NSM Graduate Student Advisory Board
The NSM Graduate Student Advisory Board serves as a liaison between the NSM graduate students and the Dean’s Office. It provides a safe platform where graduate student issues can be discussed freely and where two-way communication between the College and the graduate student community can occur efficiently. Members of the advisory board also help organize events and initiatives to enhance the graduate experience in the College.
Tarryn Aucamp
Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
I am a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. I earned my M.Sc. in Geology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where I began specializing in planetary geology. Under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Lapen, my research investigates long-lived volcanism on Mars by integrating GIS-based mapping of volcanic features with geochemical analyses of martian meteorites. Beyond research, I enjoy camping, hiking, rock collecting, and exploring volcanic regions worldwide.
Ashley Guerrero
Department of Biology & Biochemistry
I am a third-year graduate student in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, and I work in Dr. Weiyi Peng’s lab. My research focuses on improving current cancer immunotherapies (enhancing immune checkpoint blockade therapy and developing a pre-clinical model to better evaluate toxicity and treatment efficacy). Outside of the lab, I enjoy taking and editing photos.
Saba Khan
Department of Computer Science
I am a second-year Ph.D. student in the Computer Graphics and Interactive Media (CGIM) Lab, working under the supervision of Prof. Zhigang Deng. I earned my master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Bonn, Germany. My research currently involves developing an interactive AI system for collaborative X-ray diagnosis. My interests include human-computer interaction, deep learning for vision systems, and computer graphics.
Łukasz Krzywon
Department of Mathematics
I am a fifth-year Mathematics Ph.D. student working with Dr. Climenhaga. I study nonuniform hyperbolic dynamics. So far, I have studied invariant measures for Markov interval maps with a single singularity (the derivative goes to infinity). This semester (Fall 2025) I am an instructor for College Algebra.
Navmi Naik
Department of Physics
Navmi Naik is a fourth-year Ph.D. student at the University of Houston, specializing in seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production under Dr. Zhifeng Ren. She serves as President of The Energy Coalition and has been recognized with the Cora Hawley Scholarship and the UH Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowship. Passionate about sustainable energy, she also enjoys literature and Carnatic music.
Anuththara Yoshini
Department of Chemistry
I am a third-year graduate student in the Department of Chemistry. I received my B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Chemistry from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Currently, I am working in Dr. Scott Gilbertson’s research group, and I am specialized in both small drug molecule synthesis and total synthesis including novel allosteric KRAS inhibitors to treat pancreatic, colon and lung cancer. I am close to completing synthesis of an iridoid type natural product and its derivative compound which shows promising inhibitory activity against relapse and refractory Ewing Sarcoma.