Graduate Executive Board (2023-2024)
PRESIDENT: Saúl Huerta de la Cruz
Saúl is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Pharmacology at the Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont. His research focuses on the neurovascular unit, exploring how the cells within it interact and function to regulate functional hyperemia and cerebral blood flow. Besides the lab, Saúl loves spending time outdoors. You might find him exploring, hiking, biking, or doing yoga, but his favorite pastime is watching the sunset at the waterfront. Saúl is passionate about using his role as a SACNAS officer to empower others, create meaningful opportunities, and help build a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. His goal is to make a positive impact, drawing from his own experiences to support and uplift others.
VICE PRESIDENT: Lara Monteiro
Lara Monteiro is a PhD student in Natural Resources and a Graduate Fellow at the Gund Institute for Environment. Lara is a Brazilian ecologist interested in investigating how restoration incentives promote or hinder the delivery of socioeconomic and environmental outcomes in open ecosystems, particularly in the Brazilian savanna. As a Latin American woman, she had to accommodate her lifestyle to Vermont’s changing seasons. During the winter, she is learning to ski and hike in the snow, while in the summer, she enjoys playing team sports with friends such as soccer, tennis, and volleyball, as well as biking around Burlington. Her goal as the SACNAS vice-president is to enhance her contributions towards fostering inclusive environments for underrepresented communities at UVM, particularly through STEM-focused professional development activities.
SECRETARY: Daniel Penados
Daniel Penados is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biology Department. He completed his undergraduate major in Biology at The University of San Carlos in Guatemala. Following his curiosity in genetics and proteomics, Daniel came to Vermont to study the signaling pathways that modulate the formation and growth of blood vessels. His decision to come to Vermont was driven not only by his passion for science but also by his love for nature, including hiking, biking, and more recently, snowboarding—a perfect fit for Vermont’s outdoor opportunities. In summary, Daniel is a young scientist passionate about state-of-the-art technology, who enjoys the outdoors, and constantly seeks new adventures.
TREASURER: Atri Raval
Atri Raval (he/him, A/Aself) is a PhD Candidate in the Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences program at the Larner College of Medicine. Atri is a researcher in a DNA Repair lab, interested in understanding Homologous Recombination Repair (HRR) mechanisms in human breast cancer cell lines when the damage is APOBEC3A-induced. Using Shu-Complex (a known component in HRR initiation) knock-out cell lines, A wants to figure out if the Shu-Complex has a homologous role in human cells as it does in yeast because the composition of the enzyme complex differs in both. Atri is passionate about building communities and safe spaces for scientists of colour. He believes in equity and inclusivity for minorities in predominately white-dominated fields. As treasurer, A’s goal is to make sure that the club receives proper funding and that it is responsibly distributed to have excellency and opportunity in community. In his free time, A finds himself often at the beach in the summer and hibernating in the winter, but all year round with his nose in a fictional novel. He is a sunset enthusiast and loves experimenting in the kitchen to his friends’ delight (or dismay).
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Adam Ontiveros
Adam is a first year PhD student in the Complex Systems and Data Science program at the Vermont Complex System Center. He works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He is interested in the dynamics of conversation and using data science to find out the patterns for efficient communication. As the chapters Communications Manager, Adam works to relay pertinent information to keep the chapter in sync and also build and develop connections to other organizations and universities.
SOCIAL MEDIA: Adeeta Singh
Adeeta Singh is an undergraduate majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics with a minor in Statistics at the University of Vermont. Born and raised in New York City and a proud Nepali, she hopes to work with her communities and focus on environmental issues that impact them by advocating for environmental justice in BIPOC and low-income communities. This year, as a Lake Champlain Sea Grant Scholar, she’s working closely with her mentor to research water access and the implementation of WASH strategies in Nepal. After completing her undergrad journey, she wants to focus on economic development and the efficient allocation of environmental resources to help target sustainable development goals. As a member of SACNAS, she hopes to connect those with diverse backgrounds and the world of science and be part of a welcoming community!
UNDERGRADUATE LIAISON: Zen Gomez Merlo
Zenllaze Gómez Merlo is a senior undergrad majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Zenllaze would like to work in the field of renewable energy harvesting. She enjoys spending times outdoors, reading, and spending time with her friends. She hopes to get more undergrads involve in SACNAS events this year.