Undergraduate Staff 2023-2024

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About the student
Isabel Chalfant

Isabel Chalfant
She/her/hers
Data Science
ichalfan@purdue.edu

Isabel is a junior from Fishers, IN. This is her third year in WISP and first year on the leadership team. In addition to WISP, Isabel is a Corporate Partners TA in the Data Mine. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games, hiking, hanging out with friends and traveling. After graduating she plans to obtain a job in the Data Science industry.

Kara Adams

Kara Adams
She/her/hers
Biochemistry (Biology)
adams527@purdue.edu

Kara is a senior from Nashville, Indiana majoring in Biochemistry (biology) and minoring in Forensic Sciences. This is her fourth year being involved in WISP and her first time as a Leadership Team member. In addition to WISP, she is involved in research in Dr. Oh’s laboratory in the Food Science Department, a member of Phi Sigma Rho, and a teaching intern for ENTM 22830. In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, spending time outdoors, and watching movies. After graduation, she plans to pursue a job in the industry.

Katie Wilson

Katie Wilson
She/her/hers
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS)
wils1156@purdue.edu

Katie is a junior from St. Louis, MO studying Applied Mathematics with a minor in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS). This is her third year in the WISP and her first year on the WISP leadership team. Aside from WISP, Katie is also a member of the Boiler Book Club at Purdue. She enjoys crocheting, listening to music, reading, and playing card games in her free time. After graduation, she plans to gain experience in the industry combining her love of math and atmospheric science.

Mackenzie Souchon

Mackenzie Souchon
They/Them
Biochemistry (Chemistry)
msouchon@purdue.edu

Mackenzie is a junior from Greenwood, IN majoring in Biochemistry with minors in both psychology and forensics. This is their third year in WISP and their first year serving on the Leadership Team. Outside of WISP, Mackenzie is also part of the LGBTQ Alliance at Purdue. They enjoy crocheting, baking, listening to music, and spending time with their friends, family, and cat. After graduation, Mackenzie plans on attending graduate school to pursue a PhD in biochemistry.

Maria Thomas

Maria Thomas
She/her/hers
Computer Science and Data Science
thoma950@purdue.edu

Maria is a junior from Fremont, CA who is majoring in Data Science and Minoring in Computer Science and Business Economics. This is her third year in WISP and first year as a leadership team member, having served as a mentor last year. In addition to WISP, Maria is on the competitive Garba Raas team - Purdue Raas. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. After graduation, Maria hopes to attain a job in the industry.

Marygrace Fagan

Marygrace Fagan
She/her/hers
Applied Math & Physics
faganm@purdue.edu

Marygrace is a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio majoring in physics and applied math. This is her second year in WISP and her first year as a leadership team member. She also helps with research in a quantum computing lab. In her free time, Marygrace enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and spending time with her friends. After graduation, Marygrace hopes to either work in industry or attend graduate school.

Sydney Shaw

Sydney Shaw
She/her/hers
Genetics
snshaw@purdue.edu

Sydney is a junior majoring in Genetics and minoring in Philosophy. This is my 3rd year in WISP and first year on the Leadership Team. I am conducting research on non-small cell lung cancer in the Kasinski Lab. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my pets in Grand Rapids, MI and hiking and spending time outside.  After graduation, I hope to earn a PhD and continue cancer research.

Vienna Place

Vienna Place
She/her/hers
Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences
cplace@purdue.edu

Vienna is a senior from Noblesville, IN majoring in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and minoring in Biochemistry. This is her fourth year in WISP and her first year on the WISP leadership team. In addition to WISP, she is on the leadership team in the choir Purduettes and is a member of Dr. Chopra's lab studying Alzheimer's. In her free time, she loves to read, hike, and play games with her friends and family. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become an OBGYN.