Aspiring and current leaders in our field, check out our amazing team of VSN Mentors for 2025-2026! Our mentors work throughout the school year to support the academic success of our bright mentees.
Schedule a mentorship meeting with our mentors today to jumpstart your journey to greatness!
M E N T O R S H I P T E A M
M A J O R:
Computational Biology & Stats/Data Science
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Research, Industry, Pre-PHD
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
Career Exploration, College List Selection, Passion Project, Internship Advising
A former student at Granada Hills Charter High School, Alice served as a leading member of her school's Science Olympiad, where she competed in a multitude of aspects intersecting the knowledge of science and society.
A third year at UCLA, her passions follow a multiple of interests - from fierceful fencing to conducting neuroscience research. Alice's extraordinary nature lead to her passion for exploring new interests and helping support her fellow peers and mentees with compassion and care.
M A J O R:
Mathematics/Economics
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Law, Finance, Business
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
College Selection, Scholarship Advising, Essay Writing, Extracurricular Search
Well versed in professionalism and public speaking, Steven engaged as a prominent member of the Granada High School competitive Mock Trial team.
Beginning his first year at UCLA, Steven holds a position as an effective Sports Reporter on the Daily Bruin, and a rising member of the Undergraduate Economics Society at UCLA - marking his commitment towards gratitude, excellence, and forward mentorship.
M A J O R:
Neuroscience
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Pre-med, Research, Computational Sciences
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
College List Selection, Major Selection, Extracurricular List Advising, Interview Training
During her time at West Ranch High School, Sana competed on a Top 25 California Speech and Debate team, while being a prominent member of Model UN and Key Club. Undertaking a passion for programming, she received her Java SE 8 Programmer certification while conducting multiple computer science related activities.
A third year at UCLA, Sana balances her life as a Researcher in the Mazumder Lab, a clinical volunteer at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Aliso Canyon Disaster Health Study, and a active member of multiple student organizations on campus (Project RISHI, Bruin Vision Project, Clinical Neurogenomics Students, Bruin Hindus). Her passion for education began with her involvement in CalTeach Math for Teaching Internship and Resident Mentor for the UCLA My Journey to College Program.
M A J O R:
Public Affairs + Education
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Public Policy, Education, Political Science, Journalism, Pre-law
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
College List Selection, Stress Management, Networking, Career Exploration
Alisha Hassanali was one of the youngest debaters to win the California State Championship in congressional debate and, at one point, was ranked the top 3 debaters in the country. Her passion and drive for public policy, oratory, and community service helped start her school’s first congressional debate team, coaching and mentoring other students to find their voice.
Alisha brings the experiences gathered from high school to her prominent role as a nationally recognized news reporter of the Daily Bruin today. Her kind heart and servant leadership makes her an inspirational mentor and team-member to look up to.
M A J O R:
Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Pre-medicine, Oncology, Biotechnology, Research
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
Essay Editing/Brainstorming/Writing, Internship Advising, Resume, Extracurricular List Advising
Former Reseda Charter High School student, Bibha served her school & community as a leader in her school's distinguished NJROTC program and Student Government. She pursued her interest in research by undertaking multiple internships and laboratory experiences in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, DNA Barcoding, Neuroscience, and Public Health at local, national, and international levels, while competing at state and international levels as a member of her school's HOSA Chapter.
Following such passions in her first year at UCLA, Bibha is a member of multiple student clubs on campus (CityLab, ALCSI, Alumni Scholars Club, Team HBV) where she hopes to carry forward her personal values of service, education, and leadership.
M A J O R:
Biology
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Pre-Medicine & Medical Sciences
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
Extracurricular Opportunities, Extracurricular List Advising, Scholarship Applications
Talented in a multitude of sports both physical and mental, Renisha Patel served as an exceptional student leader at Van Nuys High School. From competing on Volleyball Courts, representing her school through Model United Nations, or giving back to the medical community through her work in Red Cross and clinical hospital volunteering - Renisha's passion to pursue a medical career is prominent as she begins her journey at UCLA this year.
Renisha is motivated to be working with student's to ensure their potential is embraces, and their passions as seen. Her dedication towards empowering students through equal access and opportunity and education makes her an excellent student, leader, and mentor here at VSN.
M A J O R:
Biology
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Pre-Medicine & Medical Sciences
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
Internship Advising, College List Selection, Major Selection, Scholarship Application Advising
Former Granada Charter High School student, Aisha Sayani was a prime representative and speaker in her high school's Model United Nations chapter. Exceptional at public speaking and articulation, there is no doubt of her talent in representing not only her team, but her own personality, character, and charisma through her college applications. With a educational interest in Pre-Medicine, Aisha begins her journey at UCLA with strong passion and alignment to her personal values.
As a rising member of VSN, Aisha is supportive of her friends, her team, and her community of students who share the same dedication, commitment, and passion for succeeding through navigating the college application process. Her strength, virtue, and kind candor make her an exceptional mentor here at VSN.
M A J O R:
Political Science Major and Environmental Systems and Society Minor
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Politics, Environmental Policy/Research, Journalism
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
Career Exploration, Internship & Extracurricular Advising, Essay Brainstorming & Writing
Alumni from CHAMPS Charter High School, Izzy is an exceptional third-year student at UCLA with deep interest in environmental policy and societal advocacy who is heavily involved in her passions as a member of the DailyBruin, and her work as an intern in the UCLA Office of Governmental Relations.
Her impact speaks true to her work, even throughout high school as she was one of the master minds behind numerous local high school campaigns to echo impact throughout her community. Her intuition, drive, and talent is a primary reason VSN is proud to have Izzy as a mentor to support students looking to pursue similar and different career explorations in life. Izzy's experience guides students to do just that.
M A J O R:
Human Biology & Society
A C A D E M I C I N T E R E S T S:
Pre-Medicine & Medical Sciences
S P E C I A L I Z A T I O N:
Test Preparation Strategies; Essay Brainstorming & Writing, Major Selection, Peer Support
A fourth year at UCLA, Nicole is a bright future Physician with her extensive background in research and clinical experiences throughout her undergraduate journey. After graduating from William S. Hart High School, she involved herself in her passions by advocating for Intersectional Medicine (AIM) at UCLA, UCLA Powerlifting, Karlstaedt Lab at Cedars Sinai, and Tutoring K-12 students in LA area.
Overcoming challenging barriers is not unfamiliar to Nicole, as her perseverance and dedication to serve her community of aspiring leaders and high school scholars shines through the immense compassion and care she provides - making her one of the most exceptional mentors here at VSN.