OUR MENTORS FOR THE 2022-2023 ACADEMIC YEAR

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SAVANNA SHAW

Savanna is so excited to be a mentor this year! Outside of AMSA, she is a board member for Pink Warriors, a volunteer at UPMC Children’s and a pharmacy technician! Some of her favorite hobbies include reading, hanging with friends and trying new restraunts in Pittsburgh!

ADAM MONEK

Adam is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience and minoring in chemistry.  He works in a neurodegenerative disease lab at the medical school where he studies the role of melatonin in mitochondrial function and neurodegeneration.  He also volunteers at Hillman Cancer Center and is in an organization called PACT that raises cancer awareness and funds for Hillman.  Outside of school, he likes playing lacrosse, watching sports, and hanging out with friends.

ANEESHA PARWAL

Aneesha is a junior biochemistry major, minoring in Chemistry and Studio Arts, and completing the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate. This past year, she did research in the St. Hilaire lab that focuses on cardiovascular diseases, specifically calcification in the arteries and inflammation. She also volunteers every week at UPMC Presbyterian as a Patient Experience Volunteer in the patient care units, and participates in a weekly online shadowing program. This semester, she is also a TA for a course called Speaking of Science. Outside of school, she loves to draw, read books, watch anime and K-dramas, and is a huge Bollywood fan!  

AARYN MATHIAS

Aaryn is a sophomore Neuroscience major with a minor in Chemistry and certificates in Leadership and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of AMSA, he is a member of Phi Chi and Circle K. He also conducts research at the Coulter lab in the School of Public Health, aimed at reducing substance abuse in LGBTQ+ youth. Over the summer, he worked as a CNA at a hospital in Colorado and volunteered in the emergency department of a medical center near his home. In his free time, he likes to read, watch Netflix shows, and hang out with his friends!

LEONIE FINKE

Within AMSA, Leonie has spent the last 3 years on the VCR Committee and also mentored four underclassmen last year. Outside of AMSA, she is the Judicial Chair for Pitt Student Government, Program Developer and Peer Facilitator for Panther Leadership Academy, President of the German Club, Officer of Career Development and Business Manager of the International Relations club (which she helped found), Student Ambassador for both the Honors College and the Dept. of Neuroscience, and a UPMC Volunteer at Presby. She conducts research in two different disciplines: the first is in loneliness and treatment of late-life depression with the Geriatric Psychiatry Neuroimaging Lab; the second is in the effect of mass immigration on healthcare systems during the European Migrant Crisis (c. 2014-2018) as part of the Dept. of History's Digital Atlas Internship. Apart from that, she likes to play badminton, cook, and paint. Her background is international, as she has German parents, was born in the US, completed her secondary education in Italy and Japan, and has worked in clinical settings in both the US and Germany. This past summer, she completed a surgical clerkship in the Dept. of General Surgery in a German hospital, during which I spent over half of my time every day, practicing cutting and suturing in the OR. 

ISHA DESHPANDE

Isha is a senior majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology, with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. She has been involved in AMSA since her freshman year through the VCR committee and now as co-president! Outside of AMSA, she is also in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, where she is part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In terms of research, she works at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science under Dr. Stephen Smagula, studying disrupted circadian rhythm in post-stroke patients. She also works at Shadyside Hospital and is a TA for Human Physiology. Her hobbies include working out, exploring new places in Pittsburgh, and is a Big Sixers and Eagles fan!

CLAYTON OSBORNE

Clayton is a Senior Biology Major/Chemistry Minor. Outside of AMSA, he is involved in volunteering for the Community Human Services Food Pantry and UPMC. In his free time, he enjoys working out, watching sports, and spending time with his friends.

MARY McFARLAND

Mary is a sophomore Neuroscience major and Italian/Chemistry minor. She is part of the Sun Lab researching neurodegenerative diseases in the Department of Neurology. She is also a UTA for Biology 1 and volunteers weekly at UPMC Presbyterian. She adores dogs, so her favorite part of her week is volunteering as a dog walker at the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. This past summer, she went through training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked at a nursing home in her local area. 

ANNA McMOIL

Anna is currently a junior in the Emergency Medicine program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She is an EMT and hopes to become a paramedic in just a few months. She has also been a resident assistant for two years: last year in Tower B and this year in Tower C. She has worked and volunteered in the emergency room, maternity center, and for patient transport. She has some research experience in neural defects and dentistry. If she is not at clinical or studying, she likes to go on long walks, try new (vegan) food and get to know her residents.

ANJALI KAUL

Anjali is a senior, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Outside of AMSA, she is the Vice President of an art club at Pitt and enjoys taking walks. She volunteers at the Children's Hospital and does research at Magee, studying the effects of radiation therapy on lymphoma patients and various breast cancer treatments. Some of her hobbies include piano, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends. 

DEEKSHA SESHA

Deeksha is so excited to be a mentor this year! She is a major in Computational Biology, pursuing a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. She has been involved in AMSA since her freshman year, joined the PR Committee during her sophomore year, and is now one of the PR Committee Co-Chairs! Outside of AMSA, she works as a Patient Care Technician at West Penn Hospital and volunteers as part of the HELP Program at UPMC Shadyside. As for research, she does Computational Drug Discovery research in the Koes Lab at the School of Medicine's Department of Computational & Systems Biology, and she is also a TA for the Computational Biology class. She is a dancer on Steel City Raas, which is a competitive Indian dance team at Pitt, and is one of the Registration Directors of Taaza, a Garba-Raas and Bollywood Fusion dance competition hosted by Pitt students! Her hobbies include running, cooking, and trying out all the best coffee shops in Pittsburgh!

KRISTIN BINDAS

Kristin is a junior bioengineering student here at Pitt. She has been on the VCR committee since her freshman year, and is one of the co-chairs of the committee this year! Outside of AMSA, she works in the Orthopedic Robotics Laboratory under Dr. Debski, where she has spent the last year working on a shoulder dislocation project using cadaver shoulders, robots, and computer programming to track tissue deformation. Outside of research, she works in the engineering school as an ambassador, giving tours to prospective students, and trying to advance the Women in Engineering Recruitment Program! She has volunteered as an EMT in her hometown for over 3 years now. At school, she has volunteered at Jeremiah's Place as am emergency childcare volunteer. In her free time, she loves to cook, lift, and drink coffee! (huge coffee fanatic)

JAMES GARRETT BROWN

​Garrett is a senior Neuroscience major pursuing minors in Theatre Arts and Chemistry and certificates in Jewish Studies (with a focus in Hebrew) and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. In AMSA, he has been a Public Relations (PR) committee member, and this year he is excited to be a PR Committee Co-Chair! Garrett conducts patch clamp physiological experiments as part of his research for the Meriney Lab at the Department of Neuroscience. The research's main concern is to understand the efficacy of Roscovitine drug derivatives on various types of presynaptic calcium channels in neurons affected by neuromuscular diseases, such as Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS). He also volunteers in a Patient Experience position at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. Outside of his pre-medical pursuits, Garrett is highly involved in theatre and film as a dancer, actor, and singer, participating in many musicals and shows. He is an active member and choreographer of the Pitt Dance Ensemble and sings as part of the Praise and Worship Team at his home church. He has also earned the Eagle Scout rank through the Boy Scouts of America. Garrett has just been recently accepted into Liberty University's College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM)!

ANVAY RAJE

Anvay is a junior Neuroscience major with Chemistry and Statistics minors. He has been a part of AMSA since his freshman year and was on the VCR committee last year. In addition to AMSA, he is a member of the Steel City Raas dance team and works in an imaging research lab where he focuses on Congenital Heart Disease in human patients, as well as the brain network in mice models of Congenital Heart Disease. He also loves spending his time outdoors hiking or skiing as well as watching basketball.

MRUDUL NAGAPURKAR

Mrudul is a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry and certificates in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and Global Health. Outside of AMSA, she is involved in tumor metabolism research in the Department of Neurosurgery at UPMC, acts as a UTA for SEA-PHAGES I, and volunteers at a local medical clinic! In her free time, she also loves watching soccer, hiking, singing, and playing her guitar!

JENNA PERETIN

​Jenna is a senior Neuroscience major pursuing a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of AMSA, she serves as the service chair for Rho Psi Eta, is a UTA and peer tutor in the Study Lab for various neuroscience classes, and works as a Patient Care Technician at UPMC Mercy. She is also a research assistant at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine studying Alzheimer’s disease. In her free time, she loves reading, going to concerts, and finding new restaurants in Pittsburgh!

MICHAEL KELLER

​Michael is a sophomore Biochemistry major with Hispanic Language and Culture & Chemistry minors; he also plans to complete the certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. During his freshman year, he was a part of the Fundraising committee. In terms of research, he has worked with the Albers Lab in the Department of Neurobiology of the School of Medicine since his freshman year. His research focuses on understanding the process of neuroimmune communication and its involvement in surgical wound healing. Outside of AMSA, he is Vice President of TEDx, a member of Club Running, and a member of PDM. Also, he is a UPMC Presbyterian volunteer. In his free time, he enjoys running, baking, and painting.

ANVITA ANUMOLU

Anvita is a junior majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Music and Chemistry and the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate. In AMSA, she has been head of the Fundraising committee and now acts as one of the Co-Presidents! Outside of AMSA, she works for an Anesthesiology lab that studies neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis and as a patient care technician at UPMC Shadyside. Other clubs she is involved in is a dance team called Steel City Raas and a dance competition called Dhirana. In her free time, she loves playing the piano, binging a new TV show with her friends, and finding new places to eat in the city!

ZACH PLECAS

Zach is a junior from Buffalo, NY, who is majoring in Biological Sciences, and is also pursuing minors in Philosophy and Chemistry, as well as a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of AMSA, he is involved with Pitt’s chapter of Habitat For Humanity, is a UTA for Dr. O’Reilly’s Bio 1 class, and volunteers at UPMC. He has past experience in cytokine research at the Rangos Research Center, which is next to UPMC Children’s Hospital. In his spare time, he likes listening to music, being a big Bills and Sabres fan, and trying to learn the guitar. 

MAIA BROWN

​Maia Brown is a senior majoring in Microbiology. Outside of the classroom, she is involved in greek life, volunteering with the HELP program at Shadyside Hospital, and spending time with friends. Some of her hobbies include reading science fiction books, watching sports, trivia, and taking walks with friends. She currently does research in the Department of Pathology working on projects with ALS. She also has done research in the Department of Structural Biology for a summer program. Maia plans on going to medical school and going into infectious disease!

LACIE CHERRY

Lacie is a senior Neuroscience major with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Global Health. She is President of Pitt’s only pre-health sorority on campus, Rho Psi Eta. She spends a lot of time as a research assistant in the Behavioral Neurophysiology Lab on campus, centered in the Psychology department. While researching, she mostly spends time coding HRV data or cognitive reappraisal data, as well as running participants through VOP (venous occlusion plethysmography) and EKGs/ICGs! She is a Patient Care Technician at UPMC Presbyterian on 7F Trauma. In her free time, she really enjoys trying out new coffee shops, spending time reading in Schenley, and trying new restaurants!

TYLER AUGI

Tyler is a senior Psychology major with minor's in Chemistry and Economics, a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine, and is thrilled to be returning as a mentor this year! He is currently conducting research in the Behavioral Physiology Lab in the Department of Psychology, studying the interaction between aging, cognitive decline, and inflammation. Outside of class and research, Tyler is heavily involved in the Club Hurling team and definitely recommends looking it up if you've never heard of it before as it is the best sport you've never heard of. In his spare time, Tyler also loves to watch a football game (Go Jets!) and crush his friends in fantasy football.

MATTHEW CASEY

Matt is a senior double majoring in Biological Sciences and Spanish and minoring in Chemistry. He enjoys traveling, working out, and binging shows, and he likes to spend as much time as possible with friends and family. He has also played saxophone for about 10 years. He has volunteered with UPMC and currently volunteers as a tutor at the Latino Community Center, and is a UTA for Human Physiology. He works in the Byrne Lab at Pitt where they research gene therapies for inherited retinal degeneration.

JANVI PATEL

Janvi is a junior Molecular Biology (Cell & Developmental Biology Track)/Psychology major with minors in Chemistry and Studio Arts. She is involved in research with two labs this year: a clinical psychology lab where they are studying cognitive impairment in patients with a rare tumor, and a pharmacology lab where she is studying the possibility of xenotransplantation of pig livers to humans. Her research interests also include genetics and cancer biology. Outside of AMSA, she is an artist, actively taking commissions, and publishing her work. She is also President of ARTificial at Pitt, the University’s art club. Her other hobbies include cooking, exploring the city and museums, and watching football (H2P!).

JADE STEBER

Jade is a junior Neuroscience major with Chemistry and Hispanic Language & Culture Minors and the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate. Outside of AMSA, she is an undergraduate research assistant at the Kline lab located in the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research. The research focus is functional recovery from TBI (traumatic brain injury). This past summer, Jade had the opportunity to work in the SURA program through Pitt which allowed her to do research during the summer while interacting with a community of peer researchers across diverse fields of study! Jade is also a volunteer ambassador for the Patient Experience Program at UPMC Montefiore/Presbyterian where she volunteers in the program and train new volunteers. In her free time, I like to listen to music, draw digitally, walk and go on runs. Jade also loves learning to cook new things and trying to meal prep efficiently -- though this is more of a work in progress!

NICKOLAS KELLY

Nickolas is a sophomore biology major with a minor in chemistry. Outside of AMSA, Nickolas conducts research at the Bility lab in the School of Public Health aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of HIV using humanized rodent models. He is also a volunteer tutor through the nonprofit organization Learn To Be. Over the summer, Nickolas volunteered full time at a major hospital in his area and gained many valuable experiences that he hopes to share. In his free time, Nickolas enjoys cycling, watching sports, and cooking.

ABHAY SHEERI

 Abhay is a current sophomore majoring in Molecular Cell/Developmental Biology. He has been involved with AMSA since his freshman year, as well as Red Cross and Medlife, where he traveled to Ecuador and volunteered and shadowed physicians in mobile clinics. Currently, Abhay researches at Pitt’s new Assembly building under Dr. Ravi Patel, whom he has been with for a little over a year now. Abhay's research focuses on the effect of novel monoclonal antibodies, specifically immune-checkpoint inhibitors tagged with a cytokine, combined with external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), on tumor onset delay and survival in a murine (mouse) model (Honors Health-Sciences Research Fellowship blog linked). He also volunteers weekly in the Elder Life program at UPMC Shadyside, as well as Patient Experience at UPMC Presby. Outside of academics, Abhay enjoys a bit of photography, flying drones, as well as playing tennis and traveling.
https://pitthonors.blog/?s=abhay+sheeri

NOAH AVENDANO

Noah is a senior majoring in biological sciences and minoring in chemistry and history. Right now, he is a medical scribe and a research assistant looking into traumatic brain injuries. Outside of school Noah enjoys running, cooking, and following his favorite sports teams.

TIA PAULEY

Tia, is a junior biology major with minors in Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Modern Greek along with a Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate. Outside of being Vice President of AMSA, Tia is involved in Global Medical Brigades as the Women's Health Chair, the HELP volunteer program at UPMC, the Residential Programing Team as a 2nd year RA, and an entrepreneur/researcher in material sciences! Tia is a fiend for weight lifting, plant-care taking, skiing, and coffee!

LAUREN GIOVAGNOLI

Lauren is originally from Mechanicsburg, PA. She is a sophomore biological sciences major with minors in chemistry and sociology, and a certificate in conceptual foundations of medicine. Outside of AMSA, Lauren is the member engagement chair of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she is a patient experience volunteer at UPMC Presbyterian, and at home I work as a pharmacy technician. In her free time, Lauren loves reading, cooking, and hanging out with her friends.

VIGNESH ELANGOVAN

Vignesh is a sophomore majoring in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of AMSA, he is involved in research at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, where he studies radiation immunotherapy. Vignesh is also a UTA for Foundations of Biology 1, and volunteers at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Vignesh's hobbies include watching sports (especially football and basketball) and playing tennis or basketball.

MICHAEL SOBOL

Mike is a junior pursuing dual degrees in Neuroscience and Politics & Philosophy as well as minors in Chemistry, Economics, and Physics. After serving on the VCR Committee for two years, he’s now thrilled to be one of the 2022-23 VCR Co-Chairs. Outside of AMSA, Mike is a TA for Honors Organic Chemistry I-II and Biochemistry, the President of Science Olympiad at Pitt, a Frederick Honors College Community Leader and Ambassador, and a Beatrice Institute Christian Studies Fellow. He has performed neonatal infectious disease research at Children’s Hospital and is now beginning work in the UPMC Surgical Neuroanatomy Lab. This semester, Mike is also starting a bioethics-oriented BPhil thesis project. In his free time, Mike enjoys running, reading and researching at the intersections of science and policy, and studying Ukrainian here at Pitt!

YAMINI YEPURI

Yamini is third-year student here at Pitt. She is currently majoring in Psychology and minoring in GSWS. During her first year at Pitt, she got involved in AMSA and she still is as this year's Business Manager! Yamini is also currently the co-director of Dhirana, Pitt's first ever Indian classical dance competition. She also works as a clinical research assistant in a pediatric traumatic brain injury lab at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

OMKAR BETSUR

Omar is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in History. He works in the Lakdawala Lab analyzing the transmission of influenza and viruses. Omar volunteers at Shadyside and Presby with the Do Crew and No One Dies Alone programs respectively. Outside of AMSA, he is part of Phi Delta Epsilon. Omar is also an UTA for the Chemistry Department. Other than academics, Omar can be found watching Pitt D1 soccer and playing intramural myself multiple times a week. Omar is also the founder of Therapy Dogs Club at Pitt.

VARSHA KUMARAVEL

Varsha is a junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Creative Writing and Chemistry and is also completing a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of AMSA, Varsha is researching the emotional wellbeing of caregivers of children with medical complexity at UPMC Children's Hospital. She is also an assistant editor for The Pitt Pulse magazine and is involved in Pitt Girl Up and Pitt Psychology Club. Outside of Pitt, Varsha has been tutoring math for over four years. In her free time, Varsha enjoys writing, listening to music of different genres, and exploring Pittsburgh with friends!

CONNOR MURRAY

Connor is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences. Outside of AMSA he is active in a few other campus organizations including the Rainbow Alliance. Outside of his normal schoolwork he works at UPMC as an EKG/Monitor Technician and TAs for Organic Chemistry 1. He is also currently also trying to get involved in volunteering at UPMC and hopefully research at some point. When he's not studying, he loves hiking and being outside, exploring Pittsburgh, and hanging out with his friends. Fun fact: he is also a triplet (and one of the other two goes to Pitt)!