Meet the 2026-2027 GSA Executive Board
Sarah Spigelmyer – President
“I am Sarah Spigelmyer (she/her/hers), the Graduate Student Association President. I am a fourth-year PhD Candidate in the Chemistry Department. I graduated from Northern Kentucky University (Go Norse!) with a B.S. in Chemistry. I also worked as an Analytical Chemist in Cincinnati, Ohio before making the decision to come to graduate school. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, going to hockey games and concerts, and finding new coffee shops to frequent. I am excited to advocate for the diverse needs of our graduate student body and cultivate a supportive environment for graduate students at Wake Forest!”
David Halatek – Vice President
“My name is David Halatek and I am a fourth-year Chemistry PhD Candidate. I have previously served as Wake Downtown Engagement Chair on GSA working to create cross-campus connections. I look forward to continuing to serve the graduate student body as Vice President.”
Leah Boone – Social Chair
“My name is Leah Boone (she/her/hers) and I am a 2nd year Ph.D. chemistry student. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2025 (Roll Neers!) and was raised a die hard Wake Forest fan. I hope to promote relationships between all graduate students, regardless of program, during my time as Social Chair through a variety of events suited for everyone! In my free time, I enjoy reading, swimming, going to trivia, and hanging out with my cats. Go Deacs!!!”
Hanieh Helli – Diversity and Inclusion Chair
“My name is Hanieh, and I am a fourth-year graduate student in Analytical Chemistry at Wake Forest University. I have lived abroad for approximately seven years, including in Europe and the United States, during which I became familiar with diverse cultures and communities across Asia, Europe, and the United States. As the Diversity and Inclusion Chair, I look forward to working with others to help build a community where everyone feels respected, included, and supported.”
Katie Koch – Community Engagement Chair
“I am Katie Koch, the Graduate Student Association Community Engagement Chair, and a fifth-year PhD student in the Physics Department, where I conduct research in an ultrafast spectroscopy group exploring fundamental processes in solid-state materials. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Physics Secondary Education from Susquehanna University in 2022.
Outside the lab, I am passionate about physics education research and community outreach, with a focus on making physics exciting and accessible for young students and inspiring the next generation of scientists. As the Community Engagement Chair, I will work to coordinate and promote community service opportunities across graduate departments, strengthening connections between the university and the local community.”
Tim Curtis Jr. – Student Resource Chair
“Hi everyone! My name is Tim Curtis Jr., and I’m a fifth year PhD candidate in the Biology Department. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 with a degree in Zoology, after which I worked in state and federal agencies as well as in science communication roles.
I returned to academia in 2019 as a research technician at Duke, studying regenerative biology, and continued this work into graduate school. I am currently in the Currie Lab, where I study regeneration using axolotls.
Outside the lab, I have two young boys (5 and 3) with my wife, who keep life busy and fun. I’m excited to serve as your new Graduate Resource Chair and am committed to being an accessible, responsive advocate for your needs.”
Madison Edwards Barnett – Wake Downtown Engagement Chair
“I am Madison Edwards Barnett (she/her/hers), a 4th-year graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology. I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology with a focus in Human Biology at Boise State University. Some of my favorite hobbies include walking my dogs, reading, interior design, and painting. I also serve as the communications co-chair for the Association of Women in Science (AWIS)-NC Chapter, where I focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive community for women in STEM.
As Wake Downtown Engagement Chair, I will strive to create a welcoming community that encourages meaningful connections among graduate students. I believe that building strong relationships is essential for a thriving academic environment, and I am committed to creating opportunities for students to interact, collaborate, and support one another here at Wake Downtown!”