Get to know the people doing the work for the StudentsBuild 2026 STEM camp!
Lucy Lam
Grade: 12
Project Manager
Hi! My name is Lucy Lam, and I am a senior (class of 2026!). I serve as the current Project Manager and leader of GHC's StudentsBuild team. In my future, I hope to continue down the technical STEM route and eventually combine my love for STEM with business. Aside from STEM, I love to run and am on the school's Cross Country and Track team. I also enjoy exploring farmer markets and trying new food and matchas.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
Computer Science is, by far, my favorite STEM-related subject because of how versatile it is. It is the foundation of innovations like robots and artificial intelligence. Computer science knowledge is needed for both maintaining the technology we create (through programming) and making further discoveries. Even in fields like physics and biology that are tied to the natural world, computer science can be used for more efficient data analysis and computations.
Why did you join?
Having been the only girl on a robotics team, I've gained a first-hand understanding of the struggles of being underrepresented in a STEM field. Thus, the mission to introduce young minorities to the world of STEM deeply resonates with me and makes me feel empowered to do more with our team. It was so rewarding to see underprivileged youth become fully immersed in STEM activities, such as robotics, during last year's four-day event. I hope to continue bridging these gaps that we see in STEM through initiatives like our StudentsBuild team.
Weiwei Gao
Grade: 10
Logistics Director
Hey there, I'm Weiwei Gao, a sophomore in the STEM program at GHC! I'm this year's Logistics Director.When I grow up, I want to work in the medical field or engineering (and maybe a mix of both?). Some of my interests include both beach and indoor volleyball, cello, and catching up with the latest C-dramas. When you're not catching me doing those things, I'm probably snacking or listening to Rosé.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
Physics! I love physics because it breaks complex things down completely, more so than other STEM-related subjects such as biology. It explains why things behave the way they do, and it contains less factual memorization and more conceptual understanding.
Why did you join?
I joined StudentsBuild my freshman year because I was interested in community service and STEM, but didn't have an outlet to combine those two passions. StudentsBuild gave me the opportunity to serve the people of my community by gifting them the love for STEM.
Hailey Macalalad
Hailey Macalalad
Grade: 12
Public Relations Director
Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Hailey, and I'm a senior in high school as well as this year's PR Director for Girls++! I've been part of Students Build for a year now under the PR team, and I'm planning to enter the medical field, either as a pediatric oncologist or a neonatologist. In my free time, you can usually find me discovering new music, watching and rating films on Letterboxd, or reading Penguin Classics. I also love drawing and painting whenever I get the chance.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
My favorite STEM-related subject is the biological sciences because I enjoy learning about the human body and understanding the complex systems that keep us alive and healthy. Exploring topics like anatomy, physiology, and cellular processes fascinates me, especially as I think about the ways we can preserve and improve these systems through medicine. This interest directly connects to my future career in the medical field, where a deep understanding of biology will help me care for patients, particularly children, and contribute to advancements in healthcare.
Why did you join?
I joined GHC’s Students Build chapter (Girls++) to deepen my interest in the sciences and help make STEM more accessible to others, especially younger children. As I hope to work with children in the future, I aim to cultivate a sense of mentorship by introducing them to various STEM fields, fostering their curiosity, and demonstrating that they belong in this industry.
Parnia Tahamtan
Parnia Tahamtan
Grade: 11
Logistics
Hi, I’m Parnia Tahamtan, and I’m an 11th grade student at GHC! I’m an aspiring doctor and my interests and hobbies include art, reading, traveling, and watching movies.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
My favorite STEM-related subject is biology because it’s connected to everyday life. Biology helps me understand the world at a more complex level and gives me clarity on multiple aspects of living
Why did you join?
I joined because I believe StudentsBuild is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on my community in a fun way.
Sophia Mamyan
Sophia Mamyan
Grade: 11
Public Relations
Hi everyone! My name is Sophie Mamyan, and I'm a Junior. I absolutely love neuroscience, and intend to major in it. I hope to acquire an MD PhD one day! My favorite subjects are biology, physics, and history. In terms of hobbies, I love drawing, reading, skiing, and nearly everything outdoors. I also love collecting records, decks of cards, and books.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
While I intend to major in neurobiology, I absolutely adore Physics. I've taken two years of physics, and throughout them, I've consistently found myself infatuated with the theory and problem solving behind physics. Physics is more of a puzzle then a memorization subject, and while it's frustrated me repetitively, I love the challenge - and ultimately, the subject. My favorite physics unit is Waves!
Why did you join?
When I took a liking to science, it was because of the enthusiasm of my elementary school teachers, who pushed me to pursue more daunting subjects. With GHC StudentsBuild, I hope to extend STEM education and resources to younger students - cultivating early interest in STEM subjects.
Hannah Nguyen
Hannah Nguyen
Grade: 10
Public Relations
Hello! I'm Hannah Nguyen, a sophomore in high school and a new PR member of Girls++. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the engineering field. My hobbies include playing volleyball for fun, reading books, watching K-Dramas, playing piano, and enjoying party games with my friends/family when I get the chance. I also love music in general and will always be down for a good karaoke sesh.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
My favorite STEM subject is psychology because I love learning about the reasons behind human processes and functions. I find it to be such an interesting subject and I like that it also has real-world applications as well.
Why did you join?
I joined StudentsBuild because I love serving others, and I hope to guide children to discover their passion for STEM through the fun, hands-on activities that StudentsBuild offers.
Emma Pazirandeh
Emma Pazirandeh
Grade: 10
Logistics
Hey!! My name is Emma Pazirandeh and I'm thrilled to be a part of GHC StudentsBuild! I'm in 10th grade and am extremely passionate about Equine Health and Chemistry. In the future, I hope to become an equine veterinarian and tutor future chemistry students.
What is your favorite STEM subject & Why?
Chemistry is my favorite STEM-related subject because of my dad. He teaches Chemistry at a college and is greatest my support system. Now that I'm taking Chemistry in high school, I'm better able to appreciate his interests and have been able to build a stronger bond together.
Why did you join?
I was introduced to StudentsBuild by a friend who spoke highly of the club. I joined with the intentions of gaining more knowledge in STEM related projects and to broaden my volunteer experiences. As well as the fun STEM projects, I wound up enjoying collaborating my teammates to accomplish our set goals. I look forward to contributing to GHC StudentBuilds and enriching myself in new knowledge!