Meet The Executive Board Members

People

Daniella Walter

President

daniellawalter@ucsb.edu

 

Daniella is a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Stowers Lab. Her research involves studying how mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix influence tissue development and breast cancer progression. Daniella is excited to continue to grow and build our graduate community through developing mentorship, outreach, and social activities. In her free time, Daniella enjoys running, hiking, camping, and surfing.

Emily Spitaleri

Vice President

espitaleri@ucsb.edu

 

Emily is a third year Ph.D. student in the Thermofluid Energy Research Lab. Her research involves studying phase change heat transfer and membrane manufacturing for applications in sustainable desalination. Emily is stoked to have the opportunity to serve her peers and take part in developing more community among the ME faculty, staff and students. In her free time, Emily enjoys petting her bunny, climbing, dancing, and getting dressed up for no reason.

Max Emerick

Secretary

memerick@ucsb.edu

 

Max is a fifth-year graduate student in the Bamieh Lab. His research interests are focused around mathematical methods for systems and controls. Max is excited to help support the graduate student community in the department. In his free time, he enjoys all types of outdoor sports, including surfing, skiing, mountain biking, and backpacking.

Anna Alvarez

Treasurer

anna_alvarez@ucsb.edu

 

Anna is a fourth year Ph.D student in the Hawkes Lab. Her research focuses on soft robotics and latch-mediated spring-actuated mechanisms. She looks forward to helping build a positive graduate community during her time on the board. In her free time, Anna enjoys making her own 2D animations and swing dancing.

Max Linnander

Events Coordinator

maxlinnander@ucsb.edu

 

Max is a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Visell lab. His research uses optics, acoustics, and thermal methods for creating new haptic technologies. Max wants to help foster a strong sense of community in the department and is excited for the upcoming events. Most of his free time is spent in a climbing gym, conventional gym, or on the couch reading.

Gabby Villalpando Torres

Marketing Chair

gvillalpandotorres@ucsb.edu

 

Gabby is a fifth year graduate student in the Pruitt Lab. Her research is focused on understanding the mechanics of heart muscle cells and their response to disruptions that occur in a disease state. She looks forward to having a platform that offers support to fellow graduate students to ensure their representation and inclusion. In her spare time, she enjoys hitting the gym, running, baking sweets, and hiking.

Founders

Emily Spitaleri, Daniella Walter, Gabriela Villalpando Torres, Max Emerick, Max Linnander, Shantal Adajian, Anand Gokhale, Jared Jonas, and Faranak Rajabi.

 

The ME GSA would like to recognize the students who made the pivotal decision to begin this organization. Their dedication and foresight laid a clear path for the inaugural executive team, setting the stage for our continued growth and success.