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Timothy Akert
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Timothy is a mechanical engineering student who started at Pima Community College and will complete his undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona. He is a passionate learner in many things, including complex systems, machinery, and fabrication. His goal is to get involved, understand, and help those around him.
Project: Automated web data extraction systems
Mentors: Shvetank Prakash, Vijay Janapa Reddi
Matthew Arcarese
My name is Matthew Arcarese and I am a third year electrical engineering student at the University of Arizona. I have grown more interested in various space technologies such as robotic exploration and automation, as well as the numerous uses for small cubesats. I have completed a few personal projects such as an automated soil moisture and humidity controller for taking care of my desk plants when I'm out of the house. When I'm not studying or working on projects I enjoy going out to the gym to keep up on my fitness routine, disk golfing at some of the local courses (always over par), and reading the occasional scifi book. I also love going out to see some of my favorite rock bands perform live.
Project: Measurement and analysis of position for predictive movement in nanorobotics
Mentors: Aryan Naveen, Jalil Morris, Gage Hills
Cody Begay
Hello, my name is Cody Begay. I'm from Gallup, New Mexico and I'm Navajo. I go to school at Navajo Technical University majoring in Industrial Engineering.
Project: Soft robotics and its potential on the Navajo Reservation
Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Zezo Beshir
Zezo Beshir is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, going down the pre-med tract. He plans to pursue his interest in cardiovascular surgery after med-school. Outside of academics, he is a shot-putter on the track and field team.
Project: Comparing maturational phenotypes of monolayer and bioreactor differentiated cardiomyocytes
Mentors: Kevin Shani, Julia Deinsberger, Kevin Kit Parker
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Wayant Billey
My name is Wayant Billey I am from a rural part of Standing Rock, NM. I am majoring in the new B.S in Chemistry degree program at Navajo Technical University. I would like to complete my degree then go onwards to graduate studies and pursue my PhD in chemistry. With this degree I would like to further my studies into Biofuel such as hydrogen fuel and other types of renewable resources. My hobbies are working/tuning vehicles especially Honda's or my own projects, being outdoors, tending to my livestock (hauling water, hauling hay... etc.) on my ranch and listening to music.
Project: Soft robotics and its potential on the Navajo Reservation
Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Maya Butani
Maya is a rising junior studying molecular biology at Princeton University with minors in global health and bioengineering. She is interested in using bioengineering research to develop therapeutics that are accessible for a broad range of patient populations. In her free time she loves reading, hanging out in the sun, and playing flag football.
Project: Tunable collagen I microgels for T-cell activation
Mentors: Kwasi Adu-Berchie, Favour Obuseh, David Mooney
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
Stephanecia Charlie
Steph is a sophomore at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint New Mexico which is located on the Navajo reservation. She is majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in mathematics. She has been working in the STEM field for over 3 years including her senior year in high school where she was participating in the STEM program. This program helped her participate with NASA and Harvard doing research for soft robotics. In her free time, she loves to sleep, enjoys anime, and loves Korean drama.
Project: Liquid crystal elastomer
Mentors: Mustafa Abdelrahman, Jennifer Lewis
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Gurman Dhaliwal
Gurman Dhaliwal is a senior at UC San Diego where she majors in Data Science. She's passionate about leveraging data science for social impact. In her free time, Gurman loves running, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her friends and family.
Project: Increasing the usability of OpenDP
Mentors: Chuck McCallum, Michael Shoemate, Raman Prasad
Funding: NSF TI-2303681- POSE: Phase II: Building the Differential Privacy Ecosystem through OpenDP
Mia Dolan
Mia is a junior transfer student at Vanderbilt University studying Neuroscience on the pre-medical track. She is also a Cadet in the Go Gold Battalion Army ROTC. Outside of academics, she enjoys rock climbing, baking sourdough, and golf.
Project: Assessing sarcomere structure and twitch stress in Fabry-derived iPSC cardiomyocytes
Mentors: Julia Deinsberger, Kevin Shani, Kevin Kit Parker
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Madison Ell
Madison Ell is a 3rd year student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) majoring in computational mathematics and statistics. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in statistics or machine learning. In her spare time, she enjoys advocating for more sustainable public transportation throughout Los Angeles and solo traveling internationally. Her lifelong goal is to set foot on every continent of the world.
Project: Ion-neutral chemistry explains hydrogen escape at Mars during September 2017 solar flare
Mentors: Danica Adams, Robin Wordsworth
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Alsyl Enriquez
Alsyl is a rising junior at the University of California, San Diego studying electrical engineering and is from the SF Bay Area. He currently interns at the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility and previously did Harvard SEAS REU in 2023, and he's passionate in exploring nanotechnology and its fabrication. In his free time he loves to weightlift, hike, backpack, and go to concerts!
Project: Fabrication of twisted bilayer photonic crystal
Mentors: Fan Du, Eric Mazur
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Sophie Farr
My name is Sophie Farr, a rising senior at Vassar College studying Math and Earth Science. I am most interested in spatial statistics and applied mathematics with applications to geosciences. Originally I am from Charlottesville, Virginia and outside of academics, I run cross country and track for Vassar and love to run trails as well.
Project: Quantifying methane emissions in Oman using analytical inversion of satellite observations
Mentors: James East, Sarah Hancock, Loretta Mickley
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Theresa Franklin
Theresa Franklin is a rising sophomore at Cornell university majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a sub-focus in Materials Science. She plans to combine these interests by entering the research field of Soft Robotics. In her free time, she works on Formula SAE cars and plays classical piano.
Project: Computational optimization of collinear printed pneumatic soft actuators
Mentors: Jackson Wilt, Jennifer Lewis
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Jonah Gezelter
I am a fourth year materials science student from Case Western Reserve University, originally from South Bend, Indiana. I am interested in optical materials, and how light interactions with matter can be exploited. In my free time, I like to hang out with my three cats, go biking, and bake.
Project: Heat reflecting films for thermal and visible radiation control
Mentors: Raphael Kay, Joanna Aizenberg
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Nalini Grover
Nalini Grover is a transfer student at The University of Georgia and is majoring in Geology. She is pursuing a minor in Climate Change, and is also enrolled in the Entrepreneurship certificate program. She was born and raised in India and enjoys dancing, learning languages and reading in her free time.
Project: Digitization of historical meteorological data: A case study of barographs during typhoons in Japan
Mentors: Masumi Zaiki, Miaki Ishii
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Jack Hansen
Jack Emiliano Hansen is a rising Junior at California Polytechnic State University studying Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Mechatronics and plans to pursue a PhD afterward. In his free time, he enjoys working on graphic design, hiking, and spending time with his friends and family.
Project: Testing equipment for dynamic fluidic window systems
Mentors: Raphael Kay, Joanna Aizenberg
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Sanjana Iyer
Sanjana Iyer is a second year molecular biology and biochemistry student at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. She hopes to go on to graduate school and pursue scientific research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing bad poetry, and learning new art skills.
Project: Characterizing the long-term effects of extracellular matrix viscoelasticity on dendritic cells
Mentors: Wei-Hung Jung, David Mooney
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Sydney Jones
Sydney Jones is majoring in Public Health and minoring in chemistry at Virginia Tech. Her career focus is chemistry research, and she is specifically interested in drug chemistry. Her ultimate goal is to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, which has affected several members of her family, including her mother, who was diagnosed in 2019. She is a Virginia native and has enjoyed playing and coaching volleyball. She also enjoys writing fiction novels, beating her sister in Scrabble, and playing video games with her family and friends.
Project: Optimizing protein imaging techniques
Mentors: Nicki Watson, William Wilson
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Berk Kasimcan
Berk Kasimcan is a dedicated bioengineering student at George Mason University, pursuing his undergraduate degree. He is a proud member of the Honors College and actively mentors high school students in research through the MASON HSMP program. Berk has diverse research experiences ranging from AI to mechanical robotics, post-trauma PTSD research, and drug development at institutions like George Mason, UMich, University of Otago, Johns Hopkins, and more. He is passionate about photography, vintage cars, and adventure sports like skydiving and snowboarding.
Project: Testing equipment for dynamic fluidic window systems
Mentors: Raphael Kay, Joanna Aizenberg
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
Alex Lee
I'm Alex, I am a student at Saint Mary's College of California majoring in mechanical engineering. I like playing basketball, listening to music, and playing video games. My favorite basketball player is Lebron James, my favorite video game is League of Legends, and my favorite artist is NewJeans!
Project: Boundaries of uniformity in thin metal films
Mentors: Ed Macomber, Jiangdong Deng
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Christina Liu
Christina is a third-year geoscience student at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Originally from Springfield, IL, she has frequently moved and developed an interest for earth science through visits to museums and natural landforms across various states. Her previous research is focused on remote sensing in volcanology, and she intends to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, journaling, and connecting with friends.
Project: How closely are trace element indicators of hydrous melting and oxygen isotopes linked?
Mentors: Heather Kirkpatrick, Nadja Drabon
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Richard Loya
Richard is a rising junior from Harlingen, Texas. He studies Molecular and Cell Biology at Vanderbilt University and hopes to continue research while pursuing an M.D. Alongside his studies, he is a cadet in Vanderbilt’s GO GOLD Battalion Army ROTC. During his free time, Richard likes to watch TV, run, hike, and build Lego sets.
Project: Calcium propagation and twitch stress in hiPSCs-cardiomyocytes (CMs) for comparison to Fabry disease derived hiPSCs
Mentors: Julia Deinsberger, Kevin Kit Parker
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Margaret Miao
Hi! My name is Margaret Miao. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Princeton University with minors in bioengineering and material science. My research interests include biomaterials and tissue regeneration as well as medical technologies for implants and prosthesis. Outside of academics, I powerlift, draw and paint, play my violin, and love to cook!
Project: Durable hydrogel for bioprinting artificial tissues and organs
Mentors: Travis Busbee, Jennifer Lewis
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Salma Mohideen
My name is Salma Mohideen. I am a student at Stanford University studying Physics. I am especially interested in AMO Experimental Research.
Mentor: Marko Lončar
Funding: NSF Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks | NSF EEC-1941583
Heeju Nam
Heeju Nam is a rising sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Data Science at the University of California San Diego - Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute. Her hometown is San Jose, California, and she is passionate about the fields of computer science, the arts, and environmental sciences. Outside of academics, she is a creative artist who loves sightseeing, drawing, and animals of all species.
Project: Constraining the location of microseism generation using buoy and seismic data
Mentors: Thomas Lee, Miaki Ishii
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Peter Mugaba Noertoft
Peter Mugaba is an Electrical Engineering student at Stanford University. His academic interests include optimization and optics. Outside of his studies, he is an avid cyclist.
Project: Fast simulation and inverse design of nanophotonic lasers
Mentors: Aditya Patil, Rui Jiang, Kiyoul Yang
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Maxine Park
Max is a sophomore at Harvard studying math and computer science. In her spare time, she enjoys learning new pieces in classical piano, strolling the Charles with friends, and rewatching Kung Fu Panda.
Project: Exploring stability, privacy, & accuracy tradeoffs in the DPASE algorithm for DP-PCA
Mentors: Roy Rinberg, Vikrant Singhal, Salil Vadhan
Funding: NSF BCS 2218803: HNDS-I: Bringing Differential Privacy to Social Science Data Repositories
LuzZelenia Perez-McNeill
My name is LuzZelenia Perez-McNeill. I'm a first generation college student American who is a Junior with the University of Arizona's Computer Science program. At 16 I dropped out of high school to take care of my mom and my nieces and nephew who was in her care when she was diagnosed with stave IV cancer. I was always told that I was intelligent and had potential, but at this point in my life, that potential was left languishing, but still I satisfied my curiosity and thirst for knowledge through independent learning and tutoring. It's for this reason that I'm thrilled to be back in school now that my mom's health has improved and the kids are old enough to allow me to dedicate time toward building our future rather than simply handling the day to day necessities of life. This Harvard research opportunity is just one step of many that I'm taking to lead me and the family under my care to a better and brighter future.
Project: Automated web data extraction systems
Mentors: Shvetank Prakash, Vijay Janapa Reddi
Funding: Quantum Qué - NSF Collaborative Research: HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: Transfer Students’ Success in Quantum Information Science and Engineering | NSF DUE-2150530 | NSF DUE-2150532
Jesus "Frankie" Pina Minjarez
My name is Frankie Pina and I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. After graduating out of Amphitheater High School in Tucson I joined the Navy and served on USS Nimitz CVN-68. During my time in the Navy I lived in Bremerton, Washington and underwent two deployments. I now am a veteran and I am pursuing a bachelors degree in computer science with a minor in game design. My hobbies consist of gaming, spending time with family, and staying active.
Automated web data extraction systems
Mentors: Shvetank Prakash, Vijay Janapa Reddi
Funding: Quantum Qué - NSF Collaborative Research: HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: Transfer Students’ Success in Quantum Information Science and Engineering | NSF DUE-2150530 | NSF DUE-2150532
Hunter Reidhead
I am a driven and ambitious individual from Crownpoint, New Mexico, with a passion for pursuing a career in electrical engineering. A recent graduate of Crownpoint High School and Navajo Technical University, I am committed to education and have already gained valuable experience in various fields. At Navajo Technical University, I interned with the NSF PREM Ventures Department, where I worked as a Student Research Intern and developed strong research and analytical skills. I also held positions as a Temporary Maintenance Worker and Engineering Summer Intern, demonstrating my ability to work in a variety of settings. In my free time, I am involved in humanitarian projects in Mexico, showing my commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Project: How can sodium alginate be used to teach High school students and educators about encapsulating food and medicine?
Mentors: Kathryn Hollar, Thiagarajan Soundappan
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Austin Rios-Colon
I am Austin Rios-Colon, rising third-year at Columbia College of Columbia University in The City of New York, prospective Neuroscience and Behavior Major on a Pre-med track, and student-athlete on the varsity Track and Field program. I reside in Hyattsville, Maryland, and am looking forward to embarking on my first internship.
Project: Signal-to-noise ratio analysis of predictive ability in Alzheimer’s disease testing
Mentors: Alkis Hadjiosif, Maurice Smith
Funding: NSF BCS 2218427: Identifying novel memory traces that improve action precision
Nayely Rolon-Gomez
Nayely Rolon-Gomez is a rising junior at Arizona State University, where they study electrical engineering with a concentration in physical electronics and photonics. They plan to obtain a PhD in applied physics as part of pursuing a career in scientific research. In their free time, they love reading about science history, communing with nature, and traveling abroad with their wife.
Mentors: Hana Warner, Shima Rajabali, Marko Lončar
Funding: NSF Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks | NSF EEC-1941583
Jyren Sam
My name is Jyren Sam, I am from a small town in New Mexico called Crownpoint. My dream is to further our world into a better world where we aren't hurting our planet and finding new ways to create and manage many new ways of our way of life. With my research going further and further out every day I can feel myself absorb every ounce of knowledge I can have and help further our world into a new age.
Project: Soft robotics and its potential on the Navajo Reservation
Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Megan Santamore
I'm Megan Santamore, a rising senior at Princeton University, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Engineering Biology. I find medical applications of engineering research to be most rewarding, so much of my research experience lies at the intersection of engineering and medicine; thus, I'm on the pre-med track and hope to pursue an M.D. Ph.D. after graduation. Outside of classes I work as a Teaching Assistance and peer tutor for some of the introductory engineering courses, volunteer at local healthcare centers in Trenton, and am a part of my school's Entrepreneurship Club. In my free time I love going on runs, reading, and trying out new recipes.
Project: Heat reflecting films for thermal and visible radiation control
Mentors: Raphael Kay, Joanna Aizenberg
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
Shreya Sharma
Shreya is a student at Arizona State University, studying Biomedical Engineering. She is interested in clinical applications of AI. Outside of academics, she likes reading, coffee, and swimming.
Project: A novel paradigm for mechanistic studies of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for therapeutic discovery
Mentors: Megan Sperry, Haleh Fotowat, Donald Ingber
Funding: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
Francis Simpatico
Francis is a senior from Connecticut, educated at the University of Alabama. He has a background in math, changing fields into biomedical engineering. He loves hiking and the outdoors. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of teas.
Project: Signal-to-noise ratio analysis of predictive ability in Alzheimer’s disease testing
Mentors: Alkis Hadjiosif, Maurice Smith
Funding: NSF BCS 2218427: Identifying novel memory traces that improve action precision
Zach Snarr
My name is Zachary Snarr. I am a first-year student in the College of Engineering at Cornell University.
Project: O-isotopes through time on Earth and Mars
Mentors: Danica Adams, Charlotte Minsky, Dave Johnston, Robin Wordsworth
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Jaden Southern
Jaden Southern is a rising senior at Stanford University studying Earth Systems with a focus in the Biosphere. They work as a TA for computer science and their most recent research was in arsenic contamination in groundwater. Jaden’s interests include biology, geology, and anything in the natural world. Outside of class, they enjoy theater, writing music, and writing poetry.
Project: Evaluating TEMPO satellite HCHO and NO2 products against ground based Pandora instruments
Mentors: Laura Yang, Ruijin Dang, Yujin Oak, Loretta Mickley, Daniel Jacob
Funding: NSF Summer Program at Harvard in Earth and Environmental Research (SPHEER) | NSF AGS-2150290
Bradley Thomas
Hello, I am Bradley Thomas, a 25-year-old student at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, NM. I am pursuing my associate's degree in applied science with a major in chemical engineering. My hobbies are traveling, fishing, and gaming.
Project: Soft robotics and its potential on the Navajo Reservation
Mentors: Kathryn Hollar, Thiagarajan Soundappan
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Kendrick Thompson
My name is Kendrick Thompson and I am from Chinle, Arizona. Which is located on the Navajo reservation in the north east part of Arizona. I grew up taking pride in the environment where I live that led me into the biology field. Each day learning something has always been a passion of mine learning.
Project: How can sodium alginate be used to teach High school students and educators about encapsulating food and medicine?
Mentors: Robinson Tom, Thiagarajan Soundappan
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Nicholas Townsend
Nicholas (Nick) Townsend is an undergraduate senior majoring in electrical engineering at Brigham Young University. He will be doing collaborative research with teams at Harvard and MIT for the summer in photonics and quantum photonic applications. He has worked on the development of a quantum random number generator (QRNG) and the design of cheap, stable lasers for use in quantum research. He is from Dallas, TX but has also spent a few years living in Florida, Utah, and Estonia. He enjoys sports (especially ultimate frisbee), country swing dancing, and outdoor/water activities.
Mentors: Jaiyu Yang, Marko Lončar
Funding: NSF Engineering Research Center for Quantum Networks | NSF EEC-1941583
Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia is The rising freshmen at the Navajo Technical University located in Crownpoint New Mexico. He is majoring in the The Automotive Technology Sector, with certificates in Osha and 3G. He is originally from Pinon AZ and raised in and out of the Salt River Indian Community of AZ, where he started running and hasn't stopped. Antonio enjoys discussing science fiction and ubiquitous culture of the new world in his pocket time. Antonio explores material science/engineering in any way how, and he seeks to obtain a Ph.D. in Metallurgy science in his future. You can find him assisting faculty of the community in cleaning and repair, or on his runs around town.
Project: Liquid crystal elastomer
Mentors: Mustafa Abdelrahman, Jennifer Lewis
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Amaya Walker
Amaya Walker is a junior majoring in chemical engineering at Florida State University. She has been contributing to research at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory focusing on 3D bioprinting. Outside of her professional environment, Amaya enjoys shopping, playing tennis, hanging out with her kitten, Gus, and cooking.
Project: Controlling protein release from alginate hydrogels with carbohydrate binding modules (CBM)
Mentors: Blake Hanan, David Mooney
Funding: NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Clarencia Woody
I come from Many Farms, Arizona and I am a proud member of the Navajo tribe. I am the second youngest among my siblings. I believe that with hard work and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams. Despite being born with left microtia, I have never let it hinder my ability to learn or work. Although it may pose challenges while listening to others, I assure you that I am attentive and always strive to deliver my best. Currently, I am pursuing a dual degree in Chemistry and Business Administration. I am motivated to pursue my path in life with an eagerness for knowledge and personal growth. I am determined to utilize the knowledge I gain along the way to make a positive impact back home.
Project: “Nááts'íilid” rainbow chocolate
Mentors: Thiagarajan Soundappan, Kathryn Hollar
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Oliver Yellowhair
Hello, my name is Oliver Yellowhair and I am a returning REU student. I am a sophomore and a biology major at Navajo Technical University. I'm looking for innovative ways to help my community and the Navajo Nation.
Project: How can sodium alginate be used to teach high school students and educators about encapsulating food and medicine?
Mentors: Robinson Tom, Thiagarajan Soundappan
Funding: NSF Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Vision for Excellence at Navajo Technical University for Research and Education in STEM (VENTURES) | NSF DMR-2122195 | NSF Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at Harvard (MRSEC) | NSF DMR-2011754
Isabella Zeyben
I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts, and am currently a rising junior at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, where I am pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (expected 2026). After graduation, my goal is to continue to explore the intersection of science and art. In my free time, I enjoy sketching or writing in the park, perusing galleries, spending time with friends, and exploring new places.
Project: Biokinetic sculptures
Mentors: Michael Rosnach, Michael Peters, Kevin Kit Parker
Funding: NSF National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) | NSF ECCS-2025158
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