Contact Information: biosepc@grinnell.edu
The Biology SEPC is a student-faculty liaison which provides the faculty with student input on professors, candidates, curriculum, and other department issues. As our primary duty, we survey students and summarize their opinions regarding current professors and professorial candidates. We then submit these summaries to the department faculty and/or other appropriate committees on campus.
In addition, we send one representative to the bi-weekly department faculty meetings and another representative to the biweekly Student Curriculum Committee meeting chaired by the SGA vice president/president of academic affairs. For fun, we organize the department study breaks and picnics, and send out a monthly newsletter to majors. Historically, we also have had input into the types of speakers that the department brings to campus for the weekly seminars. We hold weekly meetings to delegate duties and to discuss pertinent issues.
The Biology SEPC generally consists of seven members. We are a fun-loving group of students with a common interest of biology. Join us, won't you?
Sophia Elfrink
Hello! My name is Sophia Elfrink, and I am a fourth-year majoring in biology and neuroscience on the pre-med track. My primary interests lie in women’s health, reproductive medicine, and pediatric research. Outside of Grinnell, I am involved in clinical rheumatology research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I also spent a semester in Denmark, where I studied pharmacology and Scandinavian healthcare systems. Originally from Portland, Oregon, I enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.
Toni Duan
Hi everyone! My name is Toni Duan (she/her/hers), and I am a fourth-year biology major concentrating in neuroscience on the premed track. I’m from Portland, Oregon, and I studied abroad in Costa Rica for a semester! Along with being a part of the biology SEPC, I serve as a mentoring program leader for MAPS. At Grinnell, I conducted neuroscience research with Professor Levandoski and would love to answer any questions you might have about the MAP program. Over the past two summers, I worked at the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, studying transcriptional profiling of brain tissue in animal models of depression. Off-campus, I work as a CNA at the Mayflower Health Center. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, singing, cooking, cafe hopping, and playing tennis! This will be my second year as a member of the biology SEPC, and I look forward to serving and supporting you!
Solveig Olson
My name is Solveig Olson and I’m a senior biology and GWSS [gender, women’s, and sexuality studies] double major! I’m from rural Minnesota and I’ve been interested in how organisms interact with not only each other, but also the environment from a young age. Last semester (Spring 2024), I had the opportunity to study endangered wildlife and conservation in Kenya and Rwanda. My program was through the School of Field Studies which I highly recommend checking out if you have an interest in studying abroad during your time at Grinnell. I have also spent a summer studying the microbiomes of microplastics and duckweed during an urban ecology REU in New York. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out at the HSSC and working on my current craft project. I’m excited to have the opportunity to get to know you and support you anyway I can!
Sara Garcia
Hi everyone! My name is Sara Garcia and I am a fourth-year biology and sociology double major from St. Paul, Minnesota. I am especially interested in OneHealth research that seeks to advance human, animal, and ecosystem health. However, I have spent my summers doing very different biology-related activities including being a social epidemiology research assistant, an ecology REU participant in New Mexico, and running the naturalist program at a YMCA camp. In my free time I love hiking, cooking, playing frisbee, and pottery. I am really excited to serve on the SEPC this semester so please feel free to email me with any questions or just come up to me around campus!
Luyen Pham
Hello! My name is Luyen Pham (she/her/hers). I am currently a third-year student double majoring in biology and sociology on the pre-pharmacy track. I spent the first 12 years of my life in Vietnam, and since then, Wisconsin has become my second home. Currently, I serve as a mentor in the Grinnell Health Advocacy and Mentorship Program and a member of the FGLI [first-generation and low income] Student Advisory Committee. Beyond my life in Grinnell, I work as a pharmacy technician at a chain pharmacy in my hometown where I connect with and support my community. Over the past two summers, I also volunteered at a local daycare and nursing home. These experiences brought me immense joy and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. I am truly honored to be a part of the Biology SEPC team and beyond excited to bring my passion and dedication to serve you and help create a supportive environment for everyone.
Tina Tran
Hi everyone! My name is Tina Tran, and I’m from rural Iowa. I am a third-year biology and sociology double major concentrating in neuroscience on the pre-pharmacy track. As a SEPC member, I am eager to serve fellow peers and help foster a welcoming community within the biology department. Please feel free to email me if you have questions or just want to chat!