Women in STEM part 2: Great grads

By: Ashley Bergeron

Staff-Writer

Let’s take a look at what three outstanding women in STEM have done in their time at IU South Bend before they graduate and bring their expertise to the community. If you missed our last feature about five women excelling in STEM at IU South Bend, you can find it at iusbpreface.net.

Ashley Rojas-Romero

Hailing from Elkhart, Ashley Rojas-Romero is a fourth-year biology student minoring in chemistry, and she is graduating in Summer 2025. She is the vice president of the Honors council and secretary of the Pre-Health Professionals Club, and she is a member of the Student Government Association, where she serves as an associate justice, a Philanthropy Committee member and co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

In summer 2023, Rojas-Romero had the opportunity to do research through the IN LSAMP, a program that helps underrepresented groups thrive in STEM. Rojas-Romero did her research under Dr. Yilei Qian, associate professor of microbiology, and her research focused on the acid tolerance and resistance to oxidative stress in oral bifidobacterium and streptococcus species.

Her research has given her a chance to participate in numerous conferences. At the 2024 Undergraduate Research Conference, she won best poster in the Natural Sciences. This year, she presented at the Emerging Researchers National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, and won second place in the Biological Sciences poster category. 

After graduation, Rojas-Romero plans to attend dental school and become a general dentist, but she is considering a specialization in endodontics. She chose biology as her major to fulfill the prerequisites for dental school, but after taking microbiology, she discovered a love for STEM, especially the research side. There was a time where she was debating whether she should get a PhD in microbiology.

If you could tell all the young girls who want to pursue STEM one thing, what would you tell them?

“Don’t be afraid to go for it. STEM offers endless possibilities, especially in research. It can feel intimidating at first, but having the right mentors and supportive peers makes all the difference in continuing the journey.”

Emily Barrera

Emily Barrera is from Nappanee, and is majoring in biochemistry and minoring in Spanish. She’s the secretary of the Physics Club and a member of the Asian Student Union. Barrera is graduating this spring. She has done research with Dr. Grace Muna, associate professor of analytical chemistry, as an IN Scholar. Her research topic was “Electroanalytical Performance of Antimony Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode in Detecting Lead and Cadmium.” In this research, they used an electroanalytical method to detect levels of cadmium and lead in soil samples. 

In fall 2023, Barrera also did independent research with Dr. Deb Marr, associate professor of biology, where she compared soil properties and biodiversity in Pinhook and Howard Park in South Bend.

Barrera’s career goal is to find a job that fits her, whether in academia or industry. She enjoys both aspects of her discipline. Barerra said she chose STEM because she has always enjoyed the process of learning about the natural world. As a kid, she would watch documentaries on learning channels and enjoyed science classes in high school. Her love of science came from those who surround her.

If you could tell all the young girls who want to pursue STEM one thing, what would you tell them?

“I think that something I could just say to kids who want to get into STEM, regardless of their background, is that the world isn’t always fair, and the road to STEM can be so difficult—but your passion, your questions, and your drive are powerful. Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t amount to something big. Because it is a real possibility.”

Hannah Gregor

Hannah Gregor is a biochemistry major graduating this spring. She’s involved in the Honors Program and tutors for freshman and sophomore classes like General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. She has received awards at the department and campus levels for achievement in classes like Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry and for overall performance. With hard work and sacrifice, she explained, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA. 

Gregpr has participated in organic chemistry and biochemistry research projects and had the opportunity to present at a poster conference. She said her most important accomplishment during her time at IU South Bend has been not only learning how to use every tool to be successful, but also building relationships with her professors and peers. After graduation, she plans to apply to physician assistant schools. 

Gregor said she loves problem solving and finding unique solutions, so she has always loved science. Her favorite subject in middle school and high school was math, and she’s always been inquisitive, so chemistry was the perfect option. When she was nine, Gregor was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, so she is passionate about working with diabetic patients, whether through disease research or patient care. When she learned about physician assistants, she knew that was the career for her.

If you could tell all the young girls who want to pursue STEM one thing, what would you tell them?

“To young girls thinking about pursuing STEM: don’t force yourself to blend into something that doesn’t fit you. You are exactly who you need to be, and you won’t be able to shine if you’re wearing someone else’s colors. Find what suits you, find your own flow, and embrace it! You will be forever grateful for investing in your true self.”
Want to celebrate an IU South Bend woman in STEM? Contact me at [email protected].