Tanya Chhabria
she/her
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hello! I’m a fourth-year Biochemistry major and Global Health minor 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, and DEM (a pre-health fraternity). 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.
Frances Paramel
Biochemistry
Hello! My name is Frances and I am a 3rd year pursuing a major in biochemistry.
Joy Mikolyski
she/her/hers
Physics
Hi! I am a fourth-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 conduct research in Dr. Kim-Lien Nguyen’s Cardiovascular Imaging Research Lab, where I develop machine learning methods for automated cardiac segmentation from MRI. I am a member of the Science Lab Teaching Club, a group dedicated to including elementary school aged students in STEM. I also coach with Special Olympics at UCLA, working with athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging through sport.
In addition, I 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, and travel. 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.
Sophia Xu
she/her/hers
Statistics and Data Science
Hello! I am a fourth-year Statistics and Data Science major, minoring in Digital Humanities. I was born and raised in the Sacramento County area and enjoy having the opportunity to study in Los Angeles. I am involved in DataRes at UCLA, a data science student organization that includes projects such as data journalism and consulting. Additionally, I help tutor math and statistics to a number of students on a weekly basis.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, baking desserts, and trying new cafes and restaurants in Los Angeles. I am passionate about leveraging data to create insights that can ultimately help uplift communities. As a Student Advisory Board member in the Physical Sciences department, along with my passion to foster greater inclusion in STEM fields, I hope to be an advocate for all Physical Science Bruins and vocalize the needs of the community.
Hannah Watts
she/her
Astrophysics
Hi! I’m a fourth-year Astrophysics major at UCLA and a transfer student from Northern California. I started my undergraduate studies at Shasta College, where I was an SI leader and tutor for Math, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. During that time, I was a project manager in the NASA NCAS program working on a simulation of a Mars habitat focused on sustainability. This summer, I participated in the MagLab REU at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, working on computation of materials for thermodynamic assessment. My current project is a cosmology research group with a PhD researcher and influencer from the University of North Dakota.
My ultimate goal is researching sustainable propulsion methods for aircraft and spacecraft, to ensure that scientific advancement does not come at the cost of our environment. Beyond school and, of course, stargazing, some of my hobbies include watercolor, cooking, and hiking. In overcoming medical and marginalizing hurdles in my academic career, I’ve had plenty of experience advocating for myself, which is why I’m honored to have the opportunity to advocate for students just like me. Thank you for trusting me to serve on your Physical Sciences Student Advisory Board!
Grace Kassebaum
she/her
Applied Mathematics
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.
Sashi Atkinson Osorio
she/her
Mathematics/Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Hi! I am a second-year student from Queens, New York, double majoring in Mathematics/Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Political Science. I am currently a Generative Engine Optimization intern at Climate Rights International, where I research and develop GEO recommendations for how CRI’s research findings can be cited accurately by large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems that power AI search tools. This summer, I worked at a local New York environmental consulting firm researching and making recommendations for decarbonization, energy efficiency, waste management, and climate solutions.
At UCLA, I serve as the Programming Lead at the UCLA Makerspace, where I also work as a technician, teaching users to operate a variety of fabrication machinery, including the galvo laser, 3D printers, the CNC Mill, resin printers, soldering iron and electronics tools, and sewing and embroidery machines. I’m also an assistant researcher in the Political Science Department for the UCLA Deportation Data Project, where I help consolidate and fact-check nationwide ICE and DHS detention data by cross-referencing government records, AI deep dives, and outreach to county jails, hospitals, and local journalists. I love dancing Bachata and Salsa, and I am the co-director of UCLA’s Latin Dance Team, Ritmo Vivo, this year. Besides dancing, I also love sewing and fashion and I design and sew my own dresses! As a member of this advisory board, I hope to use my experience in data analysis to evaluate the UCLA Math Department budget, identify its financial needs, and advocate for increased funding to better support students.
Ian San Juan
any pronouns
Physics and Space Sciences
Hi! I am a third year Physics major, and I am minoring in Math, 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 work with optical instruments such as lenses, fibers, and camera detectors to align laser beams. This summer, I also had the experience of interning at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory operated by Stanford University. Here, I researched more optics related projects such as measuring Gaussian beams, analyzing interactions between lasers and helium-neon gas, and attempting to achieve attosecond laser pulses. 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.
Serene Kang
she/her
Statistics and Data Science
Hello! I am a second year Statistics and Data Science major from Irvine, California. At UCLA, I’m involved in data science organizations like DataRes and the National Student Data Corps (NSDC). Through these groups, I collaborate on data consulting projects, build predictive models, and have the opportunity to teach data science to high schoolers across the country. I also conduct research with the Metropolitan Futures Initiative, where I analyze mobility trends and demographic changes across the LA and OC metropolitan areas. In my free time, I love playing basketball, reading a good book, catching up on movies and dramas, and playing video games. I am super excited to serve on this year’s Physical Sciences Student Advisory Board and hope to make the voices of all students heard.
Olivia Ishisaki Magliocco
she/her
Mathematics
Hi! I’m a second year Mathematics major from the Bay Area. At UCLA, I serve as the Operations Lead for Bruin Software Engineers and volunteer with Project Lux to support the unhoused community. This summer, I interned as a Product Manager at Recruit Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, where I enjoyed combining complex problem-solving with teamwork alongside people of different backgrounds and perspectives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, trying new foods, and arts and crafts like drawing and needle felting. As a part of SAB, I hope to foster a welcoming community in which everyone feels they belong by not only ensuring they are heard, but understood.
Isabella Almaraz
she/her
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hello! I’m a fourth-year Biochemistry major with a minor in community engagement and social change. I am from Orange County, California, and I am planning to pursue an MD. I am a chemistry PLF for AAP and conduct research through the DGSOM, working on cystic fibrosis and UC. In my free time, I love to explore LA, read, and hike! As part of SAB, I hope to help make the physical sciences department feel more like a community that we can all lean on.
Akhil Diwana
he/him
Astrophysics
Hi! I am a second year student from Modesto, CA who is majoring in Astrophysics and minoring in Data Science Engineering. I am currently a member of the Project RAPID Operations team for the Bruin Spacecraft Group. I have three years of astrophysics research experience through the Science Internship Program during which I designed Python programs to analyze spectroscopic and stellar population data of the Andromeda Galaxy. My other research interests include exoplanet detection, the cosmic microwave background, and dark matter. In my free time, I enjoy discovering new music, writing poetry, and solving cryptic puzzles. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on this year’s board and I am dedicated to helping foster an inclusive environment for all of my peers.
Emily Viramontes
she/her
Pure Mathematics
Hello! I am a fourth-year Pure Mathematics major with a specialization in Computing. I was born in Weslaco, Texas and raised primarily in Lemoore, California, and my experiences growing up in the Central Valley have shaped my passion for community engagement and advocacy. Before joining the SAB, I worked with the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center’s California Freedom Summer Action Research Project, where I participated in community-based research and civic engagement in the Central Valley.
I have also worked with a nonprofit (UNIDOS Network) focused on environmental justice and the impact of environmental inequities on local communities. At UCLA, I previously served as the Head of Internal and External Affairs for Latinx Admit Weekend and for the past three years I have served as a mentor for the Bruin Experiment. Through these experiences, I have found how meaningful it is to help students feel supported, represented, and connected to their communities. I am very excited to bring these experiences to SAB and advocate for students across the Physical Sciences. I hope to help create a community where students feel heard, supported, and empowered to succeed!
Ethan Bracero-Komrosky
he/him
Statistics and Data Science
Hi! I’m Ethan, a second-year Statistics and Data Science major from Gilroy, CA. Last year I served as the On-Campus Housing Council Representative for Rieber Vista; now I’m excited to step up into a new role within SAB. Outside of class, I enjoy training BJJ, skateboarding, making music, and backpacking with friends. I’m excited to make a difference throughout this school year!
Tabarek Aljazaeri
she/her
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Hello! My name is Tabarek and I’m a third year Biochemistry Major. I am originally Middle Eastern (Iraqi!) but grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. At UCLA, I’m involved in BruinCorps where I tutor high school students college-level STEM classes. I also am an Undergraduate Assistant for General Chemistry courses at UCLA, where I foresee workshops and review sessions to support students academically while helping them develop effective study habits from the very start. Furthermore, I worked with the New Student and Transition Programs as a New Student Advisor this past summer, where I was an Academic and Peer Counselor for both First-year and Transfer students. In this role, I helped students navigate their academics, become familiar with UCLA’s resources, and feel more comfortable transitioning into the UCLA community.
This fall, I’ll continue working with New Student & Transition Programs as a New Student Mentor, where I’ll mentor students through the “critical period” of transitioning into college. Outside of academics and work, some things I like to do are weightlifting, crocheting, cooking/baking and taking long walks around the beautiful cities in LA! I cannot wait to bring my experiences from my previous roles into my position within SAB. I look forward to connecting with students, learning from their experiences, and helping create a community where they can make the most of their time at UCLA!
Jennifer Weis
she/her
Mathematics
I am an undergraduate student at UCLA who transferred in Fall 2024 as a pre-applied math major. Before transferring to UCLA, I attended Victor Valley College, where I earned an A.S. in Mathematics and an A.A. in English. I also served my community college as both the Associated Student Body President and elected Student Trustee. My experiences have sparked my passion for student advocacy and creating stronger connections between students, faculty, and administration. At UCLA, I have continued developing my skills through my work with the Wasserman Dean of Education and Informational Studies’ office and a CalTeach Internship with the Math Department. As a member of the Physical Sciences Student Advisory Board, I hope to use my experiences as a transfer student and student leader to advocate for students and help strengthen the academic and campus experience within the Physical Sciences.
Aurélia Bernier
she/her
Chemistry and Biochemistry
I am an undergraduate student at UCLA who transferred in Fall 2024 as a pre-applied math major.