Aliyah Shivel-Garman

Biochemist trained at Eastern Kentucky University, interested in all things biology and chemistry.

About

Hi, I'm Aliyah. I graduated with my biochemistry degree from EKU, where most of my work was in flavor chemistry and gas chromatography olfactometry, and I taught organic chem labs along the way.

I also spent a summer in a bioimaging lab in Louisville, training a model to catch early signs of macular degeneration. That work grew into a published review on explainable AI for glaucoma detection.

These days you'll find me in North Beach, settling into life in San Francisco.

My favorite color is orange.

I also play bass, give it a go:

B.S. Chemistry, Biochemistry concentrationEastern Kentucky UniversityGPA 3.8, Magna Cum LaudeGraduated May 2026

Published Research

Artificial Intelligence Review Journal

Explainable AI for Glaucoma Detection and Classification: A Comprehensive Review

Co-authored during my bioimaging internship at the University of Louisville, reviewing machine learning approaches for detecting and classifying glaucoma from retinal imaging.

Read the paper

Experience

  1. Aug 2025 – May 2026

    Undergraduate Researcher

    Eastern Kentucky University

    • Learning gas chromatography olfactometry techniques in relation to flavor chemistry.
    • Presented the poster “Connecting the Amazing World of Smell to STEM Education” at the SERMACS Conference.

  2. May 2025 – Jul 2025

    Research Intern, Bioimaging Lab

    University of Louisville

    • Built a machine learning system for early detection of age-related macular degeneration using OCT retinal imaging.
    • Co-authored the published review “Explainable AI for Glaucoma Detection and Classification” in the Artificial Intelligence Review Journal.

  3. Jan 2025 – May 2026

    Organic Chemistry Lab TA

    Dept. of Chemistry & Forensic Sciences, EKU

    • Ensure lab safety and proper etiquette are followed.
    • Teach and grade organic chemistry material.

  4. Aug 2024 – Dec 2024

    Practicum Researcher

    Eastern Kentucky University

    • Designed a new organic chemistry lab experiment for solid phase extraction of caffeine, removing carcinogenic DCM.

  5. May 2024 – Apr 2026

    Pharmacy Technician

    Kroger Pharmacy

    • Handle prescription drop-offs, insurance billing, vaccine processing, dispensing, and patient correspondence.

  6. Aug 2023 – Aug 2024

    Learning Assistant

    STEM Center of Excellence, EKU

    • Provided academic support in chemistry, biology, math, and nursing dosage calculations.
    • Led thrice-weekly workshops; nearly all participating nursing students passed their exams.

Awards

  • Spring 2026

    Top Analytical Chemistry Student

    Recognized by the Dept. of Chemistry & Forensic Science for top performance in analytical and instrumentation chemistry courses.

  • Fall 2025

    Lexington ACS Travel Grant

    Awarded $250 to present a poster at the SERMACS Conference in Orlando, FL.

  • Fall 2025

    EKU Travel Grant

    Awarded $500 to present a poster at the SERMACS Conference in Orlando, FL.

  • Spring 2025

    Thomas Herndon Scholarship

    Nominated by the Chemistry & Forensic Science Department for strong academic standing.

  • Fall 2022

    Outstanding First Year Student Award

    Chosen as an outstanding student of the freshman class by an EKU chemistry professor.

  • Summer 2022

    Governor's Scholars Program

    1 of 6 students at Pulaski County High School selected; completed a summer semester at Bellarmine University.

Academic Honors

  • Dean's List

    Fall 2022, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

  • President's List

    Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Contact

Whether it's research, teaching, or just chemistry talk, I'm always glad to hear from thoughtful people.