Dr. Corrado Nai is a science writer working as a freelancer currently based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Corrado’s dissertation research focused on microbiology, specifically on a special type of fungi who can live in the desert, called black fungi. His work now focuses on creating a graphic novel about the forgotten woman who introduced agar to the laboratory, Fanny Angelina Hesse, which he hopes will be published in 2026.
Dr. Tracy Kijewski-Correa a Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. She also serves as the William J. Pulte Director for the Pulte Institute for Global Development. Tracy’s dissertation research focused on novel techniques to monitor and assess the condition of civil infrastructure subjected to natural hazards, and her work now focuses on how to more holistically build the resilience of communities in the face of such hazards.
Dr. Haider Ali Bhatti is a postdoc at the University of California- Santa Cruz. Ali’s dissertation research focused on assessment in science education, where he looked at a course called “Bioinspired Design” at UC- Berkeley and measured student outcomes related to student success. His current work also focuses on assessment, but in the context of field courses, specifically biology field courses at UC- Santa Cruz and measuring the impact of those courses on student outcomes.
RISE researchers Riley B. Pizza, Benjamin G. Chan, and Sara E. Brownell have published a new opinion piece in Inside Higher Ed examining one of the most common testing accommodations in higher education: extended time on exams.
The article challenges institutions to reconsider default accommodation practices and calls for more intentional, evidence-based approaches that better support the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
Pizza, R. B., Chan, B. G., & Brownell, S. E. (2026, January 21). Gaming the system? Extended time on tests is often a waste of time [Opinion]. Inside Higher Ed.
https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/views/2026/01/21/extra-time-tests-often-waste-time-opinion
Nour is a senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences with the long-term goal of becoming a dentist. She is passionate about addressing health disparities and supporting underserved communities through equitable access to care. Nour joined Project GenZ because she believes understanding student experiences and identifying effective support strategies can lead to better outcomes for future generations. She is excited to contribute to research that promotes wellbeing, empowerment, and improved educational environments for all students.
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Teona moved to Arizona to pursue a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Genetics, Cell, and Developmental Biology. She plans to spread awareness and advocate for inclusivity through biology education research and eventually in her practice as a physician.