Former Board Members

Aashish Ananthanarayan
Major(s): Computer ScienceContact: aashish.2704@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
Awards: CISCO-IAP Scholar
Class Year: 21
Hello! I'm Aashish Ananthanarayan and I am a senior, Computer Science major at Texas A&M. My hometown is Mumbai, India and I moved to the United States in 2017. My areas of interest are Deep Learning and Cybersecurity and I love working on challenging and exciting projects in these areas. I also love traveling, meeting people from various countries and experiencing different cultures, playing tennis and cooking. A lot of times, you'll find me at one of the bubble tea places trying out different flavors and working on my assignments or projects. Being part of the Explorations board has been an amazing experience for me as it allows me to meet people from different backgrounds with the common goal of promoting Undergraduate Research and Learning at Texas A&M University and recognizing the amazing work done by undergraduate students during the academic year.

Michael Boachie-Mensah
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesClass Year: 17

Christian Brazell
Major(s): Nuclear EngineeringClass Year: 19

Haleluya Chamiso
Major(s): EconomicsClass Year: 17

Ishanee Chanda
Major(s): International StudiesClass Year: 17

Karla Chang
Major(s): VisualizationClass Year: 19

Mack Cleveland
Major(s): Materials Science and EngineeringContact: mackcleveland@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Explorations, Undergraduate Research
Activities: Debate Team
Model UN
Awards: President's Endowed Scholarship
Class Year: 23
Howdy! My name is Mack Cleveland and I am a materials science and engineering major from Bedford, Texas. My interests range from chemistry and mathematics to philosophy and classics. I am passionate about interdisciplinary learning, and I am excited by research because it offers an amazing opportunity to advance the boundaries of human knowledge. I am thrilled to be able to unite my passions as part of the Explorations Board. I hope to contribute to the intellectual discourse on campus through the spread of ideas and the inspiration of future researchers.

Rachel Cox
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 17

Chau Dong
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesClass Year: 18

Adeeta Dongre
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesContact: adeetasdongre@tamu.edu
Class Year: 21
they/them
Hello! I’m a senior editor of Explorations, and I’m graduating at the end of this year. I’m active in Explorations as well as QA, where I’m the Historian. I’m currently working on a research paper about the effect of disabilities on life at university! I’m also currently applying for a Masters in Forensic Science, and I plan to become a Forensic Scientist after school! I play DnD and write, and being an editor for Explorations has helped me become a better writer. I’m super excited for the future!

Chelsea Ebert
Major(s): Chemical EngineeringClass Year: 21

Jiles Finch
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesOrganizations & Programs: Biomedical Research Certificate Program
Biomedical Science Association
Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House CHI St. Joseph
Awards: Permian Basin Area Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Class Year: 21
Howdy! My name is Jiles Finch and I am a senior Biomedical Sciences major from Midland, Texas. I am a Pre-med student that is also involved in the Biomedical Research Certificate Program. After graduation, I plan to get my master’s in biomedical science or Microbiology and then continue to medical school. Beyond school, I enjoy playing tennis, walking my dog, and hanging with friends. Being a part of Explorations is great because it allows me to connect to all areas of research across the entire university.

Douglas Fletcher
Class Year: 20

Annaliese Fowler
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringMinor(s): Bioinformatics
Organizations & Programs: Engineering Honors President's Endowed Scholar,
Aggie Research Scholar
Activities: Texas A&M Century Singers,
MSC OPAS
Awards: President's Endowed Scholar,
Aggie Research Scholar
Class Year: 23
Howdy! My name is Annaliese Fowler, and I am a biomedical engineering major with a minor in bioinformatics. I am a third-generation Aggie from Houston, Texas. I am incredibly interested in research, and hope to eventually earn a Ph.D. in biostatistics. Through Explorations, I aim to become more involved in the undergraduate research community and to learn more about the fantastic research going on at Texas A&M.

Alexandra Frenzel
Major(s): Geology, EconomicsClass Year: 16

Aaron Griffin
Major(s): BiochemistryClass Year: 16

Aida Guhlin
Major(s): GeographyClass Year: 16

Gabrielle "Ellie" Hall
Major(s): SociologyContact: ehall25@tamu.edu
High School: Martin High School
Organizations & Programs: Sociology Student Association and Greek Life
Activities: The Cinderella Ball and then Karrosel Social Group
Class Year: 25
Howdy! My name is Ellie Hall. As the youngest of four children, I have always been very inspired and goal driven. However, having such a wide variety of interest I have never had one specific career path in mind. Coming into college here at A&M, I'm seeking to find that direction that allows me to blend many of my interest and skills. I've also been very excited to learn and explore a variety of career options, and the range of courses I've taken so far have enabled me to do so. I've already found that I am very interested in economics, and intend to double major in this field in the coming years. Getting to work on a board such as Explorations, will allow me to explore and even more of my potential and see what I really do value and enjoy. I've always loved writing and graphic design, and have more recently found an interest in editing. I'm hoping to pursue a future career path that allows me to combine all of my interest and skills in a way that sustains meaning in my everyday life, and hopefully the lives of those that I may work with or influence. I'm looking forward to getting to make more connections with the variety of students here at A&M and find out what my future has in store over my next several years in college!

Teresa Hall
Major(s): BiochemistryClass Year: 17

Marina Hawkins
Major(s): BiologyClass Year: 18

Aidan Holman
Major(s): Forensic & Investigative Sciences (Honors), Entomology (Honors)Minor(s): Genetics
Contact: crownboxco@tamu.edu
High School: William J. Brennan HS
Advisor: Dmitry Kurouski
Thesis Title: 1) FTIR-based differentiation of dye types among hair colorants 2) Raman spectroscopy enables highly accurate identification of male and female Palmer weeds 3) Identification of different tick species using Raman Spectroscopy 4) Locust and Grasshopper Differentiation elucidated by Raman Spectroscopy 5) The Capability of Raman Spectroscopy to Recognize Anatomical and Biological information of Dyed Hair
Research Focus: Forensic Science, Victim Identification, and Raman Spectroscopy
Years Experience: 2
Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars, Explroations
Activities: Peer (Incoming freshman) Mentoring and Major-specific (FIVS) Mentoring
Experience: Study Abroad Summer '22 --Trinidad
Class Year: 24
I am currently a research assistant for Dr. Dmitry Kurouski's Lab in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics building. I love using science to build a story whether it's from identifying traces of some compound whose origin matches that of a crime scene, on a piece of clothing, or qualitatively presenting evidence of an organism that can quickly change its genetic makeup when exposed to stressors. My current research is primarily forensics-focused, specifically forensic hair-colorant analysis. I'm interested in discovering new and accurate victim identification methods as well as techniques that aid in the cultivation of medicine in forensics. Outside of classes and research, I love to paint and draw until my supplies run dry and my walls are white-less. Future forensic pathologist!

Eunhye "Grace" Jeon
Major(s): BiologyMinor(s): Biochemistry, Psychology
Organizations & Programs: Sciences Career Fair Ambassadors,
Regent's Scholars Orientation Ambassadors
Activities: TED translators
Howdy! My name is Eunhye Jeon, and I am a biology major with minors in psychology and biochemistry from Belton, Texas. My primary interest lies in algebraic modeling and health disparity. Although my major, minors, and interest seem to be mismatched, my end goal is to help decrease the socioeconomic gap in healthcare. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school and practice medicine in needed places. As an Explorations board member, I am excited to learn about different undergraduate works on campus and imagine how these studies will positively impact our society in the future.

Catherine Johnson
Major(s): MathematicsContact: johnsonc@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Champe Fitzhugh International Honors Leadership Seminar
Activities: St. Mary's Women's Chorus
Awards: Brockman Scholar
National Merit Scholar
Class Year: 23
I am a Mathematics major from Nashville, Tennessee. I have a special love in my heart for the more abstract problems in number theory, as well as the great unsolved conjectures in the mathematical field. After undergraduate, I hope to complete a M.S. Business through Mays Business School at Texas A&M and then use both my STEM background and business experience to make a positive impact on the world.

Jo Chan Kim
Major(s): Environ Design Arch StudiesClass Year: 17

Kadden Kothmann
Class Year: 19

Kara Laughbaum
Major(s): University Studies ArchitectureContact: karajlaughbaum@tamu.edu
Class Year: 20
Howdy! I am a junior USAR major with minors in New Media Art and English from Spring, Texas. I currently work as a teaching assistant for the College of Engineering. In my spare time I enjoy science fiction novels, baking, and country western dancing, but my true passions are design and writing. I look forward to a career in technical writing. By joining the Explorations Board, I have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a multitude of people who share my passions.

William Linz
Major(s): MathematicsClass Year: 16

Shutong Liu
Major(s): Civil EngineeringClass Year: 16

Alyssa Low
Major(s): Biochemistry, GeneticsOrganizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars,
American Medical Student Association,
Honors Student Council
Awards: Undergraduate Research Scholar,
President's Endowed Scholar
Class Year: 22
Howdy! My name is Alyssa Low, and I am a junior biochemistry and genetics major from McKinney, Texas. After getting involved with research my freshman year, I have become passionate about research and the infinite potential it has to expand new horizons. I aim to become a physician, and plan to still be involved with research throughout my professional career. I work as a phlebotomist at Texas A&M's Student Health Services, and I am also a part of the American Medical Student Association and Honors Student Council. I am thrilled to join Explorations, and I look forward to encouraging the many creative research endeavors in the works!

Brian Lowe
Major(s): Aerospace EngineeringContact: b612@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Ingeniare Engineering Choir
Engineering Honors Program
Activities: Hullabaloo Band
Awards: Greater Texas Foundation Scholar
President's Achievement Scholar
Class Year: 23
Howdy! I am a freshman engineering major hoping to receive a degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in math and computer science! I am originally from Weslaco, TX and plan to attend graduate school after I graduate. My main passion, however, is music. Having been a member of the Crossmen Drum Corps, A&M's own engineering choir, and the Hullabaloo Pep Band, I wish to bring a multidisciplinary background to the Explorations Board that allows for an appreciation of the diversity of research being conducted by our undergraduate peers.

Eryn Lyle
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 18

Andrea Meier
Major(s): Civil engineeringOrganizations & Programs: Engineering Honors
Aggie Habitat for Humanity
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Water Resources Association
Awards: President’s Endowed Scholar
Aggie Research Scholar
Class Year: 21
Howdy! My name is Andrea Meier and I am a senior civil engineering major from Allen, Texas. My interest in civil engineering is focused in water resources, and I intend to work in the water infrastructure planning field after graduation. Throughout my time at Texas A&M, I have had the chance to explore many interests through involvement in organizations like Explorations, and in student committees like MSC Business Associates and the MSC Wiley
Lecture Series. Although my extracurricular activities are now focused primarily on Explorations, all of the organizations I have been a part of on campus have provided an invaluable opportunity to pursue knowledge and experiences outside the scope of my degree. In my free time, I love spending time outside and with friends, reading, and volunteering with Aggie Habitat for Humanity.

Oscar Morales
Major(s): SociologyClass Year: 17

Ayesha Nagaria
Major(s): Public HealthContact: ayeshanagaria@tamu.edu
High School: Seven Lakes High School
Advisor: Dr. Jon Skare
Thesis Title: Complement Evasion by Lyme Disease and Relapsing Fever Spirochetes
Research Focus: Health Policy, Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: University Honors, Broad Street Society, SPH Health & Wellness Ambassador, Aggie Research Scholars Program
Activities: Girlstart STEM CREW Leader
Class Year: 24
Howdy! My name is Ayesha Nagaria and I am a public health major from Katy, Texas. My interest in public health is focused in healthcare disparities and after graduation I hope to attend medical school while continuing my involvement in the population health arena. I'm a big believer that strong public health programs are based in a health-first and evidence-based approach, which means that research is essential to the process. Through Explorations, I hope to learn more about our incredible undergraduate research and help to further connect our wonderful research community here at Texas A&M.

Luke Oaks
Major(s): Interdisciplinary EngineeringClass Year: 19

Olivia Oliver
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 18

Urenna Orazulike
Major(s): Public HealthContact: urennao-1207@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M Disaster Day
Activities: MAPS (Minorities Association of Pre-med and Pre-nursing Students)
Awards: UNCF Koch Scholar
JAMP-er (Joint Admissions Medical Program)
Class Year: 20
Howdy! My name is Urenna Orazulike and I am a third-year Public Health major here at Texas A&M. I was born in Philly, but moved to Nigeria when I was three where I spent a huge part of my childhood. I returned to the U.S. in 2015 and completed my high school education in Erie, Pennsylvania, graduating with thirteen other students under completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Afterwards, I moved south (to Texas) where the rest of my family had settled down and, in the Fall of 2017, began my journey as an Aggie. I have since acclimated well to the warmth and spirit of the Aggie Family. In addition to my academic pursuits as a pre-med student, I am currently a member of the Minorities Association of Pre-med and Pre-Health students, the Texas Joint Admissions Medical Program, as well as the Biology Learning Community. I also work part-time as an intern at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, reading and writing, listening to music, water-painting and playing badminton.

Melanie Phillips
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 18

Vinathi Polamraju
Major(s): Biomedical SciencesClass Year: 18

Colton Porco
Major(s): Applied Mathematical SciencesClass Year: 20

Travis Richard
Major(s): BiochemistryMinor(s): Chemistry
Contact: hortonr611@tamu.edu
High School: Cistercian Preparatory School
Advisor: Dr. Vishal Gohil
Thesis Title: Project in the lab of Dr. Vishal Gohil to investigate spermidine as a potential treatment option for the debilitating mitochondrial genetic disorder Barth syndrome.
Research Focus: Mitochondrial disorder, yeast, biochemical
Years Experience: 1
Organizations & Programs: Freudian Slip Improv, KANM radio, University Honors Program, Undergraduate Research
Awards: Beckman Scholar, Gathright Phi Kappa Phi Award winner, President's Endowed scholarship, National Merit Scholar
Experience: Research listed above, two research presentations (~ 20 mins and ~ 50 mins) during weekly lab meeting in Gohil lab with significant audience of grad students, PhD's, and faculty
Class Year: 25
Howdy! My name is Horton Richard and I am a sophomore from Dallas, TX majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Chemistry. I hope to get a Ph.D. and pursue biochemical research as a career. My goal is to spend my life making scientific advances in a field that I can be passionate about. Through Explorations, I hope to gain more exposure to the world and nuisances of scientific publication.

Tyler Sarna
Major(s): Business HonorsClass Year: 20

Ronald Sellers
Major(s): Industrial and Systems EngineeringMinor(s): Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics
Contact: ronsellers@tamu.edu
High School: Homeschool
Advisor: Dr. Sarah Wolff
Research Focus: Additive Manufacturing, Medical Devices, Traditional Manufacturing, Process Engineering
Years Experience: 1.5
Organizations & Programs: Undergraduate Research Scholars, Alpha Pi Mu Industrial Engineering Honor Society, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Society, International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering
Awards: Undergraduate Research Scholar, National Science Foundation Grant, Explorations Author (Volume 13)
Class Year: 22
Howdy! My name is Ron Sellers, and I am a senior industrial and systems engineering major from Dallas, Texas. I am minoring in biomedical engineering and mathematics. My passion is to work on additive manufacturing and processes of medical devices, which is why I plan to pursue a master's in mechanical engineering and then a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering after college. I absolutely love doing research because of all the innovative and interesting opportunities that it presents. I am excited to join Explorations, where I hope to contribute back to the community and help push others towards greatness.

Aryan Shetty
Major(s): Computer ScienceMinor(s): Economics
Organizations & Programs: TAMUhack
Class Year: 22
Howdy! My name is Aryan and I am a junior here at Texas A&M. I am majoring in computer science and building a machine learning model as part of the URS program. I'm hoping to pursue a Masters degree in the same field as well. I really enjoy watching sports - soccer (football!!), MMA, and all the likes. I grew up in Dubai (hence the football in parentheses around soccer) and have loved experiencing everything Texas has to offer. I love being a part of the Explorations team as it gives me an opportunity to talk to some really cool people and understand what their amazing projects are all about. Being a part of this team helps me represent the best and brightest of the university and that is a role I cherish!

Laura Simmons
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 19

Zachary Skrehot
Major(s): AccountingMinor(s): Economics, Psychology
Organizations & Programs: One Army Men's Organization
Activities: Student Affairs Fee Advisory Board,
Mathur Lab,
STRIDES 501c3,
Opioid Task Force,
Abbott Family Leadership Conference,
Fish Camp,
FORME
Awards: Buck Weirus Spirit Award,
Chris Work '90 Accounting Scholarship Recipient
Class Year: 21
Howdy! My name is Zachary Skrehot and I am a senior accounting major with minors in economics and psychology from Spring, Texas. I became interested in research after my first back surgery in 2018, at which time I joined the Social Neuroscience of Pain Disparities Lab. Soon after, I began looking for ways in which I can combine my business background with my passion for healthcare. The paper I wrote for Explorations Volume 12 was my first encounter with research on healthcare quality and cost, and since then I have been committed to pursuing a career in either healthcare consulting, hospital administration, or health policy. Upon graduation this May, I will join Berkeley Research Group as an associate in their Houston office.

Corey Smith
Major(s): Civil EngineeringClass Year: 16

Reagan Spexarth
Class Year: 20

Dana Sublett
Major(s): Chemical EngineeringClass Year: 19

Monika Symonds
Major(s): English, Environmental StudiesClass Year: 20

Jeremy Thomas
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringMinor(s): Materials Science, Chemistry
Organizations & Programs: Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassadors (TANSA),
Biomedical Engineering Society,
Texas A&M Wind Symphony
Awards: President's Endowed Scholarship
Class Year: 23
Howdy! My name is Jeremy Thomas and I am a sophomore biomedical engineering major from Highland Village, Texas. My main interest in biomedical engineering is focused in biomaterials, and I enjoy conducting research to learn more about the field. Research is my primary passion, and after graduation I plan on attending graduate school to earn a Ph.D. and eventually become an engineering professor. As a professor I hope to both conduct groundbreaking research as well as inspire future researchers through teaching. I am very excited to be part of the Explorations Board, and hope to both promote intellectual discourse and inspire undergraduate researchers on campus.

Avery Travis
Major(s): StatisticsMinor(s): Math, Astrophysics
Contact: atravis10@tamu.edu
Class Year: 20
Howdy! My name is Avery Travis and I am a sophomore Statistics major with a double minor in Math and Industrial Engineering. I love horseback riding, cooking, and listening to music. I joined Explorations with the belief that publishing the research done by students will not only help increase the prestige of our school, but also provide inspiration to those who may not know where to start in their own pursuit for research. I am excited to collaborate with my fellow board members to create something really special for our tenth volume.

Nikita Valluri
Class Year: 22

Andrea "Andie" van Ravenswaay
Major(s): Applied MathContact: acvanraven@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: Dean Student Advisory Panel, Aggie Actuaries
Class Year: 23
Although my name is Andrea, everyone calls me Andie. I am an Applied Math major, class of 2023, with a double minor in art history and economics. I am born and bred in Houston, Tx, but I love to travel whenever I can. I am an aspiring actuary, who hopes to work in underwriting for art insurance. I am passionate about all things related to math, journalism and art. I love meeting new people and having new experiences, with the hope to live oversees one day in order to learn and experience new cultures.

Eber Villazana
Major(s): Biochemistry and GeneticsContact: eber@tamu.edu
High School: Shadow Creek High School
Advisor: Dr. Jiaxun Song
Thesis Title: I am currently working on my research scholars capstone and my writing intensive 491 credit on the effects of EEF2K on T cell development in the thymus.
Research Focus: Immunology, Autoimmune Disease, Gene Therapy
Years Experience: 2
Organizations & Programs: Latino Medical Student Association PLUS, Texas A&M Emergency Care Team, Presente en la Lucha de Mamá, Honors Housing Community Student Leaders
Awards: Freshman Gathright Scholar Award, Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award, Early Assurance Program- Pre-Med Fellows and Joint Admissions Medical Program
Experience: UTRGV School of Medicine Internship
Class Year: 24
Hello! My name is Eber and I am a junior Biochemistry and Genetics major from Pearland, TX. I plan on attending medical school to later become a surgeon. I am passionate about helping underrepresented areas and minority groups as well as increasing the diversity in the medical field. Through Explorations, I plan on learning all about the interdisciplinary research done here at Texas A&M as well as how to communicate complex research to a general audience.

Kate Von Ness
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 19

Bailey Woods
Major(s): EnglishClass Year: 17

Omar Wyman
Major(s): Biomedical EngineeringClass Year: 17

Judy Yang
Major(s): AccountingContact: judyyang@email.tamu.edu
Class Year: 18
Title: Marketing and Design Team Member, Senior Editor
My name is Judy Yang and I am a junior Accounting major with a minor in Art from Arlington, TX. My hobbies are playing violin, playing tennis, and cooking, but my passion is art and design. From little doodles to original artworks on paper and computer, my passion for art and design continues to grow and blossom. My cover art submission for Volume 7 of Explorations is an eye-opener to what it’s like to work as a graphic artist in a professional environment. It also boosted my confidence in considering a design and art career. However, I still have a long way to go to becoming a professional designer, and practice makes perfect. By joining the Explorations Board, I have an opportunity to continue to practice in a professional environment in addition to working with other people who share my passion. Furthermore, I love working with a group of people whom I can take inspiration from and bounce my ideas off of. Joining the Explorations Board will help prepare me in my dream of becoming a graphic designer.

Rebecca Zivley
Major(s): General EngineeringContact: rebeccazivley@tamu.edu
Organizations & Programs: TANSA (Texas A&M National Scholar Ambassadors)
Society of Women in Engineering
Awards: Craig & Galen Brown Scholarship Recipient
Class Year: 23
Howdy! My name is Rebecca Zivley, and I am a freshman general engineering student from Houston, Texas. I am passionate about research and learning, and these interests led me to Explorations. It is my goal to become an engineering professor so that I can continue researching and sharing knowledge as part of my professional career. I am excited to be a part of Explorations because I love learning about and promoting the projects and ideas my fellow undergraduates are working on.