Team Members
Colin Fields (Financial Liaison)
Colin Fields is from Middletown, MD and is pursuing dual degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology. After completing his undergraduate degrees, he plans on pursuing either an MD or an MD and PhD in Chemical Biology with the intent to study translational applications of synthetic biology. On campus, Colin is involved with the UMD student chapter of the American Chemical Society and intramural soccer and racquetball. In his free time, Colin enjoys hiking, tree climbing, reading, and horticulture. Spencer Grissom (Financial Liaison)
Spencer Grissom is from Clarksburg, MD and is currently pursuing a B.S. in chemical and biomolecular engineering. In the future, he intends to pick up an M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Spencer is an active participant in the Gemstone program, both as a camp leader as well as a member of the Gemstone Student Council. When he is not playing board games, watching bad movies, or cooking, Spencer is typically eating, enjoying the outdoors, or eating. Hannah Sutton (Library Liaison)
Hannah Sutton is from Laurel, MD and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Cell Biology and Genetics. After this, she plans to obtain a graduate degree in Genetics in order to pursue a career in research and science writing. In her free time, Hannah enjoys gardening, reading, spending time outside, and learning new things. Rory Cooley (Library Liaison)
Rory Cooley is currently studying Biochemistry in the hopes of one day conducting clinical medical research, preferably involving prion diseases. Her hometown in Los Alamos, New Mexico, gave her an early love of science and the outdoors. She fills her free time with reading, art, and extended bouts of existential dread. Madeline Beaudry (Team Liaison)
Maddie Beaudry is from Odenton, MD and is pursuing a B.S. in biology, concentrating in ecology and evolution. She is not certain what the future will bring, but plans to continue her education with a graduate degree in wildlife conservation. Outside of class, she loves playing trombone in the Mighty Sound of Maryland and the basketball pep band as well as backpacking, hiking, and exploring D.C. Mariama Barrie (Web Liaison)
Mariama Barrie is from Mitchellville, MD and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Bioengineering. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Bioengineering or Biotechnology in the future. Outside of Gemstone, Mariama is an active member of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation. Mariama enjoys reading, discovering new music, and spending time with friends in her free time. Tim Walsh (Web Liaison)
Tim is from Gaithersburg, MD and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Neurobiology and Physiology. After completing his degree, he plans on pursuing a PhD in Neurology. Outside of academics, Tim enjoys listening to music, computer programming, swimming, and playing tennis. Kierstin Acuña
Kierstin is from Gaithersburg, MD and is pursuing a B.S. in Bioengineering. She plans to eventually earn graduate and doctorate degrees. Kierstin loves to work in outdoor adventure, and while she isn’t working at the climbing wall, she enjoys reading, playing piano, and volunteering with Circle K International. Zachery Keepers
Zachery Keepers is studying bioengineering with the intent to pursue a career in medicine. His desire to be on team bacteriophage stems from a passion for impacting lives through innovation in medicine. In terms of extracurricular activities, Zachery is a Young Life leader at a local high school in Montgomery County and a volunteer for Little Lights in D.C. His hobbies include basketball, Young Life, spending time with friends, and learning. Natalie Wittick
Natalie Wittick is from Rockville, MD and is pursuing a B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a minor in Chinese. She is excited to see what her remaining undergraduate years bring, and to take advantage of the opportunities UMD and Gemstone provide. When she isn’t studying or working at the Clarice’s bar, Natalie likes to read, run, and play and sing music in a campus church band. Anna Lavrentieva
Anna Lavrentieva is from North Potomac, Maryland and is pursuing a biology degree on the cell biology and genetics track with hopes of continuing her studies on the graduate level. On campus she is involved as a teaching assistant for introductory biology classes and section leader for a freshmen Gemstone class, and enjoys singing, hiking, and exploring DC in her spare time. |