People

Boston College
The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-3503
schiller.institute@bc.edu

Office of the Executive Director

Dunwei Wang

Dunwei Wang


Interim Seidner Family Executive Director

Dunwei Wang


Interim Seidner Family Executive Director

Dunwei Wang is the Margaret A. & Thomas A. Vanderslice ’53 Chair and Professor of Chemistry at Boston College. His research group focuses on the fundamental science governing energy and resource utilization. A pioneer in artificial photosynthesis, Wang was among the first to enable charge manipulation at the nanometer scale, significantly enhancing solar energy conversion efficiencies. His work has further advanced battery technology through the discovery of novel electrode materials, the development of safer electrolytes, and the exploration of next-generation chemistries. In the realm of resource utilization, Professor Wang has pioneered synthesis methods that convert natural gas components into commodity compounds. His recent research addresses global sustainability through innovative approaches to plastic synthesis and recycling.Ìý

Professor Wang earned his B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China and his Ph.D. from Stanford University, followed by postdoctoral research at the California Institute of Technology. Since joining the BC faculty in 2007, he has received numerous honors, including the NSF CAREER Award, the Sloan Fellowship, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship. He also serves as an Associate Editor for ACS Applied Energy Materials.

Greg Adelsberger

Greg Adelsberger


Director of Finance and Operations

Greg Adelsberger


Director of Finance and Operations

Greg Adelsberger is the Director of Finance and Operations for the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. In his role, Greg oversees the budgeting and financial planning for the Institute. He also works closely with the Seidner Family Executive Director on strategic planning and other initiatives led by the Institute.

Prior to joining the Schiller team, Greg served as the Associate Director of Finance and Administration for the National Research Mentorship Network (NRMN), a multi-million dollar NIH grant, administered by the Boston College Biology Department. He previously worked as a Senior Associate at PwC in their assurance practice in Northern Virginia.

Greg holds an MBA from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and a BS in Accounting from the University of Maryland.

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Kaley McCarty

Kaley McCarty


Assistant Director, Programs & Communications

Kaley McCarty


Assistant Director, Programs & Communications

Kaley McCarty is the Assistant Director of Programs & Communications for the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. In her role, Kaley manages Schiller’s programming, including coordinating BC’s delegation to the annual United Nations climate conference (COP) and associated activities as well as the Working For and With Communities: Community Engaged and Project Based Learning for the Common Good course sequence.

Prior to working at Boston College, Kaley worked in higher education at University of Oregon as the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Oregon Consortium for International and Area Studies (OCIAS) before a stint in the university’s Human Resources Department. Her professional experience has been wide-ranging and has additionally included roles in two law firms, a multinational corporation, fine dining, and even a couple small organic farms. Most recently, she was the Employment Law Support Manager for the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth.

Having received her MA in Sociology from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences at Boston College, Kaley is thrilled to remain connected to the BC community and support Schiller’s work. She also holds a BS in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon.

Erik Sjostrom

Erik Sjostrom


Administrative and Fiscal Assistant

Erik Sjostrom


Administrative and Fiscal Assistant

Erik Sjostrom is the Fiscal and Administrative Assistant for theÌýSchiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. Erik provides support for the Schiller team and Schiller's collaboration with associated departments.

Prior to Boston College, Erik held various roles with Harvard University Health Services, coordinating wellness offerings for students, faculty and staff.Ìý Erik holds a BA from Davidson College.

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Magali De La Sancha

Magali De La Sancha


Undergraduate Assistant

Magali De La Sancha


Undergraduate Assistant

Magali is the current editor of The Scoop and manages the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society’s social media. She is a junior double majoring in Neuroscience and Studio Art, with a minor in Philosophy. Alongside attending on-campus events hosted by the Schiller Institute, Magali participated in the 2025 Working For & With Communities program in Santiago, Chile; an experience that inspired her to share unique opportunities with other students and deepen her passion for service that reaches beyond campus. Beyond that, she enjoys dancing, cooking, and playing video games in her free time.

Dominique Williams

Dominique Williams


Undergraduate Assistant

Dominique Williams


Undergraduate Assistant

Dominique Williams is an undergraduate assistant for the Schiller Institute of Integrated Science and Society. Her role is to assist with the planning of diverse programs, aimed at fostering cross-campus connections with the work of the Institute.

Dominique is originally from the twin-island Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Her interests mainly exist in the social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities that are exacerbated by the climate crisis. She is also a member of the St Kitts National Youth Parliament Association, which advocates for sustainable development in the Federation and the wider Caribbean region. She has also interned at the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

She is excited to join Boston College to expand her experience serving communities in the greater Boston area and to continue her studies focusing on the intersectional issues associated with climate change.

Tony Edgington

Tony Edgington


Graduate Assistant

Tony Edgington


Graduate Assistant

Tony Edgington is a graduate assistant for the Schiller Institute of Integrated Science and Society. As the COP31 Chief-of-Staff, his role is to assist in the programming and logistical planning of sending BC delegates to COP31.Ìý


Tony is from Texas where he received BS degrees in Geological Sciences and Geosystems Engineering from UT-Austin. He went on to receive a MSc in Geological Sciences from University of Connecticut then, in 2023, joined BC where he is currently an Earth & Environmental Sciences PhD candidate. His research projects have expanded across the fields of hydrogeology, tectonics, sedimentology, geomorphology, geochronology, and stratigraphy with field sites across North and South America. Tony currently studies the transport of water and sediment in dammed lakes, rivers, and coastlines while holding interest in climate policy and governance. In particular, Tony is eager to explore how his current research can inform equitable adaptation strategies in flood and storm-prone regions.Ìý

Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez


Graduate Assistant

Alex Rodriguez


Graduate Assistant

Alex is a graduate assistant for the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. He assists with updating and maintaining the website.

Alex is from New Jersey where he earned a B.S. with honors in Earth and Environmental Sciences at New Jersey City University. Prior to joining Boston College, he worked as a GIS Technician with a civil engineering firm in New Jersey. Now he is pursuing his MBA in the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.

External Advisory Board

Arun Agrawal

Arun Agrawal


University of Notre Dame

Arun Agrawal


University of Notre Dame

Pulte Family Professor of Development Policy, Inaugural Director, Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative

David Awschalom

David Awschalom


University of Chicago

David Awschalom


University of Chicago

Professor Dept. of Physics, Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering, and the College Deputy Director for Space, Infrastructure, and Facilities

Angela Koehler

Angela Koehler


Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Angela Koehler


Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Charles W. and Jennifer C. Johnson Professor

Internal Advisory Board

Ken Burch

Ken Burch


John H. Rourke Professor of Physics and Chairperson

Ken Burch


John H. Rourke Professor of Physics and Chairperson

Kate Gregory

Kate Gregory


Dean of the Connell School of Nursing

Kate Gregory


Dean of the Connell School of Nursing

Phil Landrigan

Phil Landrigan


Professor of Biology; Director, Global Observatory on Planetary Health

Phil Landrigan


Professor of Biology; Director, Global Observatory on Planetary Health

Brian Smith

Brian Smith


Honorable David S. Nelson Chair; Associate Dean for Research Professor

Brian Smith


Honorable David S. Nelson Chair; Associate Dean for Research Professor

Associate Dean for Research Professor, Lynch School of Education & Human Development

Faculty Bio

Eranthie Weerapana

Eranthie Weerapana


Professor of Chemistry

Eranthie Weerapana


Professor of Chemistry

Gautam Yadama

Gautam Yadama


Dean of the School of Social Work

Gautam Yadama


Dean of the School of Social Work

Schiller Student Board

Helia Attar

Helia Attar


Research Subcommittee Member

Helia Attar


Research Subcommittee Member

I am currently studying International Studies with a concentration on Conflict and Cooperation in the Middle East with a minor in Faith, Peace, and Justice. I'm originally from Tehran but spent most of my life in Portland, Oregon, enjoying the nature and scenery it offers. I spent the fall semester of my junior year abroad in Croatia studying interreligious conflict!

The Schiller Institute Student Board offers insight into pressing issues such as climate change, sustainability, and human well-being, and helps bridge solutions between students and these issues. Its interdisciplinary approach is what attracted me to the board during the winter of my sophomore year!

Taylor Brennan

Taylor Brennan


Research Subcommittee Member

Taylor Brennan


Research Subcommittee Member

My name is Taylor Brennan I am a doctoral student at the Boston College School of Social Work. My research examines work and the workplace as a social determinant of health. I am also a Research Specialist at MIT's AgeLab where my work focuses on the role(s) of climate and the built environment in enabling health and wellbeing as we age. My research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences as well as featured in popular press and podcasts, such as NerdWallet, Men’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe. I teach courses on research methods, program evaluation, and social policy and aging at Boston College and Simmons University. I earned my MPH and MSW from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and my BSW from the University of Georgia (go Dawgs!).

I became interested in Schiller for its focus on supporting multidisciplinary and translational research. As my research has been supported by organizations across industries such as senior living, financial services, government, and nonprofits, I know firsthand the importance of cross-disciplinary, collaborative teams for innovation. I was excited to find a space at Boston College supporting this kind of network for students and am looking forward to increasing Schiller's pertinency for graduate students.

Sebastian Cuahutle-Martinez

Sebastian Cuahutle-Martinez


Events Subcommittee Member

Sebastian Cuahutle-Martinez


Events Subcommittee Member

Hello! I am Sebastian and I am currently studying Human-Centered Engineering with a Studio Art Minor. I am from Durham, North Carolina. Recently I conducted research at Princeton Universities Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute on PFAS removal using bacteria. Currently, I work at the Hatchery running workshops and love making my cool stuff!

I am really interested in the intersection of sustainability and innovation. As a student board member I enjoyed tabling during Green Week, and spreading awareness on Schiller focused topics. I have loved being able to contribute to supporting others in learning more about how to get involved with efforts in sustainability, energy, and health through events with other organizations on campus!

Jonathan De Caro

Jonathan De Caro


Research Subcommittee Member

Jonathan De Caro


Research Subcommittee Member

My name is Jonathan De Caro. I am a first-generation Latino college student from Hartford, Connecticut and a member of the Class of 2029, studying the intersection of economics, public policy, and philosophy with a focus on disruptive technology and science. I am the founder of One Loan Fund, a public charity that advances opportunity through grassroots economic initiatives, and previously served as the youngest Global Goals Ambassador in the history of the United Nations, where I championed inclusive approaches to social issues. I have been recognized as a Coca-Cola Scholar, Prudential Emerging Visionary, and Ashoka Young Changemaker, with my work featured twice in Times Square.

As part of the research subcommittee, I hope to organize research symposiums, support new interdisciplinary academic journals, and build funding and initiatives that expand opportunities for advanced student research, especially for first generation and low income students. I want to help bridge Boston College’s nearly two centuries of strength in the liberal arts with the scientific and technological demands of the modern world. In particular, I hopes to foster scholarship on artificial intelligence and its societal impacts, helping Boston College become a leader in research on how AI will shape our economy, democracy, health, environment, and everyday life.

Jennifer Gomez-Gallardo

Jennifer Gomez-Gallardo


Research Subcommittee Member

Jennifer Gomez-Gallardo


Research Subcommittee Member

I am Jennifer Gomez-Gallardo, a double major in History and Political Science with a minor in Management and Leadership. My hometown is Annapolis, Maryland. I currently work as an Administrative Assistant at Boston College Benefits Office and as an Undergraduate Research Fellow for the History Department.

I was interested in the Schiller student board because of Schiller's initiatives in climate and sustainability. As an Undergraduate Research Fellow, I work at the Neponset River Lab, creating an interactive map of the river's history. Through a Schiller grant, we can do our research and gain new experiences/opportunities. I have participated in the "Schiller Research Symposium #2," presenting the progress of our project and our future endeavors. As part of the student board, I hope to connect more students with the many programs Schiller offers!

Sanaa Jin

Sanaa Jin


Director of Outreach

Sanaa Jin


Director of Outreach

Hi! My name is Sanaa, and I am currently studying Finance with a Studio Art & Faith, Peace, and Justice minor at Boston College. I am originally from New Jersey and am interested in the sustainable creation of impactful solutions. Recently, I have worked on projects ranging from search fund roles and product consulting. Currently, I am involved in research initiatives at CSOM and I enjoy exploring how analytical thinking and creativity can work together to solve real-world problems.

I was originally drawn to the Schiller Institute’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Through Schiller, I see an opportunity to create accessible and student driven programming that brings together perspectives from across departments. My goal is to help other BC students engage in interdisciplinary study through initiatives that connect academic learning to sustainability challenges.

Leo Kim

Leo Kim


Outreach Subcommittee Member

Leo Kim


Outreach Subcommittee Member

I am a sophomore from Seoul, South Korea, currently double majoring in Global Public Health for the Common Good and Psychology. I am currently serving on the executive board of the Plant Club, where I work to educate students on environmental sustainability and everything related to plants. I also work as a Research Assistant in the Emerging Adulthood Lab. My academic interests center on the ways in which environmental factors influence health outcomes of people.

I was drawn to the Schiller Institute for its emphasis on climate change and working for the common good, as these priorities align directly with my majors in Global Public Health and Psychology. I saw the Institute as an opportunity to not only get involved in meaningful research but also to bring together and empower other student organizations that share similar ideals. As a member of the student board, I aim to use my position to further educate students on what they are capable of achieving through interdisciplinary action.

Sofi Le

Sofi Le


Research Subcommittee Member

Sofi Le


Research Subcommittee Member

My name is Sofi, and I'm a freshman majoring in Human-Centered Engineering and Computer Science. I'm from Vietnam, and moved to the Boston area a couple of years ago. I'm interested in leveraging machine learning to improve efficiency in overlooked fields such as agriculture.

I was drawn to Schiller's mission of solving social problems through interdisciplinary collaboration, as I believe that impactful lasting change can only be achieved through action in all fields towards a shared goal. Addressing and solving today's global issues requires the integration of engineering, policy, economics, and more fields, rather than isolated efforts within singular disciplines. A great initiative Schiller organizes that promotes these values is the Eagle Sustainability Competition, in which I am currently competing!

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Nora McSwain

Nora McSwain


Co-President

Nora McSwain


Co-President

I am a senior from Skaneateles, NY. I study biology and plan to become a physician. Outside of the board, you may see me performing as a member of the Boston College Symphony orchestra or the Irish Fiddle Group. I also perform biomechanics research and volunteer at Mount Alvernia Academy. In the past I have performed climate change mitigation and ecological research.

I am the co-president of the student board alongside Taylor Vallas and previously served as the co-director of the research subcommittee with Taylor. I discovered Schiller almost by accident my freshman year while looking for summer study abroad courses. I enrolled in Schiller’s Working For and With Communities Course, and have been involved in the Institute ever since. The Schiller Institute is such a hidden gem that allows people from different disciplines to come together and discuss pressing issues related to climate change and public health. I have enjoyed taking advantage of programs through Schiller, such as the Schiller Book Club, the climate change networking night, and even received support from Schiller while competing in the Questrom $50K Sustainability Case Competition.

Atsushi Osawa

Atsushi Osawa


Subcommittee Member

Atsushi Osawa


Subcommittee Member

My name is Atsushi Osawa, and I’m a first-year PhD student in Earth and Environmental Sciences. I spent the first half of my childhood in Japan and the latter half in Southern California, attending UC San Diego for an undergraduate degree prior to coming to Boston College. There, I researched aerosol physics and served on the leadership team for the Rotaract club. My current research focuses on quantifying biases and uncertainties in satellite observations of extreme precipitation. Through this, I aim to bridge the gap between science and policy by providing a robust scientific context for climate adaptation schemes such as parametric insurance.

During my application to graduate schools, the Schiller Institute at Boston College caught my immediate attention. With a background in Economics and Atmospheric Sciences during my undergraduate years, I am aiming to further utilize my multidisciplinary background and interest at Boston College by working with co-advisors from two traditionally separate fields who are part of Schiller core faculty: Dr. Yi Ming (climate science) and Dr. Edson Severnini (economics). My research will integrate methods from both disciplines to assess and evaluate economic programs and policies aiming to address climate change adaptation and resilience, which often requires a robust scientific understanding and foundation. Joining the student board as a new member this Spring semester, I will be serving on the service subcommittee. I am excited to contribute toward advancing the mission of the institute by engaging BC and the surrounding communities through service.

Cahaya Ratomo

Cahaya Ratomo


Board Member

Cahaya Ratomo


Board Member

Hello! I'm Cahaya, a Psychology and Political Science student from Jakarta, Indonesia. My experience in research includes publishing a paper on dementia caregiving in The Jakarta Post, along with other short-form articles across various newspapers. At Boston College, I serve as a Teaching Assistant for Experience, Reflection, and Action (ERA), the first-year education and research program for students at the Lynch school.

The Institute's commitment to interdisciplinary research resonated with my interest in translating behavioral health research into public policy and discourse. As an at-large board member, my role largely entails advising subcommittee members on their already-incredible work in planning events and bridging the gap between professors involved in research and students eager to participate!

Ethan Roh

Ethan Roh


Board Member

Ethan Roh


Board Member

My name is Ethan and I am an Environmental Studies major, concentrating in Environmental Entrepreneurship and minoring in Finance. Growing up in the Bay Area, I was surrounded by innovation in sustainability and clean energy. A personal experience that sparked my interest in sustainability was a volunteer trip in the Peruvian Amazon where I helped an animal conservatory and saw firsthand the importance of conservation efforts. Since then, I've continued exploring how I can influence sustainability in my own environment, specifically through sustainability's intersection with business.

The Schiller Institute allows me to integrate my academic interests in Environmental Studies and Business while exploring interdisciplinary solutions for energy and sustainability challenges. Through my experiences inside and outside the classroom, I’ve developed a strong interest in how economics and environmental systems intersect. As a Student Board member, I hope to utilize Schiller's platform to create opportunities that connect students across disciplines and support a more collaborative academic environment focused on solving complex issues in energy, health, and the environment.

Lucy Savarese

Lucy Savarese


Board Member

Lucy Savarese


Board Member

My name is Lucy Savarese, and I am a math and public health major from Wellesley, Massachusetts. I am particularly interested in the intersection of quantitative analysis and public health, in regards to improving health outcomes. I am actively involved in organizations on campus such as Partners In Health Engage, the Student Health Equity Forum, and Women in Stem, where I engage in service and advocacy work. This summer I will be conducting research with the Berde Team at Boston Children's on pediatric pain medicine and genomics. I am excited to continue exploring interdisciplinary work concerning public health, the environment, and how evidence-based research forms policy.

My interest in the Schiller Institute stems from its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and global engagement, particularly at the intersection of health and the environment. As a member of the Student Board, I am eager to contribute by helping organize events and initiatives that connect students with research, service learning, and global health opportunities. I look forward to helping expand student engagement with Schiller, engage in meaningful dialogue around global issues, and collaborate with peers who are committed to creating positive change.

Cate Schmiedeler

Cate Schmiedeler


Research Subcommittee Member

Cate Schmiedeler


Research Subcommittee Member

My name is Cate and I am an International Studies Major from Chicago! I am studying Environmental Studies as my minor and am interested in pursuing a career in law. On campus, I am involved in different organizations such as BC Bigs and SAP, and am excited to be working with the Schiller Student Board.

The Schiller Institute is an amazing place that brings people together across multiple disciplinaries to engage with complex global challenges. I have always been interested in taking a holistic approach to complex problems and love the creative and collaborative environment the Schiller Institute provides. One of my favorite events was the COP Symposium, where I heard thoughtful insight from the Boston College delegation that observed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Ramiro Tovar

Ramiro Tovar


Outreach Subcommittee Member

Ramiro Tovar


Outreach Subcommittee Member

I am a sophomore in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Biology and Psychology with an interest in genetics and research. I am originally from Houston, Texas, and came to Boston College looking to explore both science and community in a new environment. I am currently involved in undergraduate research in the Momeni Lab and have also worked as a STEM instructor with Lavner Education. I am interested in how science connects to real-world issues and hope to pursue a future that combines research, education, and service.

My interest in the Schiller Institute comes from my curiosity about how science connects to real-world issues like health, sustainability, and society. As a member of the Student Board, I hope to help increase student engagement and make Schiller more accessible to the broader BC community. During my time here I hope to build collaborations with clubs and organizations across campus.

Taylor Vallas

Taylor Vallas


Co-President

Taylor Vallas


Co-President

I'm a senior from the Chicago suburbs who is deeply passionate about our natural world. I'm majoring in Environmental Studies, focusing on Climate Change and Adaptation, with a minor in Managing for Social Impact. I have combined these focuses outside of Boston College, with experiences working as with the Regulatory Affairs team of a renewable energy developer as well as part of the Environment, Health, and Safety division of another large company. I am eager to explore climate change's impacts on the environment and communities, and how we might able to find innovative solutions.

I have been a part of the Schiller Student Board since my sophomore year and I have loved each part of it. I had the opportunity to help lead the Research Subcommittee over my junior year, and am grateful to now be one of the Board's Co-Presidents. I was first drawn by how Schiller values innovation to bridge not only different academic disciplines, but also these disciplines to society’s problems. With these connections, Schiller pushes students to build and find new solutions to improve environmental, energy, and health issues that our community and world faces.

Andrew Williams

Andrew Williams


Service Subcommittee Director

Andrew Williams


Service Subcommittee Director

I am Andrew Williams, a junior from Shelton, Connecticut, and pre-medical student majoring in Political Science. I am involved with environmental sustainability by serving as the student government's Environmental Policy Coordinator, and by writing about how climate change is impacting human health around the world. The Schiller Student Board has offered me a great opportunity to meet others with an interdisciplinary mindset and collaborate on interests we are passionate about.

As a premedical student whose coursework does not always relate to environmental sustainability, the Schiller Student Board offers me a way to become involved with this cause. As part of the Board's service subcommittee, I am organizing a volunteer trip on Earth Day to clean a public park in Boston, in collaboration with the Emerald Necklace Conservancy.