Undergraduate Staff 2026-2027
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Anaiysaa Deswal Anaiysaa is a junior from Seattle, Washington majoring in Computer Science. This is her third year in WISP, and first year serving as the Yellow Team Leader. In the past, she has also served on the social committee! Outside of WISP, she has been involved with the Datamine Corporate Partners program as well as VIP research. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, playing video games, swimming, and spending time with friends. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the tech industry. |
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Andrea Jacobson Andrea is a senior from St. Louis, Missouri majoring in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology. This is her fourth year in WISP, and first year serving as a teaching assistant. Andrea is a research assistant in Dr. Kessler's lab, where she studies cell signaling in flowering plant reproduction. Outside of WISP, Andrea is involved with Purdue International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM), and Purdue's chapter of Blood Cancer United. In her free time, she enjoys watercolor painting and building miniatures. After graduation, Andrea hopes to pursue a PhD in developmental biology. |
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Ceci Nilson Ceci is a senior from Mokena, Illinois majoring in Computer Science with a minor in French. This is her fourth year in WISP, her first year on the leadership team, and she previously served as Newsletter Committee Chair. Outside of WISP, Ceci is also a part of Girls Who Code. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, playing soccer, running, and hanging out with friends. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in computer graphics. |
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Emory Walker Emory is a senior studying Biology, with the end goal of going into the Veterinary field. This is her fourth year in the WISP Program, where she has served as a mentor, Social Media Committee member, and now as a teaching assistant. Besides WISP, she works with College Mentors for Kids, the National Marrow Donor Program, and has enjoyed working on research projects with the College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Science. In her free time, she loves to travel, read, and enjoy nature. |
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Keya Dutta Keya is a senior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, majoring in Chemistry. This is her third year in WISP and her first year serving as the Gold Team Leader. Beyond WISP, she is actively involved in Dr. Kenttämaa’s research lab, Phi Sigma Rho, and the Purdue Science Student Council (PSSC). In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, swimming, and spending time with friends. After graduation, Keya plans to pursue a master’s degree or head straight to medical school. |
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Layla Shihab Layla is a junior from Danville, CA majoring in Math and Artificial Intelligence. This is her third year in WISP and first year on the leadership team! Outside of WISP, Layla is involved on the executive board of InnovateHer and works as a teaching assistant within the Department of Computer Science. In her free time, Layla enjoys rock climbing, backpacking, crocheting, and attending local live music events. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career that blends mathematics and technology. |
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Olivia Safranek Olivia is a senior from Schererville, Indiana in Microbiology with minors in Fermentation Science and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. This is her third year in WISP and first year serving on the Leadership Team. Outside of WISP, you can find Olivia in Dr. Noinaj's lab analyzing temperature-sensitive enzymes. In her free time, she loves to drink coffee and raise her houseplants. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school to pursue a PhD in the microbiology field. |
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Raveena Venkateshwaran Raveena is a senior from Fremont, California, majoring in Neurobiology and Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. This is her second year with WISP and her first year serving on the Leadership Team. Outside of WISP, Raveena conducts research in axonal regeneration in Dr. Suter’s Neurobiology Lab and serves as a Co-Chair representing the College of Science on the Honors Leadership Council. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels, solving sudoku puzzles, and making jewelry. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school to continue her education. |
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Reileigh Lyst Reileigh is a senior from New Haven, Indiana majoring in Interdisciplinary Science and Communications. This is her third year in WISP and her first year serving on the leadership team. In addition to WISP, Reileigh has also been a Team Supervisor and Team Leader for Boiler Gold Rush, is a member of the Purdue University Meteorological Association, and is involved with Purdue Bands and Orchestras. Outside of academics, she enjoys listening to music, attending concerts, hanging out with friends, reading, and crocheting. After graduation, Reileigh plans to work towards a career in public safety in emergency management or risk communication for severe weather events. |
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Rhea Shah |
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Teju Akinola Teju is a junior from Munster, Indiana, majoring in Neurobiology and Physiology with a minor in psychology. This is her 3rd year in WISP and her first year as a teaching assistant. Outside of WISP, Teju is an RA for Shreve Hall, a research assistant for the Deng’s research lab, and a BEI volunteer. In her free time, Teju loves watching TV shows, reading a book, thrifting, and hanging out with her friends. After graduation, Teju plans to attend medical school and become a neurologist. |