Anastasia completed her Ph.D in Biochemistry under the direction of Professor Hannah Shafaat. Her work focused on studying nickel metalloenzymes relevant for energy-related catalysis. She was a 2020 Simons Postdoctoral Fellow of the Life Sciences Research Foundation in the lab of Professor Amy Rosenzweig working on copper transport in methanotrophs.

Contact: amanesis[@] illinois.edu

Aiden Houck

Aiden is a Chemistry PhD student in the Chemical Biology Division. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Aiden enjoys reading, skiing, scuba diving and traveling. In the Manesis Lab, Aiden focuses on identifying and understanding novel tryptophan oxidation products.

Contact: aidenh2[@] illinois.edu

Rachel Thomas

Rachel Thomas is a Chemistry PhD student in the Inorganic division. She is from Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoys reading, spending time with her cat, and bouldering at the local climbing gym. In the Manesis lab, Rachel is researching the electron transport pathways and substrates of diheme metalloproteins.

Contact: rt18[@] illinois.edu

Leah Stroebel

Leah is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry in the Chemical Biology Division. Originally, she is from St. Paul, Minnesota, where she decided to stay in the snowy weather to receive a B.A. in Chemistry and minor in Biochemistry from Carleton College. In the Manesis lab, her research focuses on studying the structure-function relationship of kynurenine containing partner proteins. Outside of her PhD program, Leah loves to play tennis, go bouldering, and spend time at the lake with her family. 

Contact: leahis2[@] illinois.edu

Riley Stein

Riley Stein is an Inorganic Chemistry Ph.D student. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, he came to UIUC after graduating from The Ohio State University in 2023 with a B.S. in Chemistry and minor in Korean language. As an undergraduate, he did research in Hannah Shafaat’s lab studying the mechanism of nickel-substituted rubredoxin. He is excited about doing mutational studies on MbnH and discovering new diheme systems. Outside of lab, he enjoys spending time with his cat and being too invested in social media.

Contact: riley22[@] illinois.edu

Alexandra Mazur

Alexandra Mazur is a sophomore student majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Secondary Education at U of I. She is from the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Elk Grove High School. There she found her love for chemistry and science in general and she created a Science Club for her High School. Outside of classes, she is a part of Polish Scouting where she can strengthen her hobbies of rock climbing, hiking, and anything to do with the outdoors. She is very committed to her Polish culture by being the culture chair of the UIUC Zagloba Polish Club. There she helps create cultural, social, and philanthropy events for others to get to know the community and create connections. Coming back to her love for Chemistry she initiated into the Professional Chemistry Fraternity (Alpha Chi Sigma) at UIUC in the Spring of 2023. She has gained more experience in labs working for Beckers Specialty Corporation where she worked on creating, testing, and analyzing paint samples. Her potential teaching minor comes in handy when she is an intern TA for the LAS 100 course. Overall, she is very hard-working and enthusiastic about being an undergraduate researcher in Professor Manesis’ research group. She looks forward to gaining more experience in the lab and finding her path as a Chemist.

Nikhil Cowart

Nikhil Cowart is an undergraduate student in the class of 2026 majoring in Chemistry at the University of Illinois. He is from the northwest suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Wheaton North High School. High School is where he realized his love of chemistry, thanks to two great chemistry teachers. Here at UIUC, Nikhil enjoys being a part of the REACT program which brings fun chemistry demonstrations to elementary and middle schools in the Champaign-Urbana area. He also loves being a part of the club tennis team on campus. He is super excited to be working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Manesis’ research group.

Neha Siram

Neha Siram is a freshman student majoring in Biology at the University of Illinois. She is from the west suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School. Neha has a deep commitment to community service. As a member of “Leading with Heart,” she organized fundraisers and dedicated her time to volunteer at Lurie Children’s Hospital. She also played volleyball and danced in high school and worked as a Lab Technician at a COVID-19 lab. Neha’s engagement continues at the University of Illinois, where she is an active member of the Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children and a dedicated volunteer at Carle Foundation Hospital. Her enthusiasm for scientific growth and personal development led her to eagerly join the Manesis Lab, where she aspires to not only expand her scientific and research skills but also to evolve as an individual.

Allie Elsayed Suliman

Allie Elsayed Suliman is a sophomore student majoring in Chemistry at the University of Illinois. She is from St. Louis and graduated from Eureka High School. There, she played soccer and started her research journey as a senior at the Missouri Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. She gave an oral presentation on sustainable alternatives for cement in concrete. In high school, she used nature to decompress from stress, leading her to choose an environmental concern for her project. Here at UIUC, she became a volunteer at Avicenna Community Health Center, a free clinic providing care to those who are uninsured or underinsured. As a chemistry major, she enjoys immersing herself with those who are also passionate about the subject, leading her to join the American Chemical Society. She wants to continue her path with research but in a new field – bioinorganic chemistry – with the Manesis group.

Saiesha Bollapragada

My name is Saiesha Bollapragada and I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and minoring in Chemistry. I’m from a suburb outside of Boston, Massachusetts (closer to central Massachusetts) and graduated from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. I’ve been learning Indian Classical Dance since I was 7 years old and have performed in performances, dance productions, and non-profit events. This past summer, I worked as a Pharmacy Technician for CVS. I found my interest in Chemistry through my high school teacher that made the subject fascinating to learn. In my freshman year, I participated in public health research where I found my passion for research. With that interest, I went on to become an ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research through which I promote and encourage research participation among UIUC undergraduates. I’m also part of the Pre-Pharmacy RSO where I learn about the pharmaceutical industry from Pharmacists, Pharmacy Schools, and individuals working in this industry. My passion for biochemical research and interest to explore this field is what led me to join the Manesis lab and expand my career interests. I’m very excited to begin working in the Manesis Lab as an undergraduate researcher!