Our MEMBERS

Lina Begdache PhD, RDN, CNS-S, CDN, FAND

My mission about raising awareness on the negative impact of ADHD drug misuse and abuse continues. I address these concerns in the classroom, as well as work with BSMART research assistants to bring new research questions to the table. We are trying to piece the different parts of the puzzle one step at a time. In addition, I write for the Conversation platform articles to address these concerns. Some of the published research on ADHD drug misuse is in the top 5% of all research outputs as scored by Almetric.  BSMART is gaining lots of attention due to their mission and quality of work. Recently, BSMART work has been selected among the top 19 Incredible Research breakthroughs at Binghamton University. 

Cara Patrissy

Research Lead

Year: Senior

Major: Integrative Neuroscience

Campus Involvement: President of MEDLIFE, Building Manager at East Gym, Phi Mu Fraternity, Nutrition TA

Career Goals: I hope to attend medical school and work as a physician!


Samantha Bonventre

Assistant Research Lead

Year: Senior

Major: Biological Sciences

Campus Involvement: Harpur's Ferry, Panhellenic Council, Phi Mu Fraternity

Career Goals: I hope to attend medical school and be an OB/GYN!


Suraj Sajnani

Co-Fundraising Chair

Year: Biology

Major: Biological Sciences

Minor: Economics

Campus Involvement: Philanthropy Chair of Alpha Sigma Phi, Multimedia Chair for Hindu Student Council, Sports Contributor for BU Pipedream, Intramural Basketball and Volleyball

Career Goals: I hope to attend medical school and have an interest in orthopedics


Rusudan Kvirikashvili

Education Chair

Year: Junior

Major: Biochemistry

Campus Involvement: Secretary of Poverty Coalition Awareness Club, MODA Binghamton

Career Goals: I hope to pursue a career in research in an area in biochemistry or attend med school


Kayla Taufman

Secretary, Co-Fundraising Chair

Year: Sophomore

Major: Psychology

Campus Involvement: Student Psychological Association and the Speech Language Association 

Career Goals: PhD in Clinical Psychology or Masters in Speech Language Pathology


Jenna Polis

Outreach Coordinator

Year: Senior

Major: Integrative Neuroscience

Minor: Education

Campus Involvement: Executive Vice President of Panhellenic Council, Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Miller Lab, Member of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Pre-Medical Association, Paws-and-Effect, American Red Cross Club 

Career Goals: I hope to attend medical school and, one day, become a surgeon. 


Antonietta Raymond

Manuscript Char

Year: Junior

Major: Biology 

Minor: Health and Wellness

Campus Involvement: Member of AMSA, Campus Rec employee, Member of Phi Mu Sorority 

Career Goals: I hope to attend medical school and have an interest in pediatrics 


Julia Lin

PR Chair

Year: Junior

Major: Biology 

Campus Involvement: Pre-Medical Association, MEDLIFE, IFD Binghamton, Member of Phi Mu Sorority

Career Goals: I hope to attend medical school and am very interested in pediatrics and dermatology.