Our graduate and undergraduate students are the heart of the SHE IS Laboratory, dedicating their time, energy, and passion to advancing our mission of empowering women’s health through research. Each student brings a unique perspective and curiosity, asking bold questions that drive innovation and expand our understanding of complex health challenges. Their diverse talents and unwavering commitment enrich every aspect of our work, from data collection and analysis to creative problem-solving and community outreach. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their invaluable contributions, and we are proud to support their growth as future leaders in health science.
Graduate Team Leads
Ashwini Chebbi
Ashwini Chebbi is a Ph.D. candidate in the Nutrition Department at Ohio State University. Since graduating with a master’s degree in Nutrition, Ashwini’s journey has led her into the realm of ketogenic and low-carb diets. With a background in dietetics, she has traversed both industry and institutional landscapes, devising well-planned keto diets for those with lifestyle disorders and even creating packaged foods that adhere to keto and low-carb principles. She has designed studies that focused on the physiological impacts of low-carbohydrate intake, specifically exploring areas like insulin kinetics and energy expenditure. She aims to leverage her expertise to unlock the potential of ketogenic diets and conduct transformative research. Through her work, she envisions driving positive and profound changes in the field of nutrition.
Balea Schumacher, M.S., EP
Balea is a Ph.D. student at The Ohio State University in the Kinesiology: Exercise Science Program. She received her Bachelors and Master’s of Science degrees in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida located in sunny, Tampa, Florida where she called home for 24 years, prior to moving to Ohio. She is a certified Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine. Her research is focused on neuromuscular performance, sex differences and exercise psychology and behavior. Translating results from the exercise science lab to real-world experiences is her goal.
Aydan Jordan, BS, MBA
Aydan is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health & Exercise Science at The Ohio State University, Aydan serves as a Graduate Research Assistant, contributing significantly to diverse research projects, from ketogenic supplements’ impact on metabolism to hormonal blood markers in fertility tracking devices. As a former NCAA Division 1 Athlete and Leadership Council President, Aydan showcased exceptional leadership while excelling in athletics. She also engaged in international collaboration through an academic exchange visit to the University of Tsukuba in Japan, broadening her perspective and advancing global health initiatives. Aydan’s relentless pursuit of excellence embodies perseverance, passion, and determination, inspiring others in academia, athletics, and beyond.
Undergraduate Team Leads
Esha Wankhade
Esha is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Public Health with an Environmental Health specialization and minor in business. She is excited to be a part of groundbreaking research which will inform the field of women’s health and allow women to achieve their highest level of well-being. Her long term professional goals include pursuing a master’s in public health and going to medical school. Esha aims to utilize her background in public health to improve health outcomes for under-researched and under-served populations. Some her hobbies include trying new cafes, spending time with friends and family and traveling!
Ariana Mallernee
Ariana Mallernee is currently a junior at The Ohio State University studying Human Nutrition with a specialization in Dietetics. Her hometown is a small suburb right outside of Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys going on walks, yoga, spending time with friends and family, and reading in her free time. Her educational goals include completing a 4-year degree, and getting a Masters in Dietetics, and becoming an RDN. She plans on taking her nutrition background into women’s health or prenatal care in the future. Ariana’s interest in women and hormonal health is what drew her attention to SHEIS Labs. She very excited to be a part of this team and make a difference in the future of science for women!
Hafsah Rizvi
Hafsah is currently a senior at OSU studying Exercise Science with a minor in Architecture. Hafsah volunteers with the Volek and SHE IS research labs and works as a Patient Care Associate at the Wexner Medical Center’s operating unit. She is also a volunteer at Noor Clinic, a local free clinic. Her career aspirations include attending medical school and becoming either an orthopedic surgeon, emergency medicine doctor, or a pediatrician, and possibly doing a masters in exercise physiology. Some of her hobbies include learning new languages and building cool legos.
Venessa Meola
Venessa Meola is an Exercise Science major on the Pre-Physician Assistant track, driven by a passion for health, wellness, and helping others achieve their physical best. She combines her academic pursuits with an active lifestyle, finding joy in weightlifting and exploring nature through hiking with friends. Venessa is dedicated to building a career in physical therapy, where she can apply her knowledge and skills to improve others’ quality of life.
Haley Haines is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Nutrition Dietetics and plans to go to grad school to become a Registered Dietitian. This lab aligns with her personal interests as she hopes to specialize as a Sports Dietitian. ‘SHE IS’ is a great opportunity to learn and see firsthand how exercise and diet go hand in hand, in preparation for future professional career goals. Along with the lab, she is also a part of the Honors program, EHE Ambassadors, Buckeye Food Alliance, and works at the Wexner Medical Center. In her free time, she loves to go for runs, listen to music, and spend time with friends.
Gemma is a sophomore at The Ohio State University, majoring in biology with a minor in music. She is a member of the Women’s water polo team, women’s glee club, and teaches swim lessons through Ohio State. Driven by a deep commitment to women’s health and nutrition, Gemma is excited to contribute to a team focused on bridging the knowledge gap surrounding menstrual health and nutrition specific for women. Looking ahead, she aims to work in pediatric health, with a goal of becoming a physician or a dietitian.
Mare Lara
Mare Lara is a first-generation third-year undergraduate at Ohio State University from Phoenix, Arizona. She is majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance. Her on campus involvement includes first-generation honor society, Tri-Alpha. For her Buckeye’s First/Kessler Scholars program, she is a mentor for the first-year students. Her career aspiration is to work in the sports industry as an Athletic Trainer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and sewing. She also loves to go to concerts and attend sports games.
Morgan Perce
Morgan Perce is a third year student majoring in Exercise Science and is a D1 athlete on the OSU women’s rowing team. She is interested in SHEIS Labs because she hopes to help women find a reliable method for tracking their cycles and improve their overall health. Her long-term career goals include working as a Physical Therapist or an Athletic trainer working with college athletes.
Jasmin Wang
Jasmin is currently a senior, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, at The Ohio State University. She currently volunteers in the Volek Research lab. Jasmin teaches group fitness classes on campus and she is currently in training to be an Orange Theory instructor. She is passionate about teaching, health, and wellness. Jasmin is on the pre-med track and has aspirations to be a GI doctor in the future.
Emily Murphy, BS
Emily Murphy is a Physical Therapy student at The Ohio State University. She has an interest in health and performance outcomes related to hormonal and physiological changes throughout the female lifespan. Emily hopes to leverage her experiences in order to set more concrete guidelines in place for female health and rehabilitation efforts.