2024-2025 VU Beckman Scholar: Tammy Le

Tammy is a rising junior studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. Tammy’s research career in the Chazin Laboratory began in the summer of 2023 within the Vanderbilt START program. Her work focuses on the RAGE transmembrane receptor and the development of its inhibitors. Her approach to this project uses techniques such as virtual screening and fragment-based drug design. Outside of the academic setting, she is involved in the Vietnamese Student Association and Global Engagement Fellows on campus. In her free time, Tammy enjoys photography, baking, and reading. As a Nashville native, you can find her visiting the Downtown library or snapping photos at the farmer’s market.

2024-2025 VU Beckman Scholar: Ahmed Imami

Ahmed is a junior at Vanderbilt University in the College of Arts and Sciences double majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Psychology with a Business minor. He grew up in Melbourne, Florida surrounded by Disney and the beach. He joined the Zwiebel Lab in December of 2022 as an intern. His research involves the development of a next-generation, volatile excito-repellent against Anopheline mosquitoes. In this context, it will examine the direct targeting of odorant receptors (OR) that underlie insect chemosensory signaling. The global implications aim at reducing the transmission of Malaria as well as other mosquito borne illnesses and limiting agricultural contamination caused by various agricultural pests. In addition, he is involved in the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, Camp Kesem, Autism Tennessee, and VUcept. In his free time, he loves to play basketball, eat at Taco Mama and Satay, and spend time with friends.