Volume 8 (will be Vol 7 on site) President Brain Matters Board Katy is a graduating Senior in MCB with a certificate in Neuroscience. Her favorite thing about being the President of Brain Matters has been meeting new people each semester and sharing her passion for neuroscience. Her research interests center around the interactions between the peripheral immune system and the brain, with a particular focus on the modulation of microglia by peripheral infection. After graduation, she plans to attend Ohio State University to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. Co-Chief Editor Andrew is a sophomore with a major in Neuroscience and minors in Spanish and Chemistry. One favorite thing about being Editor in Chief for BrainMatters is that he gets to read so many interesting articles about Neuroscience-related discoveries everyday! Outside of the club, he pursues research regarding optimization with on-tissue chemical derivatization and proteomics projects. C0-Chief Editor Vice President Manan is a Senior majoring in Brain and Cognitive Sciences and is pursuing a minor in Chemistry. Apart from being a pre-dental student, Manan has previously been an Orientation Leader at UIUC. Last summer, Manan worked with people of determination and designed thinking modules for underprivileged students in India. Outside of class, Manan is deeply interested in reading books that pertain to cognitive psychology and productivity, engaging in insightful scientific dialogue and community service. He looks forward to making Brain Matters an inclusive and engaging scientific committee on campus Shireen Aydogan is a senior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology on a pre- med track and exploring the possibility of an Arabic and Communications minor. She devotes time to teach English to refugees and volunteer at the free health clinic in the community throughout the school year as well. In her free time she enjoys playing the guitar, and spending time with her family. She also likes to stay active by playing basketball and snowboarding. She hopes to increase awareness in neuroscience through her writing and as Social/Advertising Chair for brain matters. Social Events Chair Social Media Chair Hello! My name is Celeste and I’m a December ‘23 MCB and Psychology Alum. My last semester as a student I had the privilege to serve on the Brain Matters Exec Board as Social Chair. I currently work as a Mental Health Technician Trainee at an in-patient hospital in Chicago. I plan to continue working as I prepare myself to apply to medical school next year! My current hobbies include reading, spending time with my family and friends, and playing Animal Crossing New Horizons. Vani Sharma is majoring in MCB Honors on the pre-med track, with a minor in public health & neuroscience certificate. She is a writer for Brain Matters, which allows her the opportunity to learn about the brain & its neuroanatomy in depth along with her interest in brain disorders. On campus, she is heavily involved with medical clubs & the Illini Strings Orchestra, serves as an undergraduate research ambassador, is a part of the Madak Erdogan Women's Health & Metabolism Lab, and works as a teaching assistant for chemistry. After graduating from UIUC, she hopes to attend medical school. Design Head Michelle Bishka is a junior majoring in Specialized Chemistry and minoring in Computer Science. Outside of Brain Matters, she is an undergraduate researcher in the Silverman Lab and a member of American Chemical Society. She later hopes to pursue graduate studies in chemistry. Br ai n M at te rs B oa rd Brain Matters・Volume VII 86 Treasurer Kamile Aleksaite is a senior in Bioengineering with a minor in Health Administration. She is the Treasurer, co-Social chair, and editor for the Brain Matters journal. Her hobbies include playing volleyball and tennis, and she works as a lab technician at the Evolutionary Immunology and Genomics Laboratory. She plans to continue her studies at UIUC through the Master’s program in Bioengineering.