Head Director
Renuka Ramanathan
I am a third-year PhD student in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and I study how the bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pyloriregulates host-cell signaling and contributes to the development of gastric cancer. Outside of lab, I enjoy tending to my houseplant collection, running and hiking, and cooking a variety of foods!
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Communications Director
Samantha Pagan (she/her)
I am a 4th year PhD candidate in the Physics department at Yale. I study particles called neutrinos and dark matter as member of the Heeger and Maruyama labs. As an experimental physicist, I work on research and design to create experiments’ hardware, and I apply concepts from theoretical physics to analyze experimental data. Outside of science, I enjoy taking walks with friends, reading, baking, and crafts.
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Secretary
Garrett Levine (Science in the News):
I am a third year PhD student in the Astronomy department at Yale, and I’m studying planets outside of our Solar System: exoplanets. As an astrophysicist, I apply mathematical and computational methods from theoretical physics to understand how planets form around their stars. Outside of science, I enjoy hiking and staying active by playing for the Yale graduate school rugby team.
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Directors
Lizzy Nand (she/her)
YSC Co-founder, Science in the News:
I am a fifth year PhD candidate in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis at Yale. As a member of the Mothes lab I study HIV, specifically how it gets into cells. In addition to my lab research I am interested in all kinds of science; I like understanding how everything works! I spread my love of understanding by communicating science to the public through YSC and as a podcast host for the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Podcast. Outside of science and science communication I like scuba diving, skiing, jigsaw puzzles, and gardening!
Audrey Tjahjadi (Science in the News):
I am a 2nd year PhD student in the Tucci Lab in the Department of Anthropology. In myresearch, I study the evolutionary history of human populations in Southeast Asia and Oceania using DNA. I’m especially interested in learning how food and the environment drives evolution. Outside of science, I love to paint, play video games, and try out new recipes!
Jorge Torres (he/him))
I’m a postdoc in the physics department. I study the coolest, and most strage particles, called neutrinos. Our team is trying to understand whether neutrinos are their ownantiparticles, via experiments that observe very rare nuclear decays. This could shed light on the nature of the Universe, and why we exist! When I’m not working, you can find me biking, climbing, or salsa dancing.
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