AJC Merit Research Scholars Begin Summer-Fall 2025 Co-ops

We are happy to welcome our fifth cohort of AJC Merit Research Scholars for the 2025 July-December co-op cycle. The AJC Merit Research Scholarship provides academically excellent Northeastern undergraduates with the opportunity to participate in a full-time, research co-op in the lab of a tenured or tenure-track Northeastern University faculty member in the STEM fields, at a wage comparable to what they might earn in industry.

The AJC Merit Research Scholars are engaging in a wide range of exciting projects while also participating in weekly enrichment opportunities with the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships team and faculty mentors. The program is designed to help the Scholars develop as researchers and thinkers, as well as gain insight into what advanced graduate study looks like and how they might best approach those future opportunities.

Read below to learn more about this fifth cohort of AJC Merit Research Scholars and the projects they will be working on over the months ahead.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Melissa Bernardin, COE’27, Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Mentor: Rain Miao, COE/COS, Civil and Environmental Engineering/ Marine and Environmental Sciences
A combined Chemical and Environmental Engineering student minoring in music, Melissa Bernardin looks forward to contributing her interdisciplinary skillset to the Miao Lab. Under the mentorship of Professor Rain (Y) Miao, Melissa will continue her research on the degradation mechanisms of 1,4-dioxane by environmental microbial consortia, specifically in the presence of chlorinated solvents. She has developed a strong foundation in experimental methods and data analysis through her internship as an Analytical Chemist at Charles River Laboratories, as well as through her R&D co-op at Nano-C.  She has worked in the Miao Lab for two years, where she has assisted on a wide range of projects involving environmental biotechnology for groundwater remediation and wastewater treatment. Recently, she also completed an internship in Professor Kartik Chandran’s Lab at Columbia University. There she assisted PhD students and post-docs with a multitude of projects focusing on wastewater treatment utilizing White Rot Fungi and Fenton chemistry. When she’s not in the lab, Melissa involves herself in Boston’s local music scene, where she plays bass guitar in two bands. Post-graduation, Melissa hopes to pursue an MS/PhD in the field of environmental bioremediation with applications in water treatment.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Ansa Brew-Smith, COS’27, Physics
Mentor: Calina Copos, COS, Biology and Mathamatics
Ansa Brew-Smith will be working in the Copos Lab as part of the fifth cohort of AJC Merit Research Scholars in the upcoming co-op cycle beginning in July 2025, investigating mathematical and computational modeling of limb regeneration in axolotls. As a mathematics and physics major at Northeastern University, Ansa has developed a strong interest in mathematical modeling and scientific computing through his computational biophysics work at the Spring Lab and his computational astrophysics research at the Northeastern Astrophysics Group. During this co-op, Ansa intends to deepen his understanding of numerical methods and simulation frameworks, with a focus on applications to developmental biology. After university, Ansa plans to pursue a PhD in applied mathematics and continue interdisciplinary research that bridges mathematics, physics, and biology. Outside academics, Ansa loves skateboarding and serves as vice president of the Northeastern Skate Club.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Matthew Garcia, COE’27, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mentor: Mallesham Dasari, COE, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Matthew Garcia will be working in the lab of Dr. Mallesham Dasari this summer and fall, whose research focuses on both the theory and application of spatial intelligence. Here Matthew will work on XR glasses, which uses LLMs and computer vision algorithms in conjunction with electronic components such as sensors, microphones, and speakers to interpret spatial data. An electrical and computer engineering major, Matthew’s interest in this work emerged from his interest in translating AI into the physical world. As an AJC Merit Research Scholar, he continues to deepen his skills in machine learning while gaining hands-on experience in backend software development and embedded systems design. His previous experience includes a co-op at Mayflower Communications, where he contributed to GPS anti-jam software, and an internship at the National Energy Technology Laboratory, where he developed real-time kick detection algorithms for drilling systems. He is also currently working with ZOR!, a student-led startup, to extract insights from health data for a seizure monitoring application. On campus, Matthew serves as the president of IEEE, treasurer for SHPE, and director of education for the AI Club.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Elda Gobena, COS’26, Behavioral Neuroscience
Mentor: Zhenghan Qi, Bouvé, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Elda Gobena will be joining the Language Acquisition and Brain Lab (QLAB) at Northeastern University, directed by Zhenghan Qi. The QLAB examines the neural architecture of language processing throughout the lifespan, with particular emphasis on how it differs in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Elda will be working on a study investigating the most effective sleep and training schedules for learning non-native speech sounds, using methods such as web-based experiments and electrophysiology. As a Behavioral Neuroscience major with a minor in Data Science, Elda was drawn to this lab by her curiosity about language learning and her desire to integrate her academic interest in neurodevelopmental disorders. Elda currently works in the Brain ImPACT Lab, which explores how engaging in physical activity can improve brain function and cognitive outcomes after a traumatic brain injury, and in the Brain Game Center & SoundMind Collaboration, where she examined the effects of socioeconomic status and age on cognitive development using executive function tasks. After graduation, Elda hopes to continue her neuropsychology work by pursuing a PhD. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring the city, and traveling.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Zachary Hill, COE’27, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mentor: Alberto De la Torre Duran, COS, Physics
Zachary Hill will be joining Professor Alberto De la Torre Duran and his DeLTA laboratory this summer and fall. Under his guidance, Zachary will be working on developing an ultra-fast spectroscopy camera to better understand the motions of electrons within electronic devices. While an Electrical Engineering and Physics major, Zachary’s fascination with this field extends beyond his formal curriculum, leading him to independently explore these topics. He pursued this research position as the ideal first step to apply his passion and knowledge in a practical setting. He plans to build on the experience gained from this co-op in graduate school, where he will continue to pursue research in applied physics. Outside of class, Zachary enjoys playing the oboe, video games, and hanging out with friends.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Avery Kelly, COS’27, Marine Biology
Mentor: Javier Apfeld, COS, Biology
Avery Kelly will be joining Dr. Javier Apfeld’s lab this summer and fall focusing on C. elegans lifespans and ways to manipulate their longevity. As a marine biology major, Avery’s interest in the subject stems from her interest in the Greenland shark that can live well over 400 years. She wants to gain an understanding of what factors contribute to an organism’s lifespan to apply this research to her future graduate studies of shark evolution and their lifespans. Prior to this co-op, Avery participated in research at the University of Utah that focused on potential antibiotics created from marine organisms. Outside of class, she is a member of the founding Northeastern class in the Delta Gamma fraternity. She is from Utah and loves all things outdoors: hiking, rock climbing, and especially skiing.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Sarah LaCroix, COE’27, Chemical Engineering and Computer Science
Mentor: Peter Schindler, COE, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
This fall, Sarah LaCroix will join Dr. Peter Schindler’s Data Driven Renewables Research Group, where she will focus on developing machine learning models to predict materials properties using large-scale materials databases. This marks her first formal venture into machine learning, building on her strong foundation in computational materials science. In Sarah’s first co-op and ongoing research with Dr. Qing Zhao, she applies density functional theory to investigate the application of single-atom alloys for hydrogen fuel production via ammonia decomposition. Through this new role, Sarah aims to advance efficient, scalable methods for identifying materials that support renewable energy solutions and promote sustainability. She is pursuing a combined major in Chemical Engineering and Computer Science, with plans to pursue a PhD in computational chemistry after graduation. Beyond these academic pursuits, Sarah enjoys crocheting, cooking, and spending time with her four dogs.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Julian Leonhardt, Khoury’26, Computer Science
Mentor: Stephen Intille, Bouvé/Khoury, Public Health and Health Sciences/Computer Science
Julian Leonhardt will be working in the lab of Mobile Health Technology (mHealth) this summer and fall with Professor Intille. A Computer Science major and student athlete at Northeastern, Julian’s interests in mobile health technology and wearable technology emerged from his own experience using such technology to enhance his performance as a rower.  Before this co-op, Julian had completed research in the form of mobile app development, as well as studying sports nutrition and sports health on the side at his previous school, Loyola Marymount University, before transferring to Northeastern. Julian hopes to learn more about the use of accelerometers in the sports world and how they can be utilized to help prevent injuries, enabling individuals to receive technical feedback more quickly. He is interested in continuing his studies in graduate school, and a potential career in the fitness industry. Outside of class, Julian is a member of the varsity rowing team here at Northeastern and has aspirations to row in the Olympics one day.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Kenneth Liang, COS’26, Physics
Mentor: Sara Hashmi, COE, Chemical Engineering
Kenny Liang will be working in the lab of Professor Hashmi this summer and fall, conducting research involving soft matter simulations and experimental design. As a physics major, Kenny’s interest in the work of this co-op emerged from previous physics research experiences and a soft matter physics summer class. Prior to this, Kenny completed research with Professor Israeloff focusing on GFET circuits, as well as a co-op at Wayfair using SQL for data analysis. Kenny hopes to learn more about the research process, the field of soft matter physics, and data analysis in this co-op, and to bring his experience to graduate school. Outside of class, Kenny is a member of the Chinese Learning Table club at NU and loves sci-fi and fantasy books.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Austin Sanchez, COE’28, Environmental and Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Shang Liu, COE, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Austin Sanchez will be joining Professor Shang Liu’s Air Resources Research Group this fall, analyzing the fate and transport of airborne aerosols and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Liu Research Lab focuses on understanding pollutants from various sources of emissions through multi-tiered field measurements and examining the complex chemical and physical atmospheric reactions that aerosols and VOCs undergo, which render them difficult to measure and identify their origins. As an environmental engineering and chemical engineering major, Austin’s interest in air quality stemmed from his love for airplanes and taking Professor Liu’s Environmental Measurements class, devoting half of the semester to developing his own class research project of measuring particulate matter concentrations in busy transportation hubs around Boston. During his co-op, Austin looks forward to deepening his understanding of analytical chemistry through hands-on experience with lab techniques like mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. Austin will utilize this co-op in preparation for a graduate degree in atmospheric science or environmental chemistry. Outside of academics, Austin is a Husky Ambassador (campus tour guide) and a practice player for the Northeastern Division 1 women’s volleyball team.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Aspen Tabar, Khoury’26, Computer Science and Design
Mentor: Leanne Chukoskie, Bouvé/CAMD, Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Science/Art+Design
Aspen Tabar will be joining the Playful Mind Lab as an AJC Merit Research Scholar Co-op this summer and fall. She will contribute to the development of a gamified application that integrates physiological and glucose data to support personalized Type 1 Diabetes education. As a Computer Science and Design major, Aspen’s interest in this project stems from her passion for human-computer interaction and user-centered design. Prior to joining the Playful Mind Lab, she conducted research in creative coding and interactive systems at the Ars Electronica FutureLab in Austria, and completed her first co-op in website production at Commonwealth Financial Network. Aspen looks forward to growing her skills in mobile development and continuing to explore the intersection of human-computer interaction and digital health. Outside of class, she enjoys traveling, camping, and cheering in the Dog House at Northeastern University ice hockey games.

AJC Merit Research Scholar: Timothy Wessling-Resnick, COS’26, Applied Physics
Mentor: Tsugo Aramaki, COS, Physics
In his pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the universe, Tim Wessling will continue his research in the lab of Tsuguo Aramaki as an AJC Merit Research Scholar this summer and fall. His work centers around constraining the non-thermal emission from blazars, a class of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) which contain accreting Supermassive Black Holes (SMBHs) as their central engine. The formation and growth of these SMBHs in the universe is not well understood, and this work will correlate physical properties of blazars, including SMBH mass, and the intrinsic γ-ray luminosity of their jets, to their non-thermal emission. This non-thermal emission is notably prominent in the MeV γ-ray energy regime, which itself is not well observed due to lack of high instrument sensitivity. Professor Aramaki’s lab works on the Gamma-Ray and AntiMatter Survey (GRAMS), which will improve sensitivity to the MeV region by one to two orders of magnitude. This work will motivate the significance of the GRAMS project in future science proposals. Following his graduation in Spring of 2026, Tim will pursue a PhD in Astrophysics. When not doing science, Tim is a member of the NU Madrigal Singers, plays Destiny 2, and loves trying new restaurants around Boston.