Ambassador Biographies

College: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Chemistry
Advisor: Amber Krummel
yusef.farah@colostate.edu

Yusef is a PhD candidate in the chemistry department working with the Krummel research group at CSU.  He uses nonlinear spectroscopic techniques to study the structure and dynamics of molecules pertaining to solar energy devices.  The goal of this research is to create solar energy devices that are efficient, environmentally sustainable, and inexpensive to produce.   He is also an officer of Science in Action, a student-led science policy and communication organization at CSU.  Yusef enjoys playing classical guitar, gardening, snowboarding, golfing, and reading in his free time. 

College: College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Department: Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences
Faculty Lab: Dr. Michael Weil
Elvin.Garcia@colostate.edu

Elvin is completing his last year of the MBA program at Colorado State University at the College of Business. He is also a Research Scientist in the Department of Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences, working with Dr. Michael Weil to generate genetic assays and mouse models to study the risk of radiation carcinogenesis. In his days off, you can find him cycling, hiking, running, and camping in the Rockies with his wife and two boys. 

College: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Chemistry
Advisor: Chuck Henry
Catherine.McMahon@colostate.edu

Kate’s research focuses on point-of-care diagnostics for COVID-19 as well as electrochemical and paper-based sensors for quantification of heavy metals in complex matrices. Specifically, her work focuses on creating rapid, low-cost, and portable sensors that can be widely applicable. Additionally, she is working on developing new extraction protocols for heavy metals that alleviate the need for hazardous chemicals. Kate is a current member of the Graduate Women in Science seminar committee, the Chemistry Graduate Student Organization and the Graduate Student Council. During her free time, Kate can be found listening to live music, exploring with her dog Duffy, and catching up with friends and family.

College: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Chemistry
Advisor: Alan Kennan
Melissa.Schenkel@colostate.edu

Melissa is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on developing point-of-care diagnostic devices for various types of cancer and chronic illnesses. She also works on a team developing rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19. She has previously served as an officer for the Chemistry Graduate Student Organization. In her free time, Melissa can be found playing soccer or ultimate frisbee, on the ski slopes, or hanging out at local breweries.

Department: Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
Advisors: Marcela Henao-Tamayo and Brooke Anderson

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Advisor: Jason Quinn
COFOUNDER:  Ouro Mobility