Meet the Team
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Yasmin Ramadan
“I am a 4th year PhD student in the Hobert lab at Columbia University using nematodes to study evolutionary trends in developmental neurogenetics. I also sit on our department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, working on recruitment and graduate student advocacy. I believe strongly in mentoring as a tool for equity and community-building - I know I wouldn’t be here without the mentorship I’ve received, and I’m thrilled to be working with this fantastic team to pay it forward! When I’m not in lab or volunteering, I’m reading, traveling, or playing with my kitten.”
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Raisa Alam
“I’m a recent Columbia alumni and currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Research at Icahn School of Medicine. I work as an Educational Consultant at Empowerly. I am passionate about research, teaching, and advocacy. I have worked to advocate for the de-stigmatization of mental illnesses and support individuals with disabilities. I have taught and advised middle and high school students on health sciences, career development and the high school and college process. In my free time, I read books, watch Netflix, k-dramas, and anime, and try new food. I’m super excited to coordinate the BUMP program to support Black students pursuing their goals in medicine and research.”
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Neci Whye
I’m a CC alum, living and working in New Orleans after graduating with a Master’s in Anatomy from Tulane. Prior to my current position running the research department at West Jefferson Medical Center, a local community hospital, I worked in trauma research back in my home state of Maryland. In my free time, I like trying new restaurants and experiencing the live music around the city as well as baking and gardening. I’m thrilled to be a part of the BUMP Bio community and proud to be supporting Black students navigating the biology and pre-med paths at Columbia.
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Raffi Cohn
“I am a postdoctoral research scientist studying the peripheral nervous system of Drosophila larvae in the Grueber Lab at the Zuckerman Institute. I also love teaching and believe that there is great power in junior scientists using our scientific professional networks and institutional knowledge to guide and support undergraduate students interested in science. Outside of the lab I’m usually with my kids exploring Inwood Hill Park, playing tennis or doing yoga.”
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Beka Stecky
“I’m a 5th year PhD student in Marlin and Lomvardas labs at the Zuckerman Institute, where I use the mouse olfactory system to study transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of trauma. Coming from a first-generation, low-income background, I have experienced the power of mentorship in breaking down seemingly insurmountable barriers, and I plan to spend the rest of my career paying it forward. When I’m not in the lab, you can find me biking and eating all over NYC, doing acrobatics, and spending time with loved ones.”