2023-2024 Executive Board
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Tia Pauley
Co-President Senior Majors: Biology major, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Minors: Modern Greek , Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate Research, Volunteering & Extracurriculars: Tia volunteers at UMPC Shadyside with the Hospital Elder Life Program and at Anova Hospice Palliative Care Services with the Athena Institute Pre-Med Hospice Program. She is also a 3rd Year Resident Assistant in Tower B Gold, and a Neuroscience Teaching Assistant! In her free time, Tia loves taking care of her plants, hiking, and (currently) binge-reading A Court of Thorns and Roses! Words from Tia: “This is going to be a great year, and I'm so stoked to see everyone again!” |
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Mike Sobol
Co-President Senior Majors: Neuroscience, Politics & Philosophy Minors: Chemistry, Economics Research, Volunteering, & Extracurriculars: Mike works in research at the Pediatric Brain Electrophysiology Laboratory (PBEL) and is involved in UPMC Neurosurgery residency curriculum development. He also conducts bioethics research for his BPhil thesis. He volunteers through UPMC Children's Hospital, the UPMC Girls on the Run 5K Race Committee, and Crisis Text Line. On campus, Mike participates in Science Olympiad at Pitt and Pennsylvania Science Olympiad. He also works as the Pittsburgh Undergraduate Review’s Editor-in-Chief and is a Frederick Honors College Ambassador, Community Leader, and Student Council Academics Committee Chair. Within Pitt’s academic departments, Mike serves as a Teaching Assistant (Honors Functional Neuroanatomy, Biochemistry, Honors Organic Chemistry I-II) and Athletics Department Science/Math Tutor for Student-Athletes. In his free time, Mike enjoys distance running, watching football and hockey (Go Bills and Blues!), reading, and planning for the long-term goal of starting a farm from scratch. Words from Mike: “I'm so excited for the honor of leading AMSA this year with Tia and our incredible Executive Board! I remember how welcomed and supported I felt as a freshman in AMSA, and it's my goal to foster that same community atmosphere for all of our members. I'm looking forward to continuing many of the great AMSA traditions while also integrating new meeting ideas, community engagement experiences, and opportunities for fun and relaxation. Don't ever hesitate to reach out with questions, feedback, or ideas!” |
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Kristin Hsieh
Co-Vice President Junior Majors: Neuroscience Minors: Film & Media Studies, Sociology, Chemistry Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Kristin does research in the university’s department of Ophthalmology (Axon nerve regeneration following blunt eye trauma) with Dr. Kuwajima. She volunteers with Circle K where she serves as Vice President and at UPMC Hospital as a Patient Experience volunteer. Aside from AMSA, Kristin is also active in Asian orgs on campus including TSA and ASA. In her free time, Kristin likes watching movies at Waterfront with friends and analyzing them on her film account @kris.talksfilm . She also enjoys exploring the city and visiting local shops. Words from Kristin: “Very excited to help create a welcoming environment for people to feel comfortable and to learn many things for their future ambitions! I also plan on collaborating with other clubs like Circle K to provide more volunteering opportunities.” |
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Stuti Panchal
Co-Vice President Junior Major: Neuroscience Minors: French/Chemistry Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Stuti is currently an undergraduate researcher at Cunningham Laboratory investigating the mechanisms of auditory functioning, particularly ER stress contributions to the pathology of hearing loss. This past summer as a SURA fellow, she had the opportunity to conduct her own research project on hearing loss and environmental noise exposure using mouse models. Outside of research, Stuti isa Volunteer Ambassador at UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore as part of patient-care unit, Hands Down We Nailed It.She also volunteers at HARP, a local Pittsburgh animal shelter, where she serves as a weekly dog walker. Aside from AMSA, Stuti is the NSCS Honors Society's Executive VP and Treasurer. Finally, she is one of the current UTA for Dr. O'Reilly's biochemistry course. In her free time, Stuti loves being in nature, so she will try to go to the lake to go kayaking, hiking, or swimming! On the other hand, Stuti is also a couch potato, movie buff, and bookworm, so you can catch her in bed binging movies or settled in with a book. As a self-proclaimed foodie, she is always on the hunt for new restaurants and cafes :) Words from Stuti: "While I am nervous to be a Junior, I am looking forward to a new semester at Pitt!" |
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Zachary Miller
Secretary Junior Major: Bioengineering Minor: Chemistry Certificate: M.S. in Medical Product Engineering Zachary researches Soft Tissue Engineering under Dr. Jonathan Vande Geest, and has also been a Research fellow at Georgia Tech. Currently Zachary works as a Patient Care Technician at UPMC. Outside of research, he is the Founder of the Spreading Neurodiversity Acceptance Project and the Volunteering Coordinator of Disability Cart Volunteering at UPMC. In his free time Zachary enjoys rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and traveling! Words from Zachary: “Get ready to "scrub" into a year of amazing opportunities!” |
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Jade Steber
PR CO-Chair Senior Major: Neuroscience Minors: Chemistry, Hispanic Language and Culture Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Jade currently researches traumatic injuries in the neuroscience department at Pitt. She works with Dr. Takaaki Kuwajima investigating optic nerve crush and glaucoma (Ophthalmology). Also, Jade works in Dr. Anthony Kline's lab researching functional recovery from traumatic brain injury, where she has spent the past two summers in the SURA and then CNUP research programs (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation). Outside of research, Jade volunteers as an ambassador for the Patient Experience Program at UPMC Presbyterian where she trains new volunteers and works in the program. As a volunteer, she provides friendly visits to patient rooms offering conversation, fun activities, a helping hand, and a listening ear. Aside from AMSA, Jade currently translates documents from English to Spanish for Pitt's chapter of Engineering Without Borders. Currently, the group is collaborating with townspeople on a latrine project in Carijana, Bolivia to improve public health. Jade will also be a UTA for Biochem with Dr. Zapanta this year. For fun, Jade enjoys reading, drawing, exploring arts and music, trying new foods, going for walks to new places or moving around in general, and cooking new recipes! Words from Jade: “Through four years in AMSA, I've gained genuinely valuable guidance for my undergraduate education-- something I want to ensure all our members experience. It is amazing that this collaborative and welcoming space exists for pre-meds who are navigating new waters along their individual paths. I encourage everyone to ask questions and not be afraid to reach out to the EBoard and peers. Let's have a great year together! :)” |
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Sophie Stefancic
PR CO-Chair Junior Major: Biology Minors: Social Work and Chemistry Minor Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Certificate Sophie does clinical and translational research in Pediatric Rheumatology studying Juvenile Scleroderma at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She is also on the Taskforce for Transition in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine and a board member for the Youth Research Advisory Council at Children's. Sophie supports and volunteers at the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition of Pittsburgh. She's also volunteer in the NICU and CICU at Children's. Aside from AMSA, Sophie is a Peer Advisor for the Biology Department and is involved with the Ballet Club, ASA, and more. Sophie is from San Francisco, CA so many of her hobbies come from enjoying nature and exploring things around her! She loves learning about tide pool ecology in the Pacific Ocean, and one of her favorite things to do is surf with her friends at home. Sophie is also interested in mushrooms and mycology. In Pittsburgh Sophie likes going to cafes and new restaurants with friends. She also rides the POGOH bikes to school, work, etc. (they are free for Pitt students!). She loves to cook, do watercolor, and solve the NYTimes Crossword Puzzle. Words from Sophie: “AMSA is a place for learning and growing and I am so excited to be a part of all of our journeys through undergrad. I am here to support you, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and get to know me!” |
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Eshan Aravid
VCR CO-Chair Senior Majors: Biology and Economics Minor: Chemistry Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine Eshan works at the Freyberg Lab in BST 2. In his free time, Eshan likes to lift and play soccer as being active helps him destress and fills his time. Words from Eshan: “I really hope we can push forward as a club and make sure everyone is finding the club useful as well as enjoying the club meetings. I am really looking forward to a great year!” |
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Abi Naidich
VCR CO-Chair Sophomore Major: Chemistry Certificate: Global Health Abi researches within the Wipf group in Chevron where she studies drug development for castration-resistant prostate cancer. She was also awarded a grant to do Ophthalmology research over the summer at the UPMC Vision Institute. Outside of school, Abi is a Research Mentor through the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) in Posvar and worked as beach EMT over the summer. Aside from AMSA, Abi is involved with a Social sorority, Chi Omega. In her free time Abi enjoys traveling, fitness/working out and reading. Words from Abi: “I’m always available to answer any questions and excited to have a productive school year!” |
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Ria Sai
Business Manager Sophomore Majors: Chemistry and Philosophy Ria worked in the Griffith lab over the summer, where she used published RNA-seq databases to evaluate new cell-sequencing technologies. She will also be a UTA for honors gen chem this year. In her free time, Ria likes to read and crochet. Words from Ria: “I can't wait to spend more time in the inclusive community AMSA has created, and am excited to gain more insight into the application process!” |
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