2026 Galileo Circle Scholars

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. 

Andrea Hernández - "My name is Andrea Hernández, originally from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, and member of the W.A. Franke Honors College. During my time at the UA, I have engaged in meaningful research projects that have shaped my academic and professional interests. I began my journey as a KEYS intern working with Dr. Tomasiak from the CBC Department, where I characterized a protein involved in the fungus that causes Valley Fever. Later, as an intern at the UA Cancer Center in Dr. Wang’s lab from the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, I explored targeted protein degradation in cancer using molecular glues and worked with light-activated drug strategies. Currently, as a MARC trainee with Dr. Arunachalam from the Immunobiology Department, I am exploring further applications of mRNA vaccines in tumor development, aging, and inheritance. I am working on developing an mRNA vaccine that could serve as a tool to study these processes. Together, these experiences have shaped my goal of pursuing a PhD in Immunology, with a focus on vaccine development and gene therapy. Beyond the lab, I am passionate about expanding access to research opportunities for students and uplifting cultural identities on campus. I do this by serving as a CBC peer mentor, a STAR Lab program facilitator where I teach science literacy classes to high school students, taking on leadership roles in the Nepantla Student Association, and participating in fellowships that have allowed me to explore scientific concepts in the U.S.-Mexico border region. I have learned that embracing your story is one of the most powerful ways to turn experience into purpose, and I strive to pass this on to my students!"

Elena Hughes (2026 Chemistry Outstanding Sophomore, and the Michael A. Cusanovich Galileo Circle Scholar) - "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."

Isaac Kailat (2026 Galileo Circle Scholar, Michael A. Wells Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences Scholar, and the Royal Society of Chemistry Certificate of Undergraduate Excellence Recipient) - 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.

Nandini Manepalli (selected by CBC, and a 2026 Mensch Award in Astrobiology) - "My name is Nandini Manepalli, and I am a current junior at the W.A. Franke Honors College, majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry with minors in Astrobiology and Political Science. I’ve been in the Masel Lab for a little over two years now, where I investigate the evolution of metal-binding by proteins. On campus, I serve as the president of the UA Bookworms club and am also a reporter for The Daily Wildcat student newspaper! In my spare time, I love going on runs, reading good books, and visiting coffee shops around Tucson. After graduation, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. program where I can continue investigating the evolution of molecular phenomena. I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received from my mentors and peers in the CBC and MCB departments throughout my academic journey."

Akshay Menghani - 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

Alice Miranda (ACS Hach Sholar, Michael A. Wells Undergraduate Research in Biological Sciences Scholar, Royal Society of Chemistry Certificate of Undergraduate Excellence Recipient, Dante S. Lauretta and Katherine Crombie Award and a College of Humanities Scholar) - Alice Miranda is a senior at the University of Arizona pursuing three degrees: Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Italian through the Franke Honors Program. She will continue her studies as an incoming Accelerated Master’s Program student in Biochemistry. Her time at the university has been shaped by a strong interest in understanding both science and the broader human context in which it operates. She has conducted research in the Matthew Cordes Lab, the Chen Yin Lab, and the Haijiang Cai Lab, contributing to projects in biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and neuroscience. Working across different fields has shown her the value of careful experimentation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Alice is especially passionate about teaching and mentorship. Through her preceptoring roles at the University of Arizona, she has found some of the most meaningful parts of her college experience. She enjoys helping students work through challenging material, build confidence, and feels comfortable asking questions. She also frequently tutors students who need additional support, and values creating an environment where learning feels encouraging and accessible. Whether in the classroom, lab, or one-on-one settings, she enjoys making complex ideas easier to understand and helping others recognize their own abilities. She plans to pursue a PhD and hopes to build a career that combines research, teaching, and applied science, with particular interests in biochemical and toxicological research. She is grateful for the mentors, faculty, and peers who have shaped her experience at the University of Arizona and looks forward to continuing that work in the years ahead.

Jose Alvaro Morales - "I transferred to the University of Arizona in the fall semester of 2025 with the goal to join a synthesis laboratory. A class I took that first semester was Dr. Pyun’s polymer chemistry class. During the semester, Dr. Pyun gave me the opportunity to join his research group, which I am extremely grateful for. Joining the research group has been a life changing experience and has opened up more opportunities for me. My mentor Ramses has taught me technical skills, chemistry theory, and I’ve gained perspective on what graduate school and the research process involve. My goal after graduation is to apply to medical school."

Laura Serikova (selected by UBRP) - "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."

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."

Yasaman Fazeli - Yasaman Fazeli is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. Her research explores how the behavior of advanced materials at the smallest scales can shape future technologies. By combining specialized experiments with computational analysis, she studies materials with unusual electronic properties and develops new ways to understand complex measurements. She is especially motivated by research that connects fundamental scientific questions with innovation and real-world impact. Beyond research, she values teaching, mentoring, and service as meaningful parts of academic life. In Spring 2025, she was recognized by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for outstanding teaching performance.

John Federice - "My name is John Federice and I am a third year graduate student in the Njardarson lab. My research involves using synthesis to access useful compounds that are drug like structures. I am an officer in the United States Army and following graduation I will fulfill my service obligation as an army chemist!"

Hayden Leatherwood

Hriday Sutradhar - "Hello, my name is Hriday, and I am from Bangladesh. I am a third-year Ph.D. student in Biochemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arizona. My time at the University of Arizona has been transformative, helping me grow into an independent researcher while developing strong scientific and critical thinking skills through mentorship and hands-on research. My research focuses on protein folding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. I study how molecular chaperones regulate these processes using biochemical and biophysical techniques. After graduation, I hope to join industry or research-driven organizations focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases."

Aidan McMahon - "I am a graduate research assistant at the University of Arizona, where I focus on medicinal and synthetic organic chemistry. My work aims at creating small molecule kinase inhibitors for various cancers. My career goal after graduation is to work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry where I will be involved in the creation of new medicines that help patients."

Annika Schulz - "My name is Annika Schulz, and I am a PhD Candidate in Dr. Tomasiak's lab. I graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa. Now, I study membrane transport proteins using structural and biochemical techniques, primarily cryoEM."

Farinaz Soleymani - "My name is Farinaz, and I began my Ph.D. journey at the University of Arizona four years ago. With a background in synthetic organic chemistry, I was eager to expand beyond the boundaries of my knowledge and apply my skills to solve complex biological problems. The BCP program gave me the opportunity to explore diverse research areas and ultimately find where I truly belong. Today, in Dr. Thatcher’s drug discovery lab, I work on projects in antiviral discovery for COVID-19 and ER+ breast cancer, where I have expanded my foundation into medicinal chemistry while gaining experience in biochemistry and disease biology. I have been working in a highly collaborative environment, learning from exceptional teammates and mentoring undergraduate students. This interdisciplinary environment has been really rewarding, strengthening my commitment to grow as a scientist and pursue a career in pharma. I aspire to help translate scientific discovery into meaningful therapies, contributing to a collective effort that transforms “molecules” into medicines that bring hope and save lives."