2025-2026 DiBS Board
Mission Statement: This academic year, we plan to continue to bring our graduate and post-doc community together in an inclusive way to build a stronger community that celebrates diverse identities. One of our main goals is creating a safe space and point of contact for anyone in IBiS to bring forward any concerns or any thoughts or ideas; our anonymous suggestion box, email, and group events are how we promote this. We will also continue to advocate for IBiS students and associated employees to ensure IBiS is an equitable and safe community. Beyond these core activities, we will promote discourse on topics of diversity through collaborations with other groups, professional development talks, and focused events.
Liz Lopez (she/her)
Liz is a 3rd year IBiS PhD student in the Wignall lab. She studies oocyte meiosis with a specific interest in the acentrosomal spindle pole. She grew up in McAllen, Texas and earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Besides science, Liz enjoys baking, watching movies, and visiting cute coffee shops.
Ilka Mari Lorenzo (she/her)
Ilka is a 4th year PhD student in the Wignall Laboratory. She was born in El Barrio, NYC, and grew up in Puerto Rico. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez and a master’s degree in Reproductive Sciences and Physiology from Purdue University. Ilka is passionate about advocating for female reproductive rights and supporting the integration of immigrants and refugees. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her cats, Ringo and Arty, and loves baking treats (mostly to enjoy them herself).
Lydia Kenney (she/her)
Lydia is a 3rd year IBiS student in Heather Pinkett’s Lab studying the accessory domains of ABC transporters and their role in transport regulation. She is originally from Hiram, GA and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Georgia Tech (go jackets!). In her free time she loves live music, taking care of her plants, and hanging out with friends around Chicago.
Roger Romero (he/him)
Roger is a 3rd year IBiS student in the Mirkin Lab affiliated with the International Institute of Nanotechnology. His research investigates how immunomodulatory DNA based nanomedicine directs macrophage polarization for applications in wound healing. He was born in Miami, Florida and lived in Weston, Florida until attending University of Chicago for college. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with a focus in immunology. He enjoys experiencing new music and film throughout Chicago but loves to hit up the beach during the summer months.
Avi Pillai (they/them)
Avi is a 4th year IBiS PhD Candidate in the Amaral Lab. They study how changes in chromatin organisation controls transcription and gene expression in cells. They are originally from India, where they completed their Bachelor’s and Masters in Systems Biology. Outside the lab, they enjoy water color painting and playing board games.