Leadership – Advanced Degree Consulting Alliance

2024-2025 ADCA Leadership Board

Alexis Martell

Acting President

Vice President, Event Management

Alexis (he/him) is a 4th-year Ph.D. candidate in Chemistry at Northwestern University. His research focuses on quantifying the relationship between network topology and mechanical properties of sustainable thermosets through incorporating various orthogonal reaction chemistries and various spectroscopic methods. He also focuses on developing machine learning algorithms for the discovery of novel covalent adaptable networks. He hopes to broaden the scope and heighten the potential of this novel class of materials. He is currently interested in management consulting roles after graduation. Outside of the lab, Alexis enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring Chicago.

Kristine A Zlatkovic

Vice President, Strategic Communications and Growth

Kristine, a postdoctoral fellow at Winberg College’s Cook Family Writing Program, teaches Business Communications to business minor undergraduates and Design Thinking to engineering major undergraduates. With a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies from the University of Florida, her research centers on inclusive technologies for personalized data communication. Beyond work, she explores diverse cultures worldwide to enrich her communication skills. In Armenia, Kristine consulted small agricultural businesses, excelling in market diversification and management strategies. She also ventured into apricot farming, dried fruit production, and tourism services. As Communication VP at ADCA, Kristine plans to enhance internal and external communication and empower team members’ consulting careers.

Natalia Matiuto

Vice President, Outreach and Engagement

Natalia is a dual degree Life Sciences Ph.D./Clinical Investigation M.S. student at Northwestern University with extensive international and interdisciplinary education and research experience in chemical engineering, biomedical nanomaterials, and sustainability. Her research is focused on mitochondrial transplantation for vascular complications in diabetes. Besides ADCA, she holds leadership roles at Northwestern Biotech Club and Nucleate Chicago. Outside of academic and leadership activities, Natalia enjoys ice skating, reading, and traveling. Feel free to connect and reach out to Natalia on LinkedIn.

Ruiqi (Rachel) Xiao

Vice President, Marketing

Ruiqi (Rachel) is a 4th-year Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern. Her research is mainly focusing on investigating polymer single chain conformation and behavior using advanced microscopy techniques. Beyond science, she also holds a minor degree in Engineering Management and was selected for the management for PhD program from Kellogg school of Management. In addition to academic pursuits, Rachel enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, especially frisbee and snowboarding. As a board member of the ADCA, Rachel is dedicated to coordinating professional development events that equip members with essential insights and skills for the consulting industry.

Xin Wen

Vice President, Content Strategy

Xin Wen (She/Her) is a Ph.D. student at Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry. Her current research focuses on using gold nanostars as imaging probes to do single-particle tracking of biological processes. As a second-year Ph.D. student, she hopes to explore diverse career development. She had her undergraduate studies in China. During the study experiences in two countries, she witnessed the differences between companies of two countries in preference for investment focus science-oriented. She also looks forward to learning more skills also contributing to ADCA and pursuing her future consulting career.

Cade McClellan

Vice President, Finance

Cade McClellan (he/him) is in the Master of Biotechnology Program in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. He is also completing a Graduate Minor in Engineering Management. He got his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin –Madison. After his time at UW – Madison, Cade spent two years in industry working in biopharmaceuticals and chemical production and decided to come to Northwestern to pursue new career interests. Cade hopes to find himself in industry at the intersection of business and science within the field of biotechnology, and he looks forward to building relationships along the way. Cade grew up in Colorado, so he enjoys everything outdoors, from snowboarding to hiking and camping.

Sofia Lara Ochoa

Vice President, Special Events and Programs

Sofía earned a bachelor’s degree in Nanotechnology and Chemical Sciences Engineering at Tecnológico de Monterrey, México and is currently enrolled for a PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. She is working on developing a nano-targeted drug delivery platform for glaucoma treatment. When she is not in the lab, she performs Latin dance, enjoys films and rock climbing.