PRESIDENT

Elise lemanski

I became interested in psychology when I read Malcolm Gladwell’s books Outliers and Blink. When I got to college, I discovered a field that I didn’t even know existed: Neuroscience. I realized that I was fascinated with the underlying biology of the brain and behavior. I changed my major and graduated from the Ohio State University with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology.

Through my education and research experience I discovered that I was particularly interested in the Neuroimmune system and in brain cells called microglia. That interest led me to the University of Delaware, where I am coadvised by Dr. Jaclyn Schwarz and Dr. Elizabeth Wright-Jin. My current research is investigating the role of the neuroimmune system in early life brain injury.

Outside of the lab I enjoy spending time with my two cats, Mochi and Dusk as well as my pet snake Noodle. I also love gardening and spending time in nature as well as playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends.

VICE PRESIDENT

Ooha Imandi

I'm a master's student majoring in analytics with a passion for exploring the cosmic mysteries of the universe. My academic journey is driven by a fascination for both the intricacies of data and the vastness of the galaxy. I've dedicated myself to uncovering meaningful connections within numbers and data. Love for galactic wonders has inspired me to see the universe as a source of inspiration, where every data point holds the potential to reveal something profound. I'm on a mission to bridge the gap between the analytical world and the boundless expanse of the cosmos, always eager to discover new connections and insights in both realms.  

Additionally, I have a deep passion for delving into the realm of nutrition. I strongly believe that better food choices pave the way for a brighter future. The understanding of nutrition and its impact on our well-being is a driving force in my journey to make a positive difference.

TREASURER

Ian SMith

I got my undergraduate education at Ohio Northern University, where I earned my B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience and minors in Biology, Statistics, and Music. I loved learning about how research unearths brand new information and answers questions about human behavior and health. I became particularly interested in blending the fields of psychology and biology to understand how the complex relationship between biological and environmental factors can lead to different outcomes in later life.

Currently, I am a Neuroscience graduate student at the University of Delaware working in the labs of Drs. Anna Klintsova and Tania Roth, where I research fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Using various lab techniques, I study how brain circuits and structures are altered by prenatal alcohol exposure, as well as potential interventions that can improve these negative changes.

RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR

Christine Rourke

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Biomolecular Sciences, both at Central Connecticut State University. At CCSU I spent many years working and leading STEM outreach programs for underrepresented children, grades ranging from 7-12, in Hartford and its surrounding areas in CT.

I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Aimee Jaramillo-Lambert’s lab with a concentration in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Delaware. In our lab we study the specialized cell division of meiosis that results in haploid gametes, eggs for females and sperm for males. We are interested in the sex-specific molecular contributions to successful completion of meiosis. I am really excited to get this opportunity to get back into STEM outreach at the University of Delaware!

OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Angel D’Oliviera

I am a PhD student in Jeff Mugridge's lab in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department at the University of Delaware. Currently, I am interested in RNA-modifying enzymes, including finding how they work in our cells, determining their 3-dimensional structure, and understanding their role in diseases and cancer.

I joined PBL because I enjoy sharing my research with people and love helping students become excited about STEAM! In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my very enthusiastic golden retriever, Hartsy.

WORKSHOP COORDINATOR

Dev Pande

Hey! My name is Dev and I'm a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Delaware. My research focuses on understanding how the brain encodes social experiences. Outside of the lab, I enjoy solving chess puzzles, watching TV shows, and playing the guitar.

MARKETING & MEDIA CREATOR

Malek Elsayyid

Malek Elsayyid is a 5th-year Biological Sciences Ph.D./MBA candidate in the Tanis lab. Her research uses the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to explore extracellular vesicle (EV) biogenesis, EV cargo trafficking in primary cilia, and glial phagocytosis of neuronal EVs. Her hobbies include ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and salsa dancing!

MARKETING & MEDIA PUBLISHER

Sarah MArshall

I graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a B.A. in Neuroscience. I am now an Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD student in Philip Gabel’s lab. I am studying emotions and the motivation behind those emotions. I do a lot of work with EEG and am excited to grow my research expertise in this field.

In my free time I love to hike, bake, swim, and of course hang out with my friends!