EYH 2016 Organizing Committee:
Jon Yaggie is a Ph.D. student in mathematics at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is interested in logical models of artificial intelligence. She has worked with a wide variety of students leading hands-on mathematics activities designed to promote experimentation and problem solving. She served as Volunteer Coordinator during EYH 2014 and as committee member in 2013.
Dimple Modi is a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Chicago with a focus on Ovarian Cancer Biology. In addition to research, she is involved in volunteer organizations focused on promoting science education to the youth. Apart from science, she enjoys traveling and exploring diverse global cultures and cuisines.
Heidi Park is a science teacher at Jones College Prep HS in Chicago. Outside of teaching and preparing for EYH, she volunteers at the Field Museum and with her church. She is also a teaching fellow with the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation.


Sarayu Ratnam is a Research Scientist in Molecular Genetics at the University of Chicago. In addition to research she is also involved with various volunteer organizations that work with children and on the board for Association for Women in Science (AWIS), Chicago. In her spare time she loves to hit the lakefront trail, be it for training runs or running behind her two energetic boys!


Cassandre Coles is a PhD student, in the Pharmacology Department, at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Currently, she is interested in understanding the relationship between caveolin-1 and angiogenesis.
Breyauna Spencer is a third year undergraduate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago Honors College. Breyauna is currently a Psychology Major with a professional goal of becoming an Adolescent Psychiatrist with a PhD in Neuroscience. When Breyauna is not busy studying, she enjoys tutoring fellow peers and high school students in various topics related to the STEM field.
Natalia M. Gonzales is a Human Genetics Ph.D. candidate at the University of Chicago. She is interested in the genetic etiology of complex behavioral and psychiatric traits. She spends her free time volunteering with STEM outreach organizations, cooking, drawing, traveling, and reading science fiction.
Kavita Chandra is a PhD candidate at Northwestern University in Teri Odom’s lab. Her research is on nanoparticle synthesis for cancer therapeutic applications. Outside of research, Kavita has a passion for science outreach and policy, specifically she serves on the executive board of the Graduate Women Across Northwestern and participates in a mentorship program at the Science Club housed in the Uptown Boys and Girls Program. For fun, Kavita loves traveling around the world, especially trying new foods. Additionally, due to this fervent love for food, she is a runner and dancer!
Seema Sheoran is a graduate student in Neurobiology at UIC. My current research interest lies in understanding the mechanisms governing neuronal connectivity and dendritic arborization. Apart from exploring the complex brain mechanisms, I enjoy swimming and running.
Jane Birman is an undergraduate Chemical Engineering student at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a biochemical concentration. Her research is based on the surface properties of biomedical implants, and she is also involved in organizations supporting global health. Her other interests include photography, biking, and studying philosophy.