Where Does Your Journey STEM From?

Dr. Divan is the founder of Trulitica, a professional career services company that focuses on strategy, communication, and career development for scientists in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. He holds a Ph.D. In Medical Sciences from Texas A&M University and completed his postdoctoral studies in microbiology and medicinal chemistry at the University of North Dakota.

Samuel Oluwakorede Oyefusi is a Mechanical Engineering student at Pan Atlantic University, Ex-president of the Living Green Club, the co-Founder of Ridebuddy and Global Ambassador of Thierworld. He has a passion for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which drives his focus on Energy Transition and Robotics innovation, alongside advocacy for quality education.

Shaundra Toy is currently working as a Solution Engineer for Clari, a company working with AI in the Sales Process. Toy is PMP certified, double certified in change management, holds a certificate in UX Research, a certificate in Human Centered Strategy, has mentored new project managers, taught many advanced seminars for the Project Management Institute (PMI) and recently finished a minor in User Experience Research along with her Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and Integrative Problem Solving.

Driven by a blend of formal education in accounting, a thriving career in technology for over 22 years, and a profound passion for art, Chaya has embraced every facet of her life with a growth mindset. Living with ADHD has been her greatest teacher, guiding her through triumphs and trials and fostering personal growth at every turn. From navigating the complexities of distraction to discovering the power of hyperfocus, each experience has shaped her into who she is today. Chaya's mission is to empower the neurodivergent community in homes, schools, and workplaces through coaching and training. Regardless of neurodivergence, every mind possesses remarkable potential and warrants acknowledgment and respect.

Etienne Palos hass a Ph.D. in Theoretical & Computational Chemistry, working in the group of Prof. Francesco Paesani at the University of California, San Diego. His work is founded on a data-driven approach for molecular simulation, and encompasses method development, implementation, and making conceptual connections between electronic structure theory and many-body representations of molecular systems, particularly in the condensed phase. His work resides "on the border" between quantum chemistry and statistical physics, seeking to improve our understanding of the complexity of molecular interactions, from the dimer to the thermodynamic limit.

Brianna Jepsen is pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at Indiana University, focusing on Materials and Organic Chemistry. Her current research focuses on developing an alternative cancer treatment by synthesizing a new photosensitizer, a molecule that can absorb light and be used in photochemical reactions, to be used in photodynamic therapy, where light is shined on a photosensitizer to destroy tumor cells.

Emmaleah Jones is a recent graduate from Northeastern University's Master's program in Urban Informatics-- a blend of data science and urban planning. Her background is in urban planning, social science, and resilience studies. In 2022 she was a Fulbright researcher in Chile, where she worked with an interdisciplinary team at CIGIDEN (the Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management) and the National Office of Emergency to build a simulation-based visualization and decision-support tool for integrating risk assessments into urban planning nationwide in a mid-size coastal city called San Antonio. She still lives in Santiago, Chile where she also works for The Cities Observatory of UC (OCUC) on a data infrastructure project for the regional government of Santiago, part of a larger project to promote interoperability between various city ministries through the design of a functional data infrastructure.

Dr. Marilú Pérez García is a first-generation college graduate. She started her academic career at the College of Southern Idaho, then transferred to Idaho State University to complete her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After completing her doctorate in 2014, focusing on analytical and computational chemistry, Dr. Perez stayed in Ames for a post-doc position in the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, studying primarily rare earth elements. Now pursuing independent research, she examines ways to combine empirical and computational data to understand and predict metal ion complexation in solution.

Emma Peterman is an NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the Galloway Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her current research is focused on engineering genetic circuits to perform more reliably in mammalian cells for applications like cellular therapies.

Sophia is a 1st year PhD student in Biochemistry at Stanford University, where she is currently rotating in labs. In her spare time, you can find Sophia climbing at the local rock gym or enjoying a mug of herbal tea.