SAFE

Member-at-Large

Elise Bezold

Elise grew up in southwest Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Northern Kentucky University in 2022. She is currently a 2nd year in the Wuest Lab focusing on the total synthesis and biological investigation of antimicrobial compounds while also exploring microbiology and chemical biology. She is passionate about STEM education and encouraging girls to pursue STEM-related careers. Outside of the lab, Elise enjoys cooking, playing the violin, exploring Atlanta, and spending time with her horses when she’s back in Ohio!

FR&D Committee Representative

Taylor Blackburn

Taylor received her B.S. in Biochemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2020 before beginning her graduate degree at Emory University. She is now a Ph.D. candidate in the Dunham Lab researching bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems and the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic persistence. She is passionate about identifying and demystifying the ‘hidden curriculum’ at research intensive universities to make these spaces more inclusive. Her goals for being on the SAFE committee include increasing transparency of what faculty committees do and engaging the student population in departmental activities. Outside of school, Taylor enjoys strength training and finding the best bubble teas.

Member-at-Large

Yono Bulis

Yono is a senior double majoring in chemistry and economics. On campus, he is involved with pharmacology research, reslife, and the chess club. He’s excited to be a part of SAFE for the upcoming year!

Faculty Recruitment & Development Committee Representative

Maddie Clerici

Graduate Committee Representative

Andres Gonzalez Socorro

Operations Committee Representative

Eric Ho

Eric is a third-year grad student in Lili Wang’s group. Originally from Clearwater, FL, he graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 where he was a member of the Macdonald research lab. He is passionate about applying chemistry to making the world a greener place. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing squash, building model kits, and watching Tampa Bay Lightning hockey.

Undergraduate Committee Representative

Caroline Owusu

Caroline Owusu is an undergraduate chemistry major with a fervent interest in inorganic research, embodies the convergence of academic dedication and a multifaceted life. Hailing from Senoia, GA, her insatiable curiosity for science, particularly the periodic table, emerged early in life. College unveiled her remarkable aptitude for chemistry, where she thrived in research projects, showcasing both academic prowess and a collaborative spirit. Complementing her scientific pursuits, she’s a dedicated gym-goer, finds solace and energy in music, and diligently hones her Spanish skills. This well-rounded approach to life, combined with her unwavering commitment to chemistry, positions her as a future luminary in the field, poised to make significant contributions to inorganic research and the broader world.

DEIB Committee Representative

Kristen Patterson

Kristen Patterson graduated from New College of Florida in 2020. She is now a chemistry PhD candidate in the Liotta Group at Emory University, where she develops biopolymer delivery platforms for drug and prodrug candidates. In addition to serving as a Graduate Student representative of the chemistry department’s DEIJ committee, she also serves as an Emory Diversifying Graduate Education (EDGE) fellow, working across Laney Graduate School to create an inclusive environment for graduate students. 

SAFE Co-Chair & Operations Committee Representative

Sophia Shahin

Originally from Philadelphia, Sophia Shahin is a junior is the College of Arts and Sciences double majoring in Chemistry B.S. and Dance B.A. on the Pre-Med Track. She began research through the SURE program during summer of 2021, and since then has served as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Monika Raj’s lab. In addition to serving as an undergraduate representative on the operations committee, she also serves as the president for the chartered organization, Meals on Wheels Emory. Furthermore, she is part of many dance organizations on campus including the Emory Dance Company and AHANA Dance.

SAFE Co-Chair & Faculty Search Representative

Defne Turncaral

Bio forthcoming.

Faculty Search Committee Representative

Samantha Velazquez

Graduate Committee Representative

Maia Vierengel

Member-at-Large (Previously: Faculty Search Committee Representative)

Lidia Waidmann

Hello! My name is Lidia (she/her), and I am a 2nd year in the Davis Lab! I grew up in Chevy Chase, MD and graduated in 2020 from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH with a BS in chemistry and a minor in French. Outside of chemistry I love baking, playing squash, soccer, and annoying my friends with Taylor Swift.

SAFE Co-Chair & DEI Committee Representative

Kenneth Wingate Jr.

Undergraduate Committee Representative

Coco Zhang

Coco is a junior double majoring in Chemistry and Human Health working on the stability of DNA tension probes in Salaita Lab. Coco plans to investigate the field of pharmacology research for graduate school after completing her undergraduate degree. She was raised in Vancouver, a beautiful city in West Canada. She is helpful, cares about others, and is excited to meet and listen to advice from chemistry students and bring voices to the department as the undergraduate committee representative.

DEI Committee Representative

Kristen Patterson

Kristen Patterson is a chemistry PhD candidate in the Liotta Group at Emory University. In addition to serving as a representative of the chemistry department’s