Alumni

Tamra Blue (PhD 2023)

Assistant Professor Carleton College, Postdoc in the Booker Lab (PSU)

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Tamra Blue and I have a passion for teaching, learning, and researching chemistry.  I received my Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. My undergraduate research focused on the synthesis of CXCR4 inhibitors, which are directly involved in breast cancer cell metastasis. I joined Emory as a member of the Lutz lab where I systematically characterized a protein superfamily in order to discover industrially relevant biocatalyst. My work in the Davis lab involved the mechanistic determination and crystallization of a 4Fe-4S cluster containing family within the old yellow enzyme superfamily. When I’m not in the lab I am actively involved in my local NOBCChE Chapter helping to spread diversity, inclusion, and smiles to a field traditionally composed of the opposite 😊.

Joe Ambarian (EC ’23)

Member since Summer 2021

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hi! I am a Chemistry and Theater Studies double major, originally from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. I love studying how light interacts with matter—especially the physics that lets us visualize biomolecules up close. I am interested in pursuing graduate school for chemistry, with a particular focus on biophysics. Outside of lab, you can find me scouring Atlanta for vintage bookstores, humming Taylor Swift on public transportation, and watching Survivor with friends.

Andrea Mancia (EC ’24)

Summer 2021 – Spring 2022

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hello! My name is Andrea and I am from Newnan, GA. I am an undergraduate student majoring in chemistry with a minor in dance. I am interested in learning about the chemical, biological, and physical processes that keep our body functioning, and how they are all connected to each other. In my free time I like to explore new eateries, go on a run, watch some anime, or dance!

Evan Nie (EC ’24)

Member since summer 2022

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hi! My name is Evan. I grew up on the island of Oahu, HI, and am a chemistry major here at Emory. I love studying biochemistry and exploring the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. After graduating, I am interested in attending dental school and becoming a dentist. My biggest hobby is photography, and I specialize in street and landscape photography. Besides, I like spending my free time hanging out with friends, eating great food,and listening to music.

Nithin Bagal (EC ’22)

Graduate student in the Dept. of Chemistry at Princeton University (Seyedsayamdost Lab)

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hello! I’m a chemistry major from McLean, VA. I enjoy reading and producing music in my free time, but I can also spend an entire day watching movies. I’m interested in using chemistry to understand the bigger picture in living organisms.

Cindy Amaya Lopez (EC ’22)

Employed at Epic Systems

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I am from Lawrenceville, GA. I have experienced the fall bonfires and the snow-like pollen due to growing up in Georgia. My free time is spent drinking coffee while reading for fun, exploring new coffee shops in Atlanta, and figure skating recreationally. Academically, I am interested in learning how the three major sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) interweave to explain the world around us.

Sina Djafari Rouhani (EC ’22)

Biomedical Post-baccalaureate Scholar at the Broad Institute (Hung Lab)

Pronouns: he/him/his

Hello! My name is Sina. I was born in Tehran, Iran, but grew up in El Paso, TX. I am an undergraduate student in the Class of 2022 double-majoring in chemistry and applied mathematics. What intrigues me most about chemistry is that it is a connecting science in that it joins together physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and the earth and environmental sciences. I want to pursue research in the field of chemistry to better understand these connecting principles. Apart from chemistry, I am a passionate Chelsea FC fan, so I spend most of my weekends watching soccer.

Eray Schulz (EC ’21)

Graduate student in the Dept. of Chemistry at IUPUI

I was born in Izmir, Turkey, and grew up in Malaysia. My father is German and my mother is Turkish, but I identify as both. Some hobbies I have include playing golf, running and video games.