Blog

Among other things, Kate Giffin is a PhD candidate in neuroscience. In the lab, she studies how severe infections can lead to long-term brain issues like dementia. She is passionate about telling scientific stories through unexpected genres, particularly poetry, to expand the way people think about science and the world. When Kate is not marveling at the everyday wonder of the brain, she is probably outside marveling at some strange plant.

Claire Shudde is a Ph.D. candidate in pharmacology studying the everyday wonder of the immune system and how it can fight cancer and autoimmune disease. Outside of the lab, she enjoys dancing, reading, and editing a friend’s novel. She hopes people leave this magazine with more awe for the world around them.

Nick Jänne is a PhD student in Robotics, researching how robots can improve their scope of capabilities in the real world by learning from humans. He also hopes to one day build human habitats on the Moon and Mars using a team of robots and humans. Nick received his Bachelors of Computer Engineering degree from the University of Michigan in 2023, and has a passion for reading and writing on the next generation of artificial intelligence.

Julia Kravchenko is a neuroscience graduate student studying the relationship between sleep and Alzheimer’s disease. She is passionate about making academia accessible
to the general public. Outside the lab she can be found reading fantasy novels amidst her growing collection of gnomes.

Emily Januck is a PhD candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Michigan, where she studies neurodegeneration. Outside the lab, she enjoys attending trivia, playing Euchre, and traveling with her friends. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Ye Han (Jeremy) Chen is a PhD candidate in Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan. Jeremy has a primary research interest in quantitative methods for precision medicine. Outside the lab, he enjoys cooking new recipes,cheering on Philadelphia sports teams, and learning about East Asian languages and history. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Dana Messinger is a PhD candidate in the Cancer Biology graduate program at the University of Michigan, where she studies epigenetic dysregulation in high-grade pediatric brain tumors. When she’s not doing science, Dana is a big fan of spending time outdoors, reading, and going to concerts. Connect with her on Linkedin.

Amanda Bekkala is a PhD candidate in the Immunology graduate program at the University of Michigan, where she studies how microRNAs alter the tumor-immune microenvironment in high-grade ovarian cancer tumors. When she’s not doing science, Amanda loves exploring the outdoors in all ways possible, whether it be running, mountain biking, or skiing/snowboarding. Additionally, she enjoys getting creative by drawing or painting when she finds the time. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Paris Riggle is a PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Michigan, where she studies the molecular mechanisms of brain development in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders and evolution. Outside the lab, Paris likes to play cello, experiment with recipes in the kitchen, and spend time in nature. She also enjoys creative arts and writing. It was a joy to work with everyone on the magazine and see the ideas come to life! Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Alex Ford is a student and neuroscientist who researches how the brain processes sensory information in the visual system. He has a tendency to seek out the absurd, and frequently attempts to create art. In his free time, he is with friends, family, or a good book under a tree.

Deanna Cannizzaro is an avid reader, writer, and tap dancer. As a neuroscientist, she studies how sensory neurons detect and influence the glands that produce saliva. When Deanna is not daydreaming about fantastical worlds and cool science, she’s going on adventures with her husband and two pups.

Satabdi Mohanty is an international Master’s candidate in Human Genetics, proudly hailing from India. Outside the lab, you’ll find her smashing ping pong balls, sketching in dramatic shades, scribbling in her journal, or diving into audiobooks and horoscopes (because the stars deserve some attention too).Her creative streak in digital illustration was sparked by her brother, Sambit Mohanty—a professional concept artist—who also introduced her to the magic of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. She believes art is a better way to scream your thoughts without disturbing your neighbours. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Adriana Brown is a 3rd year PhD candidate in the Earth department studying ancient climates of North America through the chemistry of fossil sea shells. She can often be found biking, reading all sorts of fiction/fantasy, and trying out new recipes with her friends.

Jessica (Jess) Li is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Michigan. In Dr. Xiaoxia (Nina) Lin’s lab, they are developing novel microfluidic methods to grow biofilms and test them for properties of interest. They aim to use these tools to better understand how community membership influences disinfection resistance in drinking water biofilms. Outside of lab, they enjoy multiple artistic hobbies including digital art, crochet, knitting, and cross stitch. They also love video games and board games. You can find them on LinkedIn as well as various social media platforms.

Danny Cruz is a PhD student in the Cellular and Molecular Biology graduate program at the University of Michigan, where he studies blood development through CRISPR genetic screens in the Khoriaty lab. Outside of the lab, he enjoys eating out with friends, going on long walks, and trying out new pens in his sketchbook. His interest in illustration was inspired by a childhood love of Pokemon.

Naomi Raicu is a third-year Applied Physics Ph.D. candidate at UM, where, as a member of the Z Laboratory in the Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences Department, she studies the transport properties of high-entropy liquids through atomic-scale simulations. When she’s not in lab or out on a walk, you’ll likely find Naomi in a boba shop downtown.