Heather is a Professor at Loyola University Chicago in the Department of Biology and Graduate Program Director of Bioinformatics. She was awarded the 2018 Sujack Family Award for Faculty Research Excellence. Before joining Loyola in 2015, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Chicago. Heather holds a PhD in Genetics from Stanford University and a BA in Biology from Hamline University. When not working on modeling complex trait genetics or course design, Heather enjoys exploring Chicago with her family. Favorite spots include The Field Museum, Art Institute, Ping Tom Park, Sky games, Sox games, and anywhere with good music and/or good sushi.
Matt Fischer, Graduate Student
Matt is a thesis-track student in the MS Bioinformatics program. He graduated with a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan in 2019. He became interested in bioinformatics during his time conducting research at the Michigan Kidney Translational Medicine Center, where he collaborated closely with bioinformaticians to better understand kidney disease. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, reading, camping, exploring the city, and cuddling with his two cats, Pawl Revere and Pawl McCartney.
Claudia Krueger, Graduate Student
Claudia a thesis-track student in the MS Bioinformatics program. She graduated from UW-Madison with a BS in Genetics and Genomics and a minor in Global Health in 2023. Her interest in genetics stemmed from being introduced to the profound capabilities that come with genetic understanding in undergraduate courses. After graduate school, she plans to participate in industry research. Some things she enjoys are playing soccer and spending time with family.
Aliya Haas, Graduate Student
Aliya is a student in the MS in Bioinformatics program at Loyola University Chicago. Before joining the Wheeler Lab, she was a bioinformatics data analyst at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has with a BS in Data Science from Creighton University, where she was a Clare Boothe Luce Scholar. Her interest in bioinformatics started at Creighton University when she learned that neural networks could be used to diagnose tumors in a machine learning course. In her free time, Aliya enjoys cooking, reading, running, and thrifting.
Belinda Ofosu, Graduate Student
Belinda is a thesis-track student in the MS Bioinformatics program. Her passion for bioinformatics and genetics is driven by the potential to use computational approaches to predict resistance and susceptibility to infectious diseases. She is drawn to Loyola for its beautiful lakeshore campus and stunning architecture. After graduation, Belinda plans to contribute to infectious disease surveillance efforts through industry-based research. Outside of academics, she enjoys cooking, crocheting, talking on the phone with her mom and spending time with friends here in Chicago.
Liza Kolbunova, Undergraduate Student
Liza is a senior majoring in Biochemistry on the premed track and Interdisciplinary Honors Program. Her interest in genetics stems from a curiosity in precision medicine. After undergrad, Liza plans to apply for medical school and go into women’s healthcare. During her free time, Liza enjoys baking, listening to music, traveling, swimming, and visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Mira Kumar, Undergraduate Student
Mira is a junior majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Bioinformatics on the pre-med track. She received the Mulcahy Scholarship and got the opportunity to present her research at the Undergraduate Summer Research Experience program. Her interest in genetics stemmed from her high school Genetics class where she learned about gene editing and precision medicine. During her free time, she likes to spend time reading, journaling, and dancing.
Siyaa Bhargava, Undergraduate Student
Siyaa is a junior majoring in Biology with minors in Bioinformatics and Bioethics on the premed track and in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. Her interest in bioinformatics and genetics stemmed from an interest in how the interpretation of biological data can help in personalized, holistic medicine approaches. She received the Mulcahy Scholarship and got the opportunity to present her research at the Undergraduate Summer Research Experience program. During her free time, Siyaa enjoys creating art through drawing and painting, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and traveling.
