Executive Board
Annika Chura
President
I’m Annika, and I’m a 2nd year PhD student in the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) graduate program. I'm happy to be part of this group because I believe that different perspectives, experiences, and ideas drive scientific progress. As an aspiring scientist, I feel empowered and inspired by the opportunities to connect and collaborate with other women in STEM through this group. Outside of class and lab, I enjoy playing music, running, and fencing!
Emily Payne
Vice President
Hi! My name is Emily. I am a second year graduate student in the Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology program (MCDB). I have always been passionate about science outreach and fostering a more diverse and welcoming environment in STEM. As Vice President I hope to encourage this environment through the events we hold as an organization. In my free time I enjoy hiking, doing any form of arts and crafts, and cooking.
Cassie Robbins
Treasurer
Hello! My name is Cassie and I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Ohio State Biochemistry Program (OSBP). I’m ecstatic to be a part of GWIS Central Ohio because I am passionate about supporting women in science. The women role models I’ve had in STEM were amazing and helped me realize my potential as a scientist. I am excited to help more women explore their passion in science. I am a Columbus native and love exploring the city, trying new food spots, and spending time with my family on the weekends.
Lillian Cool
Secretary
Hello! My name is Lillian Cool, and I am a 4th year PhD candidate in the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy program at the Ohio State College of Pharmacy. I am happy to be a part of the GWIS organization where I have made many friends across interdisciplinary programs, and I look forward to helping future women discover their interests and progress in the STEM field. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, visiting botanical conservatories, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Benson
General Body Coordinator
My name is Nicole and I am a third year Ph.D. student in the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Program. After moving from Nevada to attend graduate school, I was excited to find a new community dedicated to supporting graduate women in science and I wanted to find a way to contribute to this community so that it could become an inclusive space for other women as well. In my spare time I enjoy reading, painting and drawing, and spending time outside (but only when the weather is nice).
Julia Faraone
Outreach Chair
My name is Julia Faraone and I am a 4th year PhD student in the MCDB program. I work in the lab of Dr. Shan-Lu Liu investigating the biology of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. In my free time, I like to knit, play video games, and go on bike rides.
Anmol Kaur Gill
Diversity Co-chair
I'm Anmol Kaur Gill, a Graduate Research Assistant working towards a Master's degree in the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering (FABE) with Dr. Darren Drewry. I completed my bachelor's in Agricultural Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University, India. Currently, my research centers on using machine learning and remote sensing to enhance wheat breeding efficiency and climate resilience.
I hold the position of Diversity/Advocacy Co-Chair with GWIS. Outside of my studies, I like exploring new places and looking after plants during my leisure moments.
Isabella Mendes
Diversity Co-chair
Hi! My name is Isabella. I am a senior graduate student in the Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology program (MCDB). As I have gotten to higher years in my program, concepts of science communication and outreach have become increasingly important to me. Research has shown that science is better when we are all involved. As the Diversity Chair for GWIS Central Ohio, my role involves fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in our spaces and programs for people of diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability, and age. I am originally from California, and I have been enjoying getting to experience all four seasons here in Ohio. In my free time I enjoy volunteer work, hiking, and cuneiform clay tablet creation.
Paola Loperena Gonzalez
Mentorship Co-coordinator
I am Paola N. Loperena Gonzalez, a PhD student in the Microbiology department. I got involved with GWIS because for the first time I can form part of a supportive community with fellow women scientists. As co-mentorship chair, I aim to provide both graduate and undergraduate students with professional development activities that will contribute to their growth as scientists. Some fun facts about me are that I love to play tennis and anything mint chocolate flavored.
Claire Cornellier
Mentorship Co-coordinator
​Hi! My name is Claire Cornellier and I am one of the two mentorship chairs. I am a second year in the BSGP program and I study vaccine development. I got involved in GWIS because I have had the fortune to work with amazing women in the STEM field and I want to help other women find and maintain those relationships. Outside of research I play the double bass and love to watch Formula One racing.
Mia Kordowski
Public Relations (PR) Chair
​Hello! My name is Mia Kordowski, and I am so excited represent GWIS Central Ohio as the PR Chair. I am looking forward to spreading awareness about our organization and events via social medias and highlighting amazing science from amazing women. I am apart of the Biophysics Graduate Program and work with Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as a gene therapy vehicle for many diseases in my lab. Outside of the lab I love to do glass blowing, hike with my dogs, and read fantasy books.