Our Team
Leadership
Corrie Barnes
Co-President
Hi! My name is Corrie and I’m a fourth-year MENG major on the quantum track with a minor in MENG for sustainable energy and water resources. I work in the Gagliardi group on classical and quantum simulations to understand different chemical systems. I am interested in quantum technology and sustainability.
Edward Hao Yao Luo
Co-President
My name is Edward Luo and I am a second year at the University of Chicago. I plan on majoring in molecular engineering (chemical track). I am working in the Po-Chun Hsu lab on passively cooling clothing and carbon capture adsorbent regeneration. My family is from China and I was born in New Zealand. I am interested in nanomaterials, sustainable technologies, volleyball, and playing the saxophone.
Lillian Gilbert-Smith
Secretary
Committee Heads
Tyler Brown
Outreach/Initiatives Committee Head
My name is Tyler, and I’m a third-year molecular engineering major on the bio track. I am also minoring in immunoengineering. My research interest is in vaccine and cell therapy development for cancer. Feel free to reach out to tpbrown@uchicago.edu!
Vanessa Vaz
Outreach/Initiatives Committee Head
Alex Holzman
Events Committee Head
Hi! My name is Alex and I’m a fourth-year MENG major on the bioengineering track minoring in immunoengineering. I currently work in Sweis Lab, where we look at the mechanisms of cancer immunotherapy resistance. I also co-lead Collaborative Learning in Molecular Engineering (CLIME), a supplemental program within the MENG major which works to build community, improve learning outcomes, and promote inclusion and accessibility in STEM.
Adam Avnet
Treasurer
I’m a member of the class of 2026 double-majoring in Economics and Molecular Engineering. I am passionate about entrepreneurship and using cutting-edge science to develop new products to help people, and I have interned with a number of startups commercializing innovative technologies. I am also currently working with UChicago chemistry professor Dr. Tian to create a startup around a novel biodegradable packaging material. My personal interests include traveling, chess, history, and volunteer tutoring with the Neighborhood Schools Program.
Zara Suran
Marketing
Hi! My name is Zara and I am a first-year from New York. I’m planning to major in Molecular Engineering on the Bioengineering Track with a minor in visual arts. In my free time I enjoy running, climbing, and drawing.
Arielle Troadec
Diversity and Inclusion Head
Hi, my name is Arielle Troadec and I’m a second-year at the University of Chicago pursuing a B.S. in Molecular Engineering with a specialization in Quantum. I’m passionate about quantum computation, tech innovation, and financial markets, and I’m fascinated by the ways in which these fields will intersect in the future. Feel free to reach out at atroadec@uchicago.edu
Outreach and Initiatives
Lily Hiekali
Outreach and Initiatives Committee
Hi! My name is Liana and I’m a second year from Los Angeles. I’m majoring in Molecular Engineering on the bio track. I work in the Hibino lab on cardiovascular tissue engineering. I’m interested in the intersection between engineering and medicine and hope to study regenerative medicine in the future!
Jonah Lovejoy
Outreach and Initiatives Committee
Genevieve Ansay
Outreach and Initiatives Committee
My name is Genevieve and I am a fourth-year molecular engineering major on the chemical engineering track. I am minoring in molecular engineering for sustainable energy and water resources, and my research interest is catalysis and reaction engineering for sustainability. Beyond molecular engineering, I love traveling and learning about other languages and cultures, as well as throwing pots and making ceramic sculptures.
Akanksha Varanasi
Outreach and Initiatives Committee
Hi! I’m Akanksha, and I’m a second year MENG major on the bioengineering track. I am passionate about the intersection of biology and engineering, specifically in drug development and disease therapeutic research. At UChicago, I currently work in the Reder Lab, where I study the effect of multiple sclerosis treatment on patients. In my free time, I enjoy knitting, watching political dramas, and reading murder mystery novels.
Taylor Elliot
Outreach and Initiatives Committee
Srimaye Peddinti
Outreach and Initiatives Committee
I’m Srimaye, a 1st year MENG major on the Quantum track, with an added major in Chemistry. My research interest is in the area of quantum materials and I am also passionate about quantum education and outreach for young students. I’m currently working in the Anderson Lab exploring metal-organic frameworks as quantum spin liquid candidates. My hobbies include playing double bass, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Events
Blake Harris
Events Committee
Hi, I’m Blake! I’m 4th year MENG major on the chem track, minoring in MENG for Sustainable Energy and Water Resources. I’m interested in electrochemical systems, and I like to explore new restaurants, listen to music, and play basketball in my free time.
Jona van Oord
Events Committee
Michael Bolgov
Events Committee
Michael is a second year at UChicago studying Molecular Engineering on the Chemistry track. He is currently part of the Szostak and Tirrell labs studying non-enzymatic RNA replication in coacervates. He also runs a non-profit STEM organization in his home city providing free after-school education to thousands of elementary and middle school students. Outside of school, Michael loves playing tennis, rock climbing, playing piano, and reading.