Current Members
Students
RJ Chadha, President
Meet RJ Chadha, a fourth-year graduate student in the Wei Lab investigating metabolic changes in diabetes using Raman spectro-microscopy. Outside the lab, RJ enjoys traveling, exploring the vibrant culture of LA, and relaxing at the beach. In addition to the administrative responsibilities, RJ is involved in leading initiatives such as the CGSC Summer Seminar Series, industry and faculty seminars, and cultural celebrations like the annual Diwali & Holi events as the co-President of CGSC. RJ is also deeply committed to advancing outreach efforts! Join RJ as he navigates the intersection of scientific discovery and community building!
Jordan Thompson
Jordan is a fifth-year graduate student in Dr. Sarah Reisman's lab. He is interested in natural product total synthesis (organic chemistry, more broadly) and enjoys cooking/baking and crossfit. As the co-chair of CGSC, he is very involved in organizational responsibilities but also CGSC Summer Seminar Series, the Big/Little Sib Mentoring Program, and Seminar Day.
Emily Chen
Emily is a fifth-year graduate student in Sarah Reisman's lab, studying data-driven strategies for organic reaction development. Outside of the lab, you can find Emily baking, running, or spending time with her dog, June. In CGSC, Emily is involved in programming for the Big/Little Sib Program, Summer Seminar Series, Seminar Day, and outreach events.
Eva Kercmar
Eva is a third-year chemical biology graduate student in McFall-Ngai group, where she's studying interactions between Hawaiian bobtail squid and its bioluminescent partner Vibrio fischeri. Outside of the lab, Eva loves finding new coffee shops and food places around LA, going to the beach and going to as many concerts as possible!
Kate Gallagher
Kate is a third-year graduate student in the Reisman lab. She is interested in organic chemistry, mainly total synthesis and method development. She enjoys lifting and going to the beach on days off.
Helena Awad
Helena is a fifth-year graduate student in Dr. Linda Hsieh-Wilson's group. Her research interests are developing new methods for mammalian glycan detection and studying the role of specific glycan modifications in protein structure-function relationships. When not in the lab, Helena likes to spend time with her two bunnies, Bunny and Elliot.
Maia Helterbrand
Originally from the Bay Area, Maia graduated from Rice University and is now a third-year chemical biology graduate student in Dr. Linda Hsieh-Wilson's group. When not in the lab, Maia loves playing board and card games, exploring different coffee shops, drinking tea, and having TV show and movie marathons with friends.
Sara Siddiqui
Sara is a second-year in Dr. Brian Stoltz's group and is originally from Chicago. In the Stoltz group, she is working toward developing new organic methodology via transition metal catalysis. In her free time, Sara loves trying new recipes, exploring small coffee shops, and watching cat videos!
Zoe Readi-Brown, Mental Health Advocate
Zoe is a second-year graduate student in the Lewis group studying hydrophobicity of electrodeposited nanostructures. She is also interested in sustainability and renewable energy policy. In her free time, she enjoys photography and fencing.
Past Members:
- Brian Lee
- Michelle Qian
- Kim Pham
- Dr. Brooke Versaw
- Dr. Jake Evans
- Dr. Anna Overholts
- Dr. Sadie Dutton
Interested in joining the CGSC student reps? We hold an open CGSC meeting every month and solicit applications for new members year-round. You can also contact us at any time by emailing the CGSC student representative email list, [email protected].