Aydan Jordan is on the SHEIS graduate team as a lead. As a graduate researcher se managed her coursework which included research for some credits. That research included not just stepping into a new study but also carrying one out from start to finish. She would also seek out opportunities that aligned with interest. As graduate research she also went to conferences, presented posters, mentoring for posters and writing publications.  

Her journey to research started during undergrad as a junior. She was taking a Dr. Saenz class and asked her for research opportunities during covid. Dr. Saenz put her on the WANDER study where a highly trained female athlete went on a 10-week journey through the Pacific Crest Trail. This study investigated body composition, nutrition, performance, and its relationship with energy.  

Her way to SHEIS started when Dr. Kackley was talking about her research in one of the Volek lab meetings. So, she went to Dr. Kackley and asked if she could help her. Then next thing she knew she was looking into wearables and starting to run the SHEIS Pilot Study. Being in this lab has also given her the opportunity to investigate the women’s health sector beyond research but the market side which includes things like fem-tech.   

When it comes to her experience at SHEIS she would describe it as transcendent. Her favorite part about this lab being that the work we do is a launchpad into women’s health. Through this launchpad she has been able to see the opportunities to explore health innovation and market women’s health globally. She takes pride in all the work she does for women research especially as a woman herself. She feels like with this lab she’s able to combine all her past experiences and interest within it.  

In her future she hopes to continue doing market research in women’s health, work on global intervention and travel the world.   

Ashwini Chebbi is one of our graduate researchers. In this role she serves as the Doctoral Student Lead for a couple of studies, including SPARK and the PKD study. She is the primary person responsible for running the study, organizing all aspects related to data collection, analysis, protocol modifications, and recruitment. With the help of the SHEIS Undergraduate Research Assistants it is possible to get these things done.  

Her start in research came during her master’s which was about ten years ago. Durning her thesis program it was mandatory to be in research. Ever since then research has become her life, and she never once doubted that or regretted her decision to be a part of it. She joined SHEIS as a PhD student and started working with Dr. Kackley. Durning her first year she came across SHEIS Laboratory and was introduced to SPARK. From that study she knew she wanted to be a part of our mission to serve as a pioneering force in advancing women’s health and wellness!  

To describe her SHEIS Experience in one word she would say Pumped! Beyond research this lab has brought not only a mentor into her life but also a dear friend in Dr. Kackley.  She views Dr. Kackley as one of her sisters and she feels so grateful for her every day! When asked about her favorite part of the lab she said, “It’s a no brainer —the sense of being part of a team united by the same mission: advancing women’s health.” She believes that when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t tackle. That the research we conduct and the questions we pursue are essential to moving the field forward, and she genuinely loves being part of all of it! 

Her long-term goals are definitely tied to our lab. She hopes to continue working in the lab and grow more as a scientist. When it comes to her research interests in women’s health, she is a forever collaborator with SHEIS!