IU Indianapolis Graduate Emissaries

Yu Peng Ph.D. in Applied Earth Sciences

Yu Peng is a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Earth Sciences, working under Dr. Lixin Wang and Dr. Pierre-André Jacinthe. Before joining IU, he earned a double master’s degree in environmental sciences from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Copenhagen.

As a University Fellowship scholar, Yu focuses on nature-based climate solutions and sustainable agriculture, with a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and on-the-ground farming practices. He collaborates closely with local producers, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Agricultural Department to advocate research findings into actionable strategies that advance resilient, climate-smart agricultural systems. Outside of research, Yu is a devoted Indiana Pacers fan, a national park lover, and an active member of the Indiana Badminton Club.

Tayler Smith  Ph.D. in Medical and Molecular Genetics

Tayler Smith is a fourth-year PhD candidate in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Her research in pharmacogenomics explores the genetic factors that influence how patients respond to medications, with the goal of advancing precision medicine and improving clinical care. She applies bioinformatics, electronic health records, and statistical approaches to her work and has co-authored multiple publications. Tayler’s academic excellence has been recognized with several awards, including the MMGE Symposium Fast-Fire Presenter for Top Abstracts, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Day clinical translational first place , and Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network Annual meeting Travel Award. She also completed a two-year T32 fellowship and has been named both a Southeastern Region Education Board Scholar and a Scientist Mentorship and Development Program Scholar.

Beyond research, Tayler is an active leader and community advocate. At IU, she has served president and student representative of her department, a voting member of the Graduate and Professional Student Government general assembly, and a member of the MMGE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She mentors elementary-aged girls in engineering and coding, volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and supports advocacy for Black women with breast cancer. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked in clinical diagnostics labs processing tens of thousands of samples for Hoosiers, an experience that reinforced her commitment to using science for public good. Outside of academia, Tayler is a national park enthusiast, indoor cyclist, and runner who participates in local races supporting community causes. She hopes to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical or health sector, continuing her mission to translate scientific discovery into better health outcomes.

Naman Gargayan Master's in Computer Science

Naman is a Master’s student in Computer Science at IU Indianapolis, specializing in Software Development. Originally from Gujarat, India, he brings a diverse academic and professional background to the program, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and accumulating four years of industry experience before pursuing graduate studies.

In addition to his coursework, Naman works as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate math and physics courses, where he enjoys mentoring students and strengthening his own foundation in problem-solving. He also previously served as Director of Campus Programming for the Graduate and Professional Student Government, where he organized initiatives that enriched the graduate student experience. Beyond academics, Naman is passionate about cricket(think of baseball, but British version); both playing and following the sport. He also enjoys exploring outdoor trails and spending time in nature. He is also committed to giving back through community volunteering, focusing on initiatives that support underprivileged groups.

As a Graduate Emissary, Naman is dedicated to helping fellow students navigate the opportunities and challenges of graduate life. He strives to bridge the gap between academia and industry, offering guidance to peers preparing to launch or advance their careers in technology.

Isheka Orr Ph.D. in Applied Earth Science

After completing high school in Jamaica, Isheka Orr moved to Orangeburg, SC to pursue her BSc. in Environmental Science at Claflin University. Currently, she is a PhD student in Applied Earth Science at IU Indianapolis. Her research focuses on identifying the health risks associated with Combined Sewer Overflow events in urban waterways.

Isheka strongly believes in giving back to the community in whatever way possible and as a result volunteers as a mentor and/educator with various community programs such as School on Wheels(SOW)-Indy, Sea Scope Incorporated and Passport to College (PTC). Isheka also serves on the Executive Board of the UPnGO at IUI.

Isheka enjoys cooking, trying new foods, socializing, and going on adventures. You can check out her food page (Robins Fusion).

Jennifer Yanum Ph.D. in Biology
Jennifer is a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology at IU Indianapolis. She works with Dr. Guoli Dai whose lab investigates the mechanisms governing liver regeneration. Her research focuses on the role prolactin receptor plays in transducing mitogenic signaling during liver regeneration and lipid metabolism in mice. The long-term goal of her research work is to yield insights into the role of prolactin receptor in the liver as well as the development of new therapeutic targets for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). She also serves as a teaching assistant for the Biology department and an instructor for first-year seminar.  Jennifer is passionate about helping immigrant and underrepresented students, which inspired her to serve on the UPnGO Executive Board here at IUI.
Camara Wallace Ph.D. in Urban Education
Camara is a second-year doctor student in the IU Indianapolis Urban Education program. She has received two English degrees, one awarded by UW-Green Bay and one awarded by Butler University. Her interests include literacy, specifically technological literacy and alternate approaches to literacy. She is generally interested in community engagement and serving community needs as they appear. She has worked and still works with Dr. Crystal Morton at Girls Stem Institute, promoting literacy in STEM for Black girls who are interested and curious. One of her passions is meeting students where they are at, and when Camara gets a chance to teach college courses, she often reworks the syllabus to bring in different technologies that students can use in future careers as well as technologies that help them develop as people. 
Rodahina Pasteurin Ph.D. in Medical Neuroscience
Rodahina Pasteurin is a Ph.D. candidate in Medical Neuroscience at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly glaucoma, with an emphasis on how G-protein signaling regulates intraocular pressure. Originally from Miami, Florida, Rodahina holds a B.S. in Biology from Tuskegee University. Her passion for translational science is matched by her commitment to mentorship, science communication, and increasing diversity in STEM.

In addition to her role as a Graduate Emissary, she currently serves as the Vice President of the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Organization (MNGO). Rodahina works to foster community, share resources, and guide students through the graduate school journey with confidence and purpose. As a Graduate Emissary, she is eager to support fellow students, especially those navigating graduate school as first-generation or underrepresented scholars. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing the guitar, rollerblading, and photography and video.
Kevin Chen M.S. in Health Informatics
Kevin Chen is a Master’s student in Health Informatics at IU Indianapolis. Alongside his coursework, he has been actively engaged in leadership and research on campus. He currently serves as President of the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Student Organization at IU Indianapolis. In the past, he has served on the Executive Board of the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) and as an officer of the Biomedical Informatics Club (BMIC). Kevin also works as a Research Assistant in the Purkayastha Lab for Health Innovation (PLHI), where he contributes to projects that advance health informatics research and practice.

Looking ahead, Kevin is eager to expand in the field of health data science and aspires to work as a Health Data Scientist, applying analytics and informatics to improve healthcare outcomes.

Outside of academics, Kevin enjoys creating Spotify playlists, gaming on his Nintendo, and exploring new ways to connect music, technology, and community.
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