Women in STEM Officers

Claire H Levitt

President

Bioengineering PhD student; Benninger Lab

Current Research: My research focuses on the effects of cell-cell electrical coupling on pancreatic islet function and subsequent insulin regulation in the context of Diabetes.

Future Aspirations: In addition to continuing a career in islet biology/tissue engineering, my dream is to start my own food company (check out my current cookie business @clairesgfcookies on Instagram which is currently a big hobby and source of de-stressing of mine!) 

Why WiSTEM? I have been part of the Women in STEM at Anschutz for 3 years now and I am most passionate about the mentorship and community events that WiSTEM has to offer and hope to continue to strengthen those programs during my time as president this year. 

Francis To

Vice President

Position, Year: PRA 

She/her/hers

Ovarian Cancer PRA; Watson Lab

Future Aspirations: Attend graduate school researching women’s health then pursue science policy.

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and occasionally going on hikes. I also love spending time with family and friends.

Why WiSTEM? I wanted to be in WiSTEM because of the strong sense of camaraderie and the invaluable support they provide. Being part of such a supportive and empowering community is something I deeply value, and I am excited about the opportunity to connect, grow, and contribute alongside like-minded individuals.

Angie Vazquez

Treasurer

She/her/ella

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Current Research: I am in the immunology program and work in the Kohler lab where I am investigating how the CAR immune synapse effects T-cell signaling and differentiation and how we can improve this to make it resemble the canonical TCR synapse and signaling pathway.

Future Aspirations: I don’t have anything solid, but I hope to be involved in research that is furthering the cancer immunotherapy field and if I could be surrounded by friends and family while doing that, that would be great.

Fun Fact: I love cosplay and arts and crafts in general. Halloween is my favorite holiday for this reason. I also have 2 cats Oliver and Luna

Why WiSTEM?: I wanted to be in WiSTEM to be involved in a community committed to furthering the success and women and girls in our community.

Marilyn (Mar) Jackson

Social Media and Marketing

She/her/hers

Medical Oncology PRA; Diamond/Pitts Lab

Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA

Future Aspirations: Become a veterinarian, own a house with a pond for my goldfish, and grow a massive garden to attract tons of bugs. 

Hobbies: Bouldering, snowboarding, linoleum cut printmaking, plant propagating, painting, jigsaw puzzling, and playing volleyball.

Fun Fact: I was in track and field for over 8 years but despise running. 

Amber Stewart

Mentorship Director

She/her/hers

Pharmacology PhD Program: Kate Smith Lab, Nanoscale Organization of Inhibitory Synapses

Future Aspirations: Independent researcher at an academic institution leading a lab of brilliant scientists and ambitious trainees.

Hometown: Glen Burnie, MD

Hobbies: Skiing, camping, kayaking

Why WiSTEM? I love being a part of WiSTEM for the community it creates and for the opportunities to mentor others in STEM.

Kayla Sompel

Outreach Coordinator

Pronouns: she/her

Role on campus: First Year Medical Student

Research: Pursuing clinical analysis of immunotherapy toxicities in advanced cancers.

Why are you in Women in STEM? WiSTEM is an amazing way to support women and equity in STEM and within the community. I love providing underserved communities with the tools to either pursue STEM careers or interact with their local STEM community.

3 things you like to do besides STEM:

• Ski
• Cook
• Exercise

Maddy Rodriguez

Graduate Mentorship Program Co-Coordinator

I am currently a PhD student in the Pharmacology Program at Anschutz and I work in Emily Bates's Lab in the Department of Pediatrics. My research interests include drug mechanisms of action, ion channel pathophysiology, and metabolic disorders. My current project focuses on the mechanistic effects of fetal CBD exposure on pancreas development and offspring metabolic phenotypes. During my free time, I powerlift, try new restaurants with my partner, and spend time with my cat and my family!

Courtney McGinnis

Graduate Mentorship Program Co-Coordinator

She/her/hers

School of Pharmacy Toxicology Program Graduate Student; Dr. Kris Fitz

Future Aspirations: I plan on graduating this spring and will be applying to toxicologist positions in both industry and government. I aspire to continue to support women in stem and perpetuate mentorship throughout my career.

Why WiSTEM?  I joined WiSTEM because I wished to further develop the on-campus mentorship program, of which I personally have benefitted from as a mentee and mentor.

Wendy Zhang

Undergraduate Mentorship Program Co-Coordinator

She/her/hers

Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Program Graduate Student

While I am enjoying my time here in Aurora, I’m originally from the Los Angeles area, where I initially developed my interest in science and research. I hope to one day become a professor, where I can continue to practice research and pursue my passion for teaching and mentoring. This is where WiSTEM comes in! I’m fortunate to be able to be a part of WiSTEM, where I have the opportunity to work with a team to help uplift my peers as well as support the high school and undergraduate STEM communities.

Outside of academia, I enjoy the arts (mostly visual) and reading (fiction—not papers) in the company of my two cats.

Danielle Heebner

Undergraduate Mentorship Program Co-Coordinator

She/her/hers

Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine

Hometown: I hail from the great state of Bless Your Heart (South Carolina). 

Fun fact: I consume at least 1 pound of Nashville hot chicken per month

Why WiSTEM? WiSTEM felt right for me because the work they are doing for the community of women supporting women adds tangibly to our opportunities for success right here on our campus and in our city.

Lily Folts

High School & Teen Mentorship Program Co-Coordinator

She/her/hers

Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development Program PhD student; McKey lab

Future Aspirations: After completing my PhD, my plan is to continue to study reproductive biology and developmental biology in an academic setting. My long-term goal as of now, is to be a research professor with my own lab.

Hometown: Severna Park, MD

Fun Fact: I have a pet ball python named Thunder, and a pet leopard gecko named Gilly

Why WiSTEM? I am passionate about community outreach and wish I had known more about careers in STEM growing up. In my position, I get to show high schoolers that being a scientist is a cool and attainable career!

Gabriela Padilla

High School & Teen Mentorship Program Co-Coordinator

She/her/hers

Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia

Hobbies: Outside of lab I enjoy Hiking, board games with friends and traveling.

Elizabeth Ung

Girl Scout STEM Day Co-Lead

She/her/hers

I grew up in Colorado and attended CU Boulder for undergrad. I am currently a technician in Dr. Elle Roberson’s lab in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, where I am studying the adult mouse uterus and how it remodels under conditional genetic knockouts. I am planning to apply to PhD programs in the very near future! Some of my hobbies include reading, doing anything crafty, and dreaming about traveling the world. 

Why WiSTEM? I wanted to become more involved in the CU Anschutz and surrounding community and grow my leadership skills, so I decided to join WiSTEM’s executive board.

Annalise Sturno

Girl Scout STEM Day Co-Lead