Brandon Patterson is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School, studying how ultrasound waves interact with the human body. When Brandon is not working on research and science communication he is actively involved in education outreach and writing a children's book.

Deanna Montgomery is a PhD candidate in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Michigan trying to develop a drug to treat cocaine addiction. Outside of lab, she can often be found writing, baking, or playing piano.

Stephanie Hamilton is a physics graduate student studying the orbits of the small bodies beyond Neptune in order learn more about the Solar System's formation and evolution. As an additional perk, she gets to travel the world as part of the Dark Energy Survey Collaboration. When she gets a spare minute in the midst of hectic grad school life, she likes to read sci-fi books, binge TV shows, write about her travels or new science results, or force her cat to cuddle with her.

Brian Worthmann is a PhD Candidate in Applied Physics at the University of Michigan studying sonar. When not working on underwater acoustics or science communication, Brian can probably be found binge watching something on Netflix.

Paula Wishart is the Academic Program Director for Professional Development at Rackham Graduate School. Wishart designs and leads programs that foster graduate students' professional development through core skill development, career awareness and job search skill development.

Leah Bricker is an Assistant Professor of Science Education in the School of Education at the University of Michigan. Bricker’s research explores youth and adults’ (e.g., scientists) science-related learning across timespans, and over settings (e.g., science classrooms, museums, homes, neighborhoods, science cafes). In addition, she designs science-related artifacts and learning environments (e.g., curricula, professional development experiences), and then studies how those designs function in context, as well as studying aspects of people’s learning who are using and experiencing the designs.

Andrew Maynard is a Professor of Environmental Health Science and Director of The University of Michigan Risk Science Center. Maynard’s research focuses on emerging technologies and how they can be developed responsibly. When not grappling with the risks and benefits of everything from “gray goo” and synthetic organisms to planetary engineering and artificial intelligence, he makes YouTube videos about the the science of risk at Risk Bites, and hangs out on Twitter as @2020Science.

Katie Parzych is a PhD candidate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan studying how cells recycle parts of themselves to survive. In addition to research, Katie enjoys teaching undergraduate biology classes and is working towards a graduate teacher certificate. When not geeking out about microbiology and yeast, Katie can usually be found acting on stage with a number of Ann Arbor’s local theatre groups.

Brooke Horton is a science writer with a Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Her love for all things science is outweighed only by her desire to share it with the public. When not developing carpal tunnel syndrome from furiously typing out her next piece, she can usually be found watching documentaries while bundled up with her adorable, moody Shih Tzus.

Kim Daley is a physical chemist at the University of Michigan doing research with lasers. She is also passionate about social justice, intersectional feminism, science fiction, and exercise.

Wahida is a postdoctoral fellow in the department of rheumatology at the University of Michigan. Wahida studies environmental instigation of rheumatoid arthritis in specific genetic settings. When she is not postdocing, Wahida likes to travel, read, and walk her dog.

So'Phelia is a dual degree MPH/MSW student with the School of Public Health and the School of Social Work. So'Phelia's academic interests include the effects of discrimination, microaggressions, and racial stress on the mental and physical health of African Americans. When So'Phelia is not being studious, she enjoys reading and finding new dogs to play with.

Jimmy Brancho is a Ph. D. candidate in inorganic chemistry at the University of Michigan focused on figuring out new ways to create cheap, stable materials that put visible light to work. He spends his free time developing a science writing portfolio, seeking out new board games, and writing a very bad novel.

Ryan McCarty is a PhD student in the Joint Program in English and Education, studying the ways that individuals learn while translating between diverse language settings. He's also likes a little bit of comic books and politics in his life, along with as much time as possible bumming around with his family. 

Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Postdoctoral researcher, biopsychology

Joseph (Joe) Iafrate is a PhD candidate in the Applied Physics program at the University of Michigan. He wants to understand how to use light and electric fields to control and measure electron spins in semiconductors. His favorite topics of conversation include physics, board games, Disney music, and Major League Baseball (especially the Detroit Tigers).

Nicholas Lesniak is a PhD candidate in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan studying how our gut bacteria protect us from disease. When not working on his research project or science communication, he enjoys woodworking and rock climbing.

Mani Balakrishna is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, developing analyses to better understand the physics of saliva for noninvasive diagnosis. In his free time, he enjoys reading, discovering new music, movies and documentaries, outdoor excursions, and cooking.

Emily Mueller is a PhD student in Chemistry at the University of Michigan. She makes and studies polymers that can help flexible solar cells last longer. When she isn't doing science, she enjoys cooking/baking, reading, and doing just about anything she can outdoors (hiking, biking, swimming, skiing).

Patricia DeLacey is a PhD student in Biological Psychology at the University of Michigan. She studies high-altitude adaptations in gelada monkeys, a species of monkeys that lives in the highlands of Ethiopia. She travels to the Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia to study a wild population of geladas. When she's not working on her research, she enjoys running in the arboretum, yoga, and exploring new hiking trails.

Alyse Krausz is a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering developing a device to diagnose brain injury from a blood sample. Outside of lab, she can be found reading, writing, practicing yoga, or cooking.

Fatima Javed is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. As a graduate student in the lab of Dr. Carole Parent, Fatima works to identify the mechanisms by which immune cells sense and go towards a site of infection and injury. Outside the lab, Fatima enjoys hanging out with her friends, spending time with her cat and reading books.

Marina David is a PhD candidate in Physics at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on studying aspects of quantum gravity and is particularly interested in black hole physics. She is passionate about science communication and how to incorporate DEI efforts in STEM. Outside of physics, she enjoys playing the ukulele, reading and baking.

Alex Kate Halvey is a PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan. In the lab, she designs and tests anti-ice coatings for airplanes, wind turbines and solar panels in winter climates. She also studies the intersection of science, technology and public policy and is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM. Outside of her studies, she loves her dog Wilma, cooking and playing soccer.

Claire Cook is a PhD student in the Chemistry program at the University of Michigan. She is using small, microfluidic devices to study how our cells determine what regions of DNA to use in different situations. Claire is passionate about teaching and communicating science so anyone can understand it. Outside of lab, she enjoys playing board games with friends, baking complicated pastries, and exploring hiking trails.

Saaj Chattopadhyay is an Applied Physics Ph.D. Candidate in Professor Julie Biteen's lab, where she studies single-molecule fluorescence microscopy near plasmonic nanoparticles. Apart from microscopy, she has an active interest in science education and research-based instructional strategies. She has gathered arguably more art supplies than one would ever need and is almost always found at her desk with a hot cup of tea.

Alondra Ortiz Ortiz is a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. She is fascinated by the possibility of providing mechanical solutions to common-sticky biological problems. Her research is focused on providing new design and manufacturing techniques using nanomaterials to improve technology and impact the environmental and biomedical industry sectors. Outside of the lab, you can find her reading a book while having a cup of coffee in a local coffee shop, in a book club discussing topics such as systematic racism, women in engineering or diversity, or enjoying a run with the sun going down.