Meet the 2022-23 Fellows
Diana Grajeda
RISE Scholar: Summer 2021
Program: Rutgers University, Physical Chemistry
Undergraduate Studies: New Mexico State University, Chemistry
Thesis Advisor: Andy Nieuwkoop
Ph.D. Research Topic: Currently I work on two distinct projects. The first involves using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to interrogate the nanoscopic structure and dynamics of room temperature ionic liquids to better understand their macroscopic properties. The second project focuses on using ab initio molecular dynamics to develop a polarizable model that can accurately predict the thermophysical and transport properties of high temperature molten salts in the presence of volatile fission products.
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: Fellowship: GEM, Publication: "Do Ionic Liquids Slow Down in Stages?", Internship: Idaho National Laboratory
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: PhD Candidate
Advice for prospective graduate students: The biggest piece of advice that I could offer is to within reason always say yes to an opportunity and to not be afraid of taking chances. Some of the best choices I've made in my career have come as a result of my willingness to try new things
BIO: Diana Grajeda graduated from New Mexico State University with a B.S. in Chemistry. As an NIH MARC scholar she worked with Dr. Marat Talipov combining computational and experimental methods to screen drug targets to help treat cardiovascular disease. As a RISE scholar Diana worked with Dr. Weiwei Xie, synthesizing and characterizing the electromagnetic properties of transition metal chalcogenides. Diana decided to return to Rutgers to pursue her PhD in Physical Chemistry, where she works with Dr. Andy Nieuwkoop using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to study room temperature ionic liquids at the atomic scale. During her time at Rutgers Diana was awarded a GEM Fellowship. As a result of this award, she was given the opportunity to work at Idaho National Laboratory. Her work at INL focuses on using ab initio molecular dynamics to develop a polarizable model that can predict the thermophysical and transport properties of high temperature molten salts in the presence of volatile fission products. In the future she intends to become a principal investigator and create a mentorship program for LGBTQ+ minorities pursuing careers in STEM.
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
RISE Scholar: Summer 2021
Program: Italian
Undergraduate Studies: Hunter College, Italian Literature & Women and Gender Studies
Thesis Advisor: Pending
Ph.D. Research Topic: Pending
Support post Super Grad Award, other notable Awards, fellowships, publications or accomplishments: Pending
Current status in graduate program/Expected graduation: Third year PhD student
Advice for prospective graduate students:
BIO: Ariana Guzman (she/her) is a third year Ph.D. student in the Italian Department. She is pursing certificates in Women's & Gender studies and Public Humanities at Rutgers University. She completed her B.A. in Italian Literature and Women and Gender Studies at CUNY Hunter College. Her research focuses on migration literature, gender and sexuality studies, and sociolinguistics.