Graduate Women In Science

President
Fong Liew

4th Year
Integrated Program in Biochemistry
Brian Fox Lab

My research is to engineer a biochemical pathway that converts lignin degradation intermediates into precursors for industrially useful molecules such as adipic acid

I have travelled to 23 countries so far.

Treasurer
Nina Hawkins

3rd Year
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Weiping Tang Lab

My research focuses on the discovery of novel small molecules for targeted protein degradation. I am involved with the evaluation of these compounds by way of screening and biological assay development.

I taught myself to knit 3 years ago and have made over 15 clothing items since then.

Co-Fundraising and Scholarship Chair
Usha Polaki

4th Year
Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Daniel R. Matson Lab

I study the role of the transcription factor GATA2 in uterine serous carcinoma (USC), an aggressive form of Endometrial Cancer. My research focuses on how the loss of GATA2 drives tumor invasion and metastasis, with the goal of uncovering mechanisms of USC progression and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.

Outside lab I enjoy exploring different art styles, watching movies, and experiencing new cities through their cuisine and creative spaces.

Co-Fundraising and Scholarship Chair
Natalie González Velázquez

4nd Year
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Cody Wenthur Lab

I research the role of ketamine metabolites in drug-seeking behaviors. I also work with monoclonal antibody development and apply immunoassays and surface plasmon resonance to characterize their binding profiles.

My cat has learned 5 tricks!

Professional Development Chair
Amanda Allender

3rd Year
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Michelle Kimple Lab

I study the role of the G protein G alpha z in regulating functional beta-cell mass in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes. My research spans a few fields, including metabolism, endocrinology, and immunology!

I love kayaking and camping, and during my time in Madison I hope to take a trip to the Apostle Islands for a kayak/camping trip around the islands.

Co-Communications Chair
Noelle Cataldo

4th Year
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Cody Wenthur Lab and Kevin Eliceiri Lab

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by the unseen world. At ten years old I discovered my life-long passion when I was gifted a compound light sheet microscope to view pond water protozoa. Now, as a graduate student, I’m continuing my microscopy journey under the expert guidance of Dr. Wenthur and Dr. Eliceiri where I use multiple fluorescent microscopy approaches to assess structural and functional changes in the brain associated with stress, learning, memory, and drug administration.

Outside of the lab, I am competitive Irish dancer for both the university and a local academy.

Co-Communications Chair
Loren D. López-Rivera

3rd Year
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Randall Kimple Lab

My project focuses on developing new strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancer by understanding how targeted therapies can change the way tumor cells take up and respond to treatment, with an emphasis on tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in MET-positive cancers.

I’m originally from a small town in the eastern part of Puerto Rico called Las Piedras. Its name means “The Rocks,” and it refers to the gigantic volcanic-rock formations that are scattered throughout the area.

Social Chair
Jieon Lee

4th Year
Integrated Program in Biochemistry
Andrea Putnam Lab

My study focuses on investigating the RNA-binding protein, MEG-3, found in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. MEG-3 doesn’t have canonical RNA-binding motifs/domains, but has a long intrinsically disordered region (IDR) that can bind RNAs nonspecifically. Also, it does phase-separate using the structured C-terminus! Due to its important role in cell development, I want to understand how it functions, forms condensates, regulates germ granules, and interacts with other granules using biochemical and imaging-based approaches!

As a child, I wanted to be a pâtissière (pastry chef) – still ‘bake’ things in a hot oven and an autoclave!

Outreach Coordinator
Sarah Lofland

2nd Year
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Jingshing Wu Lab

My research focuses on the role of hyper/hypoxia on cardiac maturation and development.

I “DJed” in Madrid when I was 18.

Three Minute Thesis Co-Chair
Abby Veeser

2nd Year
Molecular and Environmental Toxicology
Heather Barkholtz Lab

Glucuronidation is a major metabolic pathway for opioids, benzodiazepines, and cannabinoids, producing conjugated metabolites that require hydrolysis for detection in urine drug testing. This study assesses the hydrolysis efficiency of the commercial enzyme B-One using a 13-analyte glucuronide master mix spiked into drug-free and NFOD urine. Samples were treated enzymatically and analyzed by LC-QToF to quantify conversion to free drug forms, with ongoing results guiding enzyme evaluation and method development in clinical and forensic toxicology.

My family is from England and Ireland.

Three Minute Thesis Co-Chair
Anna Grace Towler

4nd Year
Chemistry
Ying Ge Lab

My research uses mass spectrometry-based proteomics to study the pulmonary proteome from lung tissue samples. I’m particularly interested in characterizing changes in the lung extracellular matrix in response to various physiological processes.

I’m training for my first marathon which I’ll be racing in Madison in November!

Senior Advisor
Alexis Adrian

6th Year
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
William Ricke Lab

I study how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to diseases of aging.

I love to read!