Officers

My name is Jess Pfannenstiel and I am a third-year graduate student and Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at The University of Kansas. My research involves creating recombinant genomes with multiple strains of Coronaviruses and screening therapeutic compounds for their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2. I aspire to work in a high-containment BSL-4 facility within the government sector, such as the Center for Infectious Disease, NIH, or USAMRIID. Ultimately, I aim to influence policy as a scientific liaison to legislators. 

Sophie Terian is a third-year PhD student and Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering. Her passion to protect environmental and human health has led her to study reactive nitrogen dynamics in wetlands and river networks, with a focus on the impacts of agricultural activity. She aspires use her expertise to guide policy decisions and advance environmental justice. 

Annie Chuning is a doctoral student in the Clinical Child Psychology Program. Her research and clinical work aims to support children with medical complexity (e.g., reliant on tube feeding) or physical health disparities (e.g., rural families with overweight/obesity, food insecurity) through psychosocial intervention to promote positive health behaviors and well-being. Annie is passionate about advocating for access to mental health support in pediatric medical settings, healthy grocery access in rural areas, and equitable healthcare for all. In her free time, Annie enjoys baking, embroidery, board games, and exploring Kansas City.  

Sydney Houser is a doctoral student in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Self Graduate Fellow. Her research explores how therapeutic antibodies interact with brain cells, using advanced imaging to study their metabolism and trafficking. Outside the lab, she enjoys weightlifting, crafting, podcasts, and volunteering with Loud Light. After graduation, she’s interested in bridging science and public impact through industry or liaison work.

Carrie is a fourth-year graduate student and Self Graduate Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science at the University of Kansas. A primary objective of her research is to help improve model and forecast developers’ understanding of the environmental conditions or mechanisms that promote (or inhibit) the development of tropical precipitating systems, leading to improved short- and long-term forecasts. Carrie is especially interested in science communication and making science more accessible to the public and to policy and decision makers. She aspires to work in federal science policy where she can blend her passions for science education and advocacy to effect change on a larger scale.