| NPA IMPACT Fellows |
Classes: 2025 - 2026 | 2024 - 2025 | 2023 - 2024 | 2022 - 2023 | 2021 - 20222025-2026 IMPACT FellowsDamilola Caleb Akintayo, Ph.D.Akintayo is an experienced chemist with over a decade of teaching and research expertise spanning synthetic strategies, spectroscopic characterization, and mechanistic studies. His research portfolio encompasses solid-phase peptide chemistry, small-molecule inhibitor synthesis for antimicrobial and anticancer applications, and the development of advanced functional materials for sustainable energy and environmental remediation. He brings a multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex scientific challenges through innovative synthetic methodologies and collaborative research.
Rajat Kumar, Ph.D.Kumar (he/him) is a postdoctoral scholar in the Llinás Lab at Penn State University, where he investigates the single-cell origins of sexual dimorphism and antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for human malaria. His work leverages advanced single-cell transcriptomics to uncover the eukaryotic mechanisms that drive infection and drug response in this important pathogen. He earned his doctorate in microbiology from Hong Kong Baptist University, where he used systems biology approaches to explore microbial production of bioactive metabolites for biomedical applications. He also holds a Master of Science in genetic engineering (Gold Medalist) and a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology from institutions in India. Beyond the lab, Kumar has led research on clinical diagnostics for non-communicable & vector-borne diseases, held leadership roles in academic departments, and supported peers through mentorship and advocacy. He is committed to broadening global participation in science and increasing access to international research opportunities for early-career researchers. Also in his free time, he enjoys sketching and spending time with his dog (Honey).
Brea Manuel, Ph.D.Manuel is a postdoctoral scientist under the direction of Professor Michael F. Summers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She earned her doctorate in chemistry from Emory University under the direction of Jennifer Heemstra, Ph.D., and her Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University under the direction of Isiah Warner, Ph.D. Her research explores the molecular basis of retroviral genome packaging, focusing on Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MoMuLV), with broader implications for understanding and treating retroviral diseases such as HIV. Manuel’s scientific accomplishments include multiple first-author publications in high-impact journals like JACS and Chemical Science. She has received national recognition through several prestigious awards, including the 2024 Merck Research Award for Underrepresented Chemists of Color, selection as a 2025 CAS Future Leader Top 100, a 2025 Keystone Fellow, a 2025 Leading Edge Fellow, and the 2023 NOBCChE Young Trailblazer Award. Outside of science, Manuel is committed to outreach. She was the founding vice president of Emory’s re-established student chapter and is now the founding past-president of the UMBC chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). In both roles, she has spearheaded initiatives such as abstract writing workshops, graduate school panels, and qualifying exam prep sessions, programming that has significantly strengthened student engagement and outcomes. She also served as an appointed member of the American Chemical Society Committee on Minority Affairs.
Mariacristina Mazzitelli, Ph.D.Mazzitelli is a third-year postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). After receiving her master’s degree in chemistry and pharmaceutical technologies from the University of Naples, Italy, she moved to the United States to start her doctoral training. She graduated from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in translational neuroscience and pharmacology (TNP) in 2022. During her doctorate, she held different leadership positions, including vice director of marketing for Student Research Week (2020), president of Tech Italian Student Organization, a registered TTU student organization (2018-2022), director for Student Research Week (2020/21), which she fully enjoyed because she had the chance to discover new endeavors beyond the research field. Since becoming involved in research, Mazzitelli developed a profound interest in the field of pain, as it is a debilitating condition with very limited effective therapeutic treatments. Pain is a multidimensional disorder in which various components contribute to its development and maintenance; therefore, several analgesic strategies have failed to be successful. The study of pain-related plasticity in higher brain regions is therefore necessary not only for gaining knowledge about pain, but also for a better understanding of related neuropsychiatric disorders. Mazzitelli is a highly motivated individual wishing to pursue an academic and translational research career in a research-intensive university setting. Her postdoctoral projects are currently focusing on the contribution of the neuroimmune system to pain-related plasticity and behaviors, and this research training is consolidating my prior scientific formation. The NPA IMPACT Fellowship will be a great opportunity to advance her professional growth and will help achieving her goals and laying the basis for her career development as an independent investigator.
Jason Sanchez, Ph.D.Sanchez is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) School of Pharmacy working under the direction of Yupeng Li, Ph.D. Sanchez received his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry & cell biology from Rice University in 2018 and his doctorate in computational science from UTEP in 2025. His research focuses on computational biochemistry, drug discovery, and machine learning. Previous publications authored by Sanchez include work on biased G-Protein Coupled Receptor signaling, synergistic drug combinations for SARS-CoV2, Jelly Roll Fold prediction in viruses using Large Language Models, and anticancer drug discovery in kinesin proteins. He has reviewed various scientific publications, presented at Biophysical Society (BPS) and European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) conferences and is an active member of the UTEP postdoc association. During his free time, Sanchez enjoys cooking, playing sports, and walking his dog, Canela.
Emma Wilson-Lemoine, Ph.D.Wilson-Lemoine is a postdoctoral researcher within the Department of Psychology and Thriving Youth in a Digital Environment (TYDE) initiative at the University of Virginia (UVA). She received her doctorate from the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health and Institute for Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience at King’s College London (UK). Wilson-Lemoine is an interdisciplinary researcher with training in epidemiology, psychology, law and health policy. Her research interests span youth mental health, digital mental health, suicide prevention and caregiver mental health. She has extensive experience involving and advocating for people with lived experience of mental health conditions, and their caregivers, throughout the research process and in health settings. Currently, her work focuses on qualitative methods, mixed methods, and implementation science. Specifically, seeks to understand barriers and facilitators that influence use of evidence-based digital mental health interventions, with a focus on optimizing acceptability and engagement in real-world contexts.
2024-2025 IMPACT FellowsKati Kish Bar-On, Ph.D.Bar-On is a philosopher specializing in the philosophy of science and social science, with a strong focus on understanding how group dynamics influence individual behavior. She is currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellow in the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) program at MIT. Before this, she obtained her doctorate in history and philosophy of science from the Cohn Institute at Tel Aviv University. Her research bridges the philosophy of psychology and behavioral science to examine how groups, norms, emotions, and social identities interact. She is developing a comprehensive conceptual framework that integrates these elements to offer new insights into human behavior, emphasizing the interplay between mental processes and social contexts. Her ultimate goal is to apply this framework to understand phenomena of wider importance, such as the intricate interplay of personal history, cultural context, and ethical behavior; the human ability to internalize and follow social norms; the ties between identity and emotions; and the political and social phenomena of polarization.
Ramisa Fariha, Ph.D.Fariha, a postdoctoral research associate at the Brown University RNA Center, is making waves in the scientific community under the mentorship of Juan Alfonzo, Ph.D., the center's director. Hailing from Narayanganj, Bangladesh, she holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Ivy League graduate from her hometown. Fariha earned her Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Penn State, where she became the first international student to receive the ‘Freshman of the Year’ award. She joined Brown University in fall 2018, collaborating with Jonghwan Lee, Ph.D., and her research inspiration, Jeff Morgan, Ph.D., to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. For her doctoral studies, she worked with Anubhav Tripathi, Ph.D., at Brown University School of Engineering, focusing on improving diagnostic accessibility through innovative biotransport phenomena. Her groundbreaking research in reproductive health screening and therapeutic drug monitoring using dried blood spots, which includes a patented cylindrical electrode application, has received national and international media attention for its potential to revolutionize high-throughput clinical screening through automation. Fariha is also a dedicated mentor to students globally, driven by her passion for increasing minority representation in STEM. Beyond the lab, she demonstrates exceptional leadership as an ad-hoc member of the Knowledge Content Delivery Council and Early Career Committee of the Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS), a national mentor for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and an active participant in Females in Mass Spectrometry (FeMS). She served as chair of International Advocacy at the Brown Graduate Student Council (2023-2024), Brown University BEST Scholar 2022, president of South Asian Scholars in STEM at Brown (2023-2024), and led several initiatives as a member of the Brown Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology (BMEB) Graduate Advisory Board. Recognized in various science blogs for her activism as a womxn of color in STEM, she aims to become an independent research scientist, specializing in the early detection of ovarian cancer. She continues to inspire international students and womxn of color in STEM to pursue their dreams, embodying the spirit of innovation and inclusivity in her work.
Hager Kowash, Ph.D.Kowash is currently a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, having relocated earlier this year to Omaha, Nebraska from the UK. Her research interests include fetal programming, placental biology and the developmental origins of disease and her current project involves investigation of the effects of opioid exposure during pregnancy on placental structure and function and fetal neurodevelopment and exploration of treatment options to mitigate effects. Prior to her arrival in the United States, Kowash worked at the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre at the University of Manchester, first completing her doctoral project on how stress during pregnancy, eliciting a maternal immune activation response, can lead to the propensity of offspring to develop neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as schizophrenia in later life, and then as a postdoc working on developing potential dietary therapeutic interventions (including the use of beetroot juice and extracellular vesicles derived from watermelon) to treat pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction. She has worked on various community projects and previously acted as a student representative. In her free time, Kowash is a huge foodie and enjoys travel, hiking and generally being outdoors and is always up for trying new experiences!
Tracie McCargo, Ph.D.McCargo is an experienced educator and accomplished writer. She currently holds the positions of faculty advisor for the Harvard Extension School Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group and assistant executive editor for Bones & Brain in Review. McCargo is a published author, having co-authored the book “Empowering Behavior Change in Patients: Practical Strategies for the Healthcare Professional” and contributed to articles in several reputable peer-reviewed journals. McCargo earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard Extension School, and an executive MBA. Her passion lies in helping others achieve well-being, enhance personal and organizational performance, and pursue advanced education. Her dedication to lifelong learning and her ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application continues to inspire students and colleagues alike.
Colette Ngana, Ph.D.Ngana is a postdoctoral scholar at the National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities (NIMC). She started her work with NIMC in 2022 as a doctoral student in the sociology department at Case Western Reserve University. She quickly appreciated the center’s approaches to community building, with each other and outside of the university. Her doctoral research centered on the relationship between housing and health inequities, with a focus on the experiences of burn injury survivors.
Helen Wagner Coello, Ph.D.Wagner Coello is a postdoctoral associate at the STEM Transformation Institute. She earned her doctorate at Florida International University, focused on using citizen science as a gateway for mosquito monitoring in Miami-Dade County households. Her extensive research background encompasses genomics, landscape ecology, and pedagogy. Previously, she led a highly successful research internship program that used citizen science called the Florida Aedes aegypti Genome Group (FLAGG), providing invaluable experience to nearly 1,000 undergraduate students from 2018 to 2022. She was recognized for her program in the 2022 CDC – Southeastern Centre of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases newsletter. Currently, her research interests include understanding sense of belonging. Committed to student success, she is driven to continue advocating for accessible education, community-building, and confidence-building initiatives.
2023-2024 IMPACT FellowsIslamiat Abidemi Raji, Ph.D.Abidemi is a passionate conservation biologist dedicated to biodiversity conservation. Her work focuses on fostering community participation and inclusiveness in conservation efforts. With a deep love for nature and a commitment to research and fieldwork, she specializes in conducting behavioral studies that contribute to understanding the intricate relationships between biodiversity and their environments. Her research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including plant and animal interactions, urban birds, land use changes, climate change, and the human dimension of conservation. Abidemi holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife management, a master’s degree in conservation biology, and a doctorate in ecological sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Currently, she is a postdoctoral research associate in the biology department at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. As a postdoc, she remotely coordinates urban bird surveys across five different countries, including Brazil, Canada, France, Kenya, and Senegal. Collaborating with local experts and communities, she and the research team employ an innovative community science approach to survey urban birds, aiming to provide a global perspective on the impact of urbanization and climate change on bird diversity. This project seeks to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife while addressing research gaps in previous ecological studies. Abidemi has published in international journals and newsletters and has presented her research findings at both local and international conferences. She has actively participated in several workshops across various countries, including Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, India, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, which is her home country. Abidemi's commitment extends beyond her research and academic responsibilities, as she finds fulfillment in mentoring youth and engaging in advocacy. For her, youth mentorship is not just a hobby but her calling, and she actively engages in this mission to inspire and empower the next generation.
Angela Crumdy, Ph.D.Crumdy is a Provost postdoctoral fellow in the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. Her research focuses on the social lives of teacher and teacher shortages as it relates to Black teachers in Cuba and the United States. As an interdisciplinary scholar, Crumdy is passionate about using ethnographic methods to explore the social lives of teachers and leveraging research findings to improve the experiences of teachers and the people they impact. Prior to graduate studies, she was a high school English teacher in Dallas, Texas.
Lisa Eshun-Wilson, Ph.D.Eshun-Wilson is currently a National Science Foundation postdoctoral Fellow (NSF-PRFB) in the laboratory of Gabriel Lander, Ph.D., at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla. She completed her doctorate in the laboratory of Eva Nogales, Ph.D., at UC Berkeley as a recipient of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) and Ford Foundation Fellowship. She also received the 2020 Cris Alvaro PhD Commencement Prize for excellence in research and community service. Currently, she uses the most powerful microscopes on the planet, transmission electron microscopes, to visualize the ways molecular machines can be harnessed to fight disease, with an emphasis on mitochondrial quality control proteases—or, in other words, vital stress sensors of the cell. She aims to characterize how these biological motors communicate within the body, providing avenues for therapeutic intervention in cancer, heart disease, and neurodegeneration.
Pierre Kawak, Ph.D.Kawak (he/him) is an emerging soft matter researcher. In the summer of 2022, he began his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Florida. In this role, he focuses on molecular simulations to deepen insights into toughness in elastomeric nanocomposites and the influence of copolymer sequence on the glass transition. Educationally, Kawak holds a Bachelor of Science (2015) and a Master of Science (2017) from the American University of Sharjah (UAE) and a doctorate (2022) from Brigham Young University (UT), all in chemical engineering. Over the years, he has delved into diverse research topics, ranging from wastewater treatment and enhanced oil recovery to smart drug delivery devices for cancer treatment and the intricate processes of polymer crystallization and vitrification. A staunch advocate for understanding the bridge between molecular phenomena and macroscopic properties, his academic inclinations lie in statistical mechanics theory. Beyond research, he co-administers the early career researchers in polymer physics Slack community, playing a pivotal role in events like the 2023 Virtual Polymer Physics Symposium. He is also dedicated to various service and advocacy roles. Notably, he serves as an NPA Impact Fellow, oSTEM scholarship coordinator, APS career mentoring fellow, and ASEE safe zone workshop facilitator. Living in Tampa, Florida, his personal passions encompass writing, climbing, soccer, regular exercise, and swimming.
Nicole Maphis, Ph.D.Maphis, an ASERT/IRACDA postdoctoral fellow, resides within the Department of Neurosciences, in the School of Medicine at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Her scholarly pursuits revolve around unraveling the intricate tapestry of neurobehavioral and neurobiological alterations stemming from the consumption of alcohol across the human lifespan, with a particular focus on its impact on the neuropathological landscape of Alzheimer’s disease. Maphis often finds herself nestled alongside her cohorts of mice, under the gentle glow of the red light of the reverse light/dark cycle. It's amidst this setting that she diligently records the activities of neural subpopulations while they partake in alcohol consumption. Beyond the laboratory, Maphis finds solace in the company of her loyal companion, Carl the cow dog, engaging in ventures that span the spectrum of hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and the exploration of New Mexico's breathtaking and untamed vistas. Maphis stands with a steadfast commitment to nurturing STEM engagement within resource-constrained high schools, particularly those dotting the vibrant landscape of New Mexico. Her efforts have reverberated through initiatives such as the Brain Bee, touching the lives of budding scholars in profound ways. As an IMPACT Fellow, she eagerly anticipates a continued journey towards disseminating the marvels of Neurosciences to the aspiring minds of New Mexico's high school students, further fostering the growth of the Brain Bee and the intellectual horizons it embodies.
Henkel Valentine, Ph.D.Valentine is a postdoctoral associate at Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA), in the lab of Phillip Abbosh, M.D., Ph.D. Valentine's research revolves around the development of a CRISPR-based mouse model for bladder cancer, focusing particularly on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and its therapeutic potential. Using CRISPR, he aims to recapitulate mutations commonly observed in bladder cancer patients, then target these mutations with kinase inhibitors to establish rationale for clinical evaluation of kinase inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR in bladder cancer patients. His scientific journey began at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, where he was awarded a First Class Honors Bachelor of Science in marine biology. He further deepened his research roots with a doctorate in biochemistry, where he spearheaded a novel study on developing the first Jamaican prostate cancer cell line. Beyond his research, Valentine is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. He seizes every opportunity to engage in outreach initiatives, from delivering lectures to conducting hands-on activities at both secondary and tertiary educational levels, ensuring the sustained growth and development of budding scientists. Outside the lab, Valentine cherishes moments with his family and indulges in reading historical literature.
2022-2023 IMPACT FellowsCamilo A. Duarte-Cordon, Ph.D.Duarte-Cordon is a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Waiching Sun's lab at Columbia University. He is interested in using computational modeling to understand and predict the mechanical response of materials subjected to extreme conditions of pressure, temperature, and hypersonic velocities. He obtained his doctorate in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.
Phyllis Kyei Mensah, Ph.D.Mensah is formerly a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. She and her team worked in partnership with Indigenous communities and educators to develop new computational models to accurately teach Indigenous histories in K-6 schools.
Caleb Muefong, Ph.D.Muefong is a postdoctoral research scholar at the University of Chicago. He focuses on the impact of TB-induced innate immune responses on Mtb control, TB severity, and lung pathology.
Kathryn Sanchez, Ph.D.Sanchez is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of New Mexico Center for Memory and Aging where she conducts neuroscience research. This research primarily focuses on identifying biomarkers of disease related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Liisa Veerus, D.Phil.Veerus is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Martin J. Blaser, M.D., at Rutgers University, working on the associations between microbiome and health with a special focus on reproduction. She received her doctorate in Zoology from the University of Oxford, studying the reproductive tract microbiota of the red junglefowl in the lab of Tommaso Pizzari, Ph.D.
Ricardo Velasco Trujillo, Ph.D.Trujillo is a social documentarian and cultural studies scholar who investigates cultural practices in post-conflict societies. He focuses on cultural activism, memorialization practices and micro-scale movements for reparation and historical redress among Afro-descendant and displaced communities in Colombia.
2021-2022 IMPACT FellowsBrienna Anderson-Coughlin, Ph.D.Anderson-Coughlin earned a Bachelor of Science in food science and a doctorate in animal and food science from the University of Delaware under the direction of Kali Kniel, Ph.D. Anderson-Coughlin's research focuses on food and environmental virology and she is currently a postdoctoral researcher and the project manager of the Center for Environmental and Wastewater-based Epidemiological Research (CEWER) at the University of Delaware.
Kimiko Krieger, Ph.D.Krieger is a postdoctoral associate at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She is originally from Jonesboro, Georgia, a suburb of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Krieger’s research involves studying metabolic alterations driving breast and prostate cancer disparities in African American cancer patients. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in academia as an independent investigator focused on the molecular underpinnings driving cancer health disparities and the development of research, advocacy, and community outreach initiatives in her community.
Tanya M. Paes, Ph.D.Paes is a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University. She is interested in understanding the development of behavioral and cognitive skills in diverse populations of young children using experimental, observational, and longitudinal methodologies. Paes obtained her master’s degree in child development and education at the University of Oxford and completed her doctorate in education at the University of Cambridge. She has held several leadership positions in her department, college, and professional societies centering on students’ welfare.
Raul Rodriguez, Ph.D.Rodriguez is a postdoctoral fellow in the Otero-Millan Lab at the University of California, Berkeley, studying eye movements. He grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and joined the U.S. Navy out of high school. After nine years, Rodriguez left the Navy to attend the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, where he received a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering. He then attended the University of Rochester to study visual-inertial integration and perception and received a doctorate in biomedical engineering. In his spare time, you can find him volunteering with local charities, stewarding with his union, or running tabletop role-playing games.
Anaïs Tallon, Ph.D.Tallon graduated from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences with a doctorate in biology in 2020. She investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of host-seeking, variation in host preferences and attractiveness, behavioral alterations by viruses, and oviposition-site selection, in Aedes aegypti. Tallon obtained her master's degree in biology, evolution and ecology from both the University of Poitiers, France, and the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, in 2015. She developed a strong interest in chemical ecology and pest management while working at Food and Plant Research Institute of New Zealand, where she was looking at the modulation of electrophysiological responses of the Queensland fruit fly to the microbial volatiles emitted by their bacterial symbionts. Before that, she went living in the Amazonian rainforest where she studied insecticidal properties of native plants and eusociality in spiders. Tallon moved to Virginia and Virginia Tech in January 2021, to work with Chloé Lahondère, Ph.D., as a postdoctoral researcher. She is interested in the adaptation of mosquitoes to global climatic changes, at the neuro-ethological, physiological, genetic, and viral levels. Outside of the lab, she is a musician obsessed with board games, who can’t stay inside more than 24 hours!
Z Yan Wang, Ph.D.Wang is an incoming assistant professor of psychology and biology at the University of Washington, Seattle. She is a neuroscientist interested in the evolutionary and social dimensions of aging. She uses emerging invertebrate model systems, such as the bee and the octopus, to investigate how the nervous system organizes, encodes, and mediates end-of-life transitions and death. Her work uses multiple high-dimensional omics, behavioral, and molecular approaches to uncover fundamental rules about the aging nervous system. As a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University, she studies the impacts of social isolation on nervous system development and behavioral expression of bumblebees. She holds a doctorate in neurobiology from the University of Chicago, where she characterized the neuroendocrine mechanisms of maternal behaviors and death in octopuses.
*Title and institution at the time of involvement with the IMPACT Fellowship Program |