Jaejeun “Josh” Hong
he/him/his
Chemistry and Biochemistry
I am a fourth-year Biochemistry major at UCLA with a deep passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Originally from Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea, I have been in the United States since 2019 as an F-1 visa student. Balancing multiple roles, I work as a Student Affairs Advisor at the UCLA Honors Programs, a medical assistant, and a tutor. My background includes serving in the Republic of Korea Army’s Special Warfare Command in the elite 707th Special Mission Group, which has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and leadership.
I aspire to become a physician-scientist specializing in aging, driven by my passion for research and improving the quality of life for the elderly. Despite facing significant financial and personal challenges, I remain determined to achieve my goals. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new scientific research, participating in outdoor activities, and volunteering in community service. I am committed to promoting equity and inclusion and am excited to contribute to the Student Advisory Board at UCLA.
Grace Kassebaum
she/her/hers
Mathematics
I am a third year Applied Mathematics major from Minnesota. On campus, I currently serve as the Internal Vice President for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Through this role, I work to create an environment where all individuals—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—feel welcome and empowered. I am excited to serve on this year’s Student Advisory Board and continue my efforts fostering a supportive environment in the physical sciences at UCLA. Outside of school, I enjoy running, hiking, and ATVing.
Rudaba Sarwar
she/her/hers
Mathematics
I am a fourth-year Mathematics of Computation major with a minor in Statistics and Data Science. Originally from Bangladesh, I’ve been engaged in community service for over a decade, actively contributing to local volunteer organizations whenever I return home. My passion lies in using data, design, and technology to create more inclusive and accessible digital experiences. I currently serve as a Graphic Design Intern at Innovate@UCLA and I am also the External Vice President of the Bangali Student Association, having served as the Cultural Affairs Director previously. I am also an International Bruin Ambassador for the year. After serving as a Facilitator on the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board last year, I’m honored to return this year as a Speaker and look forward to continuing to advocate for students in the Physical Sciences community.
Outside of UCLA, I usually go out to eat good food and boba, shop, or watch shows with occasional gym sessions.
Aila Shibao
she/her/hers
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hello! I’m a third-year Biochemistry major born and raised in LA county. On campus, I’m involved in undergraduate research in the Chong Liu Lab, am a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity, and I enjoy being a learning assistant in the LA program for chemistry courses. I’ve also had the opportunity to work as a peer mentor for the Summer Bridge Program for incoming freshmen in the sciences, which has been an amazing experience.
Outside of academics, I am a director of event logistics for BruinDine, where I and other directors and volunteers aim to tackle food-insecurity among students by serving fresh food from the dining halls! I am also involved in JPAM, a Japanese and English language exchange club and work at the Rieber Front Desk. As this is my third year on the SAB and my first time being the facilitator, I hope to foster a supportive community within the SAB and will strive to ensure efficiency and success in defining and reaching our goals.
Kendy Chen
she/her
Chemistry and Biochemistry
I’m a fifth-year Biochemistry major in the BMSB (Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology) track and part of the Departmental Scholar Program in the Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments. My research in Professor Yi Tang’s lab focuses on characterizing DUF3328 proteins within a fungal RiPP gene cluster.
I was born and raised in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. in 2021. Adjusting to a new culture and academic environment has made me especially passionate about supporting diverse student experiences and making sure everyone feels seen and included. I’ve been involved in the UCLA BRIDGE Summer Program as a peer mentor and TA for Math 94, a class designed for underrepresented students in STEM. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build community and help students feel more confident in their academic journey.
Outside the lab and classroom, I’m a musician and a competitive singer. I play several instruments and have been taking professional vocal lessons—I started singing competitively last year and it’s become a big part of my life.
Ian San Juan
any pronouns
Applied Mathematics and Physics
Hi! I am a second year Applied Math and Physics double major, and I am double minoring in Geophysics and Planetary Physics and Geochemistry. I am a researcher in the Astrophotonics Lab under Dr. Gatkine where I study arrayed waveguide gratings and explore photonic detection techniques. I am also involved in the Pilipinx space, and I have interned under the Pilipinos in Engineering and Science internship, Pilipinx Leadership Internship Program, and the Samahang Teaching through Experience Program. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing roblox, crocheting, instagram reels, and taking pictures of my dogs. I aspire to be an astrophysicist or pop star.
Charlotte Milhorn
she/her
Statistics and Data Science
I am a 2nd year Statistics and Data Science major planning on double majoring with Economics. I’m also super proud to be a 3rd generation Bruin from Redondo Beach, California. Some campus clubs I’m involved with include DataRes, Bruin Finance Society, and Stats club. For work, I provide IT support at the UCLA Capital Programs office which manages all major construction projects for the university. Outside of school, my greatest joys are eating, going to the beach with friends, and reading.
I also play hockey, and intend to join the club women’s ice hockey team at UCLA that is starting up this year. In the future, I hope to study abroad in the UK during senior year and of course, in the long term, take over the world (for legal reasons this is a joke). I am extremely grateful to be a member of the Student Advisory Board and am excited to help make 2025-2026 the best school year yet!
Amit Rand
he/him
Mathematics of Computation
I’m a fourth-year Mathematics of Computation major at UCLA and a proud transfer student from the Foothill-De Anza Community College system. I currently serve as a Learning Assistant for CS 180 and have a deep passion for the intersection of computer science and mathematics, with the long-term goal of pursuing a Ph.D. incorporating both.
Outside of the classroom, I’ve interned at Amazon, where I worked on machine learning models for satellite calibration, and at Scale AI, focusing on generative AI. I also served as a Research Scientist Intern at Leidos in the Graph AI group. My entrepreneurial spirit has led me to work at several startups, where I’ve enjoyed building and iterating on real-world products.
Academically, I’ve conducted research at the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Lab at UCLA, applying diffusion models to biomedical imaging, and I did a research program at the Stanford Department of Biomedical Data Science.
As a transfer student, I’m deeply committed to ensuring that other transfers feel supported, recognized, and empowered to reach their goals, whether in academia or industry. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values I carry with me in every space I enter.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, rock climbing, reading, going to the gym, and exploring new places.
Briana Waters
she/her/hers
Data Theory
I am a third year Data Theory major with a minor in Data Science Engineering from the Sacramento area, and a proud member of the Gros Ventre tribe. At UCLA, I stay connected with the math and stats community through Stats Club, DataFest, and personal data analysis projects. I also work as a Senior Student Supervisor at an on-campus restaurant, where I’ve had the chance to grow as a leader while connecting with people from many backgrounds. Outside of academics, I enjoy crocheting, reading, watching TV, and exploring Los Angeles with friends. I’ve always been drawn to the space where humanities meets science, so I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to contribute to this board.
Tanya D’Souza
she/her/hers
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hi there! I am a fourth year Biochemistry major at UCLA with a minor in Philosophy. I am actually a transfer student, and transferred to UCLA from UC Santa Cruz in the fall of 2024. In university, I found my passion through working in research, and am planning to pursue an MD-PhD in my future. Currently, I work as an undergraduate researcher in the Conway Group studying drug development and small molecule degraders. Outside of the lab, I am also passionate about the field of Alzheimer’s, and spend my time working with National Alzheimer’s buddies, an organization that helps organize volunteering at memory care facilities across the country. In my free time, I love to spend time outdoors, whether it be camping, swimming in the ocean, or even just going on a nice run/walk.
Damian Ojeda
he/him
Chemistry and Biochemistry
I am a third-year double majoring in Biochemistry and Public Affairs. I am from a small town in the California Central Valley called Porterville. Beyond the classroom, I am part of a couple of student organizations such as Campus Tours, Latinx Admit Weekend, and volunteer at the Botanical Garden. I am currently the Project Director of the Central Valley Project, an organization that aims to uplift rural high school students to pursue higher education. I am also in Dr. Gay Crooks’ lab investigating the role that catch bonds play in T Cell development. Outside of campus, I love to explore Los Angeles. I enjoy walking through different neighborhoods and trying random places to eat. As an SAB member, I aim to promote inclusion and create a community within Physical Sciences.
Eileen Zheng
she/her
Statistics and Data Science
I am a second-year Statistics and Data Science major, also interested in Economics and Cognitive Science. Born and raised in Canada, I am an international student at UCLA. I currently serve as a Resident Assistant on the Hill and have previously worked with UCLA’s Residential Government Council. Outside of residential life and academics, I am a member of UCLA’s club gymnastics team and enjoy running, hiking, and spending time outdoors with my family, friends, and dog. I am excited to contribute to fostering an inclusive and supportive community within the Physical Sciences division at UCLA.
Joy Mikolyski
she/her
Physics
Hi! I am a third-year Physics major who hopes to pursue a career in medicine, with the goal of obtaining an MD-PhD. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and love having the opportunity to study in this city as well. At UCLA, I serve as the Academic Events Coordinator for the Physics Honor Society and am a member of the Science Lab Teaching Club, a group dedicated to including elementary school aged students in STEM, and Project Lux, an organization working to provide resources to and spread awareness about the unhoused community. I also am a volunteer at the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center in the creative arts department, and have been working at a restaurant during the summer and on the weekends for the past few years. In my free time, I love to go to concerts, swim, travel, and rock climb. As an SAB member, I look forward to promoting a sense of community and communication within the physical sciences, and ensuring that every voice is heard.
Emiliano Bustos
he/him
Physics
Hello! I am a second year physics major and a passionate reader on theology and philosophy. I was raised in the border town Tijuana, Baja California but was born and went to high school in San Diego. Outside of academics, you can most likely see me practicing with the Folklorico club or practicing as a danzante for Mariachi de UCLATLAN. One thing that I love about UCLA is the support and community that is offered and It makes me proud to be able to give back and to work towards promoting equity and inclusion, especially for my peers around me.
Tanya Chhabria
she/her
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hello! I’m a third-year Biochemistry major from the Bay Area planning to pursue an MD. I help lead the Learning Assistant (LA) program and conduct research in the Kappel Lab on RNA Binding Proteins and disease associations, as well as in the Cramer Lab on movement recovery after stroke. Outside of academics, I’m involved in Project Lux, which supports the unhoused community, UniCamp, DEM (a pre-health fraternity), and I also tutor for the Chemistry Department. In my free time, I love to knit, hike, read, and explore LA! As part of SAB, I hope to foster an inclusive and supportive community within the physical sciences.
Liam Jenny
he/him
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and Political Science
Ahoy! I’m a fourth-year student double majoring in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and Political Science here at UCLA. I was raised all across the Western United States, from Seattle, Washington to Oakland, California, but I now call Cincinnati, Ohio home. When it comes to Physical Science, I’m all about the ocean! On campus, I conduct biogeochemical oceanographic research on the mineralogies of various Californian cold-water corals in the Eagle Lab, and I am the co-director of Marine Operatives, our student-run research group responsible for the maintenance and use of the AOS Zodiac, a 17 foot research vessel equipped with tons of sampling devices. Outside of academics, I am a truly spirited Bruin! You can find me cheering my heart out for all of our D1 sports teams as the Director of Game Day Operations with the Den or infecting a group of prospective students with the Blue n’ Gold spirit as a Campus Tour Guide. Go Bruins!
Nora Lynch
she/her/hers
Physics and Mathematics
I am a fourth-year student pursuing a major in Physics, and a minor in Mathematics. I am drawn to the profound and unimaginable truths of what our universe is. Last summer I had the amazing opportunity to live and study in Iceland, a country where renewable energy amazingly provided almost 100% of its electricity production. With a group of engineering students, we circumnavigated the entire island, investigating Iceland’s unique geology and geothermal energy from a thermodynamic perspective. I am eager to participate in further research dealing with the energy and climate crisis.
When I’m not completely entangled with problem sets or studying, I pilot single engine aircrafts in my free time. I also enjoy reading, tennis, and shopping. I feel honored to contribute to a team dedicated to values of equity, inclusion, and diversity, values which I believe are fundamental for any educational setting. I am dedicated to supporting all students within our community.
Raina Marangattu
she/her
Statistics and Data Science
Hello, I am Raina, a third-year Statistics and Data science major not too far from UCLA in the San Fernando Valley. My passion lies in utilizing data and patterns to make sense of our everyday lives. Outside of academics, I serve as a Peer Learning Facilitator for the Academic Advancement Program (AAP) serving historically underrepresented students in higher education. Serving as an investigator for the Student Advisory Board allows me to serve the physical science community and continue to advocate for the communities I represent.