the e^3 mentoring program
Andee Wallace
I am a second year PhD student at MIT in the Biological Engineering department. My research interests are (mostly) focused on developing biomimetic materials - materials that have unique properties inspired by those found in nature (e.g. butterfly wings, squid skin, regenerative properties). I grew up in Bend, OR, however I moved to Boston from the Bay Area, where I completed my undergrad at Stanford and spent a year working at a biotech start up (making synthetic spider silk!). I think biological organisms are fascinating and I love bioengineering because it allows me to study nature and come up with creative engineering solutions. Outside of science, I like thinking about what defines gender roles/equality and the future of sustainable agriculture. Fun fact: I used to be an internationally ranked ski racer.
Monica Eguia
I'm a Senior at Northeastern University studying Mechanical Engineering. I am from New Milford, NJ. I love working as a mechanical engineer because I can apply math, physics, and all my experiences to create products to make lives easier. It’s like arts and crafts, but to another level! Fun Fact: One time I tried to challenge a monkey for a race, but it grabbed my leg and screamed at me instead (in Indonesia).
Boston Director 2018
Assistant Directors
Jasmine Kwasa
I'm a 4th year PhD candidate at Boston University studying Biomedical Engineering. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I work in the Auditory Neuroscience Lab at BU studying selective auditory attention in humans with ADHD and traumatic brain injury using EEG and (hopefully) other imaging modalities. I enjoy my labwork and STEM because it's fun to ask questions, design a new way to answer it, and then create knowledge through my answers. Fun fact: I play the violin!
Shaina Fils-Aime
I'm a senior at Boston University doing a five year program, where I am pursing a BS in Computer Engineering and a MAT in Math Education. I have been involved with E^3 since I was a freshman in college. I'm from Boston, and I chose STEM because math has always interested me as a child, but when I got to high school and took physics, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. A fun fact about me is that when I was little, I was ambidextrous!
Andee Wallace and Chiamaka Obilo
Communications
Ololade Akingbade and Saimrunali Dadigala
Sarah Neshat and Ally Huang
Mentor Liaisons
Ololade Akingbade
I am a third year Behavioral Neuroscience major at Northeastern University from Bergenfield, NJ. My love for STEM comes from my inquiry driven spirit and passion for research. I am particularly interested in how the sciences intersect with health for underserved communities. Fun fact: I was born in Nigeria!
Sarah Neshat
My name is Sarah Neshat and I am a second year student at Northeastern University studying Biochemistry with minors in Global Health and International Affairs. I traveled across the country seeking adventure and found myself in Boston, the mecca of education. Originally, I am from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse and eclectic cities. This past summer, I studied abroad in Kenya to explore the concepts of epidemiology and global health and found my passion. My dream is to work on the science behind neglected tropical diseases and both the development and stabilization of vaccines. Currently, I work full-time at Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA conducting research with next generation technologies within oncology and exploring areas of genetics and bioengineering. Fun fact about me: I've ash-boarded down an active volcano in Nicaragua.
Ally Huang
I am currently a second-year graduate student at MIT studying Biological engineering. I am from Apple Valley, MN. I want to better understand how human biology works so I can design better therapies for cancer treatment. Fun fact: I'm an avid baker and love making cookies, cupcakes, and more!
Diandra Grinage and Veena Lagare
Mentee Liaisons
Diandra Grinage
I am a 4th year biology major/psychology minor at Northeastern University hailing from The Bronx, NY. Entering the STEM field was a natural choice for me after high school because I exceled in math and I have always had an interest in the intricacies that allow the human body to operate. Currently, my interests are concentrated in the field of public health; I want to use my background in biology to prevent diseases and improve the overall health of populations. The various research opportunities in science continues to attract me to the STEM field as there are so many mysteries being uncovered by research daily and with so many questions being addressed I know there will always be a place for me in STEM even when my research interests narrow. Fun fact: I know almost every line from all Harry Potter movies (- or rather, I think I do! Please don’t test me!)
Monica Eguia and Shaina Fils-Aime
Financial Team
Shaina Fils-Aime
Saimrunali Dadigala
I am Highschool Senior at Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School in Marlborough, MA. I have always been creative since I was little and have always loved painting and drawing and just creating in general. I applied as a Biomedical Engineering major to my colleges because I wanted to make things that could impact the lives of many people. I like that all the disciplines of STEM work together in each field and that everything is so interconnected. STEM provides young women with the opportunity to help the communities and places they didn't know how to help previously. As young women we have a lot of ideas and love to share and STEM gives a constructive base to change lives. The summer after my sophomore year I watched an open heart surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and I was right in the operating room when it was happening. I remember every single thing that happened. Those four hours were the most memorable of my 18 years so far.
National Advisor
Director Emerita (2015-2017)
Jwahir Sundai
I am a current junior at Bryn Mawr College (Posse Scholar) which is located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA. I am pursuing a degree in Mathematics and hailing from Cambridge, MA. Seeing the lack of self-identifying women of color in STEM fields, I founded E^3 as a platform to provide mentorship, spread opportunities, and foster a supportive community in the Boston area. I'm excited to say that E^3 is entering its sixth year as an organization! My interests in STEM continue to evolve and are centered in various fields from epidemiology to technology. Currently, applied mathematics has been a perfect fit for me since it allows me to study all of my passions from a computational perspective of finding solutions to various world problems.