Officer Board
BSSA is run by our talented board of officers who are constantly striving to improve your experience.
Continue reading to learn more about us! We look forward to meeting you!
Executive Board
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- Melody Sedighi
- CO-PRESIDENT
- MAJOR: General Biology
- COLLEGE: Thurgood Marshall
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA:I greatly appreciate the sense of community that BSSA cultivates, and I find it enriching to participate in the wide array of biology-related events orchestrated by our committees and student board!
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About Me
Hi everyone! My name is Melody I am a pre-medical student at UCSD! On my free time I love spending time with my friends, cooking, singing, and watching soccer games with my chaotic family. I also enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures around the world. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I can't wait to meet you all:) :)
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- Aren Khachatryan
- CO-PRESIDENT
- MAJOR: Molecular and Cell Biology
- COLLEGE: Eleanor Roosevelt College
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: Being able to see everyone having fun and relaxing at our socials, especially after midterms
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ABOUT ME
Hey I'm Aren a fourth year molecular biology major. After I graduate I plan to try and work in the industry for a few years before pursuing a PhD in biology. In my free time I love to explore various cafes across San Diego, and I do my best to workout consistently.

- Amanda Cyril
- TREASURER
- MAJOR: General Biology
- MINOR: Human Developmental Sciences
- COLLEGE: Thurgood Marshall
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is that you're able to find friends to help you through your academic and professional career in Biology.
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ABOUT ME
For hobbies I love to dance, weight-lift, read, run, and swim. I love exploring SD with friends and just driving around. I will be joining the BS/MS program this upcoming spring quarter with the goal of joining a MD/PhD program after!
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- Gary Taing
- SECRETARY
- MAJOR: Human Biology
- COLLEGE: Sixth
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: I love the endless opportunities and resources that the club provides to help students flourish academically and professionally, while still fostering a community that builds connections amongst its members!
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ABOUT ME
I am currently working on receiving a pharmacy technician certification and plan to attend pharmacy school in hopes of working in ambulatory care! In my free time, you can catch me partaking in any physical activity (weightlifting, sports, etc.) or eating/cooking.

- Emily Lippman
- LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
- MAJOR: Microbiology
- COLLEGE: Seventh
- 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!
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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.
Commitee Co-Chairs
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- Ari Brisco Schofield
- MENTORSHIP CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution
- MINOR: Marine Science
- COLLEGE: Eleanor Roosevelt College
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: Getting to help new students figure out UCSD!
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ABOUT ME
I plan on going into wildlife conservation and management-related research after graduate school. When I’m not doing bio things, I’m helping to run Triton Pokémon League, playing video games and tabletop roleplaying games, watching anime and reading manga, or doing wildlife photography!
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- Daniel Mayrink
- MENTORSHIP CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Human Developmental Sciences and Human Biology
- COLLEGE: Revelle
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: BSSA has an inviting presence and an easygoing pipeline to get interested students into involved and leading positions. It’s an amazing environment to be in!
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ABOUT ME
Heya, nice to meet you. I’m in my fifth year at UCSD studying to become a physician, likely in a field like oncology or pediatrics. I’ve had a lot of experience in student orgs, teaching assistant positions, clinical hours, and mentoring other students. I also play videogames, play fantasy sports, and read in my free time. Hope to see you in the Mentorship Program! If you have any food recommendations send them my way!

- Natalie Pok
- VOLUNTEER CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Molecular and Cell Biology
- MINOR: Asian American Pacific Islander Studies
- COLLEGE: Thurgood Marshall
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: I really love how there’s always something to do in BSSA since there’s 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 :)
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ABOUT ME
Hi! My name is Natalie Pok, one of the volunteer committee co-chairs! I’ve held internships working with CRISPR/Cas9, maintaining different cell lines, etc and because of that, my goal is to work in a laboratory that specializes in stem cell research. 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. I’m super excited to be working with all of you this year!

- Jacob Wong
- VOLUNTEER CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Human Biology
- COLLEGE: Sixth
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is the amazing people you will be able to meet and become friends with during GBMs and other events!
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ABOUT ME
Hey everyone! My name is Jacob and I'm going to be an incoming 3rd year who is on the Pre-PA track. I enjoy lots of different things like swimming and procrastinating on watching shows on Netflix. If you have any questions about anything, feel free to reach out! Can't wait to meet all of you!

- Khushi Diwakar
- PUBLICITY CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Human Biology
- COLLEGE: Revelle
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is the resources and opportunities it provides the students in order to succeed in their professional careers.
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Khushi, one of your BSSA publicity co-chairs for this year! I've been a part of BSSA since my freshman year and I met so many amazing people through it. After graduating, I hope to pursue a career in medical research. In my free time, I enjoy painting, baking, and going out with my friends!
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- Sahiti Yenumula
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Human Biology
- COLLEGE: Revelle
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: I love that BSSA focuses on helping undergraduates develop themselves and explore their interests in biological sciences, while establishing a supportive community.
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ABOUT ME
Hello, my name is Sahiti Yenumula, and I'm one of the Professional Development Committee Co-Chairs for this year! I hope to attend medical school after my journey at UC San Diego as an undergraduate. In my free time, I enjoy singing, playing the trumpet, and taking long walks. My past two years in BSSA were fun and inspiring, and I look forward to helping create a wonderful experience for you as well!

- Manya Jain
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Molecular and Cell Biology
- MINOR: Computational Social Science
- COLLEGE: Revelle
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: I love that it is a place for like minded people to meet and grow!
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ABOUT ME
Hi! My name is Manya, and as a MCB major my hope is to be able to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research in the industry. When I'm not studying or in classes, you can find me reading a book, in the gym, or sightseeing with friends around SD. I also love to dance and eat! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.
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- Zorex Villadelgado Jr.
- ANNUAL EVENTS CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Human Biology
- MINOR: Chemistry
- COLLEGE: Eleanor Roosevelt College
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: My favorite thing about BSSA is how welcoming and diverse the community is.
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ABOUT ME
I'm Zorex, a third-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 videogames, listening to music, working out, cooking, or watching K-dramas!
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- Karthy
- ANNUAL EVENTS CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Molecular and Cell Biology
- COLLEGE: Seventh
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: The supportive community and engaging events! As an organization, I love how we strive to diversify opportunities for biology majors here on campus.
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ABOUT ME
Hi everyone! My name is Karthy Sajeev and I’m one of your Annual Events co-chairs this year. Following graduate school, I aim to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry in order to help make advances in the field of genomics. In my free time, I love to read, sing, watch kdramas, and explore the SD area with friends!
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- Arya Tanksale
- Peer Networking CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Molecular and Cell Biology
- COLLEGE: Thurgood Marshall
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA:My favorite thing about BSSA are the unique events that allow students to explore different career options within and beyond the field of biology!
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ABOUT ME
Hi all! I am Arya and I am a molecular and cell biology major. I aspire to have a career centering around biology whether that be medicine, research, or academia, but I am still exploring my options! In my free time, I like to read, bake, and kayak.

- Jahnavi Shah
- Peer Networking CO-CHAIR
- MAJOR: Human Biology
- COLLEGE: Eleanor Roosevelt College
- FAVORITE THING ABOUT BSSA: The people!
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ABOUT ME
Hi everyone! I’m a 4th year and I hope to apply and go to medical school. My career aspirations is to become a doctor in the field of neurology and also be involved in neurological research. Along with BSSA, I work with the WellBeing Peer Educators with Health Promotion Services and work at the Writing Hub in the Teaching and Learning Commons. I am so excited for the upcoming year and all the fun events!
Advisors
Previous Officers
2017-2018
- Co-President: Stephanie Chu
- Co-President: Christine Pham
- Secretary: Sara Ye
- Treasurer: Sandra Rabat
- Logistics Coordinator: Ivan Lu
- Annual Events: Vineet Tummala
- Annual Events: Nikhil Sinha
- Professional Development: Jake Sy
- Professional Development: Benjamin Chan
- Social: Jarrod Yee
- Social: Brittney Trinh
- Volunteer: Anh Nguyen
- Volunteer: Jacqueline Chang
- First Year Programs: Claudia Yan
- First Year Programs: Belinda Liu
- Publicity: Kimelton Kim
2018-2019
- Co-President: Ivan Lu
- Co-President: Kimelton Kim
- Secretary: Belinda Liu
- Treasurer: Benjamin Chan
- Logistics Coordinator: Sara Ye
- Annual Events: Jezra Relente
- Annual Events: Nikhil Sinha
- Professional Development: Dustin Pwee
- Professional Development: Edric Gagui
- Social: Claudia Yan
- Social: Jarrod Yee
- Volunteer: Joshua Mandap
- Volunteer: Megan Gee
- First Year Programs: Brittney Trinh
- First Year Programs: Brandon Mukogawa
- Publicity: Henry Goh
- Publicity: Cristal Cabrera
2019-2020
- President: Belinda Liu
- Vice President: Benjamin Chan
- Secretary: Dustin Pwee
- Treasurer: Cristal Cabrera
- Logistics Coordinator: Brandon Mukogawa
- Annual Events: Tiffany Chu
- Annual Events: Katie Clark
- Mentorship: Katelyn Nguyen
- Mentorship: Tvisha Devavarapu
- Professional Development: Noelle Johnson
- Professional Development: Lydia Chen
- Social: Edric Gagui
- Social: Claudia Yan
- Volunteer: Brittney Trinh
- Volunteer: Megan Gee
- Publicity: Henry Goh
- Publicity: Annie Chea
2020-2021
- Co-President: Brandon Mukogawa
- Co-President: Noelle Johnson
- Secretary: Henry Goh
- Treasurer: Tiffany Chu
- Logistics Coordinator: Lydia Chen
- Annual Events: Dustin Pwee
- Annual Events: Anu Chaparala
- Mentorship: Katelyn Nguyen
- Mentorship: Brian Dinh
- Professional Development: Katie Clark
- Professional Development: Reema Apte
- Social: Edric Gagui
- Social: Cristal Kwan
- Volunteer: Nikhil Rao
- Volunteer: Megan Griswold
- Publicity: Anythony Sweha
- Publicity: Marcella Ku
2021-2022
- Co-President: Lydia Chen
- Co-President: Brian Dinh
- Secretary: Anu Chaparala
- Treasurer: Crystal Kwan
- Logistics Coordinator: Katie Clark
- Annual Events: Twisha Kurlagunda
- Annual Events: Katelyn Nguyen
- Mentorship: Amanda Cyril
- Mentorship: Jack Naritomi
- Professional Development: Marcella Ku
- Professional Development: Marana Kuhn
- Social: Rebecca Gin
- Social: Hira Ali
- Volunteer: Deevya Raman
- Volunteer: Anthony Sweha
- Publicity: Tyler Lo
- Publicity: Brian Nquyen
2022-2023
- Co-President: Tyler Lo
- Co-President: Rebecca Gin
- Secretary: Twisha Kurlagunda
- Treasurer: Marcella Ku
- Logistics Coordinator: Amanda Cyril
- Annual Events: Emily Lippman
- Annual Events: Arya Tanksale
- Mentorship: Ari Brisco Schofield
- Mentorship: Karina Gunn
- Professional Development: Sahiti Yenumula
- Professional Development: Karthy Sajeev
- Peer Networking: Aren Khachatryan
- Peer Networking: Jovina Djulamsah
- Volunteer: Deevya Raman
- Volunteer: Melody Sedighi
- Publicity: Gary Taing
- Publicity: Niki Roozitalab