Natalie Strom (G2)

Natalie Strom is a second-year graduate student in the Simoska Lab, with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Chemistry from the University of South Carolina. Her research interests lie in the electrochemical investigation of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Originally from Pinehurst, NC, she spends a lot of her free time golfing and plan to call the Carolinas home forever. Additionally, she loves to read, go to church, hang out with friends and family, and spend time at the beach. Upon graduation, she will attend medical school and pursue a career as a research physician in the realm of infectious disease.

Sarah Starnes (G2)

Sarah Starnes is a second-year graduate student in the Simoska Research Group. Her research focuses on the electrocatalysis of carbon dioxide reduction. Originally from Charlotte, NC, she earned her B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in mathematics from Wingate University. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, traveling with her husband, and watching old TV shows and movies.

Kainaat Abbas (G2)

Kainaat Abbas is a rising second-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.

Abbie Davis (G1)

Abbie Davis graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2026 and is a rising first-year graduate student in the Simoska Lab. She is from Rock Hill, South Carolina, but recently moved to the Lexington area near Columbia, South Carolina. Outside of academia, Abbie 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!

Sophia Woytowitz is pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of South Carolina and is originally from Sparks, Maryland. She first became involved in research through the inaugural Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) class, which sparked her interest in continuing research throughout college. Outside of the lab, Sophia is involved in several organizations on campus, including Remote Area Medical, the American Chemical Society, and the Gamecock Red Cross, which she founded. Her research interests include antibiotic resistance, and she hopes to attend medical school and become a physician. In her free time, Sophia enjoys working out, reading, hiking, and finding new coffee shops wherever she goes.

Helen Vrouvakis (UG4)

Helen Vrouvakis is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is from Easley, South Carolina. Helen is involved on campus as president of the American Chemical Society-Student Chapter and as a member of Delta Delta Sigma and Relay for Life. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and go to the gym.

Brienne Hingst (UG4)

Brienne Hingst is a senior from Atlanta, Georgia and is pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Forensics from the University of South Carolina Honors College. In her free time, Brienne loves to read, cross stitch, crochet, and watch TV. She is planning on applying to graduate school for pharmacology or a related field. Brienne is excited to be a part of the Simoska lab and to continue doing research.

Grace Klenke (UG3)

Grace Klenke is a rising junior in the University of South Carolina Honors College from Springfield, Illinois. She is pursuing a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish on the pre-dental track. Grace plans to attend dental school and pursue a career in pediatric dentistry after her undergraduate studies. She is a part of Phi Mu and Dance Marathon at USC as well as the volunteer coordinator for Musical Memories, a new organization that volunteers providing music therapy to dementia patients. In her free time, Grace enjoys reading, singing, coaching gymnastics, and watching Gamecock and Chicago football.

Claire Pollack (UG2)

Claire Pollack is a rising sophomore in the University of South Carolina Honors College from Fort Mill, SC, pursuing a major in chemistry with a minor in business administration. She was first introduced to research through the university’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI), which led her to the Simoska lab. Claire currently plans to attend dental school and pursue a specialty. Outside the lab, she serves as a chair for the service sorority Omega Phi Alpha and is an extended mentor for Pillars for Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family.

Kelsey Giordano (UG2)

Kelsey Giordano is a rising second-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. She is interested in pursuing pharmaceutical science and plans to continue on to either pharmacy school or graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys practicing and coaching gymnastics, spending time outside, and keeping in touch with her friends on campus and at home in Long Island, New York.

Asha Kaikini (UG1)

Asha Kaikini is a freshman in the University of South Carolina Honors College from Lexington, SC. She is pursuing a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and plans to pursue either a PhD or MD-PhD program. Her current research interests include the gut microbiome, colorectal cancer, and electrochemistry. In her free time, she likes to drink boba, do escape rooms with her friends, and knit!