Welcome 2021 QBioS Cohort

Emma Bingham graduated from MIT in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in physics. In college she worked in neuroscience, computational biology, and political science labs and was the editor of MIT's student newspaper. After graduation, she worked at a startup doing data analysis and research, as well as producing graphics and writing articles for their news magazine.  Emma says, “I chose QBioS because I am interested in applying a physics-like mindset to big questions in biology, a la Schrodinger's What Is Life? Georgia Tech and the QBioS program will give me the opportunity to both improve my skills and to learn about what makes a successful collaboration between these fields.”

Ellen Liu graduated from the University of Limerick, Ireland with a Bachelor of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering. During her studies, she went to Georgia Tech as an exchange student, where she became interested in continuing her education in the States. She did an internship with DLR where she worked on optomechanical devices with Dr. Lee Kumanchik. This work involved a lot of hands on experiments and prototyping, an approach she would like to continue in her future research. She is interested in researching locomotion systems by designing and creating models to test hypotheses and develop new robotic systems. “I believe the interdisciplinary nature of the QBioS program will allow me to grow my expertise in a wide range of areas. I think this is important as many disciplines overlap and it makes it easier to collaborate with fellow researchers.” 

Zach Mobille graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2019 and a Master of Science in Biomathematics in 2021, both from Illinois State University. During his education there, he became interested in the nonlinear dynamics of neurological systems. His undergraduate thesis project was centered on the synthesis of an electronic circuit that closely mimics the behavior of the famous Hodgkin-Huxley model of action potential generation in a brain cell of the squid. This hands-on research experience motivated him to pursue an M.S. in biomath, where he deepened his knowledge in statistics and modeling with a focus on biological phenomena. Zach’s M.S. thesis concentrated on a single neuron in the nematode C. elegans that is superb at sensing very small temperature changes in its environment. He studied the calcium response of this neuron via mathematical models, as well as its membrane electrodynamics. “QBioS was the top choice for my PhD because of the freedom and resources it offers its students to pursue exciting, cross-disciplinary research with a quantitative bent.”

Ben Seleb earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech in 2020. During his undergraduate studies, he knew he wanted to combine his interests of biology and engineering, and after testing the waters of biolocomotion and biomimicry, he eventually found myself infatuated by a slightly different field--developing and testing novel technology to study animals and wildlife, especially to promote conservation. He initially started a mechanical engineering PhD at GT, working in the lab of Dr. Bhamla of ChBE where he was able to continue the same line of research, bridging existing lab interests in biological study and the development of frugal hardware. “After a year in the ME program, I found myself limited by the program’s boundaries (advisers, courses, thesis directions) and I transferred to the QBioS program, which I think will be much more encouraging to my research based on the flexible course study and interdisciplinary nature. Just after a short time in the introductory course, I feel as if it’s a much better fit and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Cassie Shriver graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a minor in biology, and a certificate in marine science conservation from Duke University in 2021. She is interested in animal biomechanics and bio-inspired design with an emphasis on conservation. Advised by Dr. Daniel Rittschof, her undergraduate thesis analyzed material preferences and adhesive characteristics of the tube-building worm Dioaptra cuprea. She has worked on grasshopper jump mechanics in Dr. Sheila Patek’s lab at Duke and agent-based simulations for sea turtle magnetoreception with Dr. Brian Taylor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “As an undergraduate, I was often pulled between engineering and biology. The QBioS Program at Georgia Tech allows me to cultivate skills in both of these fields simultaneously, working alongside incredible students and faculty who understand the value in tackling scientific questions from a new angle.”

Siya Xie graduated from Peking University, China, with a bachelor’s degree in Biological sciences.  She was attracted to the interdisciplinary field of biology and modeling since her sophomore year. During the subsequent three years, Siya continued to developing her interests.  She also acquired skills and completed research projects related to dynamics of microbial population and evolution of simple cooperation. Her current research aspiration lies in the genetic networks of natural small chemicals in Bacteria.  Siya says, “The QBioS program is the perfect combination between the research and program curriculum for my interests. I like the large freedom of course choices, and lab rotations offer us a transition to become prepared Ph.D. students. The large and diverse QBioS family cohort also serves as the source of inspiration and innovation where we can always exchange ideas with teammates from various backgrounds and learn from professional advisors.”

Christopher Zhang graduated from the University of Maryland - College Park with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Astronomy. There he worked with Dr. Wade Winkler studying anti-termination in ANTAR containing proteins. Chris also worked at an allergy clinic where he studied biomarkers of Oral Immunotherapy as well as assisted with COVID response. Chris started looking for graduate programs which incorporated more interdisciplinary, specifically more quantitative, approaches to studying biology. “It was inevitable that I found QBioS, which is nationally recognized with its incredible professors as well as its proximity to the CMDI and Astrobiology programs.” He is interested in studying microbial dynamics, astrobiology, and molecular biology.