Juniper Bahr
Mathematics
I’m June, a disabled genderqueer weirdo and a seventh year PhD student in Mathematics. I’m working in operator algebras (more specifically planar algebras) with Dimitri Shlyakhtenko. I run the Math Queer Tea, a regular meeting for LGBTQIA+ and allied grads and postdocs in the Math department. I’m happy to be meeting other folks interested in improving the sometimes uncomfortable atmosphere here at UCLA.
Cameron Brown
He/Him/His
Earth Planetary and Space Sciences
Growing up in Acworth, Georgia, my love for science developed from watching my parents work in healthcare, and participating in STEM events such as Science Olympiad. Throughout my higher education, my interests in STEM have evolved into improving the sustainability of renewable energy resources. Currently, I am a second year Ph.D. Geochemistry student in the department of Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences (EPSS), working under the guidance of Dr. Aradhna Tripati. The research I am conducting involves improving the accessibility of geothermal energy. This will be achieved by modeling the thermal evolution of geothermal systems to provide an analysis of how current geothermal operations, in addition to environmental factors, influence energy production. As a result, this will assist with addressing environmental injustices associated with energy equity in Los Angeles.
Outside of research, I am the Vice President of Student Affairs, as well as the Faculty Meeting Committee Representative in the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Student Organization (EPSSSO). I am excited to represent EPSS on the board, and look forward to having a productive year that will improve student life for graduates in Physical Sciences.
Elizabeth Croll
She/Her/Hers
Chemistry and Biochemistry
I am a second-year Organic Chemistry PhD student working in the lab of Dr. Ohyun Kwon doing asymmetric phosphine catalysis for methods development. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor both an undergraduate mentee and several rotation students in the lab which has been a very rewarding experience in a lot of ways. Outside of lab, I’m a part of Peer Advising for New Graduate Students (PANGS) which is a new organization in the Chemistry department to help support incoming grad students. As a part of the SAB I’m excited to help positively impact the Physical Sciences departments and improve the graduate student experience.
Richard Liu
He/Him/His
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hello! I am a fourth-year Chemistry PhD student doing research in Dr. Justin Caram’s lab on self-assembling dye molecules. Having to switch labs my second-year and start my research anew, I have a keen interest in guiding incoming graduate students to well-fitting labs and towards resources allowing them to succeed as graduate students. Having mentored multiple undergraduate students and rotation students within our lab, I have learned to appreciate the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of each student and seek to help incoming Physical Sciences graduate students find their stride in UCLA.
Philipp Abraham Meléndez
He/Him/His
Chemistry and Biochemistry
I am a third year Biochemistry PhD student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. I am working with Professor Amjad Askary elucidating the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway through transcription factor activation in mammalian cells. I have volunteered as a mentor for local community organizations and online platforms where I have supported elementary school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in STEM fields. I provided guidance, advice, and encouragement to help them pursue their STEM aspirations through the Avalon Carver Community Center.
I have been involved in organizing and participating in STEM outreach programs aimed at reaching underrepresented communities, particularly in schools with limited access to STEM resources through the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) Outreach Program at UCLA. These programs have the goal of inspiring young individuals to pursue STEM education and careers. I have engaged and organized initiatives that promote diversity in STEM, such as facilitating workshops, seminars, and social events focused on inclusivity and equity in STEM education and careers as an External Affairs Officer through the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Student Chapter at UCLA. I am eager to continue and expand my efforts to work with and advocate for underrepresented groups in the Physical Sciences.
David Moore
He/Him/His
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
I am a third-year PhD student in the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (AOS) department. I am working with Dr. Jonathan Mitchell to understand the favorability of tropical cyclogenesis between Earth and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. I am president of the XEP graduate student organization. I am also president of the Atmospheric Forecasting Society of Los Angeles (AFSLA). I am truly excited to get started on making my department and the broader UCLA campus a welcoming and comfortable space for all students.
Elizabeth Frank O’Neill
She/Her/Hers
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
I am a fourth-year Statistics PhD student doing research under Dr Chad Hazlett in the Practical Causal Inference Lab. My research focus is on generalizability of experiments and studies and teaching of statistics. I have previously worked as an associate economist consulting on labor and employment law cases, analyzing data for evidence of discrimination including disparate impact from hiring, promotion or termination decisions and in education working with a network of schools serving at-promise students. I also served as a member of the Coalition for Alternative Education Accountability (CAEA), to advocate for appropriate evaluation of alternative schools in California.
I received my BS in Statistics from UCLA in 2012 and have served in the years since as a mentor for statistics students through both the alumni mentor program and the statistics club, and participated in the most recent departmental review as an alumna. I look forward to working with the SAB to help build accessibility and inclusion within the Physical Sciences at UCLA.