Organizers
Aria Walls is a molecular, cellular, and developmental biology PhD candidate at the Kottmann Lab. Her research focuses on the role of the renin angiotensin system in the basal ganglia. She first became interested in science communication after participating in the University of Washington Alliances for Learning and Vision for Underrepresented Americans GenOM project. In the following years, she returned to this program as a science communication instructor. In addition to being a BrainE organizer, Aria serves as a Biology Program representative on the CUNY Doctoral and Graduate Student Council (DGSC).
Megan Caldwell is a neuroscience PhD student and has been working in the Yetnikoff lab since 2018 and teaching in the psych department at CSI since 2014. Her research interest is in discovering the role of dopamine in the corpus callosum and she primarily uses immunohistochemistry and microscopy in her daily research. Outside of her research goals, Megan is interested in mentoring and working in science communication to make the sciences more accessible and less intimidating, especially for undergraduate students.
Chizurum Oluigbo is a neuroscience PhD student in the Undieh Lab at the CUNY School of Medicine. His research is focused on utilizing pharmacological tools to enhance neurotrophic signaling and promote neuro-regeneration, particularly for treating spinal cord injuries. Beyond his research, Chizurum is passionate about teaching and mentoring. His commitment to science communication and teaching began in high school, and he aims to continue guiding and inspiring future scientists.