The Student Activities Committee, SAC, is the heartbeat of the American Peptide Symposium’s vibrant student and postdoc community. Our mission is simple but essential: to create an inclusive, energetic environment that fosters connection, collaboration, and memorable experiences for all attendees. Whether you’re presenting research, making new friends, or discovering the broader peptide community, SAC is here to make your symposium experience truly exceptional.

Each year, SAC is led by a small group of dedicated co-chairs and a passionate team of students and postdocs who work together to organize signature events like the Schram Young Investigator Competitions (oral and poster), the Student Mixer, and the Dr. Elizabeth Schram Networking Lunch. These events are more than just scheduled activities—they are opportunities to learn, connect, and grow as emerging members of the scientific community. Our SAC team plays an essential role in shaping these moments, offering behind-the-scenes support and warm, welcoming energy throughout the symposium.

Serving on SAC is both an honor and an unforgettable experience. Members help organize judging sessions, coordinate networking activities, and ensure our student-focused events run smoothly. In return, SAC members are recognized on the APS website and at the awards ceremony—but even more importantly, they gain direct access to a powerful network of peers and professionals. If you’re passionate about community, science, and making the most of your symposium journey, we invite you to join us next year and help shape the future of APS together!

Do You Want to Participate?

Students and professionals that are interested in participating in SAC should contact the SAC co-chairs, below.

2025-27 APS Student Activities Committee

Co Chairs

James Checco, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Arunika Ekanayake, Ph.D.
Advisor Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Eli Lilly and Company

Ross Cheloha, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator in Chemical Biology of Signaling Section
The National Institutes of Health

Student Members

Whitney Ong
Gopal Dubey
A’Lester Wiggins-Allen
Karl Ocius
Hassan Seyrani
Karlee McKinney
Brittney Chau
Nishant Raj

Images from San Diego

The 2025 Dr. Elizabeth Schram Award for Young Investigator Oral Presentation winners with presenters. From left to right: Professors Jean Chmielewski and Eileen Kennedy, Doctors Emel Adaligil, James Checco, and Michael Bertucci, flanked by the 1st prize winner Thu Nguyen, NYU, and 2nd prize winner Kira Podolsky, MIT.

The 2025 Dr. Elizabeth Schram Award for Young Investigator Poster Presentation winners with presenters, Chuanhao Peng, University of Alberta, Kristiana Witte, NC State University, Hassan Seyrani, University of Missouri, Haley Anchukaitis, Tufts University, Minhee Lee, Columbia University, Xue Zhao, University of South Florida, Rida Ibrahim, Iowa State University, Rachita Dash, University of Virginia, Albert Kakkis, Scripps Research, and Tristan Dinsmore, Tufts University

Newly elected co-chairs of the Student Activities Committee, from left to right, Doctors James Checco, Ross Cheloha, and Arunika Ekanayake.