GREATS Scholars 2023-2024 Cohort

Melissa N. Chio-Salinas, a first-generation Latina, is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. She received her BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2022 and in 2023, Melissa graduated with a MS in Industrial Engineering. During her undergraduate studies, she pursued her research ambitions through the Summer Research Opportunity Program at UIC. Her current research interests include Machine Learning and Discrete-event Simulation in manufacturing automation. Aside from research, Melissa is the Graduate Assistant of the Engineering Learning Center where she aims to help students through their academic endeavors by providing guidance and resources. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, swimming, and drawing.

Rosa Elena Mendoza is a first-generation Mexican-American Ph.D. student in the Biological Sciences, Neurobiology. Her current research in Dr. Salles’ Bat Lab focuses on investigating the neuronal circuits involved in the processing of auditory stimuli and the influence of social interactions on the perception of communicative sounds. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in May 2023. She majored in Biological Sciences and was a mentor for LAS GANAS, student leader for biology colloquium (BCQ), and currently is the Early Development Chair of Mujeres en Medicina (MEM). She worked with Dr. Jarrad Hampton-Marcell throughout an internship (UIC^4) focusing on gut microbiome. She also spent a couple of years working in Dr. Miquel Gonzalez-Meler’s Isotope laboratory helping some of the graduate students with their research. She is passionate about increasing diversity for more women to have leadership positions in STEM. In her free time, she likes to go to the gym and cook.

Alejandro Perez is a first year Ph.D student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at the University of Illinois at Chicago(UIC). Alejandro earned his bachelor’s degree from UIC where he performed research on 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides and their electrical properties for optoelectronics applications. Alejandro is now conducting research on the design, fabrication, and characterization of GaN based high electron mobility transistors for both power switching and power amplifiers. Alejandro is also a graduate research assistant at UIC’s Nanotechnology Core Facility where he assists in the fabrication of devices for a wide range of applications such as microfluidics, micro-electromechanical systems, and microneedles. In his free time, Alejandro enjoys going out to eat with friends and spending time with family.

Rebeca Ramirez (she/her/hers) is a SROP fellow and a first-generation Mexican-American. She is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering department, with a focus on cell and tissue engineering. Her current research in Dr. Jalees Rehman’s laboratory is focused on the development of lung organoids, utilizing three distinct cell types, allowing for the detailed study of disease progression and potential therapeutic interventions for cystic fibrosis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at UIC in 2023. As an undergraduate student, she gained valuable experience in a mechanical engineering lab. Where she focused on exploring the antibacterial characteristics of surface coatings, specifically those designed for superhydrophobic materials. As well as understanding cerium oxide’s antimicrobial potential in the realm of biomedical applications. In her spare time, Rebeca enjoys volunteering, running, and exploring the city with friends and family.