The 2010 SEBA Officers
President – Jeff Chamberlain
Jeff Chamberlain is a Ph.D. student in the department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. His research, under the direction of Dan Ratner, is focused on the development of a functional biosensor which will be used for identifying and characterizing the mechanisms of the beginning stages of viral and bacterial pathogenesis. This research aligns with his interests in global health, distributed diagnostics and home healthcare. Jeff received his BE in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, where he performed research primarily on cell-based microfluidics. Professionally, Jeff hopes to move to industry where he can apply his science and engineering background to address the demands and issues of present-day healthcare. To complement his education and research with a better understanding of business, Jeff is actively involved in SEBA and is enrolled in the Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate program. This program is run by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and allows graduate students outside of the business school the take business school courses. Jeff’s hobbies include snowboarding, biking, hiking/camping, and cooking.
VP of Membership – Ryan Coe
Ryan Coe is a Ph.D. student at the University of Washington in the department of Bioengineering. He currently performs his research in the Human Photonics Lab under the direction of Eric Seibel, Ph.D. Ryan’s goal is to develop quantitative microscopy methods for a novel three-dimensional microscope, known as the Cell-CT. The Cell-CT has the potential to revolutionize the early detection of lung cancer by detecting morphological changes at the single-cell level before macroscopic changes are detectable by traditional methods. In 2008, Ryan obtained his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia. As an undergraduate, he participated in the development of a novel C-scan ultrasound device and the design of a motion estimation algorithm shown to have unparalleled accuracy and precision. Ryan eventually hopes to combine his interests in medical imaging and technology transfer to improve clinician’s diagnostic capabilities. Beyond the classroom, Ryan is actively involved in Bioengineering, both as a Graduate Student Affairs Co-chair for the 2009-10 school year, as well as the Student Advisory Board. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys watching college football, playing golf, and skiing.
VP of Operations – Katherine Wang
Katherine Wang is a bioengineering PhD graduate student in Dr. Suzie Pun's laboratory at the University of Washington. She received her B.S. in Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley in 2005 and is currently investigating the delivery of non-viral gene vehicles from surfaces. Katherine joined SEBA in the spring of 2007, and has previously worked as the officer of Operations and VP of Finance. In her spare time, Katherine likes to play basketball, snowboard, travel, and read.
VP of Marketing – Casey Overby
Casey is a Biomedical & Health Informatics PhD student working with
Dr. Peter Tarczy-Hornoch at the University of Washington. She received
her bachelors degree in Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan, and
her masters degree in Biotechnology at University of Pennsylvania.
Current and previous studies have led to her interest in the design
and application of computer technology to help accelerate the
translation of knowledge gained from genetics-based studies into
clinical practice. In 2009, Casey worked as the VP of Operations
where she planned and coordinated efforts of VPs and officers in
preparation for the 30th Annual UW Science & Engineering Career Fair. Casey will continue to contribute to SEBA efforts through working
with the executive team to build on our current marketing strategies
for increasing UW community awareness of our organization and events;
and highlighting values gained through involvement.
In her spare time,
Casey enjoys dancing, live music, and most sports that aren’t
volleyball.
VP of Finance – Erik Feest
Erik is pursuing a Ph.D. in the department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. In the HAMM Lab (Heart And Muscle Mechanics) under the direction of Dr. Michael Regnier, he is investigating how the molecular mechanisms of cardiac contraction change during heart failure and how these changes effect hypertrophic cell signaling in the heart. This research aligns well with his interest in developing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Erik received his B.S. in Bioengineering from the University of California – Berkeley in 2007. As an undergraduate, he worked in two separate laboratories: 1) investigated the role adult stem cells play in skeletal muscle regeneration, 2) examined the mechanical fatigue and fracture properties of the most commonly used polymer in artificial joints, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). He has continued his interests in serving his community and peers at UW by being the chairman of the Graduate Student Affairs for BMES in 2008-2009, is serving on the Student Advisory Board to the Bioengineering department chair, and has been volunteering at Seattle’s Youth Tutoring since arriving in Seattle in 2007. Professionally, Erik plans to move to industry where he can apply his science and engineering background to develop novel therapies for heart failure. To compliment his technical background with a better understanding of business development and practices, Erik joined SEBA over two years ago and is now the VP of Finance. In this role, Erik has improved financial responsibility and transparency, helped establish SEBA as a nationally recognized 501(c)(6) non-profit, and is helping establish a SEBA scholarship/endowment fund. He is also enrolled in the Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate program run by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Foster School of Business, which allows scientists and engineers to sharpen their business savvy through a number MBA-level courses and projects. In his free time, Erik enjoys playing/watching soccer, baseball, and football, as well as snow skiing and wakeboarding.
VP of Relations – Sarah Nowakowski
Sara Nowakowski is a Bioengineering Ph.D. student at the University of Washington. Her current research in Dr. Mike Regnier's lab is focused on determining the mechanisms by which cell- and tissue-based therapies improve heart function following myocardial infarction. Ultimately, this work will allow for the development of improved therapies to treat cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Prior to moving to Seattle to pursue her graduate degree, Sarah earned a B.A. in Biology from Williams College in 2008. Shortly after arriving in Seattle, Sarah joined SEBA in order to hone her business-related skills and better understand the local business climate. In addition to actively participating in SEBA, Sarah is also involved in the Bioengineering department as the Graduate Student Affairs Co-Chair for 2009-2010. Sarah enjoys waterskiing, traveling, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
VP of Member Education – Brooke Thayer
Brooke Thayer is a senior in Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington. She has held multiple co-ops including positions in Purification at Genentech and Process Development at Kimberly-Clark. She is applying to Ph.D. programs for 2010 and is looking forward to conducting undergraduate research for the remainder of her senior year. Brooke likes to stay involved with UW and has participated on both the Washington Cheerleading Squad and Washington Drumline. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, running, and traveling.
Kate is working towards completing her PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Washington. Her work in Dr. Paul Yager's laboratory is focused on the development of sample preparation methods and antibody-based assays for point-of-care diagnostic devices. Besides her dissertation research, Kate has completed coursework through the Foster School of Business for a Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate, has conducted market research for University of Washington’s Center for Commercialization, and participated on the team that placed 2nd at the Silicon Valley regional competition of the Venture Capital Investment Competition. She received her BS degree in Biomedical Engineering from University of Rochester in 2005. Kate has been involved with SEBA since coming to the University of Washington. She joined the organization in order to refine her business-related skills, to work closely with similarly goal-oriented people, and because of the prudent advice from a former SEBA President which attributed getting their first post-PhD position to their SEBA experiences. She has served as the Officer and VP of Operations, as an advisor to the executive team, and as President of the organization. Kate plans to pursue a position in strategy consulting or venture capital upon completion of her degree. In her free time, she likes to run, cycle, watch baseball, cook, and enjoy the Seattle outdoors.
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