Student Representatives (SRs) will serve as liaisons between faculty and students. As the voice of the students, SRs will work closely with Faculty Advisors to represent their respective track to fill gaps in PBSE’s knowledge about student matters with the aim of making UCSC a more equitable and inclusive environment. Therefore, the SRs are also a team of problem solvers who will develop actionable solutions via long-term policies to successfully tackle issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion around graduate student life.
PROGRAM IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES & ENGINEERING (PBSE):
Vanessa Mariscal
My name is Vanessa Mariscal and I’m from Paso Robles, CA.
I work in the Yildiz Lab and Rubin Lab, where I conduct research that focuses on characterizing signaling modules in Vibrio cholerae that contribute to biofilm formation.
In my free time, I enjoy sleeping in, getting tattoos, live music, and driving along highway 1 and stopping to enjoy the sunset (while eating fresh strawberries from Rodoni Farms).
The PBSE community has contributed to my success as a graduate student at UCSC and I want to give back to current and future graduate students. I am honored to be a part of the PBSE Graduate Student Council, and I hope that the PBSE GSC will be able to help foster community and change that allows for graduate students to excel.
A fun fact about me is that I learned how to trade biotech stocks during the pandemic.
BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEER (BMEB):
Colette Felton
My name is Colette Felton and I’m from Seattle, WA.
I’m in the Brooks lab and I use long-read sequencing to study RNA and DNA alterations such as gene fusions, alternative splicing, and RNA/DNA modification in the context of human cancer cells.
In my free time, I enjoy camping, backpacking, knitting, baking, and gardening.
I’m excited to be a part of the PBSE Graduate Student Council and help empower grad students to craft the changes we want to see in graduate school education.
A fun fact about me is that I climbed Mt Whitney (the tallest mountain in the continental US) in a day last year!
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, AND BIOPHYSICS (CB3):
Francesca Pavlovici
My name is Francesca Pavlovici and I’m from NYC.
I’m currently in the Millhauser lab where I study the intrinsic disorder of proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases by using magnetic resonance.
When I’m not in lab, I love to dance, paint, eat delicious food, and play with my dogs.
The PBSE is an ingenious experience for graduate students to challenge themselves and become well-rounded scientists. As the CB3 SR for the PBSE Graduate Student Council, my goal is to foster a safe space for communication between the students and the faculty so that the PBSE can evolve as the student bodies’ needs change. I’m excited to be in this position because I appreciate the incredible community the PBSE has created and wish to give back.
A fun fact about me is that I became a Zumba instructor after I retired from my competitive ballroom dancing career.
MOLECULAR, CELL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (MCD):
Chloe Wohlenberg
My name is Chloe Wohlenberg and I’m from Pleasanton, CA.
I’m in the Arribere lab and I study RNA quality control mechanisms and how they affect gene expression and human health.
My hobbies include crafting, cooking, gardening, and spending time with friends.
My goals for the PBSE Graduate Student Council are to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for grads through providing resources and support about the hidden curriculum involved in graduate school. I’m excited to be an SR as it empowers me to play a proactive and influential part in effecting positive transformations aimed at strengthening our PBSE community.
A fun fact about me is that I love renaissance faires and go to one or more every year!
MOLECULAR, CELL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY (MCD):
Natalie Pedicino
MICROBIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY (METX):
Karen Hug (Interim)
