Heather is an Associate Professor at Loyola University Chicago in the Department of Biology and Program in 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.
Isadore Gregga, Graduate Student
Isadore is a thesis-track student in the MS Bioinformatics program. Their interest in genetics began in childhood, and they found an appreciation for bioinformatics upon joining Dr. Wheeler's lab during undergraduate biology research. They graduated with a BS in Biology with honors in 2022, and were a Biology Summer Research Fellow and Mulcahy Scholar. After graduate school, Isadore plans to continue working in the human genetics field. In their spare time they enjoy creating art, writing fiction, baking, spending time with their cat, and talking to their little sister.
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.
Mansi Patel, Graduate Student
Mansi is a graduate student who majored in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics in the BS/MS Bioinformatics program. She received the Summer Provost and Mulcahy Fellowship. Her interest in genetics stemmed from her high school Biotechnology class where she learned about CRISPR. After her MS degree, she plans to enroll in a genetic counseling program and/or get a PhD. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing badminton, and reading books.
Liza Kolbunova, Undergraduate Student
Liza is a sophomore 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.
Anthie Poulos, Undergraduate Student
Anthie is a senior majoring in Biology interested in genetic counseling. Her interest in human genetics began in her genetics course where she learned about monogenic and polygenic diseases. After college, she is planning on pursuing research and attending a graduate program in genetic counseling and/or get a PhD. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, listening to music, and exploring the city.
Vir Trivedi, Undergraduate Student
Vir is a junior majoring in bioinformatics on the premed track. His interest in bioinformatics began doing computational work in UIC’s material sciences lab and taking an online course for beginners in bioinformatics. In his free time, Vir enjoys reading, writing, playing the violin, and longboarding.
Alyssa Zulaik, Undergraduate Student
Alyssa is a junior majoring in Software Engineering with a minor in Bioinformatics and Digital Media. She's interested in bioinformatics as she wants to see how software can enhance analysis of biological and medical data, mostly on speeding up the discovery of diseases and cures like what the Netflix show “The Dropout” was about. During her free time, she plays video games, participate in hackathons, and binge watches Netflix series in a day. Currently, she is playing Farming Simulator 22 and Fortnite.
