Officers

Katherine Wehde, Science in Schools Coordinator: Katherine is a third-year PULSe student in the Chemical Biology training group and a member of Dr. Hilkka Kenttämaa's lab in the Chemistry Department. Her research is on two main projects, one focuses on the composition and related function of compounds in aviation fuels and another involves creating an efficient oil recovery mechanism to remove and obtain oil bonded to rock. As Coordinator for Science in Schools, she hopes to promote professional development and support creating new educational experiments. She will also continue to work to expand the program to involve other areas of science such as MCMP and ESE to help cultivate scientific interest of many subjects in children. Feel free to contact her with any questions you have about PULSe, Science in School, eMentoring, or her research.

Conrrad Nicholls, Science in Schools, Science Day Co-Chair: Conrrad is a second year PULSe student in the Immunology and Infectious Disease training group. He works in the lab of Dr. Richard J. Kuhn which primarily focuses on the molecular and structural understanding of Flaviviruses. His research involves studying the assembly and replication of Zika and Dengue viruses within host cells, which could lead to therapeutics targeted toward interfering with virus assembly, ultimately halting infection and eliminating the virus. As a Co-Chair for Science in Schools, he is excited to share his love of science with elementary school children and help rear the next generation of young scientists!

Vinay Menon, Science in Schools, Science Day Co-Chair: I am a second year PULSe student in the Chemical Biology training group. I work in the lab of Dr. Jean Chmielewski in the Chemistry Department which focuses on designing novel therapeutics against HIV, malaria, and bacterial infections. My research is centered around developing peptide-based antibiotics against multidrug resistant bacteria. As a Science Day Co-Chair, I am excited to bring hands-on science education to the next generation as well as to get the chance to share science with the public.

Nicole Vike, Science in Schools, Spring Fest: Nicole Vike is entering her 3rd year of the PULSe program in the integrative neuroscience training group. She is part of the Purdue Neurotruama Group which researches how sports-related concussion injuries and repetitive impacts effect contact sports athletes. Her research focuses on using an MRI method, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to non invasively investigate changes in brain metabolites in human and animal models. In her free time, Nicole enjoys outdoor activities, going to Wisconsin, and flailing around with her friends. She is looking forward to working with the PULSe GSO to make this year great!

Veronica Heintz, Science in Schools, Spring Fest: Veronica is a fourth year PULSe student in the Immunology and Infectious Disease training group. She is a member of Dr. Doug LaCount’s lab in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology studying host-viral protein-protein interactions critical for Ebola and Marburgvirus replication. As Co-Chair for Spring Fest, she is excited to encourage PULSe students to get involved and share the thrill of science and discovery with the Lafayette community.

Stephen Miloro, Science in Schools, Science Night Co-Chair: Stephen is a third year PULSe student in the Molecular Signaling and Cancer Biology Training Group working in Dr. Jenna Rickus’ Lab. His research focuses on characterizing the influence of the tumor microenvironment on hydrogen peroxide consumption and differentiation in Glioblastoma Multiforme cells. As the Science in Schools Science Night Co-Chair, he hopes to introduce young minds to the fascinating world of STEM and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Jennifer Hensel, Science in Schools, Science Night Co-Chair: Jennifer is a second year PULSe student in the Integrative Neuroscience training group. She is a member of Dr. Chris Rochet’s lab in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology whose focus is on Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration. Her project focuses on a neuroprotective transcription factor that accumulates during proteasomal inhibition and could alleviate the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress observed in Parkinson’s. As Science Night Co-chair, she is excited to share the world of science with young minds and inspire them to pursue STEM.