2024-2025 Executive Board
Salmika Wairegi (President)
Salmika Wairegi is currently a 5th year, PhD candidate working under Dr. Abraham Badu-Tawiah at The Ohio State University. Her current research is focused on the development and applications of a novel ambient ionization source for mass spectrometry (termed thread spray ionization) for a broad range of applications ranging from disease management to reaction chemistry. In her free time, Salmika enjoys knitting, the company of her cats, and hiking and running, and is gearing up to run her second half marathon this fall.
Octavion (Vice President)
Octavion Spears is currently a 4th year PhD Candidate working under Dr. Abraham Badu-Tawiah’s Research Lab, where his work focuses on the development of a homemade solid phase extraction platform to selectively elute and analyze complex lipid mixtures for bioanalytical processes. In his freetime, he enjoys making food for his friends and family.
Bertha Lotsi (Treasurer)
Bertha Lotsi is currently a 5th year PhD Candidate working in Dr. Psaras Mcgrier’s Research Group. Her work focuses on the design and synthesis of several covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for various applications. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and watching movies.
Donna Odhiambo (Social Media Chair)
Donna Odhiambo is currently a 3rd year PhD candidate working in Dr. Alexander Sokolov’s Research Group. Her research focuses on developing computational methods to explore the electronic structure of open-shell molecules. She uses these methods to simulate their core-level spectroscopies and magnetic properties, aiming to deepen our fundamental understanding of these complex chemical systems. Outside of thinking about chemistry, she enjoys reading horror novels and exploring new coffee shops in Columbus.
Edna Boadi (Secretary)
Edna Boadi is currently a 3rd year undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. She participates in research in Dr. Claudia Turro’s Research Group, where her current project focuses on investigating the DNA interaction abilities of Rhodium paddlewheels. Some of her hobbies are listening to music, going to concerts, thrifting, and doing random adventurous activities with friends.
Immaculata Onuigbo (Symposium Planning Chair)
Immaculata Onuigbo is a 4th-year PhD candidate in Dr. Christopher Sevov’s Research Lab. She uses synthetic electrochemistry to develop new methods for C(sp3)-Cl bond activation and applies these methods to sustainable PVC functionalization. Her research aims to create environmentally friendly approaches to enhance the recyclability and utility of PVC materials. Outside of the lab, Imma enjoys playing sports such as volleyball and soccer and trying new dishes with her friends.
Skylar Stevenson (Outreach Chair)
Skylar Stevenson is a 4th year undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. She participates in research in Dr. Karine Musier-Forsythe’s lab were her research focuses on providing evidence for the G4 world hypothesis. This postulates that the origin of life is due to quadruplexes, not RNA as previously thought. At the Spring 2024 NOBCChe Collaborative, she recieved a 1st place award for a poster competition with this research, and her first paper contribution was published earlier this summer “Defined folding pattern of poly(rG) supports inherent ability to encode biological information”. Outside of lab, she likes to paint, read, and try things around Columbus with her friends.
Regene Jarvis (Outreach Chair)
Regene Jarvis is an undergraduate student participating in research under Dr. Davita Watkin’s Research Group.
Abena Amankwaa (Undergraduate Chair)
Abena Amankwaa is currently a 2nd year undergraduate student. This summer, she had the opportunity to join Dr. Matthew Wu’s Lab, where her research focused on the exploration and development of new teaching methods that improve how students understand chemistry concepts, make sense of scientific issues in society, and identify with the field of chemistry. Outside of lab, she enjoys time with friends, or watching music performances.