24-25 PRELS Fellows

Towson University

Fellow: Dariush Aligholizadeh ’24
Undergraduate Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mary Devadas – Associate Professor, Chemistry

Dariush Aligholizadeh graduated from UMBC in May 2024 with two Bachelor’s degrees, one in biochemistry and another in computational biology. As a PRELS Fellow, Dariush has continued his research with Dr. Mary Devadas, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Towson University. In his sixth concurrent year on this project, he is concluding studies on the application of gold and silver nanoparticles towards chemical detection using a technique called Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). With the Devadas group Dariush has published a series of papers elucidating cheap and effective techniques to develop a range of metal nanoparticles for sensing environmental toxins, chemical warfare agents, explosives, and forensically-relevant organic compounds. He hopes to pursue a career in academic research combining synthetic chemistry with biology to apply to medical and human-health focused problems. Dariush will be pursuing his MD/PhD at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in the fall. 

Fellow: Natalie Piltoyan ’24
Undergraduate Major: Mathematics, BS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alexei Kolesnikov – Professor, Mathematics, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research

Natalie Piltoyan graduated from UMBC in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in physics. As a PRELS Fellow, Natalie is in the research lab of Dr. Alexei Kolesnikov, Professor, Department of Mathematics, Towson University. Natalie is conducting a study on applications of model theory to differentially private machine learning algorithms. Natalie is passionate about teaching and accessibility to education. As an undergraduate, Natalie served as a peer tutor within the Academic Success Center and as a Teaching Assistant for Pre-Calculus. She aspires to obtain a PhD in mathematical logic to become a research professor where she can mentor students to help them achieve their academic goals. Natalie is waiting to hear back from computer science master’s degree programs.

Fellow: Zaid Qureshi ’24
Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences, BS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mary Devadas – Associate Professor, Chemistry

Zaid Qureshi graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Since the summer of 2022, he has been an active member of and supported by the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program, conducting research under Dr. Mary Devadas at Towson University. Currently, he is a post-baccalaureate research fellow in the Devadas Lab, where his work focuses on manipulating pre-synthesized gold nanoclusters for applications in biological sensing. Building on a strong foundation in chemistry research, Zaid plans on advancing the integration of nanoscience into medicine. He plans to continue conducting translational research throughout medical school and beyond, aiming to develop methods to improve patient care through nanotechnology. Zaid will be pursuing his MD at University of Texas, Tyler School of Medicine in the fall.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Fellow: Tamia Bowers ’23
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering, BS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Paris von Lockette – Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Tamia Bowers is a proud UMBC alumna, earning her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2023. She is currently a PRELS Fellow at UMBC under the mentorship of Dr. Paris von Lockette, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, in the Magneto-Active Composites and Structures (MACS) Lab. Her research focuses on integrating magneto-mechanics into modern non-contact structural health testing devices, leveraging Multiphysics-based Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and numeric computing tools. Tamia aspires to become the first Ph.D. in her family, specializing in Material Science and Engineering. She is passionate about advancing her research ventures and envisions herself as a science officer at a National Laboratory, contributing to cutting-edge innovations in engineering and material science. Tamia was recently selected as a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals Fellow and will spend one year in Germany studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program prior to her enrollment in graduate study.  

Fellow: Janae Gordon ’22
Undergraduate Major: Psychology, BS and Biological Sciences, BS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Weihong Lin – Professor, Biological Sciences

Janae Gordon graduated from UMBC in 2022 with a double major in Psychology and Biological Sciences. As an LSAMP Research Fellow, she performed research in Dr. Weihong Lin’s lab focused on understanding the neurobiological aspects of chemical sensory systems in the nose, specifically mechanisms of sensory detection and functional maintenance. Janae has rejoined the UMBC community as a PRELS Fellows under the mentorship of Dr. Lin, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, exploring the effects of electronic cigarette exposure on the chemosensory system. Janae aspires to attend medical school and contribute to advancing patient care with a perspective that combines clinical excellence with culturally sensitive nutrition. Janae will be pursuing her Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Morgan State University in the fall.

Fellow: Naiyah Lewis ’24
Undergraduate Major: Computer Science, BS
Faculty Mentor: Karen Chen, Assistant Professor, Information Systems

Naiyah Lewis graduated from UMBC with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Minor in Psychology in 2024. She is in Post-Baccalaureate Research Experience for LSAMP Students (PRELS), working with Dr. Lujie Karen Chen, Assistant Professor, Department of Information Systems at UMBC. Her project, Information Design Study, aims to design data privacy information in an engaging format to better inform students about UMBC’s practice of student data collection, usage, and sharing. After her post-bacc program, she wants to get her PhD in Human-Centered Computing, focusing on human factors in privacy, information design, and/or digital literacy. Naiyah will be pursuing her PhD in Human Centered Computing at Clemson University in the fall.

Kate Magante ’24
Undergraduate Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, BS
Faculty Mentor: Aaron Smith, Associate Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Kate Magante graduated from UMBC in 2024 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an LSAMP Research Fellow, she conducted research in Dr. Aaron T. Smith’s structural bioinorganic lab. Kate’s research focuses on the soluble N-terminal domain of FeoB, the primary component responsible for ferrous iron uptake in prokaryotes. Kate aspires to attain a Ph.D. in structural biology. Kate will be pursuing her PhD in Biochemistry at University of Chicago in the fall.

 

Fellow: Will Parham III ’23
Undergraduate Major: Psychology, BA
Faculty Mentor: Edward Dillon, Associate Professor, Information Systems 

William Parham graduated from UMBC in 2023 with a degree in Psychology and conducts research under the guidance of Dr. Patricia Ordóñez and Dr. Edward Dillon. His project focuses on developing a mental guide similar to a personality and career test, designed to help students create a resume of their accomplishments and achievements. This tool aids individuals in understanding their skill sets, deciding between college or career paths, and maintaining intrinsic motivation over external peer influences. William aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing and aspires to specialize in user experience design, focusing on system navigation and mental health solutions for future generations. William is waiting to hear back from master’s degree programs in human centered computing.

 

Adekemi Sobukunola ’24
Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences, BS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Fernando Vonhoff – Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Adekemi Sobukunola graduated from UMBC in 2024 with a degree in Biological Sciences. As an LSAMP Research Fellow, Adekemi worked under the mentorship of Dr. Fernando Vonhoff focusing on characterizing a protein known as Anchor. Now, as a PRELS Fellow, she builds on her undergraduate research conducting behavioral assays to understand the neural role of Anchor in feeding and sleep in Drosophila using a battery of behavioral techniques. Adekemi aspires to be a physician scientist with an MD/Ph.D.,combining clinical practice with biomedical research to bridge the gap between science and medicine. Adekemi is waiting to hear back from post-bac programs as she prepares to apply to MD/PhD programs.

University of Maryland, College Park

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Fellow: Ergine Remy ’23
Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences, BA
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Akua Asa-Awuku – Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; Associate Dean for Community Success and Workforce Development

Ergine Remy is a graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County ’23. She is currently a part of the Environmental Aerosols Research Laboratory under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Akua Asa-Awuku. Ergine is studying the effects of inhalant recreational drugs on complex biological interfaces. She is also investigating secondary organic aerosols which have public health implications. Ergine plans to pursue a professional degree to obtain a career in the medical field. Ergine is waiting to hear back from medical schools.