Participant Profiles

Ana Betancourt
University: University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras
Major: Biology

I am from Caguas, Puerto Rico! I enjoy cooking and baking desserts and breads. My field of interest is evolution, natural history, and botany, so I am really looking forward to working with my mentor in order to learn more about floristic evolution. I am interested in the conservation of our biodiversity and understanding the ethnobiology of organisms

Nicole S. López Vega
University: University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras
Major: Integrative Biology

I was born and raised in Manati, Puerto Rico. I am starting my senior year of college in August 2021 at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. I am majoring in Integrative Biology and want to continue my studies after I graduate and obtain a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Some of my main research interests are ecology, botany, invasive species biology, and environmental science. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my sister, going to the beach, and working out (not in any particular order). I look forward to broadening my knowledge in ecology and evolution while working on research in the area. As well, I look forward to better defining my research interests and academic goals as I approach graduate school. Moreover, I want to further my writing, analytical, and professional skills and meet fellow students, professors, and others who are  interested in similar research areas as myself.

Alison Mangano
University: De Anza College
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

I was born and raised in San Jose CA. When I was 18, I moved to CO to play competitive ice hockey, then to NH for another season. After moving back from NH I started school to pursue my degree in Electrical Engineering. My main goal after obtaining my degree is to pursue research in sustainable energy technologies. I care deeply about the planet and want to use my knowledge to build a better future through the reduction of CO2 emissions. When I am not studying, you can find me camping, hiking, playing hockey, doing jigsaw puzzles, or playing with my dog. I am excited to begin researching this summer and to work with all the amazing students and faculty in the program.

Frances Marie S. Panday
University: University of Maryland, College Park
Major: Environmental Science & Policy

I am a junior at the University of Maryland. I am an Environmental Science and Policy major with a minor in Remote Sensing. My hometown is Baltimore, MD! In my free time, I like to cook plant-based meals from plants I've grown in my garden! I am interested in researching the intersection between trees and the atmosphere. This summer, I look forward to working with a team of passionate scientists!

Desiree Pante
University: Hunter College
Major: Bioinformatics

I am in my penultimate semester at Hunter College majoring in Bioinformatics with a minor in Asian American Studies. I am interested in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes and I loves drinking boba! I'm looking forward to working in the Edwards Lab as well as expanding my professional network in preparation for Graduate School.

Marilena Papavassiliou
University: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Major: Biological Sciences

I am a rising senior studying biological sciences at the University at Buffalo. My research interests involve bioinformatics - I love the intersection between biology and computers! This summer, I am looking forward to participating in this program, as well as playing piano and rollerblading in my spare time.

Makaleh Smith  
University: The New School
Major: Liberal Arts Self-Designed - Environmental Studies / Interdisciplinary Science

I grew up in Southern California! I love the outdoors and anything to do with nature-camping, hiking, birding, snorkeling, etc. I am interested in a wide range of research topics including animal behavior, wildlife conservation strategies, plant and animal physiology and evolution, and much more. I am hoping this summer will help me narrow my research interests. I am very much looking forward to participating in research and all that this program has to offer this summer!