Brittany Augustin
Lab PI & Mentor: Rabindra Mandal, Hunter College & Maryam Bamshad-alavi, Lehman College
Major: Biology, Psychology
Brittany Augustin is a third-year Biology major and Psychology minor at CUNY Hunter College. Originally from Haiti, she moved to New York at sixteen to pursue higher education, bringing with her the values of generosity and resilience instilled by her community. Her passion for community health and commitment to addressing health disparities have guided her path toward medicine. As a McNulty Scholar, Brittany conducts research in the Mandal Lab, studying the role of Bacteroides in disease, and in the Bamshad Lab, examining the impact of stress on human decision-making. Beyond research, she serves as Vice President of Hunter’s MSF Chapter, engages in nonprofit work, and contributes to clinical care in women’s health. Additionally, Brittany has participated in patient outreach programs, such as ECHO and the Bronx Mental Health Leaders, deepening her knowledge of community health for underserved populations. After graduating, Brittany plans to complete a one-year public health or neuroscience fellowship before attending medical school to continue advocating for equitable healthcare.
Rukhshona Babakhodjaeva
Lab PI & Mentor: Elaine Fuchs, Alain Bonny, Rockefeller University
Major: Biochemistry, Psychology
Rukhshona Babakhodjaeva is a junior at Hunter College pursuing a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology. As a Yalow Scholar, she serves as a Scholar Peer Leader and is actively involved in the Pre-Health Office as a PHMI Ambassador. Rukhshona is very passionate about mentorship especially for underrepresented communities and strives to create meaningful opportunities for guidance and support. She conducts research at Rockefeller University in Dr. Elaine Fuchs’ laboratory, where she studies stem cells and their role in mediating wound healing in the skin, contributing to a better understanding of tissue regeneration and repair. This past summer, she interned at Boston Children’s Hospital, conducting translational research testing a potential drug therapy for incontinence following spinal cord injury. In addition to her research, Rukhshona works as an Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant, supporting her peers both academically and professionally. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to become a physician scientist to combine her passion for medicine and research.
Selina Cheng
Lab PI & Mentor: Yoav Artzi, Anne Wu, Cornell Tech
Major: Computer Science, Statistics, Linguistics
Selina Cheng is a third-year student at the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College double majoring in Computer Science and Statistics with a minor in Linguistics. She recently participated in the CUNY Honors Connect Summer Research Program at Cornell Tech, where she researched the spatial reasoning abilities of vision-language models in the Language, Interaction, and Learning Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Yoav Artzi and Anne Wu. Selina will continue this work to refine her research for publication. Throughout the rest of her undergraduate years and beyond, Selina intends to extend and hone her knowledge of artificial intelligence and computer science towards a goal of contributing to exciting and substantial projects at the forefront of the field.
Victoria Dynak
Lab PI & Mentor: Ward Wheeler
Major: Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics
Victoria Dynak is a senior at Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College where she is pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Economics (BA) with a minor in Mathematics. She has gained industry experience through her internships at Accenture, where she contributed to projects in technology architecture, including developing a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)–based large language model for a health insurance client and supporting IT governance and SAP data archiving initiatives at a multinational chemical client. Building on this foundation, she is currently interning with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, where she focuses on designing and training machine learning models, implementing advanced data preprocessing and feature engineering pipelines, and building automated workflows on AWS for scalable prediction of capital conversion in CDFI lending datasets.
Victoria is also a McNulty Scholar and researcher in the Wheeler Lab at the American Museum of Natural History. Under the guidance of Dr. Ward Wheeler, she is contributing to the continued development of PhyG, a computational system for constructing and visualizing phylogenetic graphs. Her work centers on refining algorithmic performance and tuning model parameters to improve accuracy in genomic and quantitative phylogenetic analyses, leveraging iterative optimization methods and large-scale graph data. This project builds on earlier grant-funded research in the lab and seeks to expand the applicability of PhyG for complex biological datasets.
Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Victoria intends to pursue a career in industry to deepen her expertise in machine learning and applied computational methods. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue graduate studies in computer science or computational engineering, with the goal of advancing as a researcher in scalable systems and data science."
Genessa Kahn
Lab PI & Mentor: Alison Schram, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Major: Biology, History, Business
Genessa Kahn is a third-year student at the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College, where she is pursuing a degree in Biological Science (BA) and a Business Certificate. During the summer of 2023, Genessa participated in the Summer Clinical Oncology Research Experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Under the mentorship of Dr. Alison Schram, she studied the clinicopathologic characteristics of NRG1 fusion-positive cancers. Genessa is deeply passionate about patient advocacy and therapeutic development, having worked on behalf of the International Cancer Advocacy Network since 2020. Upon the completion of her undergraduate studies, Genessa intends to pursue a career at the intersection of medicine, research, and advocacy, with a focus on developing targeted therapies for patients with rare cancers.
Fariha Kha
Lab PI & Mentor: Ward Wheeler, American Museum of Natural History
Major: Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Mathematics
Fariha Kha is a third-year student at Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College, where she is pursuing a degree in Computer Science (BA) with a minor in Mathematics and a certificate in Business. As a John P. McNulty Scholar, she conducts research in the Wheeler Lab at the American Museum of Natural History, working under Dr. Ward Wheeler to develop optimization algorithms for phylogenetic inference. Her work implements machine learning techniques like gradient descent to efficiently fit probabilistic models to genomic data, automating the search for optimal evolutionary parameters. This research directly contributes to creating more accurate computational methods for reconstructing evolutionary histories. Fariha extends her passion for making complex technical concepts accessible beyond the lab as Tech Advisor for Hunter College's Girls Who Code chapter, organizing workshops and mentoring women in technology as they advance their skills and pursue opportunities in computer science. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to pursue a career in the biotech industry, applying machine learning to biological research as a pathway to future graduate studies in computational science.
Akriti Khanal
Lab PI & Mentor: Andrew Wolfe, Hunter College, Belfer Research Center
Major: Biochemistry
Akriti Khanal is a third-year student at Hunter College in the Macaulay Honors Program, where she is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry (BS). She is currently an undergraduate researcher at the Belfer Research Center, where she investigates the synergistic effects of drug treatments on KRAS-mutant cancer cells, utilizing techniques such as tissue culture, immunoblots, and microscopy. She also volunteers at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Emergency Department, where she supports patients and their families through care and engagement. Outside of academia, Akriti is dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and understanding the social determinants of health, with the goal of advancing equity in medicine. With a long-term aspiration of becoming a physician, she hopes to bridge scientific research and patient care by improving healthcare access and creating lasting change.
Jafnoon Khatun
Lab PI & Mentor: Christopher Gilbert, Weill Cornell Medicine
Major: Psychology, Physical Anthropology, Human Rights
Jafnoon Khatun is a third-year student at Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology (BA) with minors in Physical Anthropology and Human Rights. She is involved in research at the Gilbert Primate Evolution Lab at Hunter College, studying the paleoenvironment and paleoecology during the Early-Middle Eocene of Wyoming, the warmest period of the last ~56 million years, and its relation to primate and mammalian diversity during this time. At the lab, Jafnoon is also working on a project focused on studying South Asian primate and mammalian evolution and biogeography, attempting to find additional rare primates, biochronologically informative micromammals, revise the stratigraphy, and collect paleomagnetic samples. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she intends to apply to graduate school to further her knowledge of paleontology, primatology, and biological anthropology and to become a researcher in higher academia.
Angelina Kondratenko
Lab PI & Mentor: Akira Kawamura, Hunter College
Major: Psychology, Physical Anthropology, Human Rights
Angelina Kondratenko is a third year student at CUNY Hunter College where she is majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Bioinformatics. To further expand her interdisciplinary undergraduate studies, she intends to compete a minor in English with the intent of developing a strong sense of academic writing and science communication. Under professor Akira Kawamura, she performs agricultural research on semiochemicals for Emerald Ash Borer detection and prevention methods in collaboration with the USDA. Last summer, through participation in the Velay Summer Undergraduate Research Program, Angelina presented her research project on phase separation of myelin basic protein under her mentor Dr. Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center. She aspires to continue researching through a graduate education, where she aims to explore pharmacology and/or medicinal chemistry.
Calista Lee
Lab PI & Mentor: Andrew Reinmann, John Paul Hellenbrand, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center
Major: Environmental Studies, Biology
Calista Lee is a third year student at Hunter College, where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies on the earth sciences track and Chinese as well as a certificate in spatial data science. She is particularly interested in helping to create more sustainable agricultural and food systems through reevaluating and improving traditional agriculture techniques and looking into nature-based solutions. Thus, she is drawn to fields such as agroecology and ecology. She also hopes to visualize research data through GIS and engage with farmers and other stakeholders to apply and implement research results. This fall, she will be starting work in the Reinmann Lab doing forestry research, specifically studying the forest edge. Ultimately, she hopes to reconcile the demands of human living with the natural world, and after graduating from Hunter, she plans to apply to graduate school to continue this kind of research.
Marjona Mirzaeva
Lab PI & Mentor: Nancy Du, Weill Cornell Medicine
Major: Biology
Marjona Mirzaeva is a third-year pre-medical student at the Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Hunter College, where she is pursuing a degree in the Biological Sciences (BA). As a recipient of the John P. McNulty Scholarship, she is contributing to pancreatic cancer research at the Nancy Du Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, exploring the metastatic pathways of PDAC through a transgenic mouse model. At the same time, she is pursuing a project on the proliferative effects of the PyMT viral oncogene on pancreatic beta cells, which can contribute to the development of Type 1 Diabetes therapy and treatment options. With a dedication to patient advocacy and ensuring equal healthcare accessibility across the globe, she is immersing herself in the medical field as a volunteer in the Emergency Department at Hackensack Meridian Health Old Bridge Medical Center. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she aims to pursue an MD/PhD and become a practicing physician-scientist, with aspirations to lead global efforts in strengthening healthcare systems in underdeveloped countries.
Roseline Olumuyide
Lab PI & Mentor: Jeffrey Friedman, Rockefeller University
Major: Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Computer Science
Rose Olumuyide is a junior at Hunter College pursuing a degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Bioinformatics and minor in Computer Science and Mathematics. She is both a McNulty Scholar and a McNair Scholar. In the Friedman Lab at Rockefeller University, she studies how leptin regulates metabolism and energy balance, with a focus on how metabolic changes influence health and disease, and is a co-author on a paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. This past summer, she participated in the Systems Bioengineering REU at the University of Virginia, where she modeled phase-separated mitotic organelles and investigated regulatory feedback loops in breast cancer. Beyond her research, Rose served as the President of the Pre-Health Research Initiative, a Matriculate mentor, a pre-health mentor and is a peer teaching assistant in chemistry. She also volunteers with organizations supporting patient care and community health. She plans to pursue an MD-PhD and a career as a physician-scientist, bridging research and patient care in systems biology cancer.
Khadija Sayari
Lab PI & Mentor: Jeffrey Friedman, Jerry Lee, Yue Yu, Rockefeller University
Major: Biochemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics
Khadija Sayari is a third-year student at Hunter College, where she is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry (BA) with a minor in Mathematics. She is a recipient of the Yalow Honors Scholarship and the McNulty Honors Scholarship, which have enabled her to conduct research at The Rockefeller University under the mentorship of Dr. Yue Yu and Dr. Jerry Lee. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular and neural mechanisms that regulate food intake, water intake, and body weight, with a particular interest in hypothalamic integration of nutrient sensing. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, Khadija intends to pursue a PhD to further her knowledge of neuroscience and progress toward a career as a researcher.
Goodness Sebastian
Lab PI & Mentor: Susan Epstein, Hunter College
Major: Computer Science
Goodness Sebastian is a third-year computer science major at Hunter College. As an international student, she brings a global perspective to her studies while actively pursuing opportunities in data science and artificial intelligence. Now, as a recipient of the McNulty scholarship, Goodness is engaging in research that bridges computer science theory with practical applications, focusing on developing tools to assess the credibility of sources used in research papers. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Goodness hopes to pursue a PhD in Computer Science, researching the relationship between artificial intelligence and human development and behavior.
Naomi Skeer
Lab PI & Mentor: Haydee Salmun, Hunter College
Major: Mathematics, Philosophy, Computer Science
Naomi Skeer is a third year student at Hunter College. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics with a minor in Philosophy. Working along side Dr. Haydee Salmun, Naomi is working with large data sets to improve storm prediction models in costal areas. Her work blends statistical modeling, the study of dynamical systems, and data science to undercover a greater understanding of costal climates.
Ewa Ozga Stasiewicz
Lab PI & Mentor: Peter Serrano, Tiffany Rodriguez, Hunter College
Major: Psychology with Neuroscience Concentration, Anthropology
Ewa Ozga Stasiewicz is a third year student at CUNY Hunter College where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology (BA) and a minor in Anthropology. Her interest in psychology and anthropology stems from the need to attain a holistic perspective on human sexuality, specifically one that combines social, biological, and evolutionary aspects. This past summer, Ewa interned at Mount Sinai in the General Internal Medicine Department as part of the STANDOUT program, where she conducted and presented her research on the stability of asthma health beliefs through patient-reported outcome measures over time. She is currently conducting research at the Serrano Lab at Hunter College, where she is investigating the efficacy of prophylactic administration of Levetiracetam and Brivaracetam (anti-seizure medications) in reducing traumatic brain injury-induced working memory deficits and anxiety-like behaviors. Ewa has currently presented at three conferences: the National Research Conference at Penn (NRCP), the Annual Psychology Research Conference at Hunter College, and the Multi Regional Pre-Medical Regional Research Conference. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Ewa intends to apply to graduate school to deepen her knowledge of human sexuality and gender identity to advance towards a career of integrated research and clinical work. She hopes to make significant improvements in how we both understand and approach sexuality for both women and adolescent populations.
Leah Tamayev
Lab PI & Mentor: Mateusz Marianski, Hunter College
Major: Bioinformatics, Mathematics
Leah Tamayev is a third year student at Hunter College double majoring in Mathematics and Bioinformatics. She is currently conducting research in computational chemistry with a professor at Hunter, focusing on mechanochemistry and the effects of force on Diels-Alder reactions. Outside the lab, Leah serves as the Community Engagement Intern at Hunter Hillel, where she plans community events that highlight the diversity of Jewish culture and traditions among freshmen and transfer students. She has previously completed an engineering internship at Cooper Union, leading a project to design and 3D-print a prosthetic hand. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Leah intends to pursue graduate school in computational chemistry or bioinformatics, with the goal of contributing to research in drug development and neuroscience.
Daniela Witt
Lab PI & Mentor: Abha Rajbhandari, Mount Sinai Friedman Brain Institute
Major: Psychology
Daniela Witt is a third-year Hunter College student pursuing a BA in Psychology. Currently, she is part of the McNulty Scholars at Hunter, which has allowed her to engage in research at the Friedman Brain Institute at Mount Sinai in the Karki lab under the leadership of Dr. Abha K. Rajbhandari. At the lab, Daniela is researching how the brain-vagus-body axis modulates fear, stress, and cardiovascular functions.