Rebekah Adams is a PhD student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon. She was born and raised in South Orange, NJ. She acquired her undergraduate degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Princeton. Her research focuses on fabricating DNA origami structures for immunomodulation and biosensing applications. Paying it forward, she is passionate about academic service and community building, especially for those with underprivileged backgrounds, via science, mathematics, and engineering. Rebekah previously tutored and mentored K-12 students since 2014. Outside of her studies, she enjoys reading, journaling, playing violin and piano, kickboxing and drawing.

Uchechukwu “Uche” Agwu is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. He conducts research in Professor Kenji Shimada’s Computational, Engineering, and Robotics Laboratory (CERLAB) where he focuses on the design, analysis, and application of lattice structures and additively manufactured components to the aerospace industry. He hopes his research will help advance the efficiency of future spacecraft through the design and optimization methods used to reduce weight, maintain stiffness, and apply multi-functional purposes to specific spacecraft components. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Santa Clara University in 2018 and his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in 2020. When he’s not researching or working, Uche enjoys playing soccer, listening to music, cooking, and Latin dancing

Paula Arambel is a GEM Fellow and Mechanical Engineering PhD student at CMU. She is the President of the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Organization, and she serves on the Executive Board of the Women in Mechanical Engineering Society. Paula is from Boston, MA and received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University with a minor in BioMechanics. Her current research at the Microstructures and Mechanobiology Lab at CMU, focuses on a new microfabrication technique aimed at planar stretchable electronics.

Sankalp Arora is a 3rd year PhD student at CMU Robotics Institute. He completed his Masters in Robotics at RI in 2014 and worked as Research Engineer from 2010-2012 here. During his stay here he has developed planning and perception algorithms for flying vehicles. He worked on safety and sensor planning for AACUS, world’s first guaranteed safe full-scale autonomous helicopter, world’s first climate invariant infrastructure free ship-deck tracker. And is currently a recipient of Qualcomm Innovation fellowship for the development of autonomous curious Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for data gathering.

Stephanie Blackwood is a junior undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University and has been a part of the Leonard Gelfand Center's Saturday Outreach programs since her freshmen fall semester. She is studying biology and psychology with a minor in biomedical engineering while involved in on-campus biology research. In addition to her research, Stephanie has a passion for teaching. Prior to her time at CMU, she was a math and Spanish tutor, and over the summer, she is a teacher for Destination Science summer camp, where she leads science lessons about robots, programming, chemistry, and physics to students K-6.

Cameron Breze is a third-year student in Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering, double majoring in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry. He has worked as a personal tutor, classroom assistant, and mentor at PUCS Middle School and the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy over the past three years. Last year, Cameron acted as a Teaching Assistant for the Gelfand Outreach Saturday Series classes. Moving forward, his goal is to promote science by learning through experimentation and creative thinking.

Athena Chen is a junior undergraduate student studying biology at CMU on the preoptometry track where she shadows and works at an optometry clinic in her free time. She is a co-president of Future Leaders of Science, an organization dedicated to engaging students from K-12 in STEM and is the secretary of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students. In addition, Athena is also involved in CMU Emergency Medical Services and a lead mentor for the Emerging Leaders Program at CMU. Prior to CMU, Athena had experience as a private tutor and has a passion for working with children.

Morgan Chen is a first-year Mechanical Engineering doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon University, working in Professor B. Reeja Jayan’s lab to study novel ways to build and control materials, such as using microwave radiation to grow ceramic parts. His research work will help discover new manufacturing methods and material properties for creating efficient and sustainable technologies. Morgan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree and has also completed internships at companies such as Lockheed Martin, Dell, and Fathom5. Outside of school and work, he enjoys swimming, listening to music, and eating tacos.

Darren Cheng is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at CMU. His research currently focuses on the formation and growth of atmospheric nanoparticles, specifically building new instrumentation to measure particles in the 1-10 nm range. Before CMU, Darren completed his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan and worked at HP Inc as a process and tooling engineer for new inkjet cartridges.

John likes to introduce himself by saying he is a robot programmed with a singular mission: To effectively engage and inspire the next generation of STEM talent. Having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Arts at Carnegie Mellon University in 2017, John has over 9 years of experience developing computer simulations using a variety of programming languages and 4 years of experience building robots at Carnegie Mellon University. In 2016, as an Innovation Scholar from the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CMU, John Choi founded an educational technology company called Choitek in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Choitek’s flagship product is the Multipurpose Mobile Manipulator Mk II, (or Megamark for short), an advanced robotics platform designed to be capable of performing a variety of human-size tasks, such as watering plants, playing the piano, feeding pets, delivering coffee, and most importantly, teaching and inspiring students with its easy-to- use and accessible hardware. John Choi volunteered at the Carnegie Science Center, Assemble PGH, and Carnegie Mellon’s Leonard Gelfand Center, Project Ignite, Robotics Club, and several middle and high schools, and was awarded the Gelfand Student Service Award in 2017. John is truly an artist, engineer, and entrepreneur all in one.

Sophie Clarke is a first-year, double Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering student. At CMU, she is involved with the Society of Women Engineers and the Robotics Club, where she is currently working with a team to create a robotic model of the human hand. Sophie has previous experience teaching STEM to children 4 to 16 years old at a summer camp and a nature center. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends.

Yves Georgy Daoud is a second-year master’s in science student at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the Resilient Intelligent Systems Lab (RISLab) where he works on improving the performance and safety of robots operating in challenging real-world conditions through state estimation under uncertainty. Before that, he graduated in 2020 from the American University of Beirut - Lebanon with a degree in mechanical engineering where he worked on interdisciplinary projects such as a concrete 3D printer, beehive monitoring system, delta robot for pick and place applications, and a smartphone app for road quality and CO2 monitoring. In his free time, he enjoys reading books, hiking in nature, and going caving.

Richard Desatnik is a graduate student in mechanical engineering at CMU. When receiving his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron, he worked on artificial intelligence research for Akron Children’s Hospital. His graduate research focuses on soft robotic systems for biomimetic applications. Richard is also a cyberwarfare commander for the Ohio Army National Guard and a graduate of the Army Airborne School. Richard has a spirited interest in teaching students about opportunities in STEM through fun and engaging projects. He believes teaching the students of today will lead to the advancements of tomorrow.

Christopher George is an undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineer. He has an intense interest in education, which has led to the creation of several personal papers delving into topics about how and why students learn, and what the most effective means of education are. He has been a teaching assistant for the Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science class at CMU. He also currently volunteers for a group called Teknowledge, which is focusing on creating a curriculum and outreach program through Carnegie Mellon to support local high schools and teach computer science and programming.

Alex Gourley is a second-year PhD student in mechanical engineering working on additive manufacturing at CMU. He was born and raised in Iredell County, North Carolina. Alex went to Duke University and double majored in mechanical engineering and chemistry. While at Duke he played on the football team as a center for the offensive line. He was a member of the Duke Motorsports team and worked one summer for a NASCAR team. Outside of his studies, Alex enjoys playing video games, music, and woodworking.  Alex was the recipient of a 2023 Gelfand Student Award for Educational Outreach.

Caroline Holmes is a third-year Dramaturgy major, minoring in English Literature and Culture. At CMU, she is involved in theatrical productions through the school of drama, and with student-led theatre across campus through Scotch’n’Soda and other independent projects. She works for the Leonard Gelfand Center as a Teaching Assistant and as a video editor for LGC virtual programs such as the GO STEM Show and other remote educational videos. As the daughter of an educator, she has always had a passion for education and creating opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for young students. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, playing the violin, and crafting fun art projects!

Nathan Holzmueller is a fourth-year student at Carnegie Mellon University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics along with a minor in Statistics. Nathan has experience as a research assistant for Professor Randall Feenstra of Carnegie Mellon University Physics. He has also been a mentor in Carnegie Mellon University’s physics outreach program and worked as a teaching assistant for the Leonard Gelfand Center this past summer and fall.

Lydia Jahl is a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry. Her interest in atmospheric chemistry began while earning her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry at Harvey Mudd College. She is currently a member of the CMU Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies, where she studies how the emissions of wildfires affect different chemical and physical processes that happen in our atmosphere. Lydia hopes that her class will teach young students how their individual actions impact our planet and what we can all do to improve our environment.

Leela Jay is a third-year Decision Science major, minoring in business. At CMU, she is on the executive board of the Activities Board (CMU’s student-run organization that plans campus events for students), the Head of Entertainment for the Spring Carnival Committee, a Senator for CMU Student Senate, and a Consultant for CMU 180 Degrees Consulting. She works for the Leonard Gelfand Center as a Teaching Assistant and STEM Ambassador, working with children from K-12 and teaching them about STEM through workshops and fun activities. Outside of that, she is an Orientation Leader for First-Year Orientation, a Teaching Assistant for introductory psychology courses, and a research assistant at the Data Driven Diversity Lab at CMU. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, and watching tv shows.

Gargi Lagvankar is a fifth-year student at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture with interests in art, ecology, and education. Her previous experience includes working with Assemble and working as a tutor for English and Math for children from ages 10-17. She aims to make STEAM ideas accessible to more children and instill the importance of creativity and the natural environment from a young age.

Harrison Lawson is a third year Chemical engineering doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon University. He conducts research in Professor Si-Yang Zheng’s Biomedical Engineering Lab, where he focuses on designing novel nanoparticle formulations for delivering nucleic acid therapeutics. Harrison hopes his research will lead to new vaccine formulations and therapies for rare genetic diseases. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 2018 and his M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University in 2020. When he’s not working, Harrison enjoys listening to music, cooking, and going to trivia nights with his friends.

Elizabeth Levy is currently a fifth-year student in Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture. She has taught children K through 7th at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Anvil Art Studio, Camp Invention Program, Phipps Conservatory Discovery Center, and presented Sustainable Living Research to several classrooms of students in Pennsylvania. She has a background in art, design, and horticulture with interests in biology, sustainability, and education. As a member of CMU’s Architectural Outreach Program, Elizabeth’s focus is to instill in children the importance of STEAM ideals and introduce architecture at a young age.

Kelly Li is currently an architecture student at Carnegie Mellon University with interests in design and education. She has previous experience teaching students aged five through thirteen at Carnegie Mellon’s School of Architecture Saturday Sequence, Carnegie Museum of Art, and Pittsburgh Public School's Summer Dreamers Academy. Through teaching, she hopes to inspire others to not only learn from their surroundings, but also discover methods to positively influence those environments.

Zefang Li is a second year Master’s student in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China (2021). He is working in the Soft Machines Lab at CMU advised by Prof. Carmel Majidi. His research interests are in developing liquid crystal elastomer actuators for soft robotics and human-computer interaction.

Jiahe Liao is a Ph.D. student in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his B.S. in Computer Science from National Taipei University, Taiwan (2015), and M.S. in Robotics from CMU (2018). He is working in the CMU Soft Machines Lab advised by Prof. Carmel Majidi. His research interests are in soft-matter artificial muscles for robots.

Hannah Loy is a senior at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering, studying Mechanical Engineering with an additional major in Robotics. She works as a physics tutor for the Academic Development Department and travelled to the Dominican Republic last year as a volunteer to teach students English. Her goal is to excite young students about the endless possibilities of science, and to promote STEM at a young age.

Eric Markvicka is a PhD candidate in the robotics institute where he is working with Prof. Carmel Majidi to explore a new class of multifunctional wearable electronics for biomonitoring. Eric received his M.S. degree in robotics from Carnegie Mellon University in May 2017. Prior to arriving at CMU, Eric received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he worked with Prof. Shane Farritor to develop fully insertable surgical robots for minimally invasive abdominal surgery. While at UNL, he was an intern at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, and Honeybee Robotics. He is a recipient of graduate research fellowship awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Center for Machine Learning and Health (CMLH) at CMU.

Maggie McGrann is a new MFA candidate for Costume Design in the School of Drama. Originally from Richmond, VA, Maggie has always found joy in collaborating with others and being in a classroom. She has worked for five years with the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC) in various capacities as a teaching artist and costume designer. Though her specialty is in the fine art of designing for the stage, Maggie has a lifelong goal of working with others to find the joy in the world around us.

Shree Patel is a freshman studying chemistry at CMU with an interest in applying science to technical problems and public policy. She played softball in high school and currently dances for CMU Raasta when she isn’t teaching other students through CMU’s Future Leaders of Science. In addition, she interned at a forensics laboratory over the summer where she was able to conduct the same kinds of processes that you will be utilizing in this class!

Ritu Treisa Philip is currently a master’s student in the Energy Science Technology and Policy Program. She earned her B.Tech degree in Chemical Engineering from Anna University, India. Her research interests are focused on materials that are used in energy generation and storage. Prior to her studies at CMU, she combined her passion for music and teaching while volunteering with the Teach for India fellowship program as a music teacher for children from underprivileged backgrounds. She continued to pursue her passion for teaching while working at the Gelfand Center over the summer as an office assistant and a part-time TA in the Gelfand Outreach summer program.

Keith Phuthi is a graduate student in mechanical engineering at CMU and has an undergraduate degree in physics from MIT. His research focuses on computational modelling of materials for applications in energy storage devices such as batteries and is interested in energy systems in general. He has a passion for giving people from diverse backgrounds exposure to accessible science in the hope of spurring their interest. He believes that while learning will not always be easy, it can always be enjoyable with the right environment, motivations, and people around students. Keith has consistently taught K-12 students in various programs since 2015.

Guadalupe “Lupe” Quirarte is a second-year PhD student in the mechanical engineering department at Carnegie Mellon. Her current research involves merging heat transfer physics, additive manufacturing (AM), and machine learning to improve AM measurement science. Before joining CMU, Lupe received her B.S. in Math and Physics from Harvey Mudd College in 2020. During her undergraduate years, Lupe conducted research at NIST and LIGO in quantum and astrophysics. Outside of research, Lupe enjoys baking, the outdoors, and sketching.

Vinitha Ranganeni is an undergraduate alumnus at Carnegie Mellon University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems and Robotics. She is also worked as an undergraduate researcher at Carnegie Mellon University’s Search-Based Planning Lab and advised by Professor Maxim Likhachev. Her general research interests lie in Robotic Manipulation and Motion Planning. Previously, she was an undergraduate researcher in The Personal Robotics Lab where I was advised by Professor Siddhartha Srinivasa and worked on projects with HERB, the Home Exploring Robot Butler. Vinitha participated in several outreach events with children and underprivileged students where she talks about Robotics in general and the specific work both she and her lab are doing.

Allison Rexrode is an MFA student for Costume Production in the School of Drama. She first learned hand sewing as a child and found great satisfaction in making things with her own hands. As she grew up, she became interested in art professionally and found that her true love was making. In addition to gaining a BFA in Theatre at University of Central Florida, Allison has experience working in bridal and special events. She hopes to collaborate with other disciplines, bridging the gaps between art and the sciences.

Jasio Santillan is currently completing his M.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering. He spent the previous four years earning his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering with an additional major in Biomedical Engineering at CMU. His experiences include developing snake robots, testing artificial lung devices, synthesizing nanoparticles for drug delivery, and even fabricating synthetic marimba keys from fiber composites. He is currently studying self-healing materials and composites with tunable properties.

Alexandra Schott is a senior with a major in Chemistry and Minor in Computer Science. She currently is doing research on the synthesis of DNA as it relates to different components in cell delivery. Aside from chemistry, Alex also enjoys rock climbing in her free time as well as piano. Alex is a member of DNA Zone, which attracts students to science by exposing them to modern and exciting, state-of-the art aspects of nucleic acids science. The DNA Zone fosters students’ interest in STEM fields.

Sujan Das Shrestha is currently a Master of Urban Design Candidate at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Working as an architect in Nepal before leaving for the US, he taught undergraduate students of architecture and interior design in Kathmandu, Nepal for 3 years as well. He has been involved as an Outreach Instructor for CMU’s Architecture Exploration Saturday Sequence program in Fall 2017 where high school and middle school students were introduced to concepts of urban design and architecture. He is currently working as a Data Visualization Research Assistant for the Remaking Cities Institute at CMU, looking into how 3D and Data visualization can aid better decision making and public engagement for urban planners and designers. Sujan graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Khwopa Engineering College, Bhaktapur, Nepal in 2013. Furthermore, building on his thesis, he has presented papers on a study into a possible urban regeneration and the perception of the residents for the reconstruction of a traditional historic neighborhood in the Kathmandu Valley after a devastating earthquake in 2015.

Max Sprigg-Dudley is a sophomore in the chemistry department at CMU. His career interests include the pursuit of sustainable practices in energy, water, and transportation. Max is currently doing research in the Collins Lab, working to understand and improve the performance of a revolutionary new type of water purification catalyst. Outside of class, Max is the president of the Treblemakers a Cappella group, helps host the annual CMU Science Olympiad invitational, and plays club ultimate Frisbee at Carnegie Mellon. He is excited to share his passion for chemistry with the next generation of scientists!

Marieke Van Der Maelen is a 3D modeler and product of the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Art program. Through CMU, she was exposed to local art conservators, and later pursued a career as an art conservator in Chicago, where she preserved period clothing for the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, conserved ethnographic textiles from Japan and West Africa, and restored a rare Finn Juhl “floating couch.” Her desire to share her knowledge with the next generation as well as connect traditional conservation practices with modern technology led her to bring her work to the classroom where she taught the science behind art conservation to students at the University of Chicago’s Charter School System. Her background in art, science and education continue to inform her current research: combining augmented reality with blockchain to redefine how people experience and interact with visual art, culture, and entertainment.

Michael Vinciguerra is a PhD student co-advised by Dr. Carmel Majidi (Mechanical Engineering) and Dr. Lining Yao (Human Computer Interaction Institute). Prior to joining CMU, Michael completed his undergraduate university in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science at Rutgers University in New Jersey. His current work focuses on processing, liquid crystal elastomer, a novel soft material that behaves like artificial muscle, through 3D printing techniques.

Alexander Volkov is a first-year master’s student at the CMU Robotics Institute. His research focuses on enabling legged robots to naturally interact with their environment. Before coming to Carnegie Mellon, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering. Above all, he is fascinated by robotic technology and its potential for positive impact on society and hopes to share his passion with the next generation of STEM students.

Megan Walsh is a second year PhD student in the Chemical Engineering department at Carnegie Mellon. She enjoys exploring chemical engineering problems through math and coding lenses. Specifically, she works on computational research aimed at optimizing large-scale pharmaceutical production processes. Before coming to CMU, Megan attended the University of Connecticut to study chemical engineering and graduated with a B.S. in 2021. Outside of school, Megan enjoys hiking, baking, and playing the flute.

Craig Weeks is a PhD student in mechanical engineering working on computational fluid dynamics modeling of metal additive manufacturing processes. He is from Portland, Oregon and completed his undergraduate studies at Oregon State University, where he majored in mechanical engineering with a double minor in aerospace engineering and computer science. Craig was part of the hybrid and liquid-engine rocket teams at Oregon State, and interned at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH working on electric aviation. In his free time, Craig enjoys trail running, playing piano and guitar, and discovering hikes in and around Pittsburgh.

Megan Wellener is a junior undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon in the Tepper School of Business. Megan is focusing her studies on Marketing and Leadership and Organizational Effectives, while also working towards a minor in Global Systems Management. She has worked with the Gelfand Outreach programs over the past year and has really enjoyed her experiences. Megan is passionate about teaching and working with students to explore their different passions and interests to help make them feel supported. Prior to her time at CMU, she interned as a teacher’s helper in a 3rd grade classroom and in a preschool setting. Megan has also worked at a variety of summer camps.

Anthony Wertz is a third year PhD student in robotics in the Soft Machines Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. A computer engineer by training (BS, MS), he has extensive industry experience in embedded systems, software development, and applied machine learning. Modeling, control, and hardware realization of advanced material systems in soft robotics are at the heart of his research.

Shannon Werntz is a second-year undergraduate student at CMU studying Decision Sciences and Business Administration. She is involved in research with CMU’s Center for Behavioral and Decision Research and is a teaching assistant with the Psychology Department. She has worked with the Leonard Gelfand Center’s outreach program since her first semester at CMU, as a Saturday Session TA and an afterschool tutor at Assemble. She is also heavily involved in STEM outreach through FIRST Robotics; as a high school senior, Shannon initiated a $2,500 FIRST program at her elementary school including 10 robotics teams, and she currently coaches the Girls of Steel high school FIRST team which meets on the CMU campus.

Sarah Wu is a junior studying Biology and Psychology. She is currently one of the copresidents of the Future Leaders of Science, an outreach organization at CMU. She has teaching experience from her high school and is also an EXCEL leader through CMU’s Academic Development program.

Victoria Yong is a 5th year architecture student at Carnegie Mellon University with a double-minor in Intelligent Environments and architectural history. She designed and tested the Outer Space Architecture curriculum for the CMU EQUIP Backpacks program. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys crocheting, cartooning, writing, and running.