Who we are
South Side Science Scholars is a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to quality STEM education. Our team is made up of dedicated medical students who have a shared vision of minimizing the barriers underserved students face when engaging with Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. As members of the University of Chicago community, we capitalize on the network of academic resources and community partners in Hyde Park to provide students in our program with representative and socially cognizant lessons, activities, and mentorship.
Where we work
Utilizing the resources of the University of Chicago and the surrounding neighborhood, we primarily work with students in our local community. We have partnered with educators at the Dulles School of Excellence to support their elementary and middle school classrooms. Just 10 minutes from the university campus, Dulles is located in Greater Grand Crossing, with most of its students living in Parkway Gardens, the largest of Chicago’s remaining public housing projects.
Fourth Grade Team
Jillian Bowman
Hometown: Chicago, IL (South Side!)
Undergrad: The University of Chicago (‘20)
Specialty interest: I’m leaning towards a pediatric specialty, but not sure what yet! I’m curious about Peds EM and Peds Neurology right now!
What I love about S4: I love watching the students make connections between scientific ideas and observations they’ve made in their own day to day lives, whether that’s about weather, food, or medicine. I am so grateful to be apart of that process for them and love seeing them work with one another to understand these concepts!
Ifeoma Ikedionwu
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergrad: Baylor University
Specialty interest: Primary Care
What I love about S4: mentoring and developing relationships with the children in the community
Mahesh Kumar
Hometown: Willowbrook, IL
Undergrad: Georgetown University
Specialty Interest: Psychiatry
What I love about S4: The students get so excited about the demos, especially when they can explain why something works the way it does. It’s also great to see them support and build eachother up when picking the Scientist of the Week. I’m grateful to be a part of their educational journey and I’m excited to watch them grow through their 4 years in S4!
Bailey McGrew
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Specialty interest: Pediatrics
Favorite S4 lesson: The space lesson
What I love about S4: Getting to spend time every week having fun with kids who are so curious about the world and enthusiastic about science!
Frank Medina
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Specialty Interest: Cardiology, Radiology, Hospital Medicine
What I love about S4: All of the students are so bright and smart. They have so much potential: a potential that gets overlooked by the inadequacies in the Chicago Public School System. These kids bring me joy and I love S4 because it gives me the chance to make a connection with them and hopefully make learning about science a fun and formative experience
Montserrat Tijerina
Hometown: Pasadena, Texas
Undergrad:
University of Chicago.
Specialty Interest: Emergency Medicine Why S4: S4 has been a highlight of my time in med school - we create such amazing relationships with the students, and we’ve been able to see them grow in science, problem-solving, and going outside their comfort zone. It’s truly been a wonderful experience for our students and us as teachers as well!
Third Grade Team
Fidel Haro
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergrad: University of Chicago
Specialty Interest: Surgery/Anesthesia/Emergency Med
Why S4: I grew up on the Southside of Chicago and it has always been important to me to give back to my community. My early school years were important in establish my interest in science and I would never have considered a scientific career if it weren’t for my teachers who fostered this curiosity. Through S4, I see the same excitement in the students that I saw in myself. I hope to help grow this curiosity within the students and to encourage them to pursue a career they otherwise may never be exposed to.
Woorin Jang
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Undergrad: University of Chicago
Specialty Interest: Undecided
Why S4: S4 students are so curious and motivated about all things science. Nothing beats seeing those faces light up when a hard concept like “refraction” clicks in their minds and they realize how the natural phenomena around them are happening. It’s rewarding and exciting to be a part of their journey in learning science!
Daniel Leon
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Undergrad: Northwestern University
Specialty Interest: Pediatrics/Dermatology
Why S4: I love mentoring and teaching, especially science! It’s always fun to see each kiddo get excited about science and start asking questions because questions are the foundation of all scientific inquiry. I’m thankful that I can help be a part of a child’s interest in science and hopefully be an example for them to see what science is capable of, and why they should continue to foster their interest in science.
Kynnedie Maloz
Hometown: Lafayette, LA
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania
Specialty Interest: Undecided
Why I love S4: I love S4 because it’s exciting to watch the students discover new things and gain confidence in their abilities as young learners. I especially love that I have the opportunity to build a relationship with them over my 4 years in medical school. Kids are so silly and fun, and it will be rewarding to see them grow and learn over the years!
Nora Spadoni
Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Chicago
Specialty Interest: OB-GYN
Why S4: I love seeing young students get excited about scientific exploration and discovery! The S4 kids are so curious and enthusiastic about understanding how stuff works in the world around them. I’m happy to be a part of their journey as they start to find the answers to their questions.
Elena Whitney
Hometown: Oak Park, IL
Undergrad: University of Chicago
Specialty Interest: Undecided
Why S4: I like working with the students to help them see how exciting and interesting science can be. Seeing them express their curiosity in S4 lessons is one of the highlights of my week.