May 13, 2025
Anna Gaffney, a fifth-year PhD student in the Biophysical Sciences, studies biological thin sheet mechanics and instabilities. Born and raised in Marysville, Michigan, Anna earned her BS in Biophysics at the University of Michigan. We interviewed Anna about her experiences at UChicago.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago?
Two main reasons that I think are the most important when deciding what school/program to join for a PhD:
Location—Chicago is an amazing (and affordable!) city with a fantastic community, beautiful seasons, and so much to do. Not to mention, it is close to my family, who all live in Michigan.
Program environment—UChicago Biophysical Sciences is a tight-knit, flexible, and scientifically diverse program. With wonderful admin and an engaged student population, I could feel the security and support that Biophysical Sciences students experienced, and I can confirm that the program truly cares about the well-being and development of its students.
Please describe something you are proud of accomplishing at UChicago.
The mentorship that I have been able to take part in at UChicago. For example, for the past two years, I have trained, taught, and led multiple high school students through independent research projects directly related to my thesis work. I have also been a part of the student-led Biophysical Sciences Peer Mentorship Program. And with fellow students, I cofounded the UChicago Biophysical Society Student Chapter, with the goal of bringing together biophysicists from different departments and at various academic levels (undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral).
What has been your most memorable class and why?
Probably my TA training class. As someone who was quite nervous about whether I would be proficient enough to TA or teach in the future, this course gave me the support and guidance I needed to feel more prepared for future academic steps.
What is your favorite restaurant or food truck in Hyde Park? What is your favorite dish?
I am a very big fan of Maravillas off 55th Street, and I love getting the quesabirria tacos.
What’s something you love to do outside of the classroom and lab?
I love exploring Chicago’s queer/sapphic nightlife and community. I especially love meeting new people and experiencing queer art in its many forms—drag, theater, music, and even puppetry!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in the city so far?
Volunteering at (and touring) the Gerber/Hart Midwest Queer Archive in Roger’s Park. This archive has physical media, pamphlets, etc., that date back to anywhere from the 1930s to the present day.
What support have you received at UChicago that was particularly valuable to you?
The support of my labs, as well as collaborators with our lab, has been particularly valuable. The kindness and care that professors and postdocs have taken to help guide me and offer support have been really important to me, especially the mentorship of a newer faculty member, Nhung Nguyen. Also, the dedicated and compassionate advocacy of Michele Wittels and Adam Hammond in Biophysical Sciences was instrumental in getting me through my first two years of grad school (during COVID!)
How has your background or experience prepared you to contribute to an environment where diversity and inclusion are valued?
The experience that has most opened my eyes to the importance of diversity and inclusion has been finding my queer community in Chicago. Growing up queer in a small town was a relatively isolating experience. In sharp contrast, Chicago’s queer community supports and uplifts its members: it celebrates differences, amplifies voices that have been silenced, and pulls together to provide mutual aid to those of us in need. This community not only built up my support network but inspired the ways I provide support to those in my research community here at UChicago.
What advice or insights do you have for new or prospective Maroons?
In your first couple of years, do not isolate yourself. Reach out to people in your life and make sure to leave your house plenty. Give yourself breaks. And if it works for you, find a therapist.
What are your plans post-UChicago?
I am currently on the lookout for post-doctoral research positions in biomedical engineering labs. I plan to follow the flow of where my research takes me, but I would enjoy staying in academia long term.