Myron Gibert Jr
Biomedical Sciences (BIMS), School of Medicine, President
I am a 5th year graduate student in the Biomedical Sciences (BIMS) program. I was born in Fairfax, Virginia, but grew up in Fort Washington in Prince George's County, Maryland. I received my undergraduate degrees in Cellular and Molecular Biology (Major) and Leadership Studies (Minor) from Hampton University. After graduating in May 2016, I began my graduate studies at UVA in the fall semester of the same year. I am currently working on my thesis research in Roger Abounader's lab. My research is focused on an understudied class of molecules and the role that they may play in gliomas, specifically glioblastoma (GBM).
Darius Carter
School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Co-Chair
My name is Darius Carter and I am originally from Richmond, Virginia and I went to UVA for my BS in mechanical engineering. I am currently in my fourth year of my PhD program in mechanical and aerospace engineering. My research interests are in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. My current research deals with boundary effects on quadrotor and rotorcraft aerodynamics. Outside of lab I enjoy hanging with friends, going out, being involved in organizations such as GRIT & BGPSO, playing basketball, and traveling.
Beverly Miller
School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Co-Chair
I was born and raised in the beautiful pacific northwest in Portland, Oregon. I started working towards my bachelor at a community college in Monterey, California before transferring to Oregon State University where I played softball and earned by B.S. in Bioengineering. Here at UVA in the Chemical Engineering Department, my PhD thesis is focused on biocompatible material development designed for the repair of damaged tissue. Outside of lab hours I enjoy cooking or doing anything active - including, but not limited to, intramural sports, yoga, climbing, snowboarding, or hiking.
Evan Brown
Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), Co-Chair
I grew up on the shores of Virginia Beach. I earned a B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia in 2014 while completing the department's Distinguished Majors Program. After working as a lab technician, I returned to UVA as PhD student and joined the Kucenas lab in 2018. I study the development and function of satellite glial cells and how they interact with sensory neurons. Aside from science, I enjoy running, engaging in local politics, and loud music.
Alexys Riddick
Biomedical Sciences (BIMS), School of Medicine, Co-Chair
I am originally from Williamsburg, VA but I completed my B.S. in Chemistry with a Minor in Dance from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. I came to UVA to pursue my PhD right after my undergraduate career ended. I am currently a second year graduate student in the Experimental Pathology program under the BIMS umbrella. My research interests include using genetically engineered mouse models to understand breast and ovarian tumor progression and experimental therapies to prevent it. When I’m not in the lab I enjoy participating in other graduate organizations on Grounds and teaching Zumba.
Dionne Argyle
Biomedical Sciences (BIMS), School of Medicine, Co-Chair
Currently a third-year graduate student in the Pathology department in the lab of Dr. Brad Gelfand. The focus of my research is investigating the different responses to drugs in males and females in regards to age-related macular degeneration and other diseases of angiogenesis. Getting involved in GRIT allows me the chance to help out underrepresented students like myself and help in diversifying the UVA community.
Ashley Woodard
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), School of Medicine, Co-Chair
I grew up in Buckingham County (about an hour south of Charlottesville). I went to UVA for undergrad. After college, I worked for 9.5 years in undergraduate admissions at two liberal arts colleges in Virginia. I earned a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Longwood University. While working in undergraduate admissions, I led efforts to recruit students from traditionally disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds. I also taught first year college students college success skills to help them better navigate their undergraduate journey. I returned to UVA in January 2018 to work as an administrator for the Medical Scientist Training Program. In addition to working full-time, I am completing a doctorate in higher education at the Curry School of Education and Human Services. In my limited free time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, practicing yoga, and spending time outdoors.
Elizabeth Wagner
Biomedical Sciences (BIMS), School of Medicine, Co-Chair
I am a 6th year BIMS graduate student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics program. I am originally from Anderson, South Carolina and I went to Clemson University for my B.S. in Biochemistry and Genetics. After graduation, I began my PhD at UVA and joined the Shin lab, where I research hearing loss genetics and cell biology. During my time here, I have become involved in several organizations, including GRIT and Women in Medical Sciences, to support and promote the recruitment of women and underrepresented minorities in biological sciences. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy spending time with my dog, playing board games, listening to podcasts, and tubing on the James River.
Andrew Miller
School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Co-Chair
I was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I received my BS in biomedical engineering while performing research studying paracrine signaling in ovarian cancer. Currently, I am a third year graduate student in Dr. Thomas Barker's lab in the department of biomedical engineering here at UVA. My current thesis work aims to better understand the role of cellular mechanosensing and its role in fibroblasts during the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). I also serve as the vice chair on the graduate engineering student council (GESC) that works with administrators to improve the overall quality of the educational experience for graduate students in SEAS. Outside of the lab and GESC; I enjoy working out, attending/watching sporting events, and binging netflix.
Arby Abood
Biomedical Sciences (BIMS), School of Medicine, Co-Chair
I was born in Baghdad, Iraq and took refuge in Jordan post the 2003 invasion of Iraq. I immigrated to the United States in 2008 and received my associate's degree in Science from Northern Virginia Community College, a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Geroge Mason University, and a Master's of Science from Clemson University. I am curretnly a PhD candidate in the Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Virginia. My reasearch focuses on elucidating the genetics of osteoporosis using systems approaches.
Taylor Nystrom
Biology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), Co-Chair