
Executive Board

Emily Stephens
Co-President
Check back later for Emily's bio!

Zianne Olverson
Co-President
Hi, I’m Zianne! I’m a fourth-year PhD student in the MCDB Graduate Program at The Ohio State University. In Dr. Matthew Gorr’s lab, I study how e-cigarette aerosol exposure impacts cardiopulmonary and reproductive health. Outside of research, I’m passionate about outreach and community engagement, particularly making science more accessible to the youth and the broader Columbus community. As Co-President, I hope to create opportunities that inspire future scientists, encourage critical thinking, and foster an inclusive and supportive community for women in STEM.

Helena Islam
Vice President
Check back later for Helena's bio!

Afia Asamoah
Secretary and Diversity Chair
Hi! My name is Afia! I'm a second year Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) graduate student. I'm excited to be a part of GWIS and reach our wider university community. I think science communication, networking and representation are all really important and GWIS does those quite well. Looking forward to the year ahead!
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Shubhangi Sharma
General Body Coordinator
Hi! I’m Shubhangi, a third year PhD student in the Ohio State Biochemistry Program (OSBP) and an avid science lover. I’m excited to be part of the GWIS community and serve as General Body Coordinator. I joined GWIS to connect with like-minded women and contribute to a community that uplifts and empowers future scientists. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and exploring Columbus.

Electra Coffman
Mentorship Chair
I'm Electra, a fifth year PhD student in the MCDB program. I look forward to continuing to serve as the mentorship chair for GWIS this year. I'm always excited to help K-12 and undergrads learn about science and how to shape their careers no matter where they started from. I grew up in Texas and moved to Ohio to earn my PhD here at OSU. I enjoy playing video games, photography, painting, reading-- and if I'm feeling really crazy-- editing my dissertation in my free time.

Aviana Smith
Co-Outreach Chair
Hello, my name is Aviana Smith and I am a second year Biophysics PhD student. I received my degrees in Physics with an Applied Mathematics minor and Performance (Vocal) from Boise State University in 2024. I am really looking forward to helping GWIS in providing goal-oriented professional development workshops and supporting science locally through volunteering/ mentoring pre-graduate studies students. I love volunteering, and I am so excited to set down some roots in my new community here.

Virginia Lopez
Co-Outreach Chair
Hi, name is Virginia. I am currently a third year graduate student in the Ohio State Biochemistry Program (OSBP). I have always been passionate about science outreach and fostering a welcoming environment in STEM. As the outreach co-chair I hope to encourage this environment through the events we hold as an organization. I enjoy spending time with friends, building legos, trying new foods with my fiancé and learning new hobbies!

Deepthi Nambiar
PR Chair
Check back later for Deepthi's bio!