President

Rose Marie earned her MS in physics at the University of Oregon with a specialization in optical materials and devices and an unofficial specialization in professional development and promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific fields. She works as a microscopist at the Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo Electron Microscopy, where she collaborates with laboratories across North America to characterize protein structures by optimizing high-throughput image collection, sample quality, and data processing methods. In her free time, she enjoys knitting clothes for her dog and cat, competitive dancing, Star Wars, and traveling near and far.

Vice President

Maddie received her Ph.D. from Portland State University studying small RNA function and evolution in bacteria. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Knight Cancer Institute’s Center Early Detection Advanced Research Center, where she works within the computational biology division. Maddie joined WIS in April 2022 as the Communications Chair, and is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. In her free time, she enjoys running, equestrian spots, reading, camping, and hiking.

Professional Development Chair

Krista is a current PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program at Oregon Health and Science University. She is researching how cell signaling interactions between bone and muscle can be manipulated using biomaterials and growth factors to influence healing in the cases on complex musculoskeletal injuries. Krista is originally from Illinois where she got her BS in Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There, she was involved with supporting women in STEM through her participation in Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Alpha Omega Epsilon. Krista is excited to be a part of Women in Science Portland to support the professional development of other students in STEM. Besides loving science, Krista also loves Irish dancing and playing with her dog, Twiggy.

Community Engagement Chair

CiCi has her BSc in Biology from Montana State University and is currently working as an Environmental Chemist, but has a wide variety of experience in STEM. She has worked in both private and public sectors as a Microbiologist, Enologist, and Chemist and has always cultivated her passion for benchwork. CiCi joined WIS in February 2023, originally volunteering in the Professional Development Committee, and is now serving as Volunteer Coordinator and chair of the Community Engagement Committee. In her free time, CiCi loves to engage in all things nerdy, read purely for joy, and play in the snow whenever she can! CiCi is also from Minnesota so you can often find her eating tater tot hot dish and busting out her worst Minnesota accent.

Communications Chair

Miriam (she/her/hers) works remotely on content development and public relations for a marketing and communications agency (HDMZ) that serves life science and biotech organizations. She also brings an undergraduate background in molecular biology, and experience co-founding and managing a collegiate science literary magazine to her role as Communications Chair for WIS.

Fundraising Chair

Dr. Sarah Lusk is a cell biologist with a deep interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of development and regeneration and how disruptions in these processes lead to human disease. Sarah pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon where she received her BS, and she went on to receive a PhD in human genetics at the University of Utah. Sarah is currently a postdoctoral researcher at OHSU and uses multiple model organisms to investigate neural regeneration at a single-cell level. She joined WIS in 2024 and strives to support this community through a commitment to service, mentorship, and promoting an inclusive and equitable environment in STEM. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys soaking up the good weather days in the PNW.

DEI Chair

Saba Saleem is a political consultant, public affairs specialist, and community organizer, working at the intersection of process and product to create institutional change in local government. She has worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors shaping policy, curating content, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. As the Public Affairs Specialist and Community Liaison for the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, she works to support Black, Hispanic, AANHPI, and women Oregonians through legislative advocacy, community partnership, research, and leadership development. Saba currently serves as a Board Member of Snowcap, a nonprofit working to provide food, clothing, advocacy, and other safety net services to our neighbors in need. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member and a DEI Committee member to WorldOregon, a nonprofit connecting people, places, and issues shaping our global future. When not busy trudging through immigrant guilt, Saba enjoys the beautiful Pacific Northwest chasing waterfalls and traversing mountain peaks, dancing salsa, and experimenting with new recipes.

Corporate Sponsorship Director

Melissa Mudd is an Alliance Manager for the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI) at Oregon Health and Science University. In this role, Melissa is responsible for developing and implementing programs to advance the translation of innovative research to clinical impact, including convening and connecting regional partners. She also manages a program to engage and support OHSU’s early-career investigators in their transition to research independence. Melissa holds a Master of Public Health from the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and is passionate about improving lives through science. Melissa has three young children that continue to motivate her to strive for equity in STEM.

Secretary

With a passion for helping engineers bring their work to life, Kari is eager to both learn from and contribute to the diverse experiences of WIS members. Originally from Canada, Kari found her home in Oregon, drawn by its unique blend of familiar comforts and unexpected charms. Her enthusiasm for joining WIS is rooted in her commitment to fostering a thriving environment for women and marginalized groups in science. When not advancing tech narratives, she can be found traversing new trails, immersed in a good book, or experimenting with recipes in her kitchen.