My name is Aidan Schlichting (he/him/his), and I am a third-year PhD student in the Molecular Medicine Program. I am originally from Freeburg, Illinois, and I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Molecular & Cell Biology from Millikin University in 2024. My research at Iowa focuses on developing RNA aptamer biotechnology to develop targeted therapeutic delivery systems for cardiovascular disease. 

As a graduate student, I have previously served as a Senator for the Molecular Medicine Program in the Graduate Student Senate (GSS); this year I will also serve as the parliamentarian on the GSS executive committee. I am excited for the opportunity to advocate for our students and the campus community to create an environment that supports their well-being and success. I am also part of the Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellowship, where I have learned how to turn ideas into action. In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking & baking, and ice skating.