"Science makes people reach selflessly for truth and objectivity; it teaches people to accept reality, with wonder and admiration, not to mention the deep awe and joy that the natural order of things brings to the true scientist." -Lise Meitner
Chapter Leadership
Gina Moreno, Ph.D.
I am an elected member and chair of the Omega Committee. I received a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Iowa. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at New York University. My research investigates how decision making changes across the lifespan, how stress may modify the relationship between decision making and aging, and the underlying neural mechanisms related to these processes. I can be reached by email at moreno@gwis.org.
Michele Guannel, Ph.D.
Early on, my interest in educational equity for women inspired me to pursue my bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences at Smith College. After working in both science research and education for several years, I returned to school and completed my Ph.D. in Oceanography at the University of Washington in 2012. Most recently, based at the University of Hawai'i, I developed and led professional development curricula for early career scientists at a consortium of seven institutions across the United States and supported underrepresented undergraduates in an academic-year research program. I first became involved with GWIS at UH, and served as President of Alpha Lambda Omega cHApter (ALO-HA!) for two years. In the spring of 2015, I relocated to Miami, Florida. I am focusing on raising my two young sons, job-searching, working on manuscripts, and brainstorming ways to support Omega Chapter members.
Amy Belfi, Ph.D.
I am a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Psychology at New York University. I completed my B.A. in Psychology at St. Olaf College in 2010 and my Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa in 2015. In my dissertation work, I investigated the neural basis of music-evoked emotions and autobiographical memories by studying patients with focal brain damage. Currently, I work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at NYU focusing on the field of neuroaesthetics. I am using fMRI and psychophysical methods to investigate the temporal dynamics underlying aesthetic experiences in response to music, poetry, and visual art.
