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Get to Know Our Team
Meet Our Executive Board
From our Co-Presidents, Logistics Coordinator, Treasurer, and to our Secretary, our executive board is here to help our committee co-chairs create the amazing events we see each year!
For general questions reach out to: ucsdbssa@gmail.com
or our Logistics Coordinator, Emily Lippman for anything involving membership, events, etc:
Welcome to the BSSA UCSD Officer Board page. Here you can learn more about the incredible individuals who drive our club forward! Continue reading to learn more about us! We look forward to meeting you!
Executive Board
Melody Sedighi
Co-President
Major: General Biology
College: Marshall
Email: msedighi@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite event is the BSSA Bonfire
About Me:
College: Marshall
Email: msedighi@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite event is the BSSA Bonfire
About Me:
Emily Lippman
Logistics Coordinator
Major: Microbiology
College: Seventh
Email: elippman@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I really appreciate how there is such a wide network of people within BSSA pursuing so many passions, and everyone is so eager to share how they got where they are and give advice!
About Me: Hi Everyone! I'm Emily, a 4th year and the logistics coordinator this year! Outside of classes, I really enjoy my lab work studying honey bees (I'm a true bug kid at heart), exploring and eating my way through San Diego, and love to try out making new recipes and sewing/embroidery! I hope to continue onto graduate school or working in industry pursuing research. If you ever have any questions, or want to get in touch, please reach out!
College: Seventh
Email: elippman@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I really appreciate how there is such a wide network of people within BSSA pursuing so many passions, and everyone is so eager to share how they got where they are and give advice!
About Me: Hi Everyone! I'm Emily, a 4th year and the logistics coordinator this year! Outside of classes, I really enjoy my lab work studying honey bees (I'm a true bug kid at heart), exploring and eating my way through San Diego, and love to try out making new recipes and sewing/embroidery! I hope to continue onto graduate school or working in industry pursuing research. If you ever have any questions, or want to get in touch, please reach out!
Sahiti Yenumula
Co-President
Major: Human Biology
College: Revelle
Email: syenumula@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love that BSSA focuses on helping undergraduates
About Me:
College: Revelle
Email: syenumula@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love that BSSA focuses on helping undergraduates
About Me:
Khushi Diwakar
Secretary
Major: Human Biology
College: Revelle
Email: kdiwakar@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love the diverse amount of events that BSSA hosts and how it caters to biology students of all different backgrounds and career paths!
About Me: After graduating, I hope to pursue medical research in regenerative medicine or immunology! In my free time, you can find me painting or sketching a new piece of art, reading a new mystery book, or just hanging out with my friends!
College: Revelle
Email: kdiwakar@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love the diverse amount of events that BSSA hosts and how it caters to biology students of all different backgrounds and career paths!
About Me: After graduating, I hope to pursue medical research in regenerative medicine or immunology! In my free time, you can find me painting or sketching a new piece of art, reading a new mystery book, or just hanging out with my friends!
Natalie Pok
Treasurer
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Marshall
Email: npok@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love how there's always something to do in BSSA through our amazing committees along with the connections you gain along the way going to different events!
About Me: Hi! Hi! My name is Natalie, your BSSA treasurer! My goal is to work in a laboratory that specializes in stem cell research and after undergrad, I plan to go to graduate school to obtain a PhD in biology and work towards becoming a stem cell biologist. Unrelated to science, I love hip-hop dancing, listening to music, weightlifting, and exploring new places!
College: Marshall
Email: npok@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love how there's always something to do in BSSA through our amazing committees along with the connections you gain along the way going to different events!
About Me: Hi! Hi! My name is Natalie, your BSSA treasurer! My goal is to work in a laboratory that specializes in stem cell research and after undergrad, I plan to go to graduate school to obtain a PhD in biology and work towards becoming a stem cell biologist. Unrelated to science, I love hip-hop dancing, listening to music, weightlifting, and exploring new places!
Karina Gunn
Mentorship Co-Chair
Major: Human Biology
College: Roosevelt
Email: kgunn@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I really love how there’s always something to do in BSSA since there are several amazing committees people can join, and you can network/gain connections by coming to different events! And of course, I love the community service events we have!
About Me: Hey!! Outside of school, you can find me either in the gym, cooking up something in the kitchen, or laying in the sun and crocheting! When I grow up, I want to deliver babies (OB/Gyn) but I also want to have a little farm in my backyard with lots of chickens!
College: Roosevelt
Email: kgunn@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I really love how there’s always something to do in BSSA since there are several amazing committees people can join, and you can network/gain connections by coming to different events! And of course, I love the community service events we have!
About Me: Hey!! Outside of school, you can find me either in the gym, cooking up something in the kitchen, or laying in the sun and crocheting! When I grow up, I want to deliver babies (OB/Gyn) but I also want to have a little farm in my backyard with lots of chickens!
Rughved Mhaske
Mentorship Co-Chair
Major: Neurobiology
College: Seventh
Email: rmhaske@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: Everyone in BSSA makes it a unique, welcoming committee that can help everyone become a better person.
About Me: I volunteer as a pathmaker intern at Pomerado Hospital and work as a tutor within the SYN program at 7th college among other things. I'm a big fan of indoor climbing, working out, and the beach! Pre-med like most of you, so if you have a question, don't hesitate to ask!
College: Seventh
Email: rmhaske@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: Everyone in BSSA makes it a unique, welcoming committee that can help everyone become a better person.
About Me: I volunteer as a pathmaker intern at Pomerado Hospital and work as a tutor within the SYN program at 7th college among other things. I'm a big fan of indoor climbing, working out, and the beach! Pre-med like most of you, so if you have a question, don't hesitate to ask!
Zorex Villadelgado Jr.
Annual Events Co-Chair
Major: Human Biology
College: Roosevelt
Email: zvilladelgado@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is how welcoming and diverse the community is.
About Me: I'm Zorex, a fourth-year pre-med student who plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in surgery. When I'm not studying or working, I'm usually playing video games, listening to music, working out, cooking, or watching K-dramas!
College: Roosevelt
Email: zvilladelgado@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is how welcoming and diverse the community is.
About Me: I'm Zorex, a fourth-year pre-med student who plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in surgery. When I'm not studying or working, I'm usually playing video games, listening to music, working out, cooking, or watching K-dramas!
Jessica Ly
Annual Events Co-Chair
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Revelle
Email: jel077@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: Getting to help new students figure out UCSD!
About Me: Hi, I’m Jessica! As a MCB student, I hope to pursue a career in biotechnology industry/research after graduate studies. When I’m not studying or in lab, I enjoy long-distance running, sightseeing in SD, and cooking! Can’t wait to meet all of you!
College: Revelle
Email: jel077@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: Getting to help new students figure out UCSD!
About Me: Hi, I’m Jessica! As a MCB student, I hope to pursue a career in biotechnology industry/research after graduate studies. When I’m not studying or in lab, I enjoy long-distance running, sightseeing in SD, and cooking! Can’t wait to meet all of you!
Manya Jain
Professional Development Committee
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Revelle
Email: m6jain@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love the community, and the unique people you get to meet through the club
About Me: Hi y’all! My name is Manya and I’m a fourth year at UCSD. Outside of working in a lab you can find me exploring SD or trying out new food. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!!
College: Revelle
Email: m6jain@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love the community, and the unique people you get to meet through the club
About Me: Hi y’all! My name is Manya and I’m a fourth year at UCSD. Outside of working in a lab you can find me exploring SD or trying out new food. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!!
Matilda Genevriere
Professional Development Co-Chair
Major: Neurobiology
College: Roosevelt
Email: mgenevriere@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love how BSSA caters not only to pre-meds but also students interested in different careers in the biology field.
About Me: Hi everyone! My name is Matilda and I'm currently studying to be a veterinarian. In my free time, I love playing field hockey, reading, and practicing new tricks with my dog.
College: Roosevelt
Email: mgenevriere@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I love how BSSA caters not only to pre-meds but also students interested in different careers in the biology field.
About Me: Hi everyone! My name is Matilda and I'm currently studying to be a veterinarian. In my free time, I love playing field hockey, reading, and practicing new tricks with my dog.
Mason Ek
Publicity Co-Chair
Major: Human Biology
College: Seventh
Email: mek@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: Meeting people with similar interests and goals.
About Me: I'm a pre-med student interested in a career as a surgeon. I enjoy swimming and spending time with my friends.
College: Seventh
Email: mek@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: Meeting people with similar interests and goals.
About Me: I'm a pre-med student interested in a career as a surgeon. I enjoy swimming and spending time with my friends.
Mia Chiang
Publicity Co-Chair
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Revelle
Email: m6chiang@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: BSSA has provided me a space where I could get to know people who share a similar interest in biology. I have also found it to be a place where you can turn to for advice from a student's perspective when going through a rough patch in one of your classes.
About Me: In the future, I am hoping to go into biotechnology. Outside of studies, I love to stay active by swimming, rock climbing, going to the gym, and occasionally running. I am also a photographer for Revelle Creative, so you might see me around Revelle Plaza with my camera.
College: Revelle
Email: m6chiang@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: BSSA has provided me a space where I could get to know people who share a similar interest in biology. I have also found it to be a place where you can turn to for advice from a student's perspective when going through a rough patch in one of your classes.
About Me: In the future, I am hoping to go into biotechnology. Outside of studies, I love to stay active by swimming, rock climbing, going to the gym, and occasionally running. I am also a photographer for Revelle Creative, so you might see me around Revelle Plaza with my camera.
Jacob Wong
Volunteer Co-Chair
Major: Human Biology
College: Sixth
Email: jaw004@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is being able to meet people of the same major and form new friendships through our committies.
About Me: Hey everyone, I am a pre-PA student who's a caregiver at the moment but also loves to procrastinate on k-dramas! If you are at all interested in the PA profession, please feel free to reach out to me or follow @ucsdppaso for more information! Hope to see you guys at some BSSA events (especially volunteering)!
College: Sixth
Email: jaw004@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is being able to meet people of the same major and form new friendships through our committies.
About Me: Hey everyone, I am a pre-PA student who's a caregiver at the moment but also loves to procrastinate on k-dramas! If you are at all interested in the PA profession, please feel free to reach out to me or follow @ucsdppaso for more information! Hope to see you guys at some BSSA events (especially volunteering)!
Praveer Balaka
Volunteer Co-Chair
Major: Neurobiology
College: Seventh
Email: pbalaka@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I appreciate BSSA being a platform for students to connect with resources, build a community, and maximize their potentials.
About Me: Hey! I’m Praveer, and I’m a second year on the pre-med track. In my free time, I enjoy watching basketball, buying sneakers, and eating food. I also have fun hanging out with my friends, whether it’s mini golfing, bowling, or (beating) escape rooms.
College: Seventh
Email: pbalaka@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I appreciate BSSA being a platform for students to connect with resources, build a community, and maximize their potentials.
About Me: Hey! I’m Praveer, and I’m a second year on the pre-med track. In my free time, I enjoy watching basketball, buying sneakers, and eating food. I also have fun hanging out with my friends, whether it’s mini golfing, bowling, or (beating) escape rooms.
Giacomo Carter
Peer Networking Co-Chair
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Revelle
Email: gicarter@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite part about BSSA is the amazing community of like minded of Bio majors that you get to be apart of. Not only does it help with networking, but you get to make genuine friends.
About Me: Hey! I’m a Socal native and I love to hike and discover good restaurants. For work, I prep media in a lab as well as work on a separate research project. I’m interested in genetics and computational biology.
College: Revelle
Email: gicarter@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: My favorite part about BSSA is the amazing community of like minded of Bio majors that you get to be apart of. Not only does it help with networking, but you get to make genuine friends.
About Me: Hey! I’m a Socal native and I love to hike and discover good restaurants. For work, I prep media in a lab as well as work on a separate research project. I’m interested in genetics and computational biology.
Seoin Yang
Peer Networking Co-Chair
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Seventh
Email: sey012@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I think my favorite thing about BSSA is the people. Sometimes they are great friends and other times they are great mentors.
About Me: I’m a big foodie and I love all Korean foods but I also love trying new foods. Outside of school, I love playing music with my friends. I also love playing with kids so I want to become a pediatrician in the future.
College: Seventh
Email: sey012@ucsd.edu
Favorite Thing About BSSA: I think my favorite thing about BSSA is the people. Sometimes they are great friends and other times they are great mentors.
About Me: I’m a big foodie and I love all Korean foods but I also love trying new foods. Outside of school, I love playing music with my friends. I also love playing with kids so I want to become a pediatrician in the future.
Want to see our past officer board members?
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