President - Daniela Fonseca
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
I hold a B.S. in Physics and transitioned to Materials Science, where I earned my master’s and Ph.D. at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. My first time living in the U.S. was from 2021 to 2022 in California, where I conducted part of my research at Berkeley Lab. I returned to the U.S. in March 2024 to begin my postdoctoral research here at Lehigh University, where I am currently developing in-situ TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) heating studies on High Entropy Alloy nanoparticles. My work focuses on investigating their sintering behavior, high-temperature stability, and mechanical properties for refractory applications. In addition to leading the LPDA, I also serve as a Postdoc Subcommittee Member of the Microscopy Society of America, and, whenever possible, I like to support initiatives that empower young women in STEM. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, going out with friends and traveling to explore new places. Invite me for a coffee or ask me about National Parks in the US!
Vice President - Franziska Keller
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Hi everyone, I’m Franzi and I’ve been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Lehigh since September 2023. I’m originally from Germany, where I completed both my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees at the University of Mainz, before moving to Zürich, Switzerland, to pursue my Ph.D. at ETH Zürich. My research focuses on understanding the processes behind large-scale volcanic eruptions, such as those at Yellowstone, and investigating how we can predict when and where such events might occur again on Earth.
Next to my research, I am passionate about promoting diversity and equity in the Earth Sciences and beyond, working towards making academia a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. If I am not in front of my computer, you can usually find me out on the trails exploring the Northeast, in the kitchen experimenting with some new recipes, or in the gym. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Director of Communication and Events
Mohammad Mohammadisiahroudi
Department of Industrial and System Engineering
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department at Lehigh University, working in the Quantum Computing and Optimization Lab. I received my Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Lehigh University in August 2024 under the supervision of Prof. Tamás Terlaky. Prior to joining Lehigh, I earned my master's degree from Sharif University of Technology and My bachelor's degree from Iran University of Science and Technology, both in Industrial Engineering. My research focuses on developing, analyzing, and implementing efficient quantum and classical algorithms for solving large-scale optimization problems, such as problems arising in healthcare applications. My work has been recognized with the 2023 INFORMS Computing Society Best Student Paper Prize (runner-up) and the 2023 Van Hoesen Family Best Publication Award.
Secretary - Shen Wang
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Hi everyone, I’m Shen and I started my Lehigh life in 2018 as a PhD student. After obtaining the PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2023, I became a postdoctoral scholar in the same research group. I’m also a visiting postdoctoral scholar in MIT, where we collaborate on a research project. My research focused on different aspects of solid mechanics including thermostructural analysis, functional metamaterials, and granular materials, from both experimental and numerical perspectives. I like hiking and iced coffee. Join my hiking and BBQ squad!
Secretary - Sana Akhter
Department of Biological Sciences
Hi everyone, I'm Sana! I earned my PhD in computational biology from the University of Kansas in 2024 and collaborated with UNC Chapel Hill on molecular dynamics projects in the Department of Pharmacy. Now, as a postdoctoral research associate at Lehigh University, I focus on RNA 3D structure modeling and drug discovery. I'm passionate about exploring RNA as a therapeutic target and studying the intricate interactions between proteins, RNA, and small molecules using advanced simulations and machine learning. In my free time, I love hiking, staying active, shopping and discovering new nature spots. I also make it a point to travel to new places every few months and enjoy finding the best local coffee shops! Feel free to get in touch if you would like to chat about science, simulations, or just enjoy some fresh air!
Treasure - Shaun Wang
Department of Community and Population Health
Hi everyone, I am Shaun. I got my PhD in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021. I am currently working under Prof. Lichen He’s lab in the College of Health, Lehigh University. My research links outdoor and indoor air pollution to health. In my recently published paper, I assessed the effectiveness of air purifiers in protecting people’s health. I like shopping in groceries and cooking at home.
Director of Communication and Events - Shweta Kumari
Department of Biological Sciences
Hi everyone, I’m Shweta, a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University. I completed my PhD in Bioinformatics from the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) and worked as a postdoc at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) before joining Lehigh University. My research is focused on the structure, interaction, dynamics, and function of biomolecular and soft matters. I use computational approaches to study and analyze how bio-/molecules (proteins) interact with other molecules. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, DIY projects, sewing, and relaxing with a cup of coffee by my window.