Meet the current GSA executive board

Allie (she/her) is a fifth-year Materials Science PhD student in Caroline Szczepanski's lab. She completed her bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering and chemistry from Hope College in 2020 and started her PhD at MSU directly afterwards. Her thesis research focuses on developing novel photo-responsive polymer networks to design smart, soft materials with switchable wettability. She is an outspoken advocate for graduate student wellbeing and highlights the importance of having a rich personal life outside of grad school. Beyond the lab, she likes to go for walks with her husband and dog, play Nintendo switch games (especially Tears of the Kingdom and Animal Crossing), crochet, and lift weights. Allie is looking forward to facilitating social connection to encourage feelings of belonging within the ChEMS department.

Alireza is a third-year PhD student in Chemical Engineering. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and an M.Sc. in Polymer Engineering, both from Isfahan University of Technology. His current research focuses on developing a cutting-edge nanoparticle-based technology for in vivo tracking of immune cells in type-I diabetic (T1D) animal models, with the goal of advancing stem cell-based therapies for T1D. Outside of his research, Alireza is passionate about nature, enjoys traveling, fitness, reading, and socializing. He is also an active member of CHEMS GSA, where he looks forward to supporting and engaging with the graduate community.

Surbhi (she/her) is a second year PhD student in Chemical Engineering. She completed her B.Sc in Chemical Engineering at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. After graduation, she worked in various industries and roles before continuing her education. Her research interests is in polymer science. Outside of the lab, she spends time reading, gardening, and hanging out with her two dogs. She looks forward to all the fun events the GSA has planned this year!

Annie (she/her) is a third-year PhD student in chemical engineering. She earned her B.S. in chemical engineering from Calvin University in 2021 and worked as a production engineer at an ADM soybean crush plant before starting her PhD in 2022. Annie's current research is in antibody therapeutic engineering, applying high-throughput experimental work with state-of-the-art computational techniques to develop high performance anti-cancer antibody therapeutics. Outside of lab work, she enjoys distance running, trying out new coffee shops, and watching sports. Annie is excited to work with the GSA to support and connect the ChEMS graduate students.

Farid (he/him) is a second-year Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering. He is investigating PFAS-Free Paper Coatings as Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics under Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz. He received his B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering in 2023 from Baku Higher Oil School. Apart from doing science, Farid enjoys playing music (guitar, bass, drums), lifting weights, and dancing salsa. As a GSA officer, he hopes to organize cool events and get more people involved in GSA activities.