News

  • 2023 Innovator Award Winner: Shivani Garg, Ph.D.

    Shivani Garg, Ph.D.
    Project Manager, LanzaTech

    For her research applying synthetic biology to engineer anaerobic acetogen for the production of fuels and chemicals.

    I am Shivani Garg. I am a Synthetic Biologist working at LanzaTech, a gas fermentation company based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. I obtained my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Iowa State University.

    During my graduate studies, I embarked on an entrepreneurial endeavor, founding a biotechnology start-up, OmegaChea Biorenewables, focused on harnessing microbial fermentation to convert sugars into lubricants. Though the start-up faced challenges and did not traverse the valley of death, it served as a profound learning experience for me.

    Subsequently, my academic pursuit brought me to the Metabolic Engineering laboratory at Rice University in Houston for post-doctoral training. Here, I delved into the realm of gas fermentation, a fun journey that led me to Intrexon in San Francisco where I worked on converting methane to fuels. Destiny steered me back to the Midwest in 2018, where I found my professional home at LanzaTech, and  have been working on anaerobic gas fermentation to convert syngas into fuels and chemicals.

    My passion lies in harnessing the immense natural diversity present in enzymes and microbes, adeptly engineering them to synthesize invaluable products otherwise reliant on conventional chemical processes. Over my 15-year career traversing both academic and industrial spheres, I have contributed to diverse projects ranging from fermentation of sugars to fermentation of gases (methane and carbon dioxide) to make fuels and chemicals.

    I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation, continually striving to transform theoretical possibilities into tangible solutions that positively impact our world.

  • 2023 Innovator Award Winner: Ashwini Bedekar, Ph.D.

    Ashwini Bedekar, Ph.D.
    Research Scientist, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

    For her research contributions to environmental biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. Specifically, for her research on the biological conversion of methane through the use of methane-eating bacteria to mitigate climate change and utilize waste gases.

    Dr. Ashwini Bedekar is a dedicated environmental biotechnologist with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from India.

    With over 8 years of experience, she has developed innovative technologies to address environmental challenges, focusing on issues like global warming and water
    pollution. Her passion for environmental issues has driven her academic pursuits, leading to prestigious fellowships from renowned institutions such as the Department of Biotechnology, University Grant Commission, and the Department of Science and Technology, India.

    After relocating to the USA and pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ashwini has become a committed research scientist. Her current focus lies in the biological conversion of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, using methane-eating bacteria known as methanotrophs. Her primary goal is to transform methane gas into valuable chemicals, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.

     Ashwini attributes her professional achievements to the unwavering support of family. In her free time, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, engaging in playful activities and sharing delightful moments with her 2 years old son. Long walks with her family in nature bring her solace and connection, providing a perfect balance to her busy professional life. Ashwini’s dedication, passion, and family support continue to drive her impactful contributions to the field of environmental biotechnology.

  • Congrats to the Winners of this Year’s Annual Innovator & Motivator Award!

    This December, we are celebrating this year’s winners of our Annual Innovator & Motivator Awards! In total this year, we honored seven amazing women in STEM, spread over three Innovator Awards, three Motivator Awards, and one Mentoring Program Award.

    Event Agenda:
    6 – 6:15 PM:
     Opening cocktails
    6:15 – 6:25 PM: Welcome speech
    6:30 – 6:45 PM: Presentation of 2023 Innovator and Motivator Awards
    6:45 – 7:30 PM: Networking

    Welcome Speech by Alexandra “Sasha” Prokuda
    Executive Director of the Chicago Council on Science and Technology

    Alexandra “Sasha” Prokuda, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST). During her work with C2ST, Sasha has helped to develop over 200 programs, worked with local, national, and international partners to bring fun and engaging science activities for the public, and prepared and presented reports on science outreach practices at conferences. Before working at C2ST, she was a research and teaching assistant and contributing consultant for the UC Riverside Institute for Development of Education Applications (IDEA Lab). While working on her graduate degree, she volunteered at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, taught an after-school class at a local elementary school, and founded a scientific meet-up group. Before graduate school, Sasha interpreted science for the public all over the US while working with birds, weasels, deer, bears and Giant Redwoods. Sasha holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary and Behavioral Biology from the University of California, Riverside and a B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University.

    Innovator Awards

    Shivani Garg, Ph.D.
    Project Manager, LanzaTech

    For her research applying synthetic biology to engineer anaerobic acetogen for the production of fuels and chemicals.

    Shivani is a Synthetic Biologist working at LanzaTech, a gas fermentation company. She obtained her Ph.D. in Molecule Biology and Biochemistry from Iowa State University, before founding a biotechnology start-up, OmegaChea Biorenewables, focused on harnessing microbial fermentation to convert sugars into lubricants. She continued her training through a postdoc in the Metabolic Engineering Laboratory at Rice University, focused on gas fermentation, before joining LanzaTech in 2018.

    Click here to read more about Shivani!

    Sruti Dammalapati, M.S.
    Scientist – AI & Computational Biology, LanzaTech

    For her research on high-performing biocatalysts using computer-guided methods and applied machine learning techniques to model systems.

    Sruti is a scientist on the AI & Computational Biology team at LanzaTech. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Applied Math. In her role at LanzaTech, she actively contributes to the execution of computational experiments, employing machine learning models to enhance biocatalyst design, optimize processes, and predict cellular phenotypes. She specializes in understanding, analyzing, and visualizing complex datasets generated by our interdisciplinary science teams. Beyond that, Sruti stays current with the latest research in the field to keep her work cutting-edge.

    Ashwini Bedekar, Ph.D.
    Research Scientist, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

    For her research contributions to environmental biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. Specifically, for her research on the biological conversion of methane through the use of methane-eating bacteria to mitigate climate change and utilize waste gases.

    Dr. Ashwini Bedekar is a dedicated environmental biotechnologist with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from India. With over 8 years of experience, she has developed innovative technologies to address environmental challenges, focusing on issues like global warming and water pollution. After relocating to the USA and pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ashwini has become a committed research scientist. Her primary goal is to transform methane gas into valuable chemicals, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.

    Click here to read more about Ashwini!

    Motivator Awards

    Marilene Pavan
    Innovator Manager, LanzaTech

    For her development of the first-ever mentorship program at LanzaTech, along with her continued dedication to mentoring women in STEM through her participation in AWIS-CAC’s Summer Mentoring Circles, Northwestern University’s scientific internship program, and the iGEM Uganda Team.

    Hilary Kenny, Ph.D.
    Research Associate Professor, University of Chicago

    For her demonstration of continued dedication to the support and mentorship of women in STEM disciplines.

    Hilary A. Kenny, Ph.D. is a Research Associate Professor in the Gordon Center for Integrative Sciences at the University of Chicago. Dr. Kenny is the co-director of the Ovarian Cancer Research Group and an upper-level cancer biology course, ‘Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis’ at University of Chicago. Dr. Kenny’s research focuses on the role of the tumor microenvironment during ovarian cancer development and metastasis. Her research has focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in ovarian cancer adhesion, invasion, metabolic activity, and proliferation of multiple microenvironmental factors, including fibronectin, vitronectin, mesothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes, NK cells, T cells, and ovarian cancer stem cells. She utilizes different 3D organotypic cultures composed of primary human cells to investigate the different mechanisms of ovarian cancer development, metastasis, resistance to therapy, and confirm these mechanisms in vivo in mouse xenograft models. Dr. Kenny has adapted a 3D organotypic culture to a reliable and robust quantitative high-throughput screen.

    Lucille Ray, Ph.D., M.S.
    Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Illinois Chicago

    For her dedication to mentorship and education for women and LGBTQIA+ persons in STEM through her participation in ComSciCon 2022’s “Advocating for Science” and IIT’s “Queer in STEM” panels, in addition to her continued support of aspiring research scientists in her positional as a postdoctoral fellow.

    Lucille Ray is a postdoctoral fellow at University of Illinois Chicago in the Cancer Health Equity and Career Development T32 program. Her research explores the gut microbiome and its impact on cancer disease states, such as colon cancer and breast cancer, through regulation of hormone circulation in the gut. Her long term goals are to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations through increased research in areas of high health outcome disparity. This includes improved communication and outreach with members of marginalized and underrepresented communities to increase participation in science and bring their voices into the scientific dialogue. Online she can be found on Linkedin and on X (formerly twitter).

    Mentoring Program Award

    Laura Passe
    High School Chemistry Teacher, Oswego CUSD

    For her continued dedication to organizing and running the AWIS-CAC Summer Mentoring Circle Program. Thanks to Laura’s help, our mentoring program has grown immensely over the last year!

  • AWIS-CAC November Membership Meeting

    Join us for our monthly AWIS CAC meeting to socialize and discuss upcoming programming. The next meeting will be on Monday, November 27th, starting at 7:00 PM CT. Join using this Zoom link!

    Can’t make the meeting but want to ask the board a question or propose a suggestion? E-mail us at awiscommunications@gmail.com!

  • AWIS-CAC Annual Awards & Networking Event

    AWIS-CAC Annual Awards & Networking Event

    Join AWIS-CAC at Midwest Coast Brewing Company for our Annual Awards and Networking Event on Thursday, December 7th from 6 -7:30 PM . This year, we will be celebrating the winners of our 2023 Innovator and Motivator Awards with an in-person event featuring networking and happy hour. All are welcome, but space is limited! Food will be provided.

    Event schedule:

    6 – 6:15 PM: Opening cocktails
    6:15 – 6:25 PM: Welcome speech by Sasha Prokuda, Executive Director for the Chicago Council on Science and Technology
    6:30 – 6:45 PM: Presentation of 2023 Innovator and Motivator Awards
    6:45 – 7:30 PM: Networking

    Innovator Awards

    2023 Innovator Award – Mid/Senior Career: Shivani Garg, Ph.D., Project Manager, Strain Engineering, LanzaTech Inc.

    For her research applying synthetic biology to engineer anaerobic acetogen for the production of fuels and chemicals.

    2023 Innovator Award – Early Career: Sruti Dammalapati, M.S., Scientist, AI & Computational Biology, LanzaTech Inc.

    For her research on high-performing biocatalysts using computer-guided methods and applied machine learning techniques to model systems.

    2023 Innovator Award – Early Career: Ashwini Bedekar, Ph.D., Research Scientist, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    For her research contributions to environmental biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. Specifically, for her research on the biological conversion of methane through the use of methane-eating bacteria to mitigate climate change and utilize waste gases.

    Motivator Awards

    2023 Motivator Award – Mid/Senior Career: Marilene Pavan, Innovation Manager, LanzaTech Inc.

    For her development of the first-ever mentorship program at LanzaTech, along with her continued dedication to mentoring women in STEM through her participation in AWIS-CAC’s Summer Mentoring Circles, Northwestern University’s scientific internship program, and the iGEM Uganda Team.

    2023 Motivator Award – Mid/Senior Career: Hilary Kenny, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, University of Chicago

    For her demonstration of continued dedication to the support and mentorship of women in STEM disciplines.

    2023 Motivator Award – Early Career: Lucille Ray, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Illinois Chicago

    For her dedication to mentorship and education for women and LGBTQIA+ persons in STEM through her participation in ComSciCon 2022’s “Advocating for Science” and IIT’s “Queer in STEM” panels, in addition to her continued support of aspiring research scientists in her positional as a postdoctoral fellow.

  • Lead a STEM Workshop at the Expanding Your Horizons 2023 Conference!

    Expanding Your Horizons is a one-day STEM conference for girls in grades 6-8 living in the Chicagoland area. Through the conference, we hope to excite participants about the opportunities available to them in STEM by engaging them in fun, hands-on workshops. The conference will be held in person on a Saturday in mid-to-late March 2024. They are currently recruiting individuals to design and lead workshops that will excite middle school girls about topics in STEM.

    Each workshop should plan to host 10-15 girls and be about 45-60 minutes long. While we require that the primary leader for each workshop identify as a woman or nonbinary individual working in a STEM field, we welcome male members of the community to be workshop co-leaders. To get a sense for what workshops have looked like in the past, please take a look at workshop descriptions from 2023 here

    If you are interested in hosting a workshop, the application can be found at this link. Applications are due by November 10, 2023. If you know someone who may be interested in leading a workshop, we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word.

    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email eyh.chicago.workshopcommittee@gmail.com, and thank you for considering our request!

  • Volunteer with Arise Firebird at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Annual Conference!

    Arise Firebird is looking for volunteers to help at this year’s Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Annual Conference!

    Location: Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611 USA.

    Tuesday, 7 November 2023 – 12:30 PM CT to 2:00 PM CT
    Tuesday, 7 November 2023 – 3:00 PM CT to 4:30 PM CT
    Wednesday, 8 November 2023 – 10:30 AM CT to 12:15 PM CT

    Volunteers will help decorate the exhibition table/ area and be there during these hours. Engaging with attendees directly to maximize the impact of Arise Firebird’s presence.

    Want to volunteer or have questions? Reach out to community@folajimiworldwide.com !

  • AWIS-CAC is looking for volunteers!

    AWIS-CAC is looking for volunteers!

    AWIS-CAC is currently recruiting volunteers to help with a variety of different initiatives within our organization. All are welcome! We are currently looking for help in areas such as :

    • Event planning (i.e career development panels, speed networking, skill development workshops, events promoting diversity in STEM, our annual award ceremony, etc.)
    • Interviewing, writing, and editing for our Scientist of the Month series
    • Recording and editing our Innovators & Motivators podcast

    Are you interested in volunteering for AWIS-CAC? We’d love to hear from you! E-mail us at awiscommunications@gmail.com to volunteer or for more information about volunteer opportunities!

  • AWIS-CAC October Membership Meeting

    Join us for our monthly AWIS CAC meeting to socialize and discuss upcoming programming. The next meeting will be on Monday, October 30th, starting at 7:00 PM CT. Join using this Zoom link!

    Can’t make the meeting but want to ask the board a question or propose a suggestion? E-mail us at awiscommunications@gmail.com!

  • Fall 2023 Innovators and Motivators Podcast with Dr. Ashlynn Stillwell

    Fall 2023 Innovators and Motivators Podcast with Dr. Ashlynn Stillwell

    Our fall 2023 Innovators and Motivators podcast hosts Dr. Ashlynn S. Stillwell, an Associate Professor and the Elaine F. and William J. Hall Excellence Faculty Scholar in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri (2006), and an M.S. in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (2010), M.P.Aff in Public Affairs (2010), and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (2013) from The University of Texas at Austin. Her previous positions include consulting engineering at Burns & McDonnell (2006-2007) and policy research at the Congressional Research Service (2009).

    Dr. Stillwell’s research focuses on creating sustainable water and energy systems in a policy-relevant context. Some of her current projects include examining performance of green storm water infrastructure, as well as the connections between water and electricity generation. Additionally, she is currently working on water, energy, and carbon policy and modeling.

    Dr. Stillwell’s research work on the energy-water nexus has resulted in several awards, including the National Science Foundation CAREER award and the UCOWR Early Career Award for Applied Research. Additionally, she was honored with the 2015 Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Woman of Distinction Award in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the 2018 Rose Award for Teaching Excellence, and the 2018 AEESP Award for Outstanding Teaching in Environmental Engineering and Science. Dr. Stillwell has also been among the List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by their Students at Illinois. Previously, she served as Chair of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and Faith in Place.


    E-mail us at awiscommunications@gmail.com if you’re interested in nominating someone to be on the podcast!