Officers
Meet the AWIS-ND Officers 2026-2027:
Dr. Rebecca Wingert, Faculty Advisor since 2012
Email: rwingert@nd.edu
Dr. Rebecca Ann Wingert is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Gallagher Family Professor of Stem Cell Research at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Wingert received dual undergraduate degrees in Biology and English from Muhlenberg College in 1999, and subsequently earned her Ph.D. in Cellular and Developmental Biology from Harvard University in 2005. She worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Instructor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School until 2010, where she accrued further training in Genetics and Stem Cell Biology. Dr. Wingert came to Notre Dame in 2010 to start her independent research laboratory, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Stem Cell Biology, Stem Cell Aging, Development and Organ Regeneration.
At Notre Dame, the Wingert laboratory studies the mechanisms that direct kidney formation. They perform basic research to elucidate how nephrons, the functional unit of the kidney, are made during development and regenerate after injury using the zebrafish, Danio rerio. The long-term goals are to discover new biomedical interventions that can be used to treat or prevent kidney disease. To support these endeavors, Dr. Wingert received a Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award from the March of Dimes in 2011, which recognizes promising young investigators pursuing research that aims to understand and treat developmental defects in children. Research in the Wingert lab is also supported by several multi-year grants from the National Institutes of Health, including the Director’s New Innovator Award (2011-2016) to study the mechanisms of kidney regeneration, and a Research Project (R01) Award (2013-2018) to identify genetic models of kidney birth defects using zebrafish.
Archita Bhattacharya, President
Email: abhatta4@nd.edu
My name is Archita Bhattacharya, and I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. My research in the Goodson Lab lies at the intersection of biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, microscopy, and computational image analysis. I develop experimental and computational approaches to understand the dynamic behavior of cytoskeletal protein polymers, including automated image analysis methods for quantifying dynamic instability using fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and machine learning.
As President of the Notre Dame chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS), I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive community that empowers students and early-career scientists across STEM disciplines. I hope to expand opportunities for professional development, interdisciplinary networking, mentorship, scientific outreach, and leadership while building collaborations that help students grow both personally and professionally.
Sreejata Dey, Vice President
Email: sdey@nd.edu
I am a 4th year PhD candidate in the Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, originally from Kolkata, India. My research lies at the intersection of scientific machine learning, inverse problems, and mathematical modeling of real-world systems. I am excited to serve as Vice President of AWIS-ND this year. My goal is to help build a community of support for women in science at Notre Dame. I look forward to spending this year connecting with graduate students from diverse backgrounds and interests, and learning more about what makes them feel engaged in a community. With that in mind, I'm especially eager to work with the social, professional development, and outreach committees to create spaces where women in science across all disciplines can connect and collaborate on meaningful opportunities. Outside of research and teaching, I love photography, reading, singing, badminton, and cats!
Sayagi Asogan, Secretary
Email: sasogan@nd.edu
Hi! My name is Sayagi Asogan, and I am originally from Sri Lanka. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Colombo. I am currently a second-year Ph.D. student in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) program at the University of Notre Dame, where I work in Dr. Patricia Champion’s lab studying the molecular mechanisms of mycobacterial pathogenesis. My research focuses on understanding how the ESX-1 Type VII secretion system regulates protein secretion and contributes to bacterial virulence.
I am excited to be part of the AWIS community and, as Secretary, I look forward to helping create an environment where members feel informed, connected, and encouraged to engage with the opportunities AWIS has to offer. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching TV shows and movies, cooking, and exploring new recipes.
Kasuni Handunge, Treasurer
Email: khandung@nd.edu
Hi AWIS! My name is Kasuni Handunge, and I am originally from Sri Lanka. I am currently a third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, where I am a member of the Tsui Lab. My research focuses on understanding the surface chemistry of semiconductor nanocrystals and how interactions between surface ligands and metal ions influence their electronic properties. By investigating these fundamental surface processes, I hope to contribute to the design of nanomaterials with improved performance for applications in catalysis, energy conversion, and optoelectronics.
As this year's AWIS-ND Treasurer, I am excited to help support our organization by managing our finances and ensuring we have the resources to host engaging events, professional development opportunities, and community-building activities throughout the year. I look forward to working with the rest of the executive board to make the most of our budget and help create meaningful experiences for our members.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my friends, watching movies, and reading books. I am excited to be part of the AWIS community and look forward to connecting with members, supporting our initiatives, and helping make this a fun and rewarding year for everyone!
Smita Chatterjee, Professional Development Chair
Email: schatte3@nd.edu
Hi AWIS! My name is Smita Chatterjee, I am a 3rd year PhD candidate in the White Lab under the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. My research investigates the pH-dependent molecular mechanisms that drive metabolic biomolecular condensates. I am from Boston, MA and did my BS and MS in biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I'm excited to serve as the Professional Development chair for AWIS! This year we are working on several new collaborations with other graduate student groups at Notre Dame to foster more opportunities for connection and engagement across our many STEM departments. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading and making art with friends.
Nellie Bowen, Outreach Chair
Email: nbowen@nd.edu
My name is Nellie Bowen, I am originally from Washington state and attended Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY where I completed my B.A. in Chemistry. I am a third-year PhD candidate in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. I am a member of the Schaefer research group in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. Our research focuses on understanding ion transport in many forms, and my research specifically focuses on understanding ion mechanics in charge-transfer composite polymer electrolytes for solid-state battery applications.
As the AWIS Outreach chair, I hope to continue to grow AWIS’ connections to our greater South Bend community through events that promote scientific engagement and understanding. Outside of research, I enjoy reading, being outside in nature (especially at the Great Lakes!), watching movies, and spending time with my two cats!
Emely Velasquez, Social Chair
Email: evelasqu@nd.edu
Hi, my name is Emely Velasquez, and I am a second-year PhD student in Biological Sciences. I am part of the Klatt Shaw lab, where we study the role of the immune system during spinal cord repair. My research focuses on understanding the role of disease-activated microglia and their role during spinal cord repair. Other than working in the lab, I enjoy long walks and reading. As social chair, I aim to foster this inclusive environment by planning events that go beyond simple networking. My goal is to create spaces for active mentorship and genuine connection, helping our community not only grow in numbers but strengthen in its bonds. I am eager to contribute my energy to AWIS and support our collective growth.
Natalie Kolton, STEMentorship Chair
Email: nkotlin@nd.edu
Hello AWIS! My name is Natalie and I am a third year Ph.D. Candidate in Biochemistry working in the DasGupta Laboratory. I am originally from Lowell, IN and received my B.S. in Chemistry, with minors in Biology and Psychology, from Manchester University in 2024. As a fan of all things RNA, my research focuses on the relationship between RNA structure and function. My current work centers on mapping the effects of the environment on Darwinian evolution using RNA as a model system. Outside of the lab, I love to volunteer at the animal shelter and enjoy reading, baking, and crafting.
As the AWIS STEMentorship chair, I am excited to facilitate mentorship connections between graduate students and undergraduates in STEM pathways. As part of this program, we will host fun activities to encourage interpersonal connections (with free food, of course!). Mentorship is a vital part of the community, and I am thrilled to work with the next generation of scientists!
Anna Wenninger, Social Media Chair
Email: awenning@nd.edu
Hi! My name is Anna and I am from Wichita, KS. I did my BS in Biochemistry with a concentration in Math and the University of Kansas. Currently, I am a fourth year PhD student in Biological Sciences. I am in the Patzke Lab where we use classic molecular neurobiology techniques to study intellectual disabilities. I utilize induced pluripotent stem cell derived human neurons to study Fragile X Syndrome, Niemann Pick Type C, and schizophrenia. When I am not in the lab taking care of my DIY neurons, I like to crochet, go on long walks with my pup Leroy, read, and collect houseplants.
I am super excited to serve as the Social Media Chair for AWIS this year! I will promote events and share accomplishments from the women at our University.
Departmental Representatives
- Biological Sciences - Lauren Young & Addison Hill
- IBMS - Ijeoma Asilebo
- Physics & Astronomy - Chloe Jones
- Bioengineering - Ada Jaramillo
- ACMS and Undergraduate - Rose Maese