GREATS Scholars 2022-2023 Cohort

Demetria Neal is a second year PhD student in the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (GPN). Demetria received her B.S in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in 2020. During her undergraduate education, she conducted research at Rush University Medical Center on the synaptopathology of age-related dementias. Her current research focuses on understanding the effects of early life adversity on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that influence cognitive processes with a goal of better understanding neurodevelopmental disorders/diseases. In her free time, Demetria enjoys playing the piano and anything related to fitness.

Nicole Dziedzic is a first-generation Polish-American PhD student in the Biological Sciences department, Ecology and Evolution program. Her current research in Dr. Gonzalez-Meler’s Stable Isotope Laboratory is focused on how urban vegetation responds to environmental conditions in the Chicagoland area as part of the Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) project to better understand how climate change can be mitigated in under-resourced communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree with a double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology at UIC. As an undergraduate, she studied the roles of plant defense chemicals and environmental conditions on cell division during the seed-to-seedling stage using a molecular approach for her independent research project. Nicole has been an active volunteer at UI Health since 2018 where she can often be found in the Inpatient Pediatrics and Outpatient Pediatrics departments. She received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2019 and 2020. She is passionate about helping communities that are in need and making a change. During her free time, she likes to make art and spend time in nature.

Destiny graduated from Georgia State University (GSU) in 2019 with a BS in Psychology. After, she completed a post-baccalaureate program at UIC as an NIH PREP scholar, where she studied the gut-microbiome brain axis. She is now at the Roth lab as a 2^nd year GEMS graduate student to gain experience in bioengineering nanoparticles and applying them to cell culture and animal models. Her research interests include neurodegenerative disorders and stem cells. In her free time, she likes to read, cook new dishes, and draw.

Tatum Johnson is a Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship alumna, Van Doren Scholar, and 4th year Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD student in lab of Dr. Terry Moore. Tatum’s love of research began at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a B.S. in Chemistry, worked as a mentor, and gained valuable experience in a biochemistry laboratory. At UIC, Tatum’s research has primarily focused on discovering and optimizing therapeutics that modify the activity of transcription factor Nrf2, a major regulator of oxidative stress. More specifically, her current research aims are to develop Nrf2 activators for the treatment of inflammatory disease and Nrf2 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. In addition to her drug discovery research, Tatum is a teaching assistant and graduate student council representative for the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department. In her free time, Tatum enjoys exploring the city with friends.

Jay is a driven student and entrepreneur currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Virginia State University and an M.S. in Biotechnology from Morehouse School of Medicine. As a member of the Gemeinhart lab, he is dedicated to researching biomedical polymer science to understand the interactions of materials and cells. Jay’s focus is on using polymers to control the local release of therapeutic molecules, specifically for wound healing and tissue regeneration. Jay is also an NSF Bridge to Doctorate Fellow, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence. In addition to his academic pursuits, Jay is the Director of Communications and Engagement for Nucleate Chicago, a student-led biotech nonprofit focused on empowering the next generation of biotech founders. He is also the Founder of Jay Ken Media, a small multimedia and business solutions firm, that provides support to small businesses and start-ups. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new restaurants, reading, and creating online video content to inspire others to live a balanced and authentic life.

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Anita A. Waye (she/her/hers) is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Graduate Education in bioMedical Sciences (GEMS) program and a Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship alumna. Anita earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago in May 2019. Thereafter she spent a year in the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program at the Louisiana State University in New Orleans doing research in the effects of binge drinking in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques. Currently at UIC working in Dr. Almudena Veiga-Lopez lab, she studies the effects of chemical exposures on placenta cell functions. Through her graduate education, Anita has served as an elected student representative for the Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) as well as the Graduate Student Leadership Committee Member of the SOT. During her free time Anita enjoys exploring Chicago restaurants, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her friends and family.