Meet the Team!

BWC RESEARCHER— New York, USA

My name is Aniqa Delwara, and I'm a Sophomore at Al-Mamoor School in NYC. I'm particularly interested in Neuropsychiatry—my recent work included neuroimaging and its role in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in adolescents. I hope I can make a difference with my research in BWC, grow within this organization, and help it grow simultaneously! Outside of BWC, I love films/shows (Oldboy, Mob Pyscho 100, and the Grand Budapest Hotel are among my favs!), sports, video games, fashion, art, volunteering, and more!

BWC RESEARCHER— Bangalore, India

Hi! I’m Avantika, a 9th grader at Delhi Public School in Bangalore, India. I’m passionate about neuroscience and aspire to raise awareness about neurological disorders through BWC. I’m also a 4th-level guitarist from Trinity College London. I'm a fan of reading and writing thrillers, and in my free time, you can find me binge-watching sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Friends or crocheting.

BWC Researcher— Texas, USA

Ayun Chae is a sophomore student in Flower Mound High School. She’s interested in brain science and psychology, and she’s pursuing future careers of mental health. Outside of school, she loves to play the violin and spend time with her family.

BWC RESEARCHER— Pennsylvania, USA

My name is Brandon Mabey and I am a freshman studying pre-medicine at Penn State Scranton, minoring in neuroscience. I am the CEO of Project PAND (Physiological Associations with Neurodevelopment) and work as a clinical assistant at The Center for Discovery’s Children's Specialty Hospital. I hope to grow BWC and inspire students into neuroscience.

BWC RESEARCHER— California, USA

Hi, I'm Constance Huynh, a high school student from Lowell High School in California. I'm fascinated by neuroscience and the power of the brain to shape our experiences and behaviors. I'm looking forward to exploring these topics further with BWC and contributing to the creation of engaging infographics. Outside of research, I love to travel, watch Modern Family, and journal!

BWC RESEARCHER— Ontario, Canada

Hi! My name is Ella and I am currently in grade 9 at St. Robert CHS in Ontario, Canada. I want to learn more about neuroscience and raise awareness about illnesses related through the research in BWC, and I want to become a pediatrician in the future. I also play 3 instruments and I love watching Grey's Anatomy and Cobra Kai.

BWC RESEARCHER— Ontario, Canada

Hi! My name’s Lauren Thorpe and I am a second-year student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, with a passion for neuropsychology and understanding how brain injuries affect us. I’m dedicated to educating others about neuroscience and encouraging people to expand their knowledge of the brain. I look forward to sharing the importance of understanding neuroscience and hope to inspire other to do the same. When I’m not studying, I enjoy working out, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family. 

BWC RESEARCHER— Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Maham Ali is a high school senior deeply intrigued by all things science, whether that be astrophysics or medicine!  She spends her free time reading and going down rabbit holes on whichever topic is intriguing her for the week. Plus, she believes making some form of art is the best way to unwind!

BWC RESEARCHER— Minnesota, USA

Hello! My name is Makayla, I am a junior in high school at Minnesota Connections Academy! I am from Rochester, Minnesota. I really look forward to helping spread the word about Brain Waves for Change, And learn more about the mind itself! Outside of BWC, I love to volunteer of course, I volunteer for the American Red Cross, etc. I am also currently working towards being a Nurse Assistant.

BWC RESEARCHER— Bangalore, India

Hi! I'm Nimisha Sailesh, an 11th grader residing in Bangalore, India. I am deeply passionate about neuroscience, psychology, biochemistry and cancer research, and i hope to spread knowledge on the wonders of the human brain through BWC! I enjoy baking, writing, badminton, fashion (and naps!). I'm a huge bookworm as well, and in my free time you would probably find me at my bedside mountain of books.

BWC RESEARCHER — California, USA

Nhi Nguyen is a high school student passionate about public health, neuroscience, and health education. She is currently a researcher at Brain Waves for Change and actively contributes to initiatives that raise awareness about mental and physical health. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, she hopes to increase healthcare accessibility and education in underrepresented communities. Nhi is also involved in a variety of STEM, art, and outreach programs that empower youth voices.

BWC RESEARCHER— North Carolina, USA

My name is Noor ul Aien, and I’m currently studying at Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina and hope to transfer to University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

I have a profound interest in neuroscience and hope to pursue a degree in this fascinating field. I am especially looking forward to helping raise awareness about how psychological issues in young people can affect their brain function and learning capabilities.

Outside of my studies, I am engaged in various activities. I am a member of DECA Club, where I strive to polish my leadership skills. I also volunteer with the Zakat Foundation of America. I work as a lab assistant and financial wellness counselor . I successfully placed in the top 10 for debate and geospatial technology at the TSA 2024 High School International Conference in Florida. In my free time, I love reading and exploring new genres of literature.

BWC RESEARCHER— Karnataka, India

I am Rachana, studying in 11th grade and I'm from India. I am passionate about neuroscience,  neuropsychology,  biotechnology and biomedical engineering. I aspire to be a researcher, so I am looking forward to gain experience on how to write my own research papers in BWC.
I also have a senior degree in bharathanatyam. Also an artist who mostly does acrylic painting and pencil sketching and shading. I want to try a merge art and science which could also help us get a better understanding of everything. In my free time, I usually read novels , paint, listen to songs or dance.

BWC RESEARCHER— Dhaka, Bangladesh

Hi! My name is Suhada Rahman. I am currently in 11th grade. My hobbies include reading, writing, and listening to music. I love debates and like to maintain an open outlook to trying new things. I have always been interested in medicine and want to pursue a degree related to that in the future. I look forward to my journey with BWC.

BWC RESEARCHER— Ontario, Canada

Hi everyone! My name is Sukhmeet Kaler, and I’m currently in my third year of the Honours Health Sciences program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I’m deeply passionate about exploring the origins of brain diseases, particularly focusing on aspects like myelin sheath degeneration and blood-brain barrier permeation. Outside of my academic and research pursuits, I love spending quality time with family and friends, trying out new cuisines, and rewatching Modern Family whenever I get the chance!

BWC RESEARCHER— New York, USA

HI, My name is Zainab Reya, and I'm a sophomore at Al-Mamoor High School here in NYC. My interests include how anesthesiology relies heavily on neuroscientific principles and how to understand how drugs affect the brain and induce unconsciousness, while neuroscience utilizes anesthetics as tools to study consciousness and brain function. Some things you can note about me are that I love playing volleyball and I dabble in a bit of gardening. Some more hobbies are drawing or anything related to creative arts. One of my favorite movies has to be either Zootopia or Tangled ( Childhood Favorites, loll), but other than that, on the extracurricular side, I love helping out in my community by volunteering to those in need and taking leadership roles. 

BWC RESEARCHER— New York, USA

Hi my name is Zinia Sajjad and I am in 11th grade at The Ursuline School. I am from Westchester, New York. I am interested in learning more about how specific neurological disorders affect the brain and behavior and I am looking to spread more awareness and improve literacy concerning neurological conditions through BWC. Some things I enjoy doing in my free time are playing volleyball, baking, and painting.

Educational Program Director

New York, USA

Hi, I’m Sarah Kobi, a junior at Scarsdale High School. I am passionate about neuroscience and the complexities of the brain. As an Educational Program Director in Brain Waves for Change, I’m excited to educate younger students about brain health and raise awareness of neurological conditions. I’m particularly interested in Alzheimer’s Disease and am currently conducting research on the topic through the school’s science research program. Outside of school, I enjoy playing piano and reading.

Special Project Director

New York, USA

Hi, my name is Maddy Nam, one of the special project co-directors for BWC. I am a 9th grader at Scarsdale High School. Through my role as director, I aim to educate younger generations on brain health and break down the hard information in the form of infographics or projects. I believe that the younger generations withhold the power to make a profound difference in our current understanding of the human body, specifically the brain. I forward this concept by visiting my old elementary school as a member of the club GEMS, where I help educate rising middle schoolers on science related topics through fun labs and projects. Beyond my passion for neuroscience, I tend to my commitment towards my synchronized ice skating team. During the eight years that I have spent on this team, I have learned the importance of working as a unit and building community. This year, I am team captain, where I have developed vital leadership skills and have been given the opportunity of taking initiative on multiple occasions.

Community Program Director

California, USA

Hi everyone! I’m Breeghit Ubeda, a senior in high school located in Los Angeles, California. My passion for neuroscience started when I conducted a year-long qualitative study focusing on stress and emotional eating. I found that my participants relied on food because it was the only thing they had control over. This sparked my interest in studying and learning more about the brain. Brain Waves for Change offers me the opportunity to educate younger generations about neuroscience and brain health in an accessible and engaging way. I look forward to bringing joy and support to those in need while building meaningful connections. 

Outreach Director

New York, USA

I’m Adrian, a Junior at Scarsdale High School and content editor for BWC. I’m looking to help educate the next generation with this program. I play volleyball and I swim, and I enjoy painting and sculpting in my free time.

Social Media Director

New York, USA

My name is Noah Ng, and I’m a Junior at Scarsdale High School. I enjoy reading and exploring topics in science, and as the Social Media Director for BWC, I’m excited to help others learn about neuroscience and raise awareness for brain illnesses. Outside of BWC, I love playing volleyball, playing piano, and one of my favorite movies is Interstellar.

Educational Program Director

Texas, USA

Hi! My name is Avni Rajpal, and I’m a rising senior from Texas,USA. I’m passionate about leadership, service, and expanding access to meaningful educational experiences. As one of BWC’s Educational Program Directors, I help coordinate lesson-based programs and assist with proposals and scheduling. Outside of BWC, I serve as Company Commander in Navy Junior ROTC, lead several student organizations such as East Meets West and Aid4Need. I’m excited to contribute to programs that educate, inspire, and build community.

Educational Program Director

Uttarakhand, India

Hi! I’m Harleen Kaur, a recent high school graduate from Uttarakhand, India. I’m the founder of KhojXsayitIndia, a youth-led initiative focused on mental health, gender equity, and storytelling-based advocacy. My passion for emotional well-being, awareness, and community empowerment aligns deeply with Brain Waves for Change’s mission. Outside of activism, I love writing poetry, painting women’s emotions, and public speaking. This year with BWC, I’m excited to collaborate, contribute my experiences, and learn how to strengthen mental health narratives while growing with a community that truly cares.

Educational Program Director

California, USA

Hi my name is Kira I’m a senior in high school and I live in California! I love to paint, dance, and hang out with my friends at the beach. I’m super excited to be one of the Education Program Directors at BWC, can’t wait for you all to see what we have planned!

Educational Program Director

California, USA

Hello! My name is Mundi Fokwah. I am a High School Junior for the 2025-2026 school year. I live in Los Angeles, California. My passion for Brain Waves for Change is to establish a diverse booth of programs that’ll bring growth, inspiration, and exclusivity. I am also a huge disability awareness advocate, which is why I’m heavily inspired to be that voice others don’t have. Being a part of BWC, I’m looking forward to expanding education for communities, especially those in marginalized areas.

Educational Program Director

California, USA

My name is Sakshi Patil and I am a sophomore at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California. I am passionate about neuroscience education and mental health, something that motivated me to join BWC and make a difference. Outside of school and academics, I enjoy reading and dance. This year with BWC, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team to create engaging, easily understandable, and meaningful programs to teach people about neuroscience and brain health, because community education leads to inspiration and a change for the better. I’m also excited to learn and grow from this experience myself.  

Educational Program Director

New York, USA

Hi, my name is Zinia Sajjad and I am Senior at The Ursuline School.  I am from Westchester, New York.  I am interested in learning more about neurological disorders but more specifically, their social impacts on people from different locations, cultures, and more.  I am also looking to help spread awareness and improve literacy in regards to neurological conditions through BWC.  Some things I enjoy doing outside of BWC are playing volleyball, baking, and painting.

Community Program Director

California, USA

Hi! My name is Avery and I'm a senior from Davis, California. My hobbies include running, swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, and anything else outdoors and active! One of my biggest passions is community service, which is why I applied for the role of Community Program Director. I believe that everyone can uplift their community, whether that may look like organizing large-scale events or simply giving a stranger a compliment. I'm excited to use the resources available through BWC to continue to support my community, and I feel very lucky to be able to work with a team of such creative and intelligent individuals. 

Community Program Director

Maharashtra, India

Hi, I'm Gaurika Chhabria, a Community Program Director for BWC. I'm a Grade 11 student from Mumbai, India. Growing up here, I've seen huge inequalities around me, and always wanted to try to help bridge that gap. I'm an aspiring psychologist, and I'm deeply passionate about mental health advocacy, community outreach, and using creativity to drive meaningful change. Outside of that, you'll probably find me binge-watching true crime documentaries, playing the violin, painting, or obsessing over Formula 1. I'm super excited to learn, connect, and destigmatize mental health!

Community Program Director

Florida, USA

Hi! My name is Matthew Antolinez, and I’m a junior at Florida International University in Miami. I’ve played soccer since childhood, including at the collegiate level, and recently developed a passion for triathlons. I’m also deeply interested in the brain in areas like neuromodulation, neurotrauma, and neurodegenerative diseases. I’m passionate about research and supporting those affected by neurological challenges. I’m excited to help expand Brain Waves for Change into the Miami community to raise awareness and provide support for individuals and families going through tough times related to brain health. I’m proud to be part of this movement!

Community Program Director

Texas, USA

Hi! My name is Sharvani Gandluri, and I am a junior in high school from Dallas, Texas. I am passionate about neuroscience, public health, and making science more accessible through writing and community outreach. I am the founder of Music for the Mind, a youth-led initiative that supports individuals with neurodegenerative conditions through personalized, music-based care. Outside of school, I love singing in choir, traveling, and exploring medicine through research. This year, as Community Program Director, I am excited to help launch impactful programs, build new partnerships, and make a meaningful difference through BWC.

Community Program Director

Alberta, Canada

My name is Araina, and I’m a rising junior from Calgary, Alberta. I’m deeply passionate about neuroscience and medicine, and I believe that making neuroscience education fun and accessible is one of the best ways to spark curiosity and inspire others to explore this fascinating field. Through this experience, I hope to connect with many like-minded individuals and contribute meaningfully to the neuroscience community. Outside of academics, some of my hobbies include painting, rollerblading, and crocheting though I recently also started learning piano and ukulele.

Africa Engagement Lead

Sokoto State, Nigeria

I’m Abdullateef Abdullahi Akanbi, a second-year Medical Laboratory Science student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. I’m passionate about mental health, One Health, and youth-driven public health education. As a UNICEF Young Leader and research entuist, advocate, I’ve contributed to community health outreach and co-developed educational tools now used in awareness campaigns. I look forward to deepening my understanding of the mind-body connection and helping break stigma through shared learning and inclusive dialogue in global countries.

North America Engagement Lead

Florida, USA

Hi! I’m Aishani, a high school student and Global Engagement Leader passionate about neuroscience, mental health, and creating meaningful change. I love combining science with service to raise awareness and empower others, and I’m so excited to be part of BWC to help support mental wellbeing worldwide!

Europe Engagement Lead

Iaşi County, Romania

My name is Iasmina Ciocan and I am a 16 year-old upcoming sophomore living in Iaşi, Romania. I'm interested in chemistry and biology, my biggest passion being neuroscience. My hobbies include reading, learning new languages, debating, and playing tennis. I look forward to expanding my own knowledge on neuroscience, while helping spread BWC's mission to provide accessible brain health education through creative learning in my country.

Asia Engagement Lead

Maharashtra, India

Hi! I’m Piya Punjabi, a rising junior based in Mumbai, India. I’m deeply passionate about making brain health education more accessible across cultures, especially for youth like me. Outside of BWC, I love exploring computer science, math, AI, and writing. I’m especially drawn to projects that use tech to solve global challenges. This year, I’m excited to collaborate with students and organizations across countries, helping expand BWC’s mission through creative and impactful outreach. I’d describe myself as ambitious, creative, and endlessly curious, and I can’t wait to contribute to the team!

South America Engagement Lead

São Paulo, Brazil

Hi! My name is Melyssa, I'm a 9th grade student. I'm from Brazil and I love to learn a little bit of everything, specially new languages! As part of the Global Engagement Lead of Brain Waves for Change, my mission is to share the project over Brazil and spread the health education over my community! I am really excited to start this new project and with it, show to my community that we have to talk about brain health and found new ways to solve it together!