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 Schumacher 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 Jordan 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 Research Liasions
Esha Wankhade
Esha Wankhade 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 senior 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 focusing her nutrition background on maternal and fetal health 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 Rizvi 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.
Mare Lara
Mare Lara is a first-generation fourthyear undergraduate at Ohio State University from Phoenix, Arizona. She is majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance. Her on campus involvement includes a first-generation honor society (Tri-Alpha) and a first generation mentor. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, going to concerts, and sewing. Her career aspiration is to work in the sports industry and get a master’s degree to become an Athletic Trainer. Her interest in providing great patient care and women’s health is why SheIs Lab stood out.
Sydney Johnson
Sydney Johnson is a second-year exercise science pre-med major with a minor in American Sign Language. She is a full-time student, a volunteer at the James, sign language tutor, research assistant and research liaison for SHEIS Laboratory. Her goals and aspirations are to continue her research endeavors with SHEIS and begin as a medical assistant to supplement her knowledge and gain more experience in healthcare. Her long-term goals are to continue her academic career through medical school. This lab has given her a newfound interest and passion for conducting research.
Mona Mchaourab
Mona Mchaourab is a fourth-year biology major with a medical humanities minor. She is on the pre-med track and a biological sciences scholar, as well as a research liaison for SHEIS lab. Mona is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and women’s health, which makes her involvement with SHEIS Lab an amazing opportunity to expand her knowledge and contribute to impactful research in women’s health. In her free time, Mona enjoys weightlifting, spending time outdoors, and reading. She hopes to use her education and career in healthcare to serve others and make a positive impact on the medical field.
Samaa Khan
Samaa Khan is a second-year Health Sciences major with a minor in Anatomy on the pre-medicine track at the Ohio State University. She is from Powell, OH and enjoys scrapbooking, thrifting, and trying out new places to eat. She loves volunteering in her community such as at the Wexner Medical Center and pursuing her interest in medicine and helping others. She is in the Morrill Scholarship Program as well as the Biological Sciences Scholars Program (BioSci). She is part of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority and will be Academic Chair. She is also on the BioSci Leadership Board, the Membership Chair of the Pre-Med Club, Social Media Chair of Scientific Thinkers, Director of Event Planning for Buckeyes Shuffled, and Writing Editor for Digital Dispatch. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant at SHEIS Labs, she is a part of the Senior Liaison Team and Newsletter Team. She is passionate about many types of research, and especially recognizes the important and impact of women’s health.
Undergraduate Team
Gemma Huber
Gemma Huber 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.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.
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
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.
Akshita Vaka is a third-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Environmental Health. She is interested in the SHEIS Lab due to its potential to advance women’s health through research and practical experience. Akshita hopes to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the lab to contribute meaningfully to improving women’s health outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring photography. Participating in this lab will provide valuable insights into women’s health challenges and innovative approaches to address them. This knowledge will be instrumental in shaping her ability to design, manage, and lead healthcare systems.
Yariela Nagy is a second year Exercise Science major at The Ohio State University aspiring to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant in Sports Medicine or Orthopedics. She is a member of Project Sunshine and MUNDO as well as the MUNDO Representative for Smith-Steeb Community Council. In her free time, Yariela enjoys exercising, thrifting, journaling, and going to the beach when she is back home. Passionate about health, wellness, and fitness, Yariela is interested in SHEiS Lab because of the opportunity to prioritize women’s health. She believes SHEiS Labs is dedicated to gathering information that can better the lives of all women, which aligns with her values and is her motivation to pursue a career in the medical field. Yariela is excited to work with a team of empowering women who are driven to make an impact in science, healthcare, and research.
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.
Alexia Kakanuru is a first-year neuroscience major on the pre-med track at The Ohio State University. On campus, she is a part of the Health Sciences Scholars program, and an academic committee member of the HSS Leadership Council. She is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, on the club tennis team, in addition to having her STNA license. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become a pediatric neurologist. Alexia is passionate about women’s health and neurological disorders that plague children in early development. She believes that the SHEIS lab will start the journey of centering research around women to eradicate the healthcare disparities that impact women’s health. She is excited that the SHEIS lab aligns with her passions, and she looks forward to continuing building lab skills and relationships with the team as the research lab progresses.
Rhea Garg is a third-year Human Nutrition major specializing in dietetics and pursuing a music minor at The Ohio State University. On campus, she is a board member of the Student Dietetics Association and musician in the Chamber Music Club. Off campus, she is a private piano and cello lessons teacher. She plans to obtain her Master of Dietetics and Nutrition and become a Registered Dietitian. As a dietitian, Rhea hopes to combine her passions for nutrition and education to help others achieve their health goals. She is excited to further the knowledge on women’s health through the SHEIS Lab.
Clara Carrocce is a first-year chemistry and music double major on the pre-med track at The Ohio State University. On campus, she is a part of the fundraising committee of Buckeye Food Alliance, an active member of the American Chemical Society and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and a Student Wellness Volunteer. She plans to continue her education post-graduation by attending medical school to become a pediatric oncologist. She’s incredibly passionate about women’s health, mental health, and improving our healthcare system as a whole. She hopes to make an impact one day in the medical field, and she believes that becoming part of the SHEIS lab could be the first important step. The lab aligns with her career goals and her passions, and she believes this knowledge will be instrumental in her career in the healthcare field and ability to serve others.
Danielle Kincaid
Danielle Kincaid is a third year Biology major on a pre-med track at Ohio State University. She hopes to attend medical school and become a pediatrician following a gap year where she will spend time working as a medical assistant. She is a part of pre-med club on campus and enjoys volunteering. Serving others is her passion and she does so through her job as a certified nursing assistant. She loves to work out and spend time with her family. She is driven by a desire to bring awareness to women’s health and wellness where a lack of research dominates. Which made SHE IS labs the perfect place for her as she gets to take part in significant research to the field while aligning with her passions.
Ava Dow
Ava Dow is a fourth-year Health Sciences major with a minor in Biology on the Pre-Physician Assistant track at The Ohio State University, originally from Chicago, IL. Deeply passionate about health and wellness, Ava’s active lifestyle and strong interest in hormone regulation, nutrition, and women’s well-being led her to join SHEIS Labs. She is thrilled to contribute to research that prioritizes women’s health and closely reflects her personal and professional goals. She serves as President of the First-Generation Pre-Physician Assistant Platform at OSU, and works as a PCA at The James Cancer Hospital, in addition to being a CNA and trained Medical Assistant. In her free time, she loves to weightlift, create healthy recipes, and spend time with friends and family. Ava is very committed to becoming a compassionate healthcare provider and aims to use the knowledge she gains from SHEIS Labs to help reduce disparities in women’s health.