-stress.

Co-founder, Writer and Editor

Neuroscience PhD Candidate

Megan’s work lies at the intersection of Neuroscience and Evolutionary Biology; she is a theorist whose work focuses on modeling the macroevolution of stereotyped behaviors . However, her passion for science communication stems from her studying creative nonfiction writing in college. To Megan, science is so universally exciting, and she feels that the acquisition of knowledge about both the universe and humankind is incredibly grounding and empowering. She sees scientific writing as an opportunity to invest in her community and empower others. Outside of science, Megan loves cycling and yoga, exploring Atlanta’s coffee shop scene, and playing with her cat Daphne.

Co-founder, Writer and Editor

Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis PhD Candidate

Of all the wonders of life, the invisible world of cells and microbes inspire Ananya the most. She studies how Strep A, your common culprit for an itchy throat, turns destructive to cause severe infections, as a Ph.D. candidate at Emory University. She wants to take science beyond the lab bench and strives to make it both accessible and tangible for the community. Outside of the lab, she enjoys writing about diseases and reproductive health, reading, and cooking.

Co-founder, Writer and Editor

Chemistry PhD Candidate

As a scientist, Maia is interested in it all – chemistry, biology, physics, technology – you name it! Her interests culminate in her research as she studies how chemical modifications influence the biophysics of cancer spread. In her PhD work, she wants to identify how proteins on the cell’s surface change the way cells exert force on their surroundings. Outside of the lab, she loves to paint, travel, and play saxophone with her band, Schrödinger’s Dog.