Simoska Lab Group Photo
Graduate Students
Courtney Weber (G4)
Courtney Weber is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Simoska Research Group, specializing in analytical chemistry and materials science. Her research focuses on designing electrochemical sensors to monitor human health biomarkers, including studying nanoparticle-modified electrodes and nucleic acid bioreceptor interactions. Originally from Charlotte, NC, Courtney earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina Honors College, where she researched emerging contaminants in drinking water as an undergraduate. A dual-sport Division I student-athlete, she competed in both indoor and beach volleyball for the Gamecocks. In her free time, Courtney enjoys serving at her church, visiting family, spending time at the beach, and cheering on Gamecock sports teams.
Richard Anum (G2)
Richard is a first-year Ph.D. graduate student in the Simoska Lab at the University of South Carolina in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is interested in understanding various electrochemical degradation mechanisms and modifications of carbon-based electrodes and exploring applications in electrochemical biosensing. Richard received his BSc. in Laboratory Technology from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. He loves watching and playing soccer, and also loves watching documentaries on ancient Egypt.
Natalie Strom (G1)
Natalie Strom graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a degree in Neuroscience and Chemistry and just started her graduate studies in the Simoska Lab. Her research interests lie in the electrochemical characterization of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria. She is from Pinehurst, NC, and accordingly spends a lot of her free time golfing. In addition, she loves to read and go to the beach to surf. The Carolinas are her forever home, and she is excited to pursue a career in medical research in the realm of infectious diseases.
Sarah Starnes (G1)
Sarah Starnes (Hardister) is a first-year graduate student in the Simoska Research Group. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Wingate University. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, watching old TV shows/movies, and traveling with her husband.
Kainaat Abbas (G1)
Kainaat Abbas is a first-year PhD student in the Simoska Lab at the University of South Carolina, focusing on electrochemical biosensors. Originally from Pakistan, she holds a B.S. degree and earned her M.S. in Applied Physics from Air University, Islamabad. During her master’s studies, Kainaat worked on developing electrochemical sensors enhanced with functional nanomaterial-based nanocomposites for detecting heavy metal ions. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and listening to music.
Undergraduate Students
Emma Vagnoni (UG4)
Emma Vagnoni is a rising senior biochemistry and molecular biology major at the University of South Carolina. Emma is from the small town of Anderson South Carolina but she really enjoys living in the big Columbia city during the semester. Emma especially enjoys learning new things and pushing herself outside her comfort zone. As a result, she is pursuing minors in theater and Spanish which have proven to be vastly different than her major classes. In her free time when she is not in the lab or working as an RA at the university, Emma likes to crochet, watch TV, and cook for all her friends and family. In the future, she is interested in practicing medicine in a clinical setting, but for now, she is so excited to get to work in the lab!
Brienne Hingst (UG3)
Brienne Hingst is a rising junior from Atlanta, Georgia and is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Forensics. In her free time, Brienne loves to read, cross stitch, crochet, and watch TV. She is unclear about her post-grad plans but wants to pursue a STEM-related career. Brienne is excited to be a part of the Simoska lab and to continue doing research.
Sophia Woytowitz (UG3)
Sophia Woytowitz, a biochemistry major at the University of South Carolina, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Her research journey began as part of the inaugural Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) class, which launched her undergraduate research career. She is now actively involved in the OPPA Pre-Med Mentoring Program and serves as a research editor for IMPULSE, the Premier Undergraduate Neuroscience Journal. Passionate about laboratory research, Sophia focuses on studies related to antibiotic resistance and aims to pursue a career in clinical medicine. In her free time, she enjoys working out at the gym, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
Helen Vrouvakis (UG3)
Helen Vrouvakis is a rising junior pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is from Easley, South Carolina. Helen is involved on campus as a member of Delta Delta Sigma and HSA. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school to pursue a career in dentistry. In her free time, she loves to read, go on runs, and pick up new hobbies.
Abbie Davis (UG4)
Abbie Davis is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina pursuing a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Abbie is from Rock Hill, South Carolina, but recently moved to the Lexington area near Columbia, South Carolina. She is planning to attend graduate school and pursue a chemistry-related career. Outside of academia, she volunteers at Lexington Medical Center and enjoys hobbies such as baking, reading, and painting. She is excited and honored to be working in the Simoska Lab!
Rick Schenker (UG4)
Rick Schenker is a rising senior from Douglasville, Georgia. A U.S. Army veteran, Rick is using his G.I. Bill to pursue a degree in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Prior to his time in the military, he obtained a B.S. in computer science from the University of North Georgia. He is interested in the cross-section between these two fields, and is planning to continue his studies further in graduate school. Outside of the laboratory, Rick is an avid runner and enjoys singing and making music in his free time.
Íris Hrönn Hlynsdóttir (UG3)
Íris Hrönn Hlynsdóttir is a Biological Sciences major with a minor in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. She is from Vopnafjörður, Iceland, and is eager to gain hands on laboratory experience in the Simoska Lab and prepare for a future career in a STEM-related field. Íris first came to the U.S. on a soccer scholarship but has since shifted her focus toward academic and research opportunities. She is passionate about traveling, exploring new cultures and is excited by the experiences that come with studying abroad. Her hobbies include baking, running, and making the most of the warm South Carolina weather!
Sarah Porcha-Konjikusic (UG1)
Sarah Porcha-Konjikusic is a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major on the pre-medicine track. She began her research career at the University of South Carolina Aiken campus, where she contributed to projects in both biology and sport psychology. Currently, she is involved with the newly established neuroscience “Build a Brain” club, which focuses on simulating brain activity through computational models. She is also pursuing involvement with Phi Delta Epsilon, the University’s pre-physician fraternity, and student government. After graduation, Sarah plans to attend medical school and specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to her academic commitments, she works as a medical scribe at a pediatric clinic.