HPS 2026 Committee
Meet the students organizing the event!
Meet the students organizing the event!
Directors of the event
Malia Trujillo Hanawalt is a fourth-year Biology major at the University of New Mexico, with minors in Psychology and Chemistry and an Honors Certificate in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts. She co-founded the UNM Pre-Optometry Society and now serves as its Senior Advisor, supporting fellow pre-optometry students on their paths to healthcare. Malia is also a UNM Trailblazer, where she enjoys volunteering and working closely with UNM Alumni.
Malia plans to pursue a Doctor of Optometry degree and is interested in combining her studies with a Master’s in Public Health to better support underserved communities in New Mexico. She views optometry as a vital form of primary care and hopes to create an environment where patients feel understood while improving their quality of life through vision.
In her free time, Malia enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and going on evening walks in her neighborhood. She hopes to incorporate her love of traveling to learn new approaches and techniques in optometry around the world and adapt them to improve care for the diverse populations of New Mexico.
She is excited to serve as the Executive Co-Director for the 10th Annual Health Professions Symposium as HPS has provided her so many opportunities to develop academically and find other students with a passion for improving healthcare and the wellbeing of New Mexicans.
Sade is a fourth year biology student minoring in chemistry and Spanish. Sade is a pre dental student who will be pursuing a DDS/DMD degree after undergrad. After being exposed to the clinical practices following a year of being a journalism major, she decided dentistry was a perfect way to combine her creativity and passion for science, while providing an alternate route to people with the confidence to share their voice. Sade has been a part of HPS for the past 2 years and has thoroughly enjoyed providing free educational and networking resources combined with hands on experiences to future healthcare professionals. In her free time, she enjoys Pilates, reading, going to concerts and spending time with loved ones. She is excited to serve as an executive Co-Director for the 10th annual Health Professions Symposium. HPS is a fantastic opportunity to connect pre health students with their respective fields.
Responsible for organizing the luncheon held during the Health Professions Symposium
Celeste is a fourth-year Nuclear Medicine student minoring in Chemistry and in Health, Medicine and Human Values. Her goal is to go to medical school one day and become a physician here in New Mexico. Outside of HPS, Celeste is a peer learning facilitator for anatomy & physiology 2 and a research assistant at UNMH. She also enjoys going to concerts, painting with watercolors, traveling with friends and spending quality bonding time with her cats. She is extremely excited to be a part of HPS again this year and in a new leadership role!
Gabrielle is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry. She is currently an EMT student who has a passion to peruse emergency medicine. She plans to attend medical school after graduation in order to get licensed as a trauma surgeon. Gabby joined HPS in order to interact with different medical professionals and students who share a similar passion as her.
Luke is a junior at UNM this year and is majoring in Business Administration with a minor in chemistry. This is his third year with HPS and strives to attend medical school after graduation!
Mya is a freshman majoring in Biology at UNM. She hopes to attend veterinary school after college. She is also a member of UNM's pre vet society, and enjoys playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, family, and animals. She is excited to be apart of the events services committee this year!
Trisha is a sophomore majoring in Chemical and biological engineering and she is also a premed student. She loves playing badminton and going to the gym in her leisure. Her goal is to go to medical school and specialize in neurosurgery. Or get an MD PhD.
Coordinates with UNM HSC to secure rooms and ballrooms for the day of the event. Responsible for setting up catering for the day of the event
Danielle is a fourth-year Biology major, minoring in Chemistry and American Sign Language. She aspires to attend the UNM School of Medicine and ultimately become a physician with a specialty in pediatrics or oncology. She is passionate about working with children and their families to build trust and improve healthcare access in both urban and rural areas of New Mexico. In addition to her studies and role as an HPS Lead, Danielle is a lab assistant at the UNM Health Sciences Center Cancer Research Facility, and volunteers as a head coach for an elementary-level running team through the Girls on the Run organization. This is Danielle’s second year as a member of the Health Profession Symposium committee, and she is thrilled to contribute to what will be an especially impactful event for students across the state!
Hasti is a senior majoring in Biology with minors in American Sign Language and Chemistry, as well as pursuing an Honors Certificate in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts. She is a pre-dental student and currently serves as President of the Pre-Dental Society. In addition, she works as a Student Manager at the Center for Teaching and Learning, where she leads the Chemistry and Biology tutoring team. Hasti is passionate about helping others and giving back to her community. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with her loved ones.
Xavier is a third year in the chemical engineering program. He currently works in a computational biology lab on campus. He is planning on pursuing an MD/PhD after undergrad.
Hannah is in her fourth year at UNM, double majoring in biochemistry and political science. Her goal is to one day go to medical school and practice in a rural area. She currently works in a lab in the biology department, focusing on mitochondria and neural crest cells. She is also the president of the American Medical Student Association for the pre-med branch this year. As a member of the facilities committee, she is excited to bring her skills to the HPS team for the 2026 year!
Ibrahim is a freshman at UNM and is a chemical engineering major. He plans to attend medical school after completing his bachelor’s. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, and wrestling.
Maintains the budget, accounts, financial transactions, and financial records, helps innovate and refine finances to be more efficient for years to come
Daniyal is a sophomore studying Political Science and Sociology with minors in Population Health and Honors. He plans to pursue law school after UNM and is a Senator for ASUNM, A Pathmakers mentor, and serves as a Fundraising Chair for the CCAA. In his free time, he enjoys running, gardening, and building Legos. He is excited to serve as this years finance lead.
Anthony is a senior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Honors. He is an aspiring physician with aims to integrate clinical care, community advocacy/education, and research into his work at an academic institution. Outside of HPS, he conducts research in the Cannon Lab in the Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, mentors students as an Honors Pathmaker, volunteers at Presbyterian Downtown Hospital, and serves in ASUNM. As a first-year member of HPS, he is excited to contribute and make an impact!
Lucas is an upcoming junior at UNM studying Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He maintains a strong academic record, having cultivated robust financial analysis and valuation skills through advanced coursework. After graduation, Lucas plans to secure a career in corporate finance, where he can leverage his analytical skills to drive the growth of businesses.
Julen is a Second-Year student studying Biology from Las Cruces, NM. He is interested in becoming a plastic surgeon and wants to attend medical school here at UNM. This is his second year in HPS and is very excited to work with everyone. Outside of HPS, he is also in the Pre-Med Society and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In his free-time, he likes to play basketball, skateboard, and go to the gym.
Responsible for documenting the organizations accomplishments as well its procedures, and maintaining a legacy catalog for previous HPS leaders
Daniel is a senior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Health, Medicine, and Human Values. He plans to pursue medical school at UNM SOM to eventually become a doctor. Outside of academics, he is an officer for UNM ACS and UNM AMSA, helping to organize events for pre medical students and chemists alike. Additionally, Daniel is involved in an Adipose Tissue Lab which aims to uncover the endocrine effects of adipose tissues in mice, and how it correlates to humans. On his free time, Daniel likes to go on walks, swim, take pictures of colorful sunsets, play clarinet, and speed solve Rubiks Cubes. His fastest time on a 3x3 is 8.32 seconds. This is Daniel's 4th year on the HPS Committee and he is excited to provide a memorable experience for any and all students eager to pursue a career in healthcare!
Meagan is a senior in biochemistry who aspires to attend medical school and become and empathetic and knowledgeable physician. Meagan hopes to specialize in Emergency Medicine, where she advocate for under-resourced communities, and contribute to clinical research. Meagan feels passionately about providing the highest quality healthcare to her community in New Mexico, while maintaining awareness in the differences in background and identity of each patient she interacts with. In addition to HPS, Meagan is a medical scribe at PKH ED, and is a current research student in the BIOM505 program at UNM. She enjoys rock climbing, and Skiing in Santa Fe, NM!
Composed of College and High School subteams, each with a Team Lead. Promotes registration and spreads the word in the months prior to the event
Kate is a senior Biology major with a minor in Chemistry and French. She aspires to go to medical school to become an emergency medicine physician. She has been attending HPS for the past 3 years, and last year was her first year on outreach for the HPS planning committee. As the college outreach committee lead, she is excited to help students learn about the different careers available in the healthcare field!
Selbi is a senior majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and honors. She is working towards her dream of becoming a pediatrician by engaging in various extracurriculars, which include working as a medical assistant at a pediatric clinic and being the vice-president of Pre-Medical Society. During her free time, she enjoys watching K-dramas and crocheting. With this being her second year as part of HPS, Selbi is excited to work with everyone to make this event the best one yet!
Vanessa is a 4th-year student majoring in Biochemistry and psychology. She will be attending pharmacy school Fall 2026. She aspires to be a compassionate pharmacist in neurology to better serve patients with ongoing neurological disorders. Outside of school she is working with on going clinical trials as a research assistant for the Department of Neurology MS research clinic.
Tina is a fourth-year student that is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Psychology. She hopes to go to medical school and specialize in pediatrics. Besides HPS, she is a part of Doctors Without Borders. Outside of school, Tina likes to read, paint, and hang out with friends! She is super excited to be part of HPS this year!
Derrick is a fourth-year Biology major at the University of New Mexico, minoring in both Chemistry and Psychology. He is currently applying to dental school and aspires to pursue a career as either a general dentist or a periodontist. Outside of school, Derrick works as a dental assistant and remains actively involved in his community. He also serves in leadership roles within the UNM Pre-Dental Society and UNM LoboTHON.
Kofi is a second-year Biochemistry major at UNM. He hopes to attend medical school after graduating, with the goal of a career as an addiction psychiatrist. He is the treasurer for Brothers Leading and Cultivating Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K) and enjoys playing basketball, soccer, and spending time with friends and family outside of school. He is proud to be a member of this year's HPS High School Outreach Committee!
Andrew is a Junior at UNM studying biochemistry with a goal of becoming a physician here in NM! Outside of HPS, he started the first UNM men’s club volleyball team where they travel and compete at the national level all around the USA. He also loves to travel, and most recently went to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, tried new food, and went to concerts!
Olivia is a freshman majoring in biology with a minor in interdisciplinary honors. She is also apart of the Honors Student Association. She has the hopes of attaining a masters to become an Anesthesia Assistant following her graduation at UNM. She has attended the past three HPS event’s and is excited to become apart of the integral team that hosts it.
Emily is a junior at UNM majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Computer Science. She hopes to attend medical school after graduation. She is excited to be part of the committee planning for HPS this year!
Brianna is a Biology & Psychology major, with a minor in Chemistry. She is actively involved in cancer research and is planning to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Research. Although the MD/PHD program catches her eye to conduct clinical trials. When she's not studying or running experiments you can find her at the gym!
Ashley is a Biology major at UNM with a minor in Chemistry. She wants to go into the Dentistry field, and has also just applied this past cycle. She has been volunteering with our committee for a couple years now and is now a member of the College Outreach committee. She loves to bake/cook and play volleyball in her free time.
Communicates diligently with all workshop/table presenters, and with any and all new presenters
Sean is in fourth year of a biology undergrad with aspirations of attending medical school. He has been volunteering with HPS since freshman year, and became part of the committee team last year. He hopes to make the tenth HPS a fantastic event and inspire all those who attend!
Jayden is a first year, pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and is pursuing a certificate in Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts. She aspires to go to medical and ultimately become a physician, specializing in Gynecologic Oncology. Outside of HPS, Jayden loves to travel abroad, go to concerts, and compete in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu .
Claudia is a senior majoring in Biology and Spanish, with a minor in Chemistry and Maternal Child Health. She is planning on attending medical school and passionate about becoming a bilingual physician. This is her second year in HPS, and she is beyond excited to be a member of HPS Program Committee! Along with HPS, she is the Outreach Coordinator for Pre-Medical Society and Secretary for Latino Medical Student Association+. Outside of academics, Claudia enjoys listening to music, going to concerts, taking care of her houseplants, and skincare!
Traeh is a senior majoring in psychology with minors in chemistry and biology. After graduation, Traeh plans to attend medical school, with interests in psychiatry or neurology. She is an advocate for and is involved in research regarding psychedelic-assisted therapies. In her spare time, she enjoys making sourdough baked goods and watching horror movies.
Tatyana is a Biochemistry junior minoring in Mathematics. She is aiming for medical school to eventually specialize in Orthopedics. When she's not studying for her classes or working as a Pharmacy Tech, Taty can be found playing pool in Louie Lounge, hand-sewing stuffed animals (usually frogs), and watching House M.D.
Isabella is a sophomore majoring in Medical Laboratory Sciences aspiring to be an MD. She is planning on attending the University of New Mexico School of Medicine to be an anesthesiologist. She currently works for the City of Albuquerque as a recreational worker which she enjoys. She is a member of the UNM Pre-Medical Society, Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society, and enjoys volunteering whenever she can. She is super excited to be helping for the 10th year anniversary of HPS, and cannot wait to continue participating in HPS events.
Helps determine new ways to get the word out and gain publicity, manages social media accounts and posts regularly to promote the event
Maysa is a fourth year majoring in Biology and Journalism. She works with dementia patients, and plans to attend medical school for pediatric care to join Doctors Without Borders. Maysa is also the VP of Marketing for Trailblazers and Professional Sales Association, and Secretary General of the World Affairs Delegation. In her free time, she enjoys making her own music and sleep in. She is incredibly excited for HPS’s 10th year and hopes to see you there!
Cecilia is a junior pursuing a Biochemistry major and Family and Child Studies minor at UNM. She first became involved with HPS through volunteering at the symposium and realized she wanted to be more involved with the impactful healthcare event. Apart from being apart of HPS, she is also the volunteer coordinator of the Pre-Dental society and is involved in LoboTHON. She thoroughly enjoys having a positive impact and giving back to the community, a passion that aligns with HPS' mission. Her ultimate goal is to become a dentist specializing in pediatrics and help provide access to basic dental care to underserved communities.
Madelyn is a junior with a double major in biochemistry and psychology. She is involved in clinical research, and loves working with kids. She is currently a general chemistry lab TA and also does clinical research at UNMH. Madelyn is hoping to become a pediatric neurologist after attending medical school.
Cynthia is a junior at the University of New Mexico, studying psychology and chemistry. Involved with the Rural Student Project, SSS-TRIO, and Honors College, she has learned the importance of working in and for her community. Pursuing her interests in the mind and its functions, she foreshadows attending medical school to explore the fascinating and complex intricacies of the brain.
Ryan is a junior at UNM studying English and History. She is looking to join the Health Administration field and advocate for healthcare access. Outside of academics, Ryan enjoys hiking, traveling, and going to concerts. She is excited to bring the healthcare field to New Mexico and contribute to a great event!
Works to identify, meet, and secure new sponsorships, keeps clear records of all sponsors and what they have donated
Victor is a sophomore majoring in EMS and Minoring in Chemistry. He is involved with HPS, Pre-Medical Society and many more. His Career Goals are to become a Physican Assistant/Associate and specialize in Surgery.
Diego is a junior pre-dental student at UNM majoring in Population Health and minoring in Chemistry. In addition to HPS, he is the Vice-President of the Pre-Dental Society and a student researcher in the Department of Chemistry. Diego also is a TA for Organic Chemistry 2 and a Student Ambassador for URAD. Outside of school, Diego loves to travel, hike, paddle board, camp, and cook. He is passionate about bringing opportunities to New Mexico and is excited to spend his third year on the planning committee for HPS.
Mohammad is a freshman studying Biology. He plans on going to medical school and becoming a family doctor. He is also Co President of Muslim Pre-Meds and enjoys playing basketball.
Cayla is a fourth-year biochemistry major with an interest in medicine. She currently works as a scribe at PresNow. Cayla enjoys reading, working out, and meeting new people. She was a program committee member last year for HPS which provided a lot of experience working in a committee and communicating with people who work in the medical field. She thinks HPS is an amazing program that can open many doors for aspiring health care students and she looks forward to another great year of HPS!
Ashley is a biochemistry & Spanish major with a minor in psychology. As a first-generation student she hopes to go to medical school in UNM Medical School and become a bilingual pediatric doctor in the future. Aside of being in the HPS, she is also in the Pre-Medical Society. She works in UNM Hospital as a Patient Transporter. She loves hanging out with her family, going to concerts and traveling to Mexico. She’s excited to be part of HPS and meeting new people!
Maintains and updates the website regularly, helps other teams create forms, flyers, brochures, and posters for sponsorship and recruitment purposes
Mohammed is a current sophomore studying Psychology with a minor in Chemistry aiming to get into Med School. In addition to HPS, Mohammed is the treasurer of Pre-Medical Society, and the Vice President of the Muslim Student Association. In his free time he enjoys playing volleyball and soccer. Mohammed is very excited to close the first decade of HPS!
Aymeen Raad, is a first-year biochemistry major at the University of New Mexico and aspires to pursue the PharmD program at UNM. Currently employed as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens, Aymeen enjoys trying new foods and playing video games.
Shazmeen is a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Biology and B.A. in Psychology. She hopes to attend medical school and become a physician to serve New Mexico. She has both attended and volunteered with HPS in the past and is excited to work with her committee. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks, reading, and drinking coffee.
Rayan is a freshman studying biochemistry. He is passionate about medicine and wants to become a physician in the future. This is his first year of involvement in HPS and he is excited about this opportunity.
Ibrahim is a freshman at the University of New Mexico majoring in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. He a Pre-Med who aspires to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist, combining his passion for the brain with a dedication to helping others. In addition to his role with the Health Professions Symposium Planning Committee, he is a member of the UNM Pre-Medical Society. He joined HPS to collaborate with peers who share similar goals and to help connect students with opportunities in healthcare. Outside of academics, he enjoys volunteering, cooking, swimming, and exploring the study of the brain.
Coordinates efforts for outreach and on-site registration, helping both attendees and presenters to sign up for the event
Jenn is a junior at UNM pursuing a dual degree in B.S Biochemistry & Psychology. She has been involved with HPS for three years and has loved helping plan New Mexico’s largest healthcare event to make a positive impact in her community. Beyond HPS, Jenn serves as President of the Pre-Medical Society, conducts research in the Bolt Lab, and is a research student for the UNM Department of Emergency Medicine. She aspires to become a pediatric emergency medicine physician, committed to improving access to care and supporting underserved communities.
Santa Lucia is a fourth-year premed student at the University of New Mexico, where she is majoring in biology and double minoring in Health Medicine & Human Values (HMHV) and Chemistry. Santa Lucia is also a research student for the UNM Department of Emergency Medicine. Santa Lucia hopes to attend Medical School after graduating this fall to continue to follow her interest in Pediatric Medicine. With a passion for understanding the complexities of human health and health outcomes, she is motivated by her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Santa Lucia has interests in sociology and acknowledging how the intersectionality of an individual may affect their health; with hopes to be involved with future sociological research to help better health outcomes within her community. Santa Lucia has other interests working for children with disabilities and hopes to further pursue future advocacy for enhancing their overall care, addressing their needs, and promoting inclusiveness in both healthcare and community environments. Outside of her studies, Santa Lucia likes to volunteer, work out, and draw on her free time. She is excited to be involved with HPS for another year and hopes to help more people to experience the opportunities and social networking that can come from attending this event.
Bashir is a junior at the University of New Mexico majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Health, Medicine & Human Values (HMHV). This is his second year involved with the Health Professions Symposium (HPS); last year he volunteered at the event, and this year he is serving on the Volunteer Committee. As a member of the UNM BA/MD program, Bashir is dedicated to improving healthcare access in underserved areas and aspires to become an orthopedic surgeon serving rural communities in New Mexico. He values teamwork, mentorship, and creating opportunities that connect students and professionals in medicine to strengthen pathways for future healthcare leaders.
Rihanna is a Sophmore at UNM pursuing a degree in Biology. This is her second year involved in HPS. In addition to HPS, Rihanna volunteers with a hospice organization, volunteers at a charitable clinic, conducts research in Mito Lab, and works as a medical scribe. She aspires to become a pediatric physician.
Nara is a second year, with a major in biology. She's hoping to get into medical school and join the air force as a officer.
Azriela is a freshman double majoring in Psychology and Africana Studies with a minor in Chemistry. After graduating, she plans to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist.