
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 Biochemistry M.S. student. 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).

Clare Austin
Outreach Co-chair
Hello, my name is Clare! I am a graduate student in the Molecular Genetics Department. As the outreach co-chair, I am excited to work with the community to demonstrate how exciting science can be! In my free time I like to play volleyball, read, and hang out with my friends.

Adaliz Torres-Rosado
Outreach Co-chair
Check back later for Adaliz's bio!

Manie Brema
Diversity and Advocacy Co-chair
Hello! My name is Manie and I am currently a 2nd year PhD student in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology (MCBD) Program. I am excited to be involved in Diversity co-chair. I have always aspired to make create safe and supportive space of underrepresented groups within the science community. Being able to nurture inclusive environment for women, those with different diversity background has encourage to become a role model for future underrepresented aspiring scientist that may not have the same support. Joining GWIS will allow me to connect and collaborate with women form all backgrounds of age, ethnicities, and sexual orientation and form a supportive network of women in the STEM spaces.

Anandi Batabyal
Diversity and Advocacy Co-chair
I'm Anandi, and I'm a 3rd Year PhD student in the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) graduate program. I study the biological mechanisms governing inter-generational effects of maternal stress on the child. My passion for women's health and equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds motivates me to participate in science outreach activities. I feel, as a part of GWIS, I can meaningfully contribute to women in STEM for development of their research/professional careers. I grew up in India in a warm and humid city, and I am enjoying the Columbus winters. In my free time, I enjoy acting in stage plays, watching movies, and visiting new places. I wish to have a pet dog or cat one day.

Claire Cornellier
Mentorship Co-chair
​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.

Emily Stephens
Public Relations (PR) Chair
Check back later for Emily's bio!