2026 CBC Graduate & Undergraduate Student Awardees and Scholars

Congratulations to Evan Thomas, selected as the 2026 ACS Undergraduate Awardee in Analytical Chemistry!

"Hi, my name is Evan Thomas, and this will be my sixth semester working in the Pemberton Lab. I joined the Pemberton Group in 2024, and my research primarily focused on the synthesis and characterization of rhamnolipid-based ionic liquids. My time at the Pemberton Lab has shaped me into the researcher and scientist I am today, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity that was given to me. I also want to thank my parents Dave and April, my amazing sister Brooke, and everyone else who has helped me get to where I am today." ~ Evan

"My name is Luke Fasse, and I am a senior chemistry major graduating this spring. During my freshman year, I joined Dr. Thomas Gianetti’s lab in the CBC department, where I have spent the past few years conducting research in low-energy photoredox catalysis. Being involved in undergraduate research has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has taught me so much both inside and outside the classroom. Next year, I will be attending the University of Minnesota to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry. 

I have been part of the CBC department since I first stepped on campus in 2022. In my sophomore year, I joined the department’s Peer Mentor and Ambassador programs. Through these roles, I’ve had the opportunity to share my experiences with first-year students, lead recruitment sessions for prospective students, and volunteer at a variety of meaningful events. One of my favorite experiences was participating in STEAM Camp in partnership with the Autism Society of Southern Arizona. 

I am truly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and for the incredible people I’ve met through the CBC department."

"My name is Cole Bellomo, and I’m graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Born and raised in Tucson, I’m a second-generation member of the University of Arizona dedicated to both the university and my local community. During my undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to expanding research capabilities for both me and underrepresented peers in the College of Science.  

I started my journey as a member of the MCBC club, where I participated in curricular discussions aimed at encouraging undergraduate students to engage in professional research. After changing majors, I found a strong academic and professional home in Dr. Pyun’s research lab.  

In Dr. Pyun’s lab, I began by following established protocols for organic reactions and soon evolved into designing and optimizing my own experiments. Throughout the three years of research, I’ve been able to perform my own experimental design and optimization under the guidance of Professor Jeffrey Pyun. This work contributed to the development of novel optical polymers and resulted in my inclusion as a co-author in a peer-reviewed publication.  

Beyond research, I’ve been dedicated to mentorship and cooperation with all kinds of peers in my undergraduate. As a mentor in research, I have regularly mentored new students to foster a collaborative environment and improve project efficiency. My time in the lab allowed me to shift from being a trainee to a mentor role, where I’ve had the opportunity to train different groups of people. I taught incoming undergraduates the process of Inverse Vulcanization and other in-house polymerizations, helping develop safe lab practices. Working with multiple generations of graduate students and post-doctoral researchers has strengthened my resolve to pursue a PhD.  

My achievements at this university have been recognized with multiple awards. I have received the Wildcat Distinction Tuition scholarship and the Arizona Society for Coatings Technology Scholarship because of research. I received Dean’s list for the first two years of my undergraduate degree. I was also able to participate in talks outside of the University of Arizona as well as multiple poster sessions, including NGRPC at ASU, to present my research. This upcoming fall, I plan to begin my doctoral program in organic chemistry at the University of Arizona."

Elise MacKirdy

Congratulations to Cody Mitchell, who was selected as the 2026 Undergraduate Awardee in Physical Chemistry!

"As an undergraduate chemistry student at the University of Arizona, I’ve been fortunate to receive opportunities that shaped my academic path in ways I never could have predicted. I entered college expecting to pursue chemical engineering, but by the time I completed general chemistry lab, I knew I wanted to study chemistry. That decision ultimately led me to discover my passion for physical chemistry. 

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Monti for introducing me to the world of physical chemistry, teaching in a way that solidified my desire to join a research group in this field and giving me the opportunity to serve as a preceptor for this same course last fall. I also thank Dr. Huxter for welcoming me into his lab and allowing me to conduct independent research on the photophysics of photoredox catalysis. I am equally grateful to my lab mates for their time, patience, and mentorship throughout my training. 

My time in the Huxter lab has centered on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of optics and physical chemistry, using timeresolved spectroscopy to investigate the excitedstate dynamics of organic photoredox catalysts. With the guidance, encouragement, and support of Dr. Huxter, Dr. Monti, and many others, I will be pursuing a doctorate in physical chemistry. Four years ago, I never could have predicted that this is where I would end up — but now, I cannot imagine doing anything else."

Through this department I have been able to expand my goals and skill set by taking advantage of the opportunities offered. I especially like that research here is not limited and that students are encouraged to explore different projects and challenged to present it. 

It has also been very rewarding to serve as an ambassador and peer mentor, to give guidance to students, and to be able to share my experiences and see other students pursue a path within the department. 

I am very grateful to receive yet another award within this department and to the advisors who have been genuinely invested in my academic success and personal growth.  

I have found a strong sense of belonging since I joined the CBC Department and I look forward to seeing other students experience this." ~ Abena

"Hello Hello! I’m Lawson Lee, a biochemistry major at the University of Arizona. I’m grateful to work as an undergraduate researcher in the Pyun Research Group, where I study sulfur-based polymers and their potential applications in infrared optics. That experience has pushed me to stay curious about how chemistry can be translated into real-world applications, including materials used in healthcare. 

Outside of the lab, I’m thankful to be involved with Flying Samaritans in Agua Prieta, where I support patient care and outreach in underserved communities. Those experiences have played a major role in shaping my interest in dentistry and have shown me the impact of combining skill with genuine care for people. 

I’m excited to continue building a path in dentistry that brings together science, service, and patient care in a meaningful way." 

Congratulations to Isabelle Seohyun Shin, selected as the 2026 Outstanding Peer Mentor! 

"I have learned and grown so much at the University of Arizona, and it has been an absolute pleasure sharing that with others. Being part of the CBC community has changed the trajectory of my personal life and academic career. I am constantly surrounded by support from the CBC staff, and I am inspired by my peers every day. I am grateful for all of the experiences and opportunities that I received from the CBC community!"

"Hi! My name is Akshay Menghani and I am a third-year Biochemistry and Mathematics major with a strong commitment for advancing health equity through both academic and community work. My undergraduate journey has recently led to my acceptance into the HEAP program at the College of Medicine – Tucson, where I will receive training to become a physician. Alongside my studies, I work in a microbiology research lab, where I contribute to ongoing efforts to better understand complex bacterial factors and their implications on human health. 

Beyond the laboratory and academics, I am also passionate about education and outreach. I co-founded Youth Health Advocates, a student-led organization dedicated to bringing health education into underserved classrooms. Through this initiative, I aim to empower younger students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being. I also serve as a tutor with ThinkTank, where I support fellow undergraduate students in achieving their academic goals. In addition, I am a CBC Ambassador and peer mentor, where I help guide and support incoming CBC students through their undergraduate studies. 

Receiving the Charles Y. F. Hoyt Scholarship and the Excellence Award in Biological Sciences Scholarship is a tremendous honor, and I am deeply grateful for this support. These scholarships will allow me to more fully prioritize my academic studies, research, and service activities without the added burden of financial strain. They will enable me to continue pursuing meaningful extracurricular work while preparing for a career in academic medicine, where I hope to integrate research, teaching, and patient care to make a lasting impact." 

Kylie Ernst

"Kylie is a third-year biochemistry major with a minor in French. She came to UofA with an interest in research and joined the Paek lab, where she just completed her Senior/Honors Thesis on how redox signaling affects protein activation patterns in breast cancer cells. Kylie has served as a CBC Peer Mentor, guiding new students in the department, and has also been involved with UBRP Ambassadors, helping to support and grow the undergraduate research community. In the fall, she will be studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, and she is on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude in December. After graduation, Kylie plans on earning her PhD to pursue a career in cancer biology research." 

"Hi, my name is Elena, and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. I’m so grateful for my time here, because I have met so many amazing people and had the chance to study the subjects that interest me most. One of the most rewarding experiences has been working in the Njardarson Lab, where I have worked on projects involving the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules as well as monomers used to make graphene nanoribbons. I’m very appreciative of all the opportunities and support I’ve received, and I’m looking forward to continuing to further explore research in chemistry."

Congratulations to Erin Schuette, who was selected as the 2026 Spring Biochemistry Outstanding Senior and the Biochemistry Excellence in Research Recipient!

Erin Schuette is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Health and Human Values. On campus, she has been involved with Women in Medicine and STEM, College of Science Ambassadors, CBC Ambassadors and Peer Mentors, Links Junior Honorary, and Pickleball Club. Erin served as the EveryBODY Arizona President for two years, volunteered at Banner in the Dietitian Services and Neurology Departments, interned with Camp Wellness, and supported students as an Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry preceptor. Her passion for research first led her to work in the Churko Lab, where she grew stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes with CRISPR-based genetic knockouts and collaborated on proteomics projects with the Gundry Lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Financial support from the Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open Grant allowed Erin to conduct a summer of research at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, studying muscle metabolism with Dr. Ochala. For her senior thesis, driven by passions for health humanities and biochemistry, she worked with Dr. Coletta to study genetic and socioeconomic factors of Type II diabetes outcomes in Latino populations. Erin has been awarded numerous accolades for her achievements, including the Excellence in Biochemistry Award, Michael Cusanovich Galileo Circle Scholarship, and the W.A. Franke Honors College Research and Creative Inquiry Award. With acceptance into the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson through the Honors Early Assurance Program (HEAP), she will continue following her passions for improving clinical and research access for underserved populations and increasing weight stigma awareness and body neutrality in medical education. Erin is incredibly grateful to all of the advisors, professors, mentors, peers, and family who have supported her throughout her undergraduate journey; she would not be where she is or who she grew to be without you! 

Clara is a senior Franke Honors student from Saint Louis, Missouri studying biochemistry and chemistry. She is a CBC ambassador and peer mentor. She is working as an undergraduate in the Arizona Lab for Emerging Contaminants, aiding in the research of chemicals such as PFAS. Clara is on the pre-medical track, aspiring to help improve healthcare access and equality; a goal inspired by the healthcare disparities she witnessed during her upbringing in Africa. 

"The Dr. Thomas M. and Candace C. Grogan Scholar award will help alleviate the financial burden of college, assisting me to achieve my academic and career goals, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society." ~ Clara

"Hi! My name is Akshay Menghani and I am a third-year Biochemistry and Mathematics major with a strong commitment for advancing health equity through both academic and community work. My undergraduate journey has recently led to my acceptance into the HEAP program at the College of Medicine – Tucson, where I will receive training to become a physician. Alongside my studies, I work in a microbiology research lab, where I contribute to ongoing efforts to better understand complex bacterial factors and their implications on human health. 

Beyond the laboratory and academics, I am also passionate about education and outreach. I co-founded Youth Health Advocates, a student-led organization dedicated to bringing health education into underserved classrooms. Through this initiative, I aim to empower younger students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their well-being. I also serve as a tutor with ThinkTank, where I support fellow undergraduate students in achieving their academic goals. In addition, I am a CBC Ambassador and peer mentor, where I help guide and support incoming CBC students through their undergraduate studies. 

Receiving the Charles Y. F. Hoyt Scholarship and the Excellence Award in Biological Sciences Scholarship is a tremendous honor, and I am deeply grateful for this support. These scholarships will allow me to more fully prioritize my academic studies, research, and service activities without the added burden of financial strain. They will enable me to continue pursuing meaningful extracurricular work while preparing for a career in academic medicine, where I hope to integrate research, teaching, and patient care to make a lasting impact." 

Elizabeth Ghartey 

Elizabeth Ghartey is a junior majoring in biochemistry. She has been a part of the Katsanis lab in the College of Medicine since her freshman year, where she uses immune cells and to characterize immunotherapeutic treatment of novel cancer cell lines. Beyond research, she has been a calculus and chemistry teaching assistant, a student government representative for the College of Science, and a volunteer in the Banner Hospital. She intends to pursue graduate studies in cell biology, with the goal of becoming a biomedical researcher.

Chase Valentine 

"My time at the University of Arizona so far has been a very fruitful experience. I have enjoyed joining all the different communities across campus, the Arizona Astrobiology Center, the CBC's ambassadors, the powerlifting team, and my friends in my biochemistry and Japanese language classes. I was first exposed to the Frost Integrated and Chemical Ecology lab in the fall of my freshman year, where I quickly began volunteering on projects tracking plants' chemical reactions to herbivory. Since then, I have started my own project, investigating plants' reactions to and sequestration of organophosphate esters, a man-made fire retardant. I plan on turning this project into my bachelor's thesis."

Congratulations to Erin Schuette, who was selected as the 2026 Spring Biochemistry Outstanding Senior and the CBC/Biochemistry Excellence in Research Recipient!

Erin Schuette is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Health and Human Values. On campus, she has been involved with Women in Medicine and STEM, College of Science Ambassadors, CBC Ambassadors and Peer Mentors, Links Junior Honorary, and Pickleball Club. Erin served as the EveryBODY Arizona President for two years, volunteered at Banner in the Dietitian Services and Neurology Departments, interned with Camp Wellness, and supported students as an Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry preceptor. Her passion for research first led her to work in the Churko Lab, where she grew stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes with CRISPR-based genetic knockouts and collaborated on proteomics projects with the Gundry Lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Financial support from the Biology Research Abroad: Vistas Open Grant allowed Erin to conduct a summer of research at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, studying muscle metabolism with Dr. Ochala. For her senior thesis, driven by passions for health humanities and biochemistry, she worked with Dr. Coletta to study genetic and socioeconomic factors of Type II diabetes outcomes in Latino populations. Erin has been awarded numerous accolades for her achievements, including the Excellence in Biochemistry Award, Michael Cusanovich Galileo Circle Scholarship, and the W.A. Franke Honors College Research and Creative Inquiry Award. With acceptance into the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson through the Honors Early Assurance Program (HEAP), she will continue following her passions for improving clinical and research access for underserved populations and increasing weight stigma awareness and body neutrality in medical education. Erin is incredibly grateful to all of the advisors, professors, mentors, peers, and family who have supported her throughout her undergraduate journey; she would not be where she is or who she grew to be without you! 

“My name is Bianca Halcomb, and I am a rising senior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Business Administration. I am currently a member of Dr. Zhifei Yan’s research group, where I study ion transport in nanopipettes for electrochemical applications. Outside of the laboratory, I serve as a Peer Mentor and Ambassador for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, as well as a Resident and Desk Assistant for U of A Housing. I am also involved in Ardor Dance Company, LOCKS Junior Honorary, and serve as a U of A Campus Ambassador. 

After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. I am sincerely grateful to receive these awards, as they help alleviate the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more fully on my academic development and research goals."

“My name is Bianca Halcomb, and I am a rising senior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Business Administration. I am currently a member of Dr. Zhifei Yan’s research group, where I study ion transport in nanopipettes for electrochemical applications. Outside of the laboratory, I serve as a Peer Mentor and Ambassador for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, as well as a Resident and Desk Assistant for U of A Housing. I am also involved in Ardor Dance Company, LOCKS Junior Honorary, and serve as a U of A Campus Ambassador. 

After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. I am sincerely grateful to receive these awards, as they help alleviate the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more fully on my academic development and research goals." 

Alice Miranda

Alice Miranda is an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology through the Franke Honors Program. She is also completing an accelerated Master’s in Biochemistry. Alice conducts research in the lab of Matthew Cordes, where she investigates enzyme mechanisms in recluse spider toxins using site-directed mutagenesis, recombinant protein expression, and quantitative enzyme kinetics. She is also a member of the Chen Yin Lab, where she works with animal models to study pharmacological responses and toxicological effects, contributing to experiments that examine how molecular and biochemical pathways are altered in disease and in response to therapeutic compounds. In addition to her research, Alice serves as a peer mentor and ambassador for both CBC and MCB programs. She is particularly interested in applying biochemical techniques to forensic science and plans to pursue a career in forensic toxicology. 

Laura Serikova

"Hi! I'm Laura, a sophomore studying biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology. Since the summer of my freshman year, I have been part of the Riedel-Kruse Lab through the UBRP program, which was my first experience with hands-on biological research. Thanks to Dr. Riedel-Kruse, I have continued my research analyzing patterns formed through cell-to-cell adhesion in E. coli mediated by the 100% genetically encoded adhesin toolbox developed by our lab.

Encouraged by Dr. Miranda and supported by my lab and my parents, I decided to apply for department scholarships in CBC. I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised when I started receiving emails. These scholarships acknowledge the hard work I have put in since the beginning of my freshman year, when I was feeling lost and homesick. It's great to have been given the opportunity to pursue research and be rewarded for it! This experience has given me the confidence to believe in myself and to continue working toward my goals. I am now planning to continue doing research over the summer through the AHA Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship here at the University of Arizona to deepen my knowledge of medical research and drug discovery." 

Kia Hashemi

"I am Kia, a Biochemistry student at the University of Arizona and an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Loy’s lab, where I work under the mentorship of PI Mariposa Cox. Her research focuses on polymer chemistry, particularly the synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide hydrogels and their material properties. Through this work, we study how these materials behave and change, which has potential to be applied in real-life systems. After moving to the United States two years ago, I chose to pursue my education at the University of Arizona, where I could establish and build a strong foundation in research. With the support of my lab and mentors, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Undergraduate Poster Symposium and further develop my scientific communication skills. So, this scholarship will support my research and help me pursuing my long-term goals in science."

Isaac Kailat

Isaac Kailat is an undergraduate student in the Department of Chemistry. Their research involves developing Optical Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) microscopy methods to study microbial metabolism. They are broadly interested in biophysical instrumentation and the physics of living systems.

Thesis title: MC1R Lead Optimization Through Protein Coevolution and Biophysical Assay Pipeline 

Research advisors: Drs. Minying Cai and Kevin Scott 

Adrian is graduating with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Pharmaceutical Science, while co-enrolled in an Accelerated Master’s Program in Biochemistry to be completed in May of 2027. Adrian is from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where he spent 17 years until moving to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. His siblings are now made up of primarily of Arizona Wildcats, as his older sister Nicole is an alumnus of UArizona, and his younger brother Blake will be attending Fall 2026. Even though Adrian completes his Bachelor of Science in only three years, Adrian has made an impact within his department as a Chemistry & Biochemistry ambassador, peer mentor, and student researcher. In his free time, Adrian plays piano, climbs for the UArizona Climbing Team, and has modeled for UArizona Fashion Week. 

Adrian's biochemical research career can be described as a dedication to integrity and breadth during his time in the CBC department. He has spent almost 3 years in research with the Hruby-Cai Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Minying Cai, where he developed biophysical, whole-cell, and computational assays for efficient pipeline development of new drugs. This workflow involves using the evolution of protein orthologs to uncover the structural mechanism of human receptors that influence neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and opioid addiction. Adrian has co-authored one published paper in the Australian Journal of Chemistry and is currently authoring two others using this new drug discovery pipeline. Adrian hopes to get his PhD abroad in Australia or New Zealand, after receiving his Master’s in Biochemistry. He will then search for a role in the research and development of new peptide pharmaceuticals for a company at the forefront of improving human health. 

Thesis title: Key mutations associated with venom recruitment in a recluse spider toxin 

Research Faculty Advisor: Matthew Cordes, Chemistry and Biochemistry 

My name is Ronald Palmenberg and I am graduating this semester with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in German Studies. When I graduate, I will continue working in the Cordes lab through the Accelerated Master’s Program, where I study the enzymatic properties of recluse spider toxins. My senior thesis focused on the proteins’ structure-function relationships and how these changed during evolutionary venom recruitment. 

Thesis title: Many Proteins Activated by H2O2 Stress Require Iron for Activation 

Research Faculty Advisor: Andrew Paek, Molecular and Cellular Biology 

"Kylie is a third-year biochemistry major with a minor in French. She came to UofA with an interest in research and joined the Paek lab, where she just completed her Senior/Honors Thesis on how redox signaling affects protein activation patterns in breast cancer cells. Kylie has served as a CBC Peer Mentor, guiding new students in the department, and has also been involved with UBRP Ambassadors, helping to support and grow the undergraduate research community. In the fall, she will be studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, and she is on track to graduate Summa Cum Laude in December. After graduation, Kylie plans on earning her PhD to pursue a career in cancer biology research." 

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Congratulations to Joseph Gutierrez Villela and Josefa Romero Jaramillo, who were selected as the 2026 Patrick M. Hefferan Memorial Scholars.  

Joseph Gutierrez Villela

"My name is Joseph, I am a Biochemistry Senior, and I’m preparing for a summer research position in the UROC program at the University of Arizona. This will allow me to gain more experience and be as prepared as I can to learn more about the field of neuroscience through the lens of research. Furthermore, this support alleviates financial pressure for the upcoming academic year, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and research." ~ Joseph

Josefa Romero Jaramillo

Through this department I have been able to expand my goals and skill set by taking advantage of the opportunities offered. I especially like that research here is not limited and that students are encouraged to explore different projects and challenged to present it. 

It has also been very rewarding to serve as an ambassador and peer mentor, to give guidance to students, and to be able to share my experiences and see other students pursue a path within the department. 

I am very grateful to receive yet another award within this department and to the advisors who have been genuinely invested in my academic success and personal growth.  

I have found a strong sense of belonging since I joined the CBC Department and I look forward to seeing other students experience this." ~ Abena

"These past four years that I have been part of the Chemistry and Biochemistry department; I can truly say that it has been the best experience and most memorable part of being at the University of Arizona. I was made an Honorary Ambassador and helping with outreach events as well as organizing behind the scenes has been incredibly rewarding when everything comes together. I also had the opportunity to photograph department events, which allowed me to capture and share some of the most meaningful moments within this community. 

I am especially grateful to have shared this journey and work alongside my sister and cousins, as well as following in the footsteps of my older sister who graduated from CBC back in 2019. I would like to sincerely thank Olivia Mendoza and the CBC department for recognizing me for the 2026 Ronald Gonzalez Wildcat Spirit Award. This honor truly means so much to me, and I will always cherish the memories and connections I’ve made here."

Olivia Culbert

Abigail is a fourth year PhD candidate. She grew up in Oklahoma, where she attended Oklahoma State University, majoring in biochemistry. Her research involves looking at human protein chaperones through techniques such as NMR and cryo-EM.  

"Hi! My name is Sydney Cordova, I am a third-year grad student in the Sanov Lab working on photoelectron spectroscopic imaging. I am honored to have received the Kathryn K. and James Steele Scholar award. This award highlighted people with a commitment to advancing women in the field of chemical sciences. I have stood as PAWS secretary for the past two years where I have been a part of elementary school STEM nights and events here on campus like the annual Spooktacular. I have also been able to help with the recruitment and orientations in the department. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible for me!"

"Don't be afraid to reach for the stars." ~Selena Quintanitlla 

Jenna Courey

"Jenna is a fourth-year graduate student in Biochemistry. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 2022. Her research is focused on investigating the enzyme mechanisms of protein targets for targeted drug discovery. She also serves as the chair of the CBC graduate student council and the president of PAWS."