Meet the Team

  • Lena Kogan (she/her), M.A.

    BUMP Coordinator

    "I am a senior graduate student in Columbia’s Biological Sciences program, conducting my thesis research on mosquito circadian biology in the Duvall Lab. I became a BUMP coordinator in Fall 2024 after serving as a BUMP mentor since 2022, and I’m excited to continue my work with the program. Outside of the lab, I enjoy theater, board games, and hiking."

  • Deme Fortson (she/her), M.S.

    BUMP Coordinator

    "I am a senior PhD student in the Barnhart Lab at Columbia University, studying mitochondrial dynamics in the Drosophila visual system. I joined BUMP as a coordinator in 2024 to support fellow researchers and mentor the next generation of scientists. Outside the lab, I enjoy dancing, running, reading, and yoga. I’m proud to be part of the BUMP Bio community and help create opportunities for undergraduate students in STEM at Columbia!"

  • Yasmin Ramadan (she/her), M.Phil

    BUMP Coordinator

    “I am a senior 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.”

  • Beka Stecky (she/they), PhD

    BUMP Coordinator

    “I received my PhD in the Marlin and Lomvardas labs at the Zuckerman Institute, where I used 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.”

Faculty Advisors

  • Harmen J. Bussemaker, PhD

  • Lili Yamasaki

Previous Team Members

  • Raisa Alam

    “I’m a 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 students pursuing their goals in medicine and research.”

  • 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 students navigating the biology and pre-med paths at Columbia.

  • Raffi Cohn, PhD

    “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.”