Meet Our Team

Michael is a third-year undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley studying Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Public Policy. Passionate about improving domestic healthcare access, he launched Health Insurance for the Unhoused with a vision to address disparities in unmet needs for people experiencing homelessness. Michael’s commitment towards health equity led him to pursue translational-clinical research at both Stanford Medicine and Berkeley Public Health, resulting in several publications, patents, and a presentation at the 18th World Congress of Neurosurgery. Outside of his work as a social entrepreneur and community advocate, Michael enjoys playing pickleball and traveling.

Avinna is an undergraduate student majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. She is interested in healthcare and making healthcare more accessible for people with a variety of different needs and therefore hopes to pursue an MD after graduating. She also aspires to help STEM fields become more diverse, and she became a board member of Gender Equity in Math, an on campus organization, to reach this goal. Avinna’s research interests include the study of mammalian and bird anatomy through the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. Outside of her professional and academic interests, Avinna enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles and reading. 

Vitto is a fourth-year majoring in ChemBio, Psych, MCB, and NST. With interests in neurodegenerative diseases and translational therapeutic techniques, his main research projects are in developing AAV-based optogenetic therapies for vision restoration in mouse models of retinal generation and in studying mammalian audio processing and tonotopic localization of natural sounds. He is president of Bioprinting @ Berkeley (B@B) and Academia chair of Translational Medicine & Stem Cell Association (TMSCA). He hopes to pursue an MD-PhD in Neuroscience with an emphasis on the metabolic aspects of ophthalmic disorders. Vitto also enjoys tennis, poetry, and powerlifting. 

Madison is an undergraduate studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is keen to expand her knowledge on different fields within medicine and healthcare. Madison aspires to make a meaningful impact in these fields, driven by a commitment to contribute positively to advancements in medicine and healthcare. She is interested in learning about neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatry, and healthcare management. Beyond her academic pursuits, she also enjoys dancing and traveling. 

Brian is a fourth-year majoring in Chemical Biology. After learning about the coverage gaps in the current US healthcare system, he was inspired to take action and provide education and resources for those in our community who have the most difficulty accessing the care and resources that they need. As an aspiring physician, he firmly believes that we should use our education as an opportunity to make the world a better place. His research interests include epigenetics and cardiovascular diseases. In his free time, Brian enjoys sports such as tennis, basketball, and chess.

Aidan is an undergraduate student majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology. He is interested in healthcare and intends to pursue a medical-related career after graduation. After learning more about the equity disparities related to healthcare access, he was inspired to get involved. Aidan’s research interests include population genetics, evolution, and social behavior through the study of frog and mammalian interactions. In his free time, Aidan enjoys running, following professional sports, and going to live concerts.

Denise is a second year undergrad majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is interested in Neurobiology and making health insurance more inclusive and accessible as well as pursuing an MD/PhD after graduation. Denise is interested in doing research on the brain and how biology affects mental health. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with loved ones. 

Graciela is an undergraduate student majoring in Microbial Biology. She is interested in health equity and affordability in healthcare along with the study of microorganisms, hoping to pursue an MD after graduating. Graciela’s experience with ThinkNeuro has allowed her to expand her interests through research on the opioid epidemic in affected communities and gaining proficiency in outreach. Outside of academics, Graciela enjoys soccer, exercising, and painting.

Prongha is a rising second year student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology, with a concentration in Neurobiology. He is passionate about public health and mental health research and has done work with research groups focusing on the spread of Covid and mental health legislation in India. He is also passionate about public service and is part of the Berkeley Project and Berkeley Blood Pressure Project where he serves the greater Berkeley community. He plans to pursue an M.D after his degree. He loves badminton, biking, the outdoors, and hanging out with friends.

Armin is a third-year student majoring in Microbiological Sciences. After volunteering at hospitals serving the homeless population in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, he was motivated to take action and make a positive impact. He is interested in investigating the root causes of these issues, promoting disease awareness, improving healthcare accessibility, and enhancing the patient experience. Outside of academics, he enjoys reading books, spending time with family, and participating in movies as a background actor.

Brian is a first year student intending on majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. After exploring the issue of homelessness within the San Francisco Bay Area, he was inspired to take action. He is interested in researching health equity and neuroscience. Outside of class, he enjoys listening to music and playing tennis.