Leadership
President
Gianna Nossa
3rd year PhD student in Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science Program (PULSe), co-advised in Dydak and Rispoli Lab
Gianna’s research focuses on the quantification and analysis of GABA and glutathione using edited Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in various neurological disorders such as, post-traumatic stress disorder, manganese neurotoxicity in welders, and post-partum depression. Outside of lab, Gianna is a wild soul and likes to spend time outdoors, and enjoys rock climbing, backpacking, and travelling.
Vice President
Antonia Susnjar
3rd year PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, Rispoli Lab
Antonia’s research focus is on using novel MRI methodologies such as Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (single voxel, spectroscopic imaging, edited MRS), Density Tensor Imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI). Aside from doing research, Antonia spends most of her free time at the gym and exploring West Lafayette with her dog Bepo and cats Bonnie and Clyde.
Treasurer
Humberto Monsivais
PhD Candidate in Medical Physics, Dydak Lab
Humberto’s current research is focused on brain quantitative multi-parameter mapping MRI in studies on manganese neurotoxicity and addiction. This also includes Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) for the noninvasive in-vivo assessment of metabolite and neurotransmitter concentrations. In his free time, he enjoys going out to visit new places (restaurants, parks, etc.), running, and playing video games with his friends.
Secretary
Nick Baumgartner
3rd year PhD student, PANCH Lab
His research interest is Neurocognitive kinesiology, specifically the relationship between physical activity, fitness, body composition, and cognition across the lifespan. His current work is focused on the effects of acute resistance exercise on multiple different memory systems utilizing EEG and MRI. His future research goals include examining the effects of resistance exercise and muscle strength on memory in elderly participants suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Nick spends most of his free time working out, traveling, hiking, and fishing.
Professional Development Chair
Nathan Ooms
2nd year Professional Masters Student, Purdue MRI Tech, Cook Advanced Technology, and Dydak Lab
Nathan has been working in the MR field for over 10 years now, starting off clinically. 4 years ago he joined Purdue as the part time MR Tech at the Facility. Every experiment is optimized or ran by him. His 10 years of MRI tech experience from various hospitals in the area keeps him ready for any MRI challenge. In his very little free time that is now filled with his kid’s laughter and mischiefs, he is an avid gamer and a dog dad.
Social Media Chair
Zach Davis
2nd year PhD student, Chan Lab
From a small town in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, Zach went on to do his undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, majoring in biomedical engineering. He spent 2 years interning in industry before deciding to investigate the research side of the field. After working in labs at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Rochester, Zach decided to join Dr. Chan’s lab in order to investigate cartilage strain responses using imaging techniques such as MRI. His hobbies include playing basketball, music, and soccer.
