Introducing the Inaugural HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Cohort
On May 26, 2026, the HEART-GeN Lab welcomed the inaugural cohort of the HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Program.
The program was created to provide a structured, trainee-centered summer research experience in computational biology, genomic neuroscience, scientific communication, and professional development.
This first cohort brings together students from Spelman College, Brown University, Northwestern University, and Smith College, with academic interests spanning psychology, neuroscience, computer science, statistics and data science, biomedical engineering, biological anthropology, and global health.
Together, these scholars represent the kind of curious, thoughtful, and collaborative scientific community we are working to build in HEART-GeN.
Upperclassmen Scholars
Nia Terry joins us from Spelman College, where she is a rising senior majoring in Psychology (BS).
Ayesha Saleem Sheikh joins us from Smith College, where she is a rising junior majoring in Computer Science, and Statistics and Data Science.
Underclassmen Scholars
Juliana Walker joins us from Brown University, where she is a rising sophomore majoring in Neuroscience.
Joan D’Aguilar-Balfour joins us from Spelman College, where she is a rising sophomore studying Engineering with a Biomedical Track.
Affiliate Scholar
Sierra Mannion joins the cohort as a HEART-GeN Summer Scholar Affiliate from Northwestern University, where she is a rising junior majoring in Biological Anthropology and Global Health.
Cohort Roster
| Scholar | Institution | Standing | Program/Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nia Terry | Spelman College | Rising Senior | Psychology (BS) |
| Ayesha Saleem Sheikh | Smith College | Rising Junior | Computer Science, Statistics and Data Science |
| Juliana Walker | Brown University | Rising Sophomore | Neuroscience |
| Joan D’Aguilar-Balfour | Spelman College | Rising Sophomore | Engineering, Biomedical Track |
| Sierra Mannion | Northwestern University | Rising Junior | Biological Anthropology and Global Health |
We are grateful to welcome this inaugural cohort and excited to support their growth as researchers, collaborators, and future scientific leaders.
Welcome to HEART-GeN!