President: Amber Zhou
I’m a Ph.D. candidate in the Pharmacology doctoral training program. My research focuses on investigating the clinical mechanism of chemotherapy drugs. Providing support for women in science is a passion of mine, and some initiatives I’ve taken in GWIS include launching an educational panel series and directing our professional development program. Outside of the lab, I enjoy biking, trying new restaurants, and writing Yelp reviews. After graduation, I’ll be joining McKinsey & Company as a consultant.
Vice President: Sarah Copeland
I am a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Beth Weaver’s lab. Our lab focuses mostly on studying cell division in cancer and chromosomal instability. My project is specifically trying to understand how a mitotic checkpoint protein (Mad1) becomes overexpressed in breast cancer patients and what the consequences of this overexpression are using a novel mouse model. When not in the lab I enjoy camping with friends, biking around Madison, picnics in the local parks, and the hobby I picked up in lockdown – playing games on my Switch.
Treasurer: Alexis Adrian
I am a third-year Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology program. I work in Dr. William Ricke’s lab, which specializes in basic and translational research related to prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. My project specifically focuses on how aging and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to lower urinary tract dysfunction in benign disease. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing the clarinet, listening to music, and spending time with my friends and family.
Public Relations Chair: Kalina Rossler
I am a third-year Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program doing my thesis work under Dr. Ying Ge. Our lab utilizes mass spectrometry-based omics technologies to investigate cardiac systems biology. My project focuses on understanding the underlying pathogenesis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using patients-specific engineered cardiac tissues and proteomics. When I’m not in the lab, I am enjoying the outdoors with my husband and corgi puppy or cooking up some delicious food at home. I also enjoy touring wineries, seeking new and exciting experiences, and trying to vocally conquer the newest Broadway showtune.
Outreach Coordinator: Brenna Walton
I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Environmental Toxicology program working in the laboratory of Dr. Lisa Arendt. Our lab focuses on elucidating how obesity increases the risk of breast cancer development and metastasis. My project specifically looks at how the dietary component, acrylamide, increases obesity, and breast cancer risk in a postmenopausal model. Outside of the lab I enjoy going hiking and camping, baking, scrapbooking, and spending time with my family.
National Liaison & Ruth Dickie Scholarship: Sri Vidya Dangudubiyyam
I am a third-year Ph.D. student in the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology program working in the laboratory of Dr. Sathish Kumar. Our lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which external stressors such as pollutants like endocrine disruptors, maternal conditions such as obesity, sleep apnea, smoking and alcohol causes vascular and placental dysfunction leading to fetal growth restriction. My project mainly focuses on how perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, an environmental pollutant) causes vascular and placental dysfunction during pregnancy. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, and painting.
3 Minute Thesis Coordinator: Hannah Miles
I am a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program. I work within both Dr. Lingjun Li and Dr. William Ricke’s research groups, focusing on utilizing mass spectrometry-based approaches to better understand prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. My main focuses involve mass spectrometry imaging of steroid hormones and discovering novel biomarkers for earlier and improved detection of prostate cancer. When outside of the lab, I enjoy hanging out with friends, exercise and listening to music.