Meet The SPOT Leadership Team!
Alex Evenchik is a PhD/MPH candidate in materials science and engineering and serves as SPOT’s President. Alex was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he also attended undergrad at MIT. At Northwestern, his work in the Robotic Matter Lab focuses on developing artificial muscles for applications in soft robotics. As President, Alex is excited to elevate the work of SPOT’s board and provide a space for students to learn about and impact policy on the local, state, and federal levels. In his free time, Alex enjoys working out, exploring Chicago, and making art such as wheel-thrown pottery and blown glass.
Emma-Rose Newmeyer is a Chemistry Ph.D. candidate and serves as SPOT’s Vic President. She grew up in Mesquer, France before moving to the US to pursue a BS in Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Emma-Rose worked at a biotech in the Bay area before starting at Northwestern. She works in the Swearer group researching plasmonic nanomaterials for photocatalytic transformations. Emma-Rose’s interests in science policy lie in science communication and addressing issues of environmental justice at the national and international scale. Some of her favorite things are snowboarding, cheese, and the great outdoors!
David Arteaga (he/him) is a 2nd year biomedical PhD student in the department of Cell and Developmental Biology and currently serves as the Treasurer for SPOT. David was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana and earned his B.S. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from Purdue University-West Lafayette. While growing his passion for biomedical sciences as an undergraduate, David became interested in understanding social determinants of health and healthcare access across underrepresented demographics. At Northwestern, David studies the unknown cellular mechanisms underlying pulmonary vascular development and regeneration after lung injury. As Treasurer of SPOT, David hopes to understand how scientists can interface with legislators to enhance evidence-based science and healthcare policy. In his free time, he enjoys going to concerts, biking along the lake, and thrift shopping with friends!
Tracy Zhou is a PhD student in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She serves as the Communications Chair of SPOT. Tracy completed her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rochester in 2014. She then went on to complete a Masters of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine from Northwestern University in 2018. During her time in the Masters program Tracy completed her thesis research in Dr. Francesca E. Duncan’s lab and focused on characterizing O-GlcNAcylation in bovine and human oocytes. Currently, Tracy is in Dr. Elnur Babayev’s lab where she is studying the impact of global warming on reproductive longevity. Tracy is passionate about science communication and is excited to be involved with the science policy community at Northwestern!
Alec Lucas is a third year PhD student in Materials Science working in the Robotic Matter Lab on artificial muscles and soft tactile sensors. Alec attended Purdue University and received a bachelors in Materials Science in 2023. Moving into his role as legislative outreach chair he looks forward to upholding SPOT’s relationships with many Illinois senators and is looking into opportunities to drive connections between more SPOT general members and state or national legislators. In his free time he enjoys hiking, cooking, eating, gaming, and exploring new places.
Drew Weidner (he/him) serves as one of SPOT’s Legislative Outreach Co-Chairs and is a PhD candidate in Chemical and Biological Engineering. Drew earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Colorado Boulder. While working as a semiconductor process engineer for Intel in Chandler, AZ, he completed his M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Arizona State University. At Northwestern, his research in Prof. Linsey Seitz’s lab focuses on electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation to organic molecules for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. In his role as a Legislative Outreach Co-Chair, Drew connects graduate students with legislators and non-profit organizations to advance science-based state and local policy. In his free time, he enjoys gaming, cooking, and exploring Chicago.
Jack O’Donnell-Sloan currently serves as one of SPOT’s Legislative Outreach Co-Chairs.
Christopher Nowak is a PhD Candidate in the Chemistry Department and serves as the Local Policy Chair for SPOT. After growing up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, he earned degrees in Chemistry and Marine Biology from UC San Diego, where he contributed to research on the effects of atmospheric aerosols on human health and the environment. At Northwestern, his work centers on discovering and optimizing catalytic materials for reactions important to sustainability. Christopher is passionate about science communication and committed to connecting people with local government. He also enjoys playing volleyball and viola, as well as spending time outdoors.
Kelly Matuszewski is a fourth year Materials Science and Engineering PhD student in the Dravid research group studying materials for environmental remediation. She currently serves as the Public Engagement and Outreach Chair for SPOT. Kelly is originally from New Jersey and she attended Penn State for her undergraduate degree. In her free time she enjoys exploring Chicago and playing volleyball.
Quinn Beato is a Biomedical Engineering PhD student and the SPOT Public Engagement and Outreach Co-Chair. He studies the biosensing applications of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for biomedical devices in the Rivnay lab. Within SPOT, Quinn has an interest in communicating science to a general audience through diverse media formats, as well as encouraging rational and ethical science-based policy on a national scale. Outside of the lab, he can be found backpacking, skiing, running, reading, or playing piano.
Kimberly Riordan is a fifth year chemistry Ph.D. student in the Kelley group and serves as SPOT’s Diplomacy Chair. She grew up in Newark, Delaware and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2021 with a degree in chemistry. At Notre Dame, Kimberly worked with Dr. Emily Tsui on several projects involving sulfur and understanding its accelerated reduction and solubility in aqueous solutions. In the Kelley group she develops reagentless sensors to detect biomolecules such as melatonin to gain control over the circadian rhythm. Kimberly is excited to involve the Northwestern community in international science policy, drawing on the diverse backgrounds of the graduate students.
Cael Dant serves as a Symposium Co-Chair for SPOT
Pranav Kaarthik is a Mechanical Engineering PhD student in the Robotic Matter Lab and Symposium Co-Chair for SPOT. Pranav has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. Pranav’s work focuses on developing novel robotic mechanisms and unique fabrication strategies for robotic materials, towards the goal of enabling bio-inspired robots. Outside of lab, he enjoys climbing, singing, card and video games.
Callie Goins is a second year chemistry PhD student, currently serving as the co-symposium chair for SPOT. She graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2024 with a BS in Chemistry focused in polymers in materials and is now researching photoswitches and 2D materials for mixed ionic-electronic conductors in the Kalow and Hersam groups at Northwestern. She is excited to get more engaged with science policy and communication. In her free time, Callie enjoys spending time with friends in Chicago and continuing with her childhood love of competitive figure skating.
Fiona Carter-Tod is a PhD/MPH student in the Driskill Graduate Program and serves as a SPOT Board Member at Large. Fiona grew up in Blacksburg, VA and attended the University of Richmond for her undergraduate degree. She developed a foundation rooted in biological research techniques and an understanding of leadership as it pertains to the challenges of ethical and effective engagement in society. At Northwestern, Fiona works in the Hultquist lab investigating host-pathogen interactions in the context of HIV. Concurrently she is studying the epidemiological, theoretical, qualitative, system- and policy-based aspects of infectious disease as a part of the MPH program. Fiona hopes to emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to infectious disease as well as the policies that surround it. Outside of the lab, Fiona enjoys basketball, hiking, cooking, crafting.
Minjung Kim is a Chemistry Ph.D. candidate and serves as a Board Member at Large for SPOT. She grew up in Houston, TX and graduated from Rice University with degrees in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Chemistry. At Northwestern, she is part of both Farha and Swearer Labs, researching photocatalytic nanomaterials for a greener future. Minjung’s interest in science policy comes from witnessing the impact of scientific literacy and community engagement in environmental justice. In her free time, she likes to play the cello, cook, and play video games.
Meagan Olsen is a PhD student in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. She has been part of the SPOT Board for four years and currently serves as a Board Member at Large. She grew up in Fayetteville, AR and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Meagan’s current research focuses on improving cell-free systems to enable low-cost, decentralized manufacturing of medical therapeutics. Meagan is passionate about science communication and ensuring that everyone, regardless of educational background, can be involved in discussions about new scientific discoveries and technologies. Meagan also leads her department’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ARDEI) Committee and is President of the Engineering Biology Research Consortium’s Student and Postdoc Association. In her free time, Meagan enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and exploring museums.
Prianka Hashim serves as a Board Member at Large. She is a PhD/MPH candidate in the Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences through Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. She is a member of the Duncan Lab looking at the intersection of the innate immune system and the female reproductive system. The lab is focused on understanding the mechanisms of why the female reproductive system is the first to age with the intention of developing novel therapeutics for fertility preservation and extending the female reproductive lifespan. Outside of the lab, Prianka is committed to reproductive justice and equity. Prianka has worked with NGOs in Bangladesh, Uganda, and Denmark committed to protecting bodily autonomy and access to reproductive healthcare for marginalized populations around the globe. For fun, Prianka loves to explore, bake, and search for new plants.
SPOT Leadership Alumni
Elisabeth Latawiec (Chemistry)
Rosie Huerta (Materials Science)
Brody Johnson (Chemistry)
Molly Sun (Chemistry)
Colleen O’Brien (Environmental Engineering)
Kavitha Chintam (Chemical and Biological Engineering)
Emily Schafer (Biomedical Engineering)
Rishabh “Ray” Juneja (Chemical Engineering)
Suraj (Engineering Management) was a Board Member at Large from 2022-2023
Emilie Lozier (Chemistry) was a Board Member at Large from 2022-2023
Grace Wickerson (Materials Science and Engineering) was the Legislative Outreach Director for SPOT from 2022 – 2023
Nicolas Scrutton Alvarado (Molecular Neurobiology) was Communications Chair from 2021-2023
Jamie Neely (Earth and Planetary Science) was Treasurer of SPOT and Symposium Co-Chair from 2018-21.
Chamille Lescott (Materials Science) was President of SPOT from 2020-21.
Emma Zajdela (Applied Mathematics) was SPOT Science Diplomacy Chair from 2020-21.
Sean Koyama (Materials Science and Engineering) was SPOT Communications Chair from 2020-21.
Michael Mullowney (Chemistry) was a founding member and Co-Chair of SPOT from 2017-20.
Kavita Chandra (Materials Science) was a founding member and Co-Chair of SPOT from 2017-18.
Amanda Corcos (Chemistry) was involved with SPOT from 2017-18.
Jennifer DiStefano (Materials Science) was Community Engagement Chair of SPOT from 2019-20.
Rianna Greer was SPOT Treasurer from 2019-2020.
Suvai Gunasekaran (Radiology) was a Board Member at-large from 2018-2021.
Emily McClure (Chemistry) was Communications Chair of SPOT from 2018-20.
Michael Mattei (Chemistry) was a founding member and Treasurer of SPOT from 2017-18.
Ryan Mayers (Biotechnology) was involved with SPOT from 2018-2020 and started the Chicago SPOT chapter.
Laura Olenick (Chemistry) was a founding member and Secretary of SPOT from 2017-18.
Rohun Palekar (Nanomedicine) was a founding member and Chicago Campus Chair of SPOT from 2017-18.
Jonathan Pfluger (Materials Science) was involved with SPOT from 2017-18.
Louisa Savereide (Chemical and Biological Engineering) was a founding member and co-chair of SPOT from 2018-19. She led a number of initiatives and started the monthly discussion program during her time with SPOT.
Sarah Schlossberg (Materials Science) was involved with SPOT from 2018-19.
Kyle Siegel (Molecular Biosciences) was Webmaster of SPOT and involved in the outreach programs from 2018-19.
Stephen Wilke (Materials Science) was involved with SPOT from 2017-18.
Zack Woodruff (Mechanical Engineering) was involved with SPOT from 2019-20.