President spi-exec@mit.edu
Mallory Kastner (she/her) is a PhD candidate in the WHOI Joint Program in Biological Oceanography. She works with Dr. Amy Apprill at WHOI on coral reef microbial ecology, trying to better understand how microorganisms like bacteria contribute to coral reef ecosystem health and degradation. She’s interested in advocating for more scientifically informed marine and environmental policies. In her spare time, Mallory likes to run, do yoga, and explore new plant-based recipes!
vice President spi-exec@mit.edu
Julian Ufert (he/him) is a PhD student in Chemical Engineering, jointly co-advised by Dr. William H. Green and Dr. Yogesh Surendranath. His research focuses on the investigation and development of new processes for ethylene production with low GHG emissions. He is passionate about industrial decarbonization and wants to use his research background to inform good climate policies, advocating for science-based policy design. In his freetime, Julian enjoys strength training, soccer, good movies, and culinary extravaganzas.
Treasurer spi-exec@mit.edu
Elizabeth Wright (they/she) is a senior mathematical economics major. They are interested in how economic models in research can help us evaluate, inform, and design more effective policy outcomes and interventions. In their free time, they enjoy rowing on the MIT crew team, being a mentor for Amphibious Achievement, reading, making art, and playing piano.
Executive Visit Days spi-exvd@mit.edu
Jack Fletcher (he/him) is a PhD candidate in Nuclear Science & Engineering, researching neutron detection in fusion systems. He is interested in policies related to energy as well as national security. In Jack’s free time he enjoys biking, backpacking, and playing the tuba!
Congressional Visit days spi-cvd@mit.edu
Audrey Parker (she/her) is a PhD Student in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is interested in climate policy! More specifically in regulations and mandates which limit carbon dioxide and methane emissions, as continued emissions pose a substantial economic and environmental threat to both domestic and international well-being. In her freetime she enjoys skiing in the winter and enjoying picnics in the summer; as well as playing Catan with friends!
Ian Robertson (he/him) is a PhD student in Physical Oceanography, MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Joint Program in Oceanography. He studies wave-ice interactions in the Arctic! Ian’s policy interests are environmental protection and conservation as well as clean energy. In his freetime he enjoys running, cycling, skiing, and hiking.
STATE VISIT DAYS SPI-EXEC@MIT.EDU
Anoushka Tamhane (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in economics and mathematics, with a minor in Energy Studies. She is interested in climate and energy policy, particularly in managing climate risk/better adaptation policy. In her free time, she enjoys inking, sipping coffee, and doing puzzles!
Bootcamp SPI-Bootcamp@MIT.EDU
Grace Brown (she/her) is a PhD Student in Chemical Oceanography, MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Joint Program in Oceanography. She is passionate about advancing science-based climate policy, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable water resource management. I’m also interested in how policy interventions can drive innovation and technological development. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, attending weekly trivia nights, running, and reading.
Special Events spi-exec@mit.edu
Jo Hickman (they/them) is a PhD Candidate, biological oceanography. Currently, Jo is working to describe the biodiversity, distribution, ecological reach, and vulnerability of understudied microbial eukaryotes (including Fungi) in the open ocean. At the intersection of microbial ecology, ocean science, technology, and policy, Jo seeks to illuminate the impact of "micro" processes on "macro" systems. These endeavors range from illuminating the impact of single-celled Fungi in marine ecology to constructing international policy for climate change mitigation. They plan to pursue a career in research, science policy, and advocacy with the hopes of bringing scientific understanding of the natural world to positions of high-impact decision-making.
Communications spi-webmaster@mit.edu
Shandon Amos (she/her) is a s a PhD Candidate in the Biology department advised by Yadira Soto-Feliciano. Her research focuses on understanding how epigenetic factors regulate certain cancers, including leukemia. Shandon is passionate about health policy, and developing solutions to mediate health disparities. In her free time she enjoys ballet dancing, cooking, and reading.
Alumni Relations spi-exec@mit.edu
Spencer Sindhusen is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Brain and Cognitive Science and Management and minoring in Political Science. He currently conducts research within the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory to study synapse development and maintenance in fruit flies. He also works on healthcare finance research at Sloan to investigate private equity investments in non-profit hospitals. His interest lies in the healthcare and biotech sectors and how both policymakers and private-sector entities can foster their growth. He is also a student-athlete on MIT's varsity rifle team, an avid music and art enthusiast, and a travel aficionado.
External Relations spi-exec@mit.edu
Fadime Stemmer is a PhD student in Chemical Oceanography, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, where she works with Dr. Mak Saito on studying metalloproteins involved in carbon cycling in the ocean. After spending one year in Japan, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the Technical University of Munich and spent an exchange semester at Waseda University, Tokyo, before beginning her PhD at MIT. Given her international background, Fadime is interested in international governing bodies and climate policy. In her free time, she likes to do Taekwondo, cook and bake plant-based recipes and learn languages.
UNDERGRAD CHAIRS spi-exec@mit.edu
Maria Santos (she/her) is an undergraduate in Computation and Cognition. I'm interested in AI policy and safety. I enjoy thinking about the technical aspects of AI as well as how the technology is going to affect society at large. I'm curious to see how regulation will pan out (and if it'll work in striking a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring safety) in countries around the world! In her free time she enjoys reading and writing fiction, exploring Boston, and listening to new music!
Ella Pace (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in economics. She is interested in climate and agricultural policy, especially how economic incentives can be used to achieve policy goals. In her free time she loves the beach, trying out various restaurants, and playing pickleball