Meet the 2022-23 Fellows
Diana Grajeda
Undergraduate Studies: New Mexico State University
RISE Scholar: Summer 2021
Program: Physical Chemistry
Brief Bio: Diana Grajeda graduated from New Mexico State University with a B.S. in Chemistry. Diana’s interest in research began when she worked with Dr. Antonio Lara on the production and optimization of fired clay materials to abate heavy metals from drinking water. As a NIH MARC scholar she worked with Dr. Marat Talipov, using computational and experimental methods to develop novel treatments for cardiovascular disease. As a RISE scholar Diana worked with Dr. Weiwei Xie, synthesizing and characterizing the electromagnetic properties of transition metal chalcogenides. The result of her collaboration led to the idea that NiTe2 could be a topological insulator. Diana decided to return to Rutgers to pursue her PhD, due to her experience during the RISE summer program, and because of the green energy focused research occurring at Rutgers. In the future she intends to become a principal investigator and create a mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ minorities pursuing careers in STEM. During her free time Diana enjoys cooking and spending time with her children.
Advice for prospective graduate students: explore all your options and follow your gut.
Laurian Rosa
Undergraduate Studies: University of Puerto Rico- Río Piedras
RISE Scholar: Summer 2021
Program: Geography
Brief Bio: Laurian Rosa Rosa graduated from the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras campus with a B.A in Geography, specializing in Human and Environmental Geography, in 2022. She is interested in topics related to political ecology and critical environmental studies. As a RISE scholar, she worked with Dr. Rhiney and Dr. Marston from the Department of Geography at Rutgers University. Her project focused on state-led efforts to privatize beaches in Puerto Rico and used qualitative methodologies, including interviews with environmental activists and experts and discourse analysis of government propaganda that supported the privatization of coastal lands. Laurian is pursuing a doctoral degree in Geography at the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University. During her free time, she likes to go on road trips and watch movies.
Advice for prospective graduate students: Don't be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.
Gina Capece
Undergraduate Studies: BS- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University
RISE Scholar: Summer 2020
Program: Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology
Brief Bio: Gina Capece graduated in Spring 2022 from The Pennsylvania State University, Schreyer Honors College with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an undergraduate, Gina completed her honors thesis in the lab of Dr. Joshua Lambert where she investigated the role of oxidative stress in the oral cancer inhibitory activity of dietary polyphenols. As a RISE scholar, she worked with Dr. Cody Smith in the lab of Dr. Debra Laskin to propose future experiments investigating the role of PGC1β in the resolution of ozone-induced lung inflammation in mice. After her experience with RISE, Gina decided to continue at Rutgers for her doctoral degree in toxicology. In the future, Gina intends to pursue a career as an industry scientist focused on the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals or personal care products. During her free time, she enjoys cooking/baking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Advice for prospective graduate students: Don’t be afraid to use your professional network and reach out to people across your field for advice.
Ariana Guzman
Undergraduate Studies: Hunter College
RISE Scholar: Summer 2021
Program: PhD in Italian
Brief Bio: pending
Advice for prospective graduate students: pending
Kyla Smith
Undergraduate Studies: University of Wisconsin Whitewater
RISE Scholar: Summer 2021
Program: PhD in Toxicology