PresidentRiya Mokal
I am a rising senior at UIC, majoring in Physics and minoring in Mathematics. Being a part of both the Astronomy and Physics club has helped me connect with so many like-minded people. Currently, this is also my second semester with a NASA student program and it's been so exciting. The cosmos has always intrigued me. From reading space encyclopedias in my teens and going stargazing to owning my own telescope, I have been passionate about Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Cosmology for as long as I can remember. I became increasingly drawn to Astronomy, Physics, and Mathematics, and I began to realize that I wanted to pursue a career in this field. After completing my undergraduate degree, my plan is to pursue a graduate degree in Astrophysics. My career goal is to become a research scientist in the field of Astrophysics or Cosmology, and I aspire to work for a research institution such as NASA and hope to do my own research and make significant contributions to our understanding of the universe; and inspire future generations of scientists to pursue their own research and discovery someday. Lastly, in my free time, I write, sing, and play the uke! Chief EngineerHenna Abunemeh
I am a junior at UIC majoring in Physics and minoring in mathematics. I am passionate about all aspects of Astronomy, Math, and Physics but especially enjoy Astrophysics, Cosmology, and Optics. As a member of both the Astronomy Club and Physics Club, I have been able to connect student organizations in and outside of UIC. My current goals are to finish my bachelors and continue learning and earn a PhD in either Cosmology or Astrophysics so I may lead a research group of my own. I love learning to work with observational technology, creating simulations with code, and in my off time I enjoy taking pilates classes as well as traveling. I have experience in NASA student programs, and I hope to inspire others to learn more about Astronomy and Physics and pursue careers in the field. The goal I dream to achieve most is that wherever my work takes me it has a positive impact on Astronomy history. |
TreasurerNatalia Zirou
I'm majoring in Biochemistry and will graduate from UIC in December 2025. Although my major is not really related to astronomy, I have always found the subject fascinating. We truly are a tiny dot in the entire universe, which I always get reminded of when I find myself staring at the stars in a low-lit environment. Once I graduate, my goal is to work in the industry for a few years to further explore my interests and gain experience. I’m currently a part of a UIC research lab where I study the behavior of viruses, which is very interesting! In my free time I like to cook, read, and be active! Observatory Project LeadMoriah Contreras
I am a recent Physics alumni at UIC! I love everything Physics, Math & Astronomy and am a die hard Star Wars fan! As founder, former President, Vice President and now Observatory Project Lead of the Astronomy Club at UIC, I have enjoyed watching the Club grow and am proud of how student driven it is. I love taking my Telescope out to dark skies and learning about nearby Planets. As a recent NASA intern, and alumni of many NASA student programs...my dream would be to work on NASA missions! I hope to get my PhD in Planetary Science one day also. In my free time, I love traveling and binge watching shows! |
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Claudio Ugalde
Claudio is the faculty advisor to the Astronomy Club at UIC. He is also a member of the faculty in the Department of Physics. He got a Ph.D. in Nuclear Astrophysics at the University of Notre Dame and has been a scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Argonne National Laboratory, and at the University of Chicago. With his research he tries to understand the nucleosynthetic origin of the elements of the periodic table by smashing atomic nuclei with particle accelerators in the laboratory. He loves writing computer code for his research and in
his free time, he likes cooking and eating new dishes with his family and friends.
Claudio is the faculty advisor to the Astronomy Club at UIC. He is also a member of the faculty in the Department of Physics. He got a Ph.D. in Nuclear Astrophysics at the University of Notre Dame and has been a scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Argonne National Laboratory, and at the University of Chicago. With his research he tries to understand the nucleosynthetic origin of the elements of the periodic table by smashing atomic nuclei with particle accelerators in the laboratory. He loves writing computer code for his research and in
his free time, he likes cooking and eating new dishes with his family and friends.
Past Student Officers & Notable Alumni
Katerina Zirou, Former Vice President
I am a senior at UIC, majoring in Physics and minoring in Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics. In my free time I also like drawing and doing all sorts of art projects, reading books, and watching anime. Astronomy is a subject I have found fascinating from a very young age, when I used to live in Greece in an area with very low light pollution. Being a member of the Astronomy club gave me the opportunity to learn more about space, how to handle telescopes, and meet new people with similar interests. April Barton, Former Chief Engineer
I'm a recent UIC Physics graduate (Spring 2021). My favorite and most involved hobby is astrophotography. I have experience primarily with refractors and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, but I hope to gain experience with Newtonians as well as any other optical system that is used to observe space. Additionally, it would be wonderful to learn how to use observational equipment to gather valuable scientific data such as the emission spectra of stars. I’m interested in pushing the boundaries of what is possible to capture with amateur equipment for both planetary imaging, asteroids/comets as well as deep sky objects. I hope to contribute to the development of a robust narrow-band imaging observatory at UIC to make deep-space pop even under the bright lights of Downtown Chicago. Elaine Guan, Former Social Media Manager
Elaine is a recent UIC alumnus who graduated in May 2021 with a Graphic Design major and an Art minor. Still new to astronomy when joining the club, she was curious to learn more about the science, telescopes, and technology behind the field! As the social media manager for the club, she was able to read more about and share NASA's updates, their space missions, facts about the universe, and more. Harsh Jethwani, Former Social Media Manager
I am currently pursuing my graduate studies in the field of Computer Science at UIC. Prior to this, I completed my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and then worked under Reliance Industries Limited (one of the largest private sector corporations in India) for over 2 years. Astronomy is something that has always sparked my interest, and I am thoroughly excited to expand my knowledge in this field. Over time, I found it difficult to make time for this hobby of mine. However, an occasion to view Jupiter and Saturn through telescopes arranged by the Astronomy Club rekindled my interest, which led me to joining this club. My other interests include Physics, Mathematics, Programming, etc. In my spare time, I love playing Table Tennis, binge watching shows, and watching movies. I look forward to contributing to the club through my designing and editing skills, and I aspire to learn and develop my astrophotography and telescope skills. |
Lydia Limas, Former Vice President and Treasurer
I am a senior studying neuroscience with a background in fine art dating back since childhood, with my medium of focus being photography and oil paint. I was initially drawn to astronomy for its inherent beauty and grandeur of scale. I am science fiction fan, dark sky lover, and endlessly curious. Through art and science, I aim to visualize how different components are interconnected, illustrating just how wonderful life is and can be. I am fascinated by the cognition of learning and how we conceptualize and perceive the world. I have interned in UIC’s Office of Sustainability and worked on the Juggling Two Grammar’s project in Kara Morgan-Short’s lab as well as working as a research assistant in Stellan Ohlsson’s lab under graduate student, Erin Winter. Nicki Nouri, Former Program Director
I am a UIC alumni, and majored in Biology with minors in Entrepreneurship and Chemistry, and the goal of attaining my DDS/PhD at a joint program. Despite my biology background, my passion with biochemistry is strongly tied with my interests in astronomy and physics! As program director I aim to introduce the club to astrobiology (which Perseverance's mission is all about!), along with professionals in the field that can show how they've gotten to their position and hopefully serve as a guide to those interested in the same fields. I hope to provide as much as this club has taught me, and definitely develop my telescope skills! |