2020-2021 Executive Board
Email: eboard.pittamsa@gmail.com
Presidents
Email: president.pittamsa@gmail.com
Caroline Gnezda
Hi, my name is Caroline and I am a Biology major with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s studies. I volunteer at Planned Parenthood and love hiking! I’m so excited for AMSA this year.
Leslie Rajendran
Hi! My name is Leslie and I'm a senior Biology and Psychology double major, with a minor in Chemistry. Currently I research ADHD with Dr. Joseph as part of the Youth and Family Research Program and will be doing my thesis this year. I also volunteer with the Doo Crew at UPMC Shadyside and at Jeremiah's Place, a crisis nursery. Outside of school you can find me trying new Thai restaurants and binging crime podcasts. I'm so excited to get to know you all, feel free to reach out to me if you ever want to chat!
Vice President
Faith Kehinde
Hi, my name is Faith Kehinde! My pronouns are she/her/hers, and I’m majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in chemistry, as well as certificates in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and Communications. Outside of AMSA, I enjoy serving as a mentor for Pittsburgh High school students, volunteering in the surrounding neighborhoods , as well as reading and writing poetry!
Fundraising Committee Chair
Email: business.pittamsa@gmail.com
Alay Gandhi
Hi, my name is Alay and I am a junior majoring in natural sciences with a minor in economics and chemistry. Outside of AMSA I am involved in PACT (Pittsburgh Attacks Cancer Together). I also work as a care attendant at UPMC Mercy. Additionally, I work as a clinical research assistant for the Center for aging and population health and work specifically with the SOMMA study. The SOMMA study looks into finding new pathways of why mobility decreases as we age. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis and hanging out with my friends.
PR Committee Chairs
Email: pr.pittamsa@gmail.com
Vaishnavi Mahalingam
Hi, my name is Vaishnavi and I'm a junior majoring in microbiology with minors in theatre and chemistry, and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of AMSA, I conduct research at the Hatfull Lab on bacteriophages and their use in combating antibiotic resistant infections. I also volunteer at the Children's Hospital! In my free time, I enjoy reading, knitting, and baking. I look forward to meeting all of you this year!
Judy Zhang
Hi, my name is Judy Zhang and my pronouns are she/her/hers! I am double majoring in Biological Sciences and Spanish and minoring in Social Work and Chemistry. Outside of AMSA, I enjoy volunteering at the Children's Hospital and Magee's Center for Women with Disabilities. Additionally, I am working on a research project focused on peanut allergy. When I'm not doing these things, you can definitely find me taking photos, cooking (vegan!) recipes, or binge-watching Netflix!
VCR Committee Chairs
Email: vcr.pittamsa@gmail.com
David Holovac
Hi, my name is David and I am a senior majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in French. Outside of AMSA, I am a tutor and/or a UTA for intro to neuroscience as well as organic chemistry. In addition, I volunteer in the emergency room at UPMC Presbyterian. Outside of school, I am a die hard fisherman, avid runner, and amateur chef. I am excited to meet everyone and am looking forward to an awesome year together!
Virali Patel
Hi, my name is Virali and I am a senior neuroscience major and French and chemistry minor. Outside of AMSA, I am researching ADLD, a genetic neurogenerative disorder of the central nervous system, in Dr. Padiath's lab at the Graduate School of Public Health. I am also a volunteer at Planned Parenthood and at the Children's Hospital in the NICU. I am a tutor and/or UTA for bio 1, biochemistry, and intro to neuroscience. If I am not busy doing any of these things, you can probably find me hammocking outside or grabbing a bite to eat with friends. Feel free to email me if you want to get involved with any of these activities or want advice or if you just want to grab coffee together and chat :) I am looking forward to meeting and serving all you this upcoming academic year!
Secretary
Email: sec.pittamsa@gmail.com
Priya Shah
Hi, my name is Priya and I am a junior double majoring in neuroscience and political science. Outside of AMSA, I am involved in Panthers Educating and Advocating for Children in Homeless Situations and I write for the Pitt News. I also volunteer at Shadyside Hospital and research with the Translational Neuroscience Program. I love spending my free time at the center for creativity, in random spots on campus watching New Girl...again, or just hanging out with my friends. I look forward to getting to know you all and am excited for this fall!