Executive Director | Keera Rhoads

rhoadskp@vcu.edu

Meet Keera, an enthusiastic graduate student immersed in the cell/tissue and regenerative track. With a passion for cooking, she often delights in creating culinary masterpieces. Outside the kitchen, she finds solace in nature walks and meditative moments. On campus, Keera's commitment shines through. Not only does she spearhead her research projects, but she's also the go-to for students seeking study assistance. Keera is set on making this a remarkable academic year!

President | Jessica Nguyen

nguyenj36@vcu.edu

Jessica is currently a junior on the Cell & Tissue Engineering track! Outside of school, she enjoys going on walks with her dog and making boba runs to jam out in the car with her friends. She works in Dr. Heise's lab and is very passionate about conducting pulmonary research. She is also a member of Phi Sigma Rho (the engineering/stem sorority). In addition to Phi Rho, she is also a member of the Society for Women Engineers (SWE)! Jessica spends a lot of her time outside of classes volunteering for various organizations in the Richmond area :) 

Vice President | Smridhi Madan

madans@vcu.edu

Smridhi is a junior in Biomedical Engineering on the Cell and Tissue track. She is interested in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and is involved in research projects focused on drug discoveries. She is a mental health advocate and volunteers with organizations that support her goal. Smridhi is also a teaching assistant for CMSC 255 and enjoys sharing knowledge through tutoring. In her free time, she likes exploring new restaurants, reading, and watching shows. 

Treasurer | Kendra Avila

avilakn@vcu.edu

Kendra is a sophomore in BME on the Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering track. Kendra has a special interest in biotechnologies and specifically in  prosthetics and hopes to pursue a PhD in it in the future. Outside of their stem activities, she enjoys spending her free time dancing and reading.  

 Secretary | Nafisa Anjum

anjumn4@vcu.edu

Nafisa is a junior on the Cell and Tissue Engineering track! Her research interests involve Alzheimer's and Cancer.  She is also apart of Dr. Hwang's lab which does research on breast cancer cell metastasis. Nafisa is also an officer of Phi Sigma Rho; she holds Vice President of Service and Sisterhood and Programming. She is apart of multiple of other clubs including Softball, BSO, and SWE. In her free time (when she has it...) she likes to draw, play the violin, and explore new foods!

Public Relations | Jade Hauptmann

hauptmannj@vcu.edu

Jade is a Junior in BME on the Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering track. Jade has a special interest in disability advocacy, and is pursuing a Disability Studies certificate from VCU! She loves being a part of the Engineering community, and you will often find them volunteering at outreach events and open houses! Jade is also very active in other orgs, holding three Director positions for Phi Sigma Rho, and heading her own club as the President of KnitWits at VCU! 

Historian | Eric Legaspi

legaspier@vcu.edu

Eric is a senior on the cell and tissue track. He is interested in drug delivery and design and pursuing a career in healthcare within underserved communities. Eric is also the President of Operation Smile at VCU and the East Asian Culinary Club. He enjoys exploring the local RVA food scene, thrifting events, and trips to Lotte & Costco. 

Fundraising | Thrishaa Jayaprakash , Sai Kathuroju

jayaprakasht@vcu.edu , kathurojusv@vcu.edu

Thrishaa is a senior BME student on the rehabilitation and human factors engineering track. She has a special interest in prosthetics and rehabilitation devices and is involved in research projects involving immunoengineering. 

Sai is a Junior in BME on the Cell and Tissue Engineering track. He is involved in various research initiatives on campus and plans on going to medical school after graduating. Sai is also an active EMT and responds to 911 medical and fire emergencies in his community. He is also involved on campus and in the Richmond community, where he spends his free time volunteering, mentoring, and enjoying outdoor activities. Sai is also on several other boards, including HUNIE and The Doorways at VCU. 

Graduate & Professional Education | Eden Yemane

yemaneen@vcu.edu

Eden is a junior BME student following the cell/tissue, and regenerative engineering track. Eden wants to pursue a career in medicine, with a goal of making/providing medical care more accessible. Eden is involved in many outreach programs in the city of Richmond that provide a variety of services to those in need in the community.

Mentorship | Simone Chapman

chapmansv2@vcu.edu

Simone is a sophomore in BME on the cell, tissue, and regenerative engineering track. Simone has a special interest in research and looks forward to working in industry research in the future while pursuing a pHD. Besides being involved in different engineering orgs, Simone also enjoys being involved in other organizations such as the DnD club, the horror club, and the scientific illustration club. 

Outreach | Katie Hetey

heteymk@vcu.edu

Katie is a Junior on the cell, tissue, and regenerative engineering track. Katie is looking forward to working in the field of Public Health in the future, specifically epidemiology. She is also involved with other organizations on campus, such as Phi Sigma Rho Engineering Sorority of which she is VP of Recruitment. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and crochet. 

Professional Development & Industry | Mackenzie Tobin

tobinmg@vcu.edu

Mackenzie is a Junior on the Biomechanics and Rehabilitation track and is looking forward to working in the Rehabilitation Industry in the future. Mackenzie is very involved with other clubs and organizations on campus and holds the Vice President of Standards role in Phi Sigma Rho and the Personal Relations Director for the Unified Greek Council. 

Social Activities & Programming | Bilal Ahmad

ahmadb@vcu.edu

Bilal is a Freshman and hopes to pursue the cell, tissue, and regenerative engineering track. He wants to pursue a career in medicine and is part of a few research initiatives in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department. Bilal is also the freshman representative for the PSA and volunteers as an EMT and tutor. In his free time Bilal loves to explore the outdoors and workout.