2024-2026 Cohort

Bahaar completed her bachelor’s degree in microbiology at Michigan State University. She then came to the University of Michigan, first as a researcher at Kellogg Eye Center working on understanding the genetic causes behind pediatric glaucoma, and then for her doctoral studies in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB). Her doctoral work in Dr. Györgyi Csankovszki’s lab centered on a DNA compacting protein complex, condensin, and how this complex functions in gene regulation on a chromosome-wide scale. During her graduate training, Bahaar served the MCDB community through her leadership and work on the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and the graduate student council. She also collaborated with faculty to transform how introductory biology is taught. As a ROMS Fellow, Bahaar is excited to learn how an academic medical center of our scale operates and how she can use her experience to contribute to the success of our researchers.

2024-2026 Cohort

Llili earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Havana and her doctoral degree in Physiology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the University of Michigan for three years of postdoctoral training in Immunology under the mentorship of Dr. Nicholas Lukacs. Her research focused on exploring how the gut microbiome influences the development of allergic diseases by modulating innate immune responses. During her time at the University of Michigan, Llili also contributed to the postdoctoral community as the Postdoctoral AQairs Co-chair for the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Association, where she supported the organization's mission to advance career and professional development for postdoctoral scholars. Llili is joining the ROMS fellowship with a keen interest in exploring ways to extend her impact beyond the laboratory. She aims to gain insights into research administration by shadowing leadership and to deepen her understanding of clinical trial operations, and regulations.

2023-2025 Cohort

Ciara attained her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Truman State University, followed by a PhD in chemistry from the University of Michigan. Her computational biophysics dissertation under Dr. Aaron Frank centered on developing computational tools to elucidate the sequence, structure, and function of noncoding RNAs. As a graduate student, Ciara was a multi-year member of the U-M Center for RNA Biomedicine’s Grad Student & Postdoc Council and highly involved in undergraduate curriculum development. She is looking forward to the opportunity to draw upon her experience as a researcher to help solve some of the unique challenges faced by the units comprising the UMMS Office of Research.

2023-2025 Cohort

Jessy completed his bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and afterwards came to the University of Michigan where he received his PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB). His research work under the guidance of Dr. Sara Aton focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying cognition and synaptic plasticity during sleep in early neurodevelopment. During his graduate training, Jessy was involved in numerous committees focused on promoting both undergraduate and graduate student development and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the MCDB department. As a ROMS Fellow, Jessy is excited to use his PhD training to help the diverse units within the Office of Research advance the research efforts of the UM community. He is looking forward to the mentorship and guidance from various key leaders in the Office of Research to learn how to make impactful changes in overall research operations at the university level and beyond.