
Alisha Kumar
Major(s): Political ScienceMinor(s): Public Health
Contact: paganinicaprice24@tamu.edu
Class Year: 27
High School: John Foster Dulles High School
Research Focus: Political science, international relations, human rights
Howdy! I'm Alisha Kumar, a freshman in political science, though I'm also pursuing a minor in public health. I have a broad range of research interests: politics, international relations, immunology, global health, and anything that has to do with the intersection of politics and health. I would like to go to graduate school and eventually work for an international organization like the WHO, or national organization like the CDC. I also consume research on various things that I find interesting, like music, as I did research on it during high school through the AP Capstone program. Since I'm a freshman, I haven't started any research in college, but I'm looking forward to doing so at one point in my college career! I'm excited to learn new bits of knowledge through the Explorations Board!

Ashkay Appan
Major(s): Business AdministrationContact: akshay.appan@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Aggie Investment Club, 12th Food Can
Experience: Internship - Investment New Properties
Class Year: 2027
High School: Plano West Sr. High
Research Focus: Media Law, Social Psychology
Howdy. My name is Akshay Appan and I am a pre-med finance student from Plano, TX. My interests range from chemistry, economics, and politics. I'm interested in research to learn more about a variety of different disciplines and enhance my overall knowledge. I'm thrilled to contribute to the amazing research at Texas A&M!

Harish Sontam
Major(s): GeneticsContact: harishsontam@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: AMSA, Aggies to Medicine
Experience: Research Internships, Summer Research, Poster Presentations
Class Year: 26
High School: Lone Star High School
Research Focus: Neuroscience
Years Experience: 1
Howdy! My name is Harish Sontam, and I am a genetics major from Frisco, Texas. I found my passion for research during high school when I conducted a study on the correlation between preseason games and the occurrence of injuries during an NFL season. To further nurture this research interest, I am currently engaged in research on campus in Dr. Jun Wang's Lab where we focus on understanding the impact of basal ganglia circuitry on neuropathic diseases. My post-college aspirations involve enrolling in medical school and obtaining an M.D. As a physician, I aspire to not only serve patients through clinical care but also to contribute to the field of healthcare through innovative research. Through Explorations, I hope to learn more about the wide range of research on campus and collaborate with fellow students who share a passion for research.

Samantha Steely
Major(s): EnglishContact: samantha.steely@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Honors Program, Honors Student Council, Undergraduate Research Scholars, MSC ALOT
Awards: Undergraduate Research Scholar
Class Year: 24
High School: St. Agnes Academy
Research Focus: English Literature, Comedic Literature, English Language
Years Experience: 1
Howdy y'all! My name is Samantha Steely and I am a senior English major from Houston, Texas! I hope to go into the media world in either communications, journalism, networking, or publicity. Analytical work through writing, comedic or serious, has been a passion I've always wanted to share with others. Through Explorations, I aim to gain inspiration through collaborations with others as well as personal work and research to further my professionality into the working world. Though I have no set plans or specific wants yet for the future, I am confident in my ability to succeed through the tools taken upon during my experience here!

Sarayu Malireddy
Major(s): GeneticsContact: sarayu_m@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: American Red Cross Club of Texas A&M, Her Campus at TAMU
Class Year: 25
High School: Hirschi High School
Research Focus: Nutrition, Genetics, Metabolism, Chronic Disease
Years Experience: 4
Howdy! My name is Sarayu, and I'm a Genetics major from Wichita Falls, TX. My interest in medical research took off in high school when I worked as a research assistant in a microbiology laboratory at a local university. Since then, I've consolidated my motivation to pursue a career in medicine, and I hope to simultaneously continue my engagement in research addressing chronic disease manifestation. I'm thrilled to join the Explorations Board, and I look forward to learning about and helping to publish undergraduate research with such an enthusiastic and talented team!

Tanya Chandra
Major(s): General EngineeringContact: t.c@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Explorations Board
Class Year: 27
High School: Lebanon Trail High School
Currently a freshman in general engineering from Frisco, Texas interested in pursuing a degree in Aerospace or Materials Science Engineering. I am planning to either do a dual degree or minor in physics and attend graduate school to earn a ph.D and pursue a career in research.

Trevor Martinez
Major(s): BiologyMinor(s): Chemistry
Contact: trevorm8@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Terry Scholar Community Service Committee, Society for Undergraduate Biology Students, Aggie Astronaut Corps, Texas A&M American Chemical Society, Texas A&M Science Olympiad Society, Certified Peer Visitor for National Amputee Coalition
Experience: Beckman Scholars Program
Awards: Terry Scholar, Beckman Scholar and Science Leadership Scholar
Class Year: 26
High School: Bishop High School
Projects: Identifying how an anti-fibrotic therapeutic affects various types of cells and antibodies in tumor and fibrotic liver mdoels
Research Focus: Microbiology, Histology, Immunochemistry
Years Experience: 1
Howdy! My name is Trevor Martinez and I am a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry from a small south Texas town called Premont. I intend to graduate and pursue a PhD. in either Genetics or Microbiology in order to help improve agricultural or medicinal practices and processes for my community. By doing so, I hope to give back to my community by paying forward the help and aid others from my local community have lent me over the years in order to pursue what I am most passionate about.

Venkata Sai Varshitha Dhulipala
Major(s): Molecular and Cell BiologyMinor(s): Public Health
Contact: varshithadvs21@tamu.edu
High School: Heritage High School
Research Focus: Cell Biology and Molecular Clocks
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: Explorations, AMSA (American Medical Student Association), Biology Honors
Activities: Brazos Food Pantry Volunteer
Awards: President's Endowed Scholarship
Class Year: 25
Howdy! My name is Varshitha Dhulipala and I am a freshman from Dallas, Texas. I am majoring in molecular and cell biology and minoring in Public Health. I hope to get an M.D. and work both in the clinical and the research fields of medicine. My goal is to advance the healthcare system through research. Through Explorations, I hope to learn about the interdisciplinary research happening at Texas A&M!

Jake Fields
Major(s): Biochemistry and GeneticsContact: jake.fields@tamu.edu
High School: Dripping Springs High School
Organizations & Programs: Explorations, Biochemistry and Genetics Society, University Honors Program
Class Year: 25
Howdy! My name is Jake Fields, and I'm a Biochemistry and Genetics major from Dripping Springs, Texas. I've always been the annoying kid who had to tell everyone around him new science facts he learned from They Might Be Giants, so it was only natural to pursue scientific research in college. I'm particularly interested in communicating that research to the broader public, so that it can be practically utilized without the barrier that is often seen today between scientists and members of other branches of society.

Jenna Glotfelty
Major(s): PsychologyMinor(s): Woman and Gender Studies
Contact: jeng7@tamu.edu
High School: Richardson High School
Research Focus: Cognitive Neuroscience, Attentional Bias, Mental Health
Years Experience: 0.5
Organizations & Programs: University Honors Program, Undergraduate Research, and Explorations
Experience: RA for the Anderson Attention and Learning lab, RA for the Yorzinski lab
Class Year: 24
Howdy, my name is Jenna Glotfelty, and I am a junior psychology major from Frisco, Texas! I hope to one day be accepted in a PhD program with a focus in clinical or cognitive psychology. Once I graduate, I wish to pursue a career in research and help better the understanding of the human brain. Through my undergraduate research experiences, I have found an interest in attentional biases and habit learning in regard to a variety of mental health disorders and compulsive habits. I hope to be able to improve diagnostic approaches and treatments for mental health through my research. I've always been passionate about mental health and hope to help reduce the stigma surrounding it with my work. By being a part of Explorations I hope to help my fellow undergrads see their work be recognized and be introduced to different types of research outside of my field!

Roshni Gowrisankar
Major(s): Molecular and Cellular BiologyMinor(s): Business Administration
Contact: rgsankar2002@tamu.edu
High School: Centennial High School
Advisor: Dr. Heather Burte
Thesis Title: Matrix Usability in the Spatial Thinking and STEM lab
Research Focus: Spatial Thinking & Psychology
Years Experience: 2-3 months
Organizations & Programs: AMSA, MEDLIFE
Class Year: 25
Hi!! I'm Roshni Gowrisankar! I'm a Molecular and Cellular Biology major also pursuing a Business minor! I'm from Frisco, a suburb of Dallas. When I was younger, I was always that kid who'd play doctor, so it only seemed right to become one! With my major, I hope to go to medical school and eventually open up my clinic focusing on pediatric and adult endocrinology. I also - at some point - hope to get a Ph.D. in endocrinology as well. Along with all of this, being an author/ publishing my research has been on my to-do list in recent years. Through Explorations, I'll be able to learn how publications work and the effort of not just one person go into producing a successful journal. Even with all these things on my list, I still make room to have fun. In my free time, I love to listen to music, cook/bake, and work out!

Nabila Haque
Major(s): EconomicsContact: nabilahaque@tamu.edu
High School: Clements High School
Activities: UWC Writing Consultant
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Nabila, and I'm an Economics major from Sugar Land, Texas. I am always curious about the ways that economic models can be applied to real-world situations, which is one of the reasons I decided to join the Explorations editorial board. I enjoy doing research and exploring topics through the lens of creative writing. Additionally, I'm also interested in learning other languages. I learned French for 3 years in high school, and I'm currently taking my first semester of Arabic language class at A&M. In terms of future plans, I hope to find a career where I can keep learning more about the world around me. I've always been driven by curiosity, and I'm really excited to get a look at the variety of topics that authors will be exploring in this year's journal!

Thao Ho
Major(s): BioinformaticsContact: tho107@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Program 2019-2020
Class Year: 22
Howdy! My name is Thao Ho, and I am a junior studying Bioinformatics here at Texas A&M University. My passion revolves around research and medicine. I wish to one day pursue an M.D./Ph.D. program. I am a highly curious individual; therefore I love learning and experiencing new things. Explorations has provided me the opportunity to learn about the amazing different research being conducted across campus as well as learn from talented authors and editors. I hope to be able to utilize all the hard and soft skills I've learned at Explorations in the classroom and future jobs.

Michael Lord
Major(s): BiochemistryMinor(s): Chemistry
Contact: michaellord@tamu.edu
High School: Waco High School
Advisor: Dr. Junjie Zhang
Thesis Title: I am currently designing a website for students in biochemistry and related fields! The website will host information about research from my experiences and will also provide support for classwork in undergraduate courses.
Research Focus: Ribosomal-Targeting Drugs, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Drug Discovery & Design, Cryo-EM
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: Biochemistry and Genetics Society, American Chemical Society
Awards: Regents' Scholar, MAC Foundation Scholar
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Michael Lord and I am studying biochemistry! More specifically, my research involves studying the interactions of proteins and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosome for developing drugs using Cryo-EM. I am interested in this field because I want to help those suffering from this disease for whom it drastically affects the Philippine population. Once my days in undergrad are over, I will continue to invest time in research involving ribosomal-targeting therapeutics as well as drug discovery for other bacterial diseases. My long-term goal is to contribute to the impact that medicine has on our quality of life by developing novel therapeutics that will reform our public health. By contributing to such research, I aspire to develop opportunities for our disadvantaged populations to be relieved of disease.

Shivam Pancholy
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesContact: shivampancholy@tamu.edu
High School: Lawrence E. Elkins High School
Research Focus: Cardiovascular Medicine, Sociology, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M HOSA, Biomedical Sciences Association, Aggie Research Program
Class Year: 25
Howdy! My name is Shivam and I am a biomedical sciences major from Sugar Land, Texas! I have a strong passion for research of various types, from science-based cardiovascular medicine to nutrition and public health. After I graduate, I hope to attend medical school and conduct research throughout my professional career. By being a part of the Explorations Board, I hope to learn more about the incredible world of research while working with an amazing team! The opportunity to be a member of the Explorations Board gives me a chance to review various forms of research conducted by highly talented authors and researchers across Texas A&M. Aside from work, I enjoy watching soccer, playing table-tennis, and spending time with friends and family!

Nidhi Pawate
Major(s): GeneticsContact: npawate@tamu.edu
High School: Allen High School
Advisor: Dr. Samba Reddy
Thesis Title: Acknowledged in: Aptamer Sequence Phylogenetic Analysis Reveals Widespread Undescribed Sequence Alterations. Pending Publication.
Research Focus: Neuroscience
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: MSC ALOT, Texas A&M Medical School Agriculture to Medicine Scholar
Activities: Brazos Valley Food Bank Volunteer
Awards: President's Endowed Scholar and National Merit Scholar
Experience: Summer Research (UT Southwestern STARS), Research Presentations, Research Papers
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Nidhi Pawate, and I am a sophomore studying Genetics here at Texas A&M University. The ability to manipulate the information and create our own solutions is what drives me towards research. I am an aspiring physician, and I want to continue to pursue research throughout my time as a doctor. I am excited to be a part of the Explorations board and work with my classmates in spreading opportunities for research. My other interests include spending time with family and friends and volunteering!

Ananya Pillai
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesMinor(s): Public Health
Contact: apillai24@tamu.edu
High School: Liberty High School
Research Focus: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Historical Science, Pulmonary
Years Experience: 3
Organizations & Programs: Maroon & White Leadership Fellows Society, Class Councils - Service Counselor
Awards: 2021 Freshman Gathright Scholar, University Honors
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Ananya Pillai and I am a Biomedical Sciences major from Frisco, Texas. I became interested in research after I was involved in an Independent Study and Mentorship class in high school. There are many things I have learned through the process of proposing, writing, drafting, and editing my own papers such as targeting key audiences, publishing workflow, editing/drafting schedule, and frequency to maximize one's article's reach and engagement. After high school, I was looking for ways in which I can combine my passion for healthcare and research. I am extremely excited to contribute my experiences in article writing as well as learn from the members of the Explorations Board and faculty as they can aid Texas A&M's future endeavors in the spheres of research and publishing. After graduating, I plan to attend medical school in an effort to minimize healthcare disparities in Texas. Outside the lab, I love all things breakfast food, working out, and listening to podcasts.

Vishay Ram
Major(s): Molecular and Cell BiologyOrganizations & Programs: Carpool, Explorations
Awards: President Endowed Scholar, Honors
Class Year: 24
As a child, my most cherished memories are from an upbringing in rural Alabama with the rare visit to pastoral India. I was taught in schools with limited resources and funding. However, I never lost sight of the eventual goal of becoming a medical professional. When I moved to Texas, a much larger environment, I was introduced to the idea of dedication and teamwork in the form of marching band. As a section leader I was exposed to "the process," a phrase denoting the consistent effort displayed by individuals to eventually achieve a goal. This very belief in the process now drives me in my education as a molecular and cell biology major at Texas A&M. Once I achieve my goal, I will continue to strive for advancement, whether it be medical school or graduate school in the biological field. Finally, I plan to use my research or medical training to give back to the rural communities which have given me so much.

Nushrat Rashid
Major(s): Biochemistry and GeneticsMinor(s): Bioinformatics
Contact: nushrat2908@tamu.edu
High School: Plano West Senior High
Advisor: Dr. Vaishali Katju
Research Focus: Genetics, Evolution
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M Bioethics Forum and University Honors
Awards: President's Endowed Scholar and National Merit Scholar
Class Year: 24
Howdy! I'm Nushrat Rashid, and I'm a Biochemistry and Genetics student with a minor in Bioinformatics from Plano, TX. I became involved with research my freshmen year, and have become passionate about learning more about evolution and genetics ever since. I wish to pursue an M.D or Ph.D. in the field of genetics. I love learning new things, and I am excited to be part of Explorations to see all the amazing work undergraduate students in all sorts of fields are doing here on campus.

Subiksha Sankar
Major(s): BiologyContact: subikshasankar@gmail.com
High School: Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science
Research Focus: Cell Biology and Cancer Bioinformatics
Years Experience: 2
Organizations & Programs: Biology Department Honor Student, Pre-Med Society, and TAMU Student Government Association
Awards: UNT Summer Research Scholar and UNT Honors Undergraduate Research Fellowship Recipient
Experience: Undergraduate Research Symposium Presenter
Class Year: 26
Howdy! My name is Subiksha Sankar and I'm a biology major from Frisco, TX. In high school, I was a lab member in Dr. Omary's Lab and studied inorganic chemistry, specifically transition-metametal multi bonding for the first-row transition metals. In the future, I hope to enter medical school and continue my involvement in research and health. I am thrilled to be a member of the Explorations Board and can't wait to learn about the terrific research breakthroughs happening on our very own campus!

Suchitaa Sawhney
Major(s): General EngineeringOrganizations & Programs: TAMU On to Medicine
Activities: Volunteer at UT Southwestern
Awards: Brockman Scholar
Class Year: 24
Hi! My name is Suchitaa and I am an engineering major from Dallas, Texas. My fascination with science and vaccinations began at a young age. As I have gotten older, I have made an effort to learn about the vaccine development process so that, eventually, I can work on developing vaccines. Additionally, inspired by my passion for science and love for helping others, I hope to pursue a career in medicine. I cannot wait to be able to relieve people of their pain or cure their illnesses. By joining the Explorations Board I am eager to share different thoughts and views with a diverse community. I hope to restore the public's faith in the healthcare system by becoming a healthcare advocate for my future patients. My other interests include spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and volunteering.

Miriam Stein
Major(s): Molecular, Cell BiologyOrganizations & Programs: University Honors Program
Awards: Baumberger Endowment Scholar
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Miriam Stein and I am a freshman molecular and cell biology major from San Antonio, Texas. My interest in biology lies mainly in genetics, and I hope to work as a genetic engineer during and after graduate school. Genetic engineering is fascinating to me and I am excited to be part of such a creative and pioneering field. I am a strong advocate for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, and feel passion for art and literature alongside science. Being on the Explorations Board is an incredible opportunity. I am excited to help my fellow undergraduates publish research and contribute to the growth and spread of knowledge at Texas A&M.

Abhinav Vadassery
Major(s): BiologyMinor(s): Neuroscience
Contact: abhinav_vadassery@tamu.edu
High School: William P Clements High School
Advisor: Dr. Ellen Ruth Alexander
Research Focus: Genetics, Neuroscience, Public health, Drug discovery
Years Experience: 4
Organizations & Programs: American Medical Student Association (AMSA), TAMECT, Explorations
Awards: President's Endowed Scholar, Gustav Memorial Scholarship, Dean's Excellence Award
Class Year: 25
Howdy! I am Abhinav Vadassery from Sugar Land, TX. I am a biology major and in the cohort of Science to Medicine Program. Through Explorations, I plan to involve and collaborate with the Texas A&M research community and promote scientific knowledge to the campus. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing and watching sports.

Lesley Villafuerte
Major(s): EnglishMinor(s): Health Humanities
Contact: lesleyvilla2002@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Explorations
Awards: Regents Scholar
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Lesley Villafuerte, and I am an English major with a minor in sociology from Crosby, Texas, and my interests include art, embroidery, and reading. I have always wanted to know the "why?", "what?" and "how?" for everything. My growing curiosity led to my interest in critical thinking and analysis in research, and I wanted to understand how literature can contribute to the public, and as a first-generation college student, I did not know how to. I then discovered that research is the key, and I wanted to learn more about what research was and how it is related to finding answers to questions, which led me to Explorations. Explorations allows me to know more about students who are just as curious as I am and see what exactly goes on in undergraduate research and let me be a part of it. I hope that throughout my time in Explorations, I can learn about the foundations of research to help the start of my career in research and curiosity.