IU Indianapolis Graduate Emissaries

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.

Hailie Ridge is a first year Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) student in the School of Health and Human Sciences. Before pursuing her doctorate, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from IU Indianapolis. In her program, she is currently researching the impact of cognitive remediation on adult individuals with schizophrenia compared to standard psychiatric care.

In addition to coursework, Hailie works as a Graduate Student Success Programing Assistant for the Office of International Affairs, where she enjoys connecting with students through socials, outings in the community, and coffee connections one on one. Currently, she serves as a representative for the School of Health and Human Sciences in the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) where she helps amplify student needs to administrators and create resources for graduate students on campus. Hailie is passionate about the student voice on campus, supporting peers, and engaging in events on campus. As a Graduate Emissary, she looks forward to connecting with peers over the graduate experience and navigating graduate school while balancing life. Outside of school, Hailie is a proud dog mom of Cleo and Lyla as well as active weekly trivia player.

Stephanie Adama is a 3rd year PhD Candidate in Translational Cancer Biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She works in the Nakshatri Lab where she studies how genetic ancestry shape breast cancer biology and disease outcomes. She particularly studies how germline mutation variants prevalent in women of African ancestry influences breast cancer progression. Long term, she hopes to contribute to precision medicine approaches to reducing cancer disparities and improving representation cancer research.

Stephanie is actively involved in mentorship and outreach initiatives and enjoys supporting students who are interested in pursuing graduate education in STEM. As a Graduate Emissary, she looks forward to connecting with prospective students, sharing her journey, and helping others feel confident about taking the next step in their academic careers at Indiana University. Outside of academia, she loves to spend time with friends and family, exploring new places, music and cultures and cheering for Manchester United football club; win or lose.

Oluwadamisi Sehubo Agosu is a Health Communication doctoral student in the Department of Communication at IU Indianapolis’ School of Liberal Arts. She grew up in Nigeria where she earned her Bachelors and Masters in Zoology with a specialization in Parasitology at University of Lagos. She is keen on empowering people to make healthy decisions, especially with preventable diseases. Her passion is to shed more light on Neglected Tropical Diseases such as Schistosomiasis and Lymphatic filariasis. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the Liberal Arts Students Council (LASC) and Naija Students’ Association (NSA). She believes in enlightening people and loves to connect students with resources that are crucial for success throughout their studies. Damisi enjoys spending time with loved ones, and encouraging people through writing under the pseudonym osathestoryteller.

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).