Faculty Chair

Vinzenz Unger, Ph.D., or “V”, is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences. He loves teaching and yes, research where he and his team hunt to understand the puzzling complexity that governs the function of interfaces between cell membranes and the aqueous environments they face. V’s most notable feature: he has no “off button” once you start talking to him, try it…..! A native of Germany, he studied Biochemistry in Tübingen Germany, then moved to Cambridge/UK for his Ph.D., before completing postdoctoral training in La Jolla, CA. Setting up his own lab in Frankfurt Germany, he quickly got tapped by Yale where he started off his faculty career. He has been at Northwestern since 2010, and once he discovered ACCI four years ago, he was hooked, working his way up through the ranks, starting as a fellow, before becoming Associate Chair last year. One last thing…V’s favorite pastime: ballroom dancing – you wouldn’t guess it when you meet him.

Email: v-unger@northwestern.edu

Associate Chair

Nick Marchuk is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, before coming to Northwestern and receiving a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in 2010. Nick’s research revolves around mechatronics: technology combining electronics and mechanical engineering. He manages the Northwestern Mechatronics Lab, coordinates the annual McCormick Robot Design Competition, and advises students on projects and independent study. When he’s not in his office, you might find him working on nScope, his business that allows engineering students and professors across the country to have their own “lab in a backpack.”
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Email: nick.marchuk@u.northwestern.edu

Assistant Chair

Laura Gardner is a Ph.D. candidate in Earth and Planetary Sciences.  She works in NU's mineral physics lab. In her research, she uses superdeep diamonds to study the composition of the deep Earth and to understand the geochemical history of our planet. When Laura's not in the lab, she enjoys gardening, practicing yoga, and binging horror movies. She also loves trying different foods - she can tell you all the best places in Chicagoland for vegan sweets!
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Email: LauraGardner2024@u.northwestern.edu