Student Program Staff
Summer 2021 Work Studies
Gabriella Gonzalez
Summer Program Staff
Gabriella is a Civil Engineering/Architectural Studies major (2025) at Northeastern University. A former Summer Bridge and UPLIFT scholar who participated in faculty-led research, she tested Boston rainwater samples and studied the city’s flood banks her first semester of college. Beyond academic interests, Gabriella is an immigrants’ rights activist and loves the outdoors— whether it’s on a ski mountain or a tropical beach. Gabriella belongs to a rainbow of cultures and heritages being from New Orleans, and speaks Portuguese, French, and Spanish.
Tyree Thompson
REU-POWER Coordinator
Tyree is a Bioengineering student (2021) concentrating on Cell and Tissue Engineering here at Northeastern University. She is a member of the S-POWER cohort, having transferred from Clark Atlanta University. Tyree has a passion for STEM related topics as well as youth outreach. Programs such as The National Student Leadership Conference - Biotechnology are how she solidified her major. While in Atlanta she tutored middle school students in math, science and English. Tyree completed a summer research program at UCLA focusing on colon cancer research through their Biochemistry and Chemistry with Dr. Albert Courey.
While attending Northeastern University, she has had the privilege of assisting Dr. Eno Ebong with research on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque leading to heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease. In the spring of 2020 Tyree had the opportunity to complete a co- op as a research assistant under Dr. Rebecca Carrier focusing on drug delivery methods. Tyree is excited to share her wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of STEM in hopes that other students will find their passion in this area as well.
Natasha Zaarour
Student Program Staff
Natasha is a Behavioral Neuroscience and Global Health student (2024) on the Pre-Medical track. She loves neuroscience because it combines her love of both biology and psychology to explain the behaviors and thoughts of humans. She found a passion for STEM while participating in her high school's science fair and math team. On campus, Natasha is involved in Global Medical Brigades, NEURONs, and the Arab Student Association. She also tutors high school students in the Greater Boston Area in STEM disciplines. At the Center for STEM Education, Natasha implemented the Young Scholars Program virtually as coordinator in 2020. She also coordinated the first session of Pathways to Science and Engineering in Fall 2020. Outside of the classroom, Natasha enjoys cooking, swimming, and traveling.
Sakura Gandolfo
Student Program Staff
Sakura is a Pharmacy major (2023) at Northeastern University. She became involved with the Center for STEM following her participation in the Young Scholars Program, a six week high school research program. During the program, Sakura worked in Professor Carol Livermore's lab, focusing on origami-enabled liver tissue engineering, and she was given the opportunity to present her research at a science conference sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Sakura has also worked as a counselor for various summer STEM programs hosted by the Center for STEM and oversaw middle school and high school students. Outside of school, Sakura enjoys figure skating, hiking, and collecting watches.
Sena Szczepaniuk
Student Program Staff
Sena is a Biology major (2023) on the Pre-Medical track at Northeastern. Throughout high school biology became Sena's passion and her introduction to biotechnology in high school helped shape her career path at Northeastern. She has always had a passion for STEM subjects as well as working with younger students. Sena was a reading mentor to elementary students and she tutored younger high school students in chemistry and math. At Northeastern, Sena is a member of Global Medical Brigades, Marine Biology club, and Francophone club. Outside of school, Sena enjoys fishing, hiking, and volunteering.
Karen Zhu
Student Program Staff
Karen Zhu was originally a Mechanical Engineering major but made a switch her second year to a Computer Science major (2023). Ever since high school, she was passionate about volunteering and STEM. In college, she joined STEMout, a STEM outreach organization, that allowed her to teach younger students STEM-related activities. Outside of school, Karen enjoys making Spotify playlists and playing games.
Salima Amiji
Student Program Staff
Salima is a Pharmacy major (2025) at Northeastern University. She became involved with the Center for STEM following her participation in the Young Scholars Program, a six-week high school research program. During the program, Salima worked in Professor Ambika Bajpayee‘s lab, focusing on drug delivery to avascular tissue. During high school, Salima performed research regarding drug delivery for the science fair where she was fortunate to move onto regional and state levels. Salima coordinated the Young Scholars Program in both the Summer of 2019 and 2020. She is currently co-coordinating the Pathways to Science and Engineering Program in Fall 2020. Outside of school, Salima‘s hobbies include running, volunteering in her local community, and traveling to various countries.