Get to know us!
Meet the organizing committee members for HPS 2024.
Shivani Kapadia
executive co-director Shivani Kapadia is a senior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in Health, Medicine, and Human Values. Shivani tutors math and science to middle and high school students. She plans to attend UNM School of Medicine and is interested in internal medicine. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, running, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. Shivani is very excited to be co-directing the 8th annual HPS event! leah Trujillo
Outreach Lead (HS) Leah is currently a junior at the University of New Mexico majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Leah is also an officer for UNM's American Chemical Society and an officer for UNM's AMSA. She is also an employee for Los Alamos National Laboratory under their occupational safety and health division. Lastly she is a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico. Leah hopes to attend medical school and continue her interest in obstetrics and women's health. tara Kuponiyi
sponsorship lead Tara is a second year biology major with goals to get a PhD in chemical biology. She is really interested in working in biomedical sciences in the future, joining her love for medicine and research. She was on the sponsorship committee last year and now she’s a lead and is so grateful for the opportunity. She works as an undergrad in Mark Walker’s lab and loves to play volleyball and watch movies in her free time. matthew situ
technology team Matt is a second-year biochemistry major who is working to become a future physician. Aside from HPS, he works as an intern at the Mind Research Network, regularly volunteers with educational programs like Explora, and is part of the Pre-Medical Society. On his spare time, he enjoys playing games, crocheting, and playing the bass. epherem zerai
program team I graduated this past May with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. For the last two years, I have been a returning volunteer for the Health Professions Symposium, and now have made my way onto the planning committee. My future career goal is to be an Anesthesiologist. Kylie Begay
Program team Kylie is a senior majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She plans on attending medical school after graduation and strives for a future career in pediatrics. Aside from HPS, Kylie is also involved in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). In her free time, she likes to paint, crochet, skateboard, and snowboard. She wants to promote the Native American community in healthcare and revitalize the Diné language in healthcare professions. Malia trujillo hanawalt
outreach team Malia is a second year biology major with minors in chemistry and honors. After graduation, she plans to earn her Doctor of Optometry and Masters of Science in Vision Sciences to become an Optometrist. Jackelyn Olivas
Publicity Team Jackelyn is a Senior at UNM majoring in Community Health Education & Spanish. Outside of HPS Jackelyn is involved in UNM Comadre A Comadre Breast Cancer Organization & UNM Greek life. After graduation she is interested in pursing a career in Nursing. Priya Vanmali
Sponsorship team I am a senior pursuing a major in Biology with minors in Nutrition and Chemistry. Recently, I was accepted into Dental School. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Currently, I work as a dental assistant and serve as the volunteer coordinator of the Pre-Dental Society. Stephanie Dominguez
Volunteer Team Stephanie Dominguez is a second year undergraduate student at UNM majoring in Nursing. She hopes to become a registered nurse and then apply to grad school to become a nurse practitioner. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, UNM Club Soccer, and volunteers at a clinic. Brandon
Schmidt-Mewes Finance Team Brandon is a Freshman Nursing major that has a passion for cardiology and aspires to work in the CVICU as an ICU nurse. In addition to his academic pursuits, Brandon is an active member of several organizations at UNM, including ELL, the Pre-Med Society, and HOSA. Beyond his involvement in these extracurriculars, he enjoys a variety of interests, including camping, thrifting, and spending quality time playing video games with friends. |
Ahmad Soueidan
Executive co-director Ahmad Soueidan is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Biochemistry. He will start attending the UNM School of Medicine in July of 2024. In addition to co-directing HPS, Ahmad helps his family run a local business in the Albuquerque area. In his time off, he enjoys playing soccer and volleyball with friends as well as exploring new cuisines. HPS 2024 will be Ahmad's third year with the HPS planning committee, and he looks forward to co-directing the event! Muskan Katoch
Program Lead Muskan is the Program committee lead of HPS 2024 and was previously involved in various roles with HPS. She is a fourth year premed that is majoring in psychology with a minor in chemistry. She works at UNMH ED as a research assistant along with being a hospice companion, and a Peer Learning Facilitator for Genetics and Cellular biology. She loves getting to know people and enjoys dancing and poetry in her free time. She is excited to contribute to the most successful HPS event. Anthony Tomaziefski
finance lead Anthony is a junior studying biochemistry. He is a student who is working on the pre-medical pathway. Aside from working with HPS, he works as a student research assistant with the Department of Neurosciences at UNM's School of Medicine. He is involved with UNM's student government and also UNM HOSA. His hobbies include photography, cooking, watching Formula One, and taking his dog on walks. He is always willing to answer questions regarding finance so please feel free to send him emails! Gustavo Lopez
Technology Team Gustavo is a third-year student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Health, Medicine, and Human Values. He transferred here after his first year of college from California, initially pursuing to be a nurse, now pursuing to become a healthcare physician. This is his first year on the HPS committee after enjoying his volunteering experience at HPS 2022 and valuing the experience. He is working in hopes that others can get the full experience of HPS as well. neva Frankhouser
Program team Neva is a first year, majoring in Nursing and minoring in Spanish. She wants to graduate with a BSN and work for a few years as a travel nurse before going back to UW- Madison to become a PA. Outside of HPS she's a member of Something Major a capella on campus, and loves all things crafty. Gabriella
Sandoval Outreach team (HS) I am a third-year student at the University of New Mexico. I am majoring in biology. I am hoping to go to medical school in the future. I volunteered at HPS last year and wanted to be involved even more this semester. I am also a Peer Learning Facilitator for Gen Chem 1 and involved with Club soccer. Sade smith
outreach team Sade is a sophomore majoring in biology, with a spanish minor. She is planning to attend dental school and with an interest in specializing in pediatric dentistry. Sade is a member of pre-dental society, and hopes to be more involved with pre-health committees on campus. She is very excited to be a part of HPS and giving back to the community. Jennifer Tjung
publicity team Jennifer is a freshman at UNM majoring in Biochemistry and Psychology with an emphasis in Pre-Med.She is also a part of the UNM USSP program. She hopes to get into medical school to pursue her passion in becoming a doctor to serve her community. Maysa Khan
Sponsorship Team Maysa is a sophomore studying a biology major and a chemistry minor. She is a member of UNM's world affairs delegation and enjoys reading and anything related to music in her spare time. Maysa plans on going to medical school after graduation and is interested in specializing in a branch of surgery. Heidy Parra
Outreach and volunteer team Heidy graduated with her Bachelor’s in Nursing in the Summer of 2023 and is currently in the pediatric residency program at UNMH. After residency, she plans on obtaining her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and aspires to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and eventually teach students at the College of Nursing. Her interests include hiking, dancing, and traveling. She is ecstatic to be a part of the 2024 health professions symposium and help other students find their passion in medicine! Daisy Guadian
Facilities Team Daisy is a 4th year Biology major graduating in December 2023. She is the Team Director of Delight Ministries UNM, a Mortar Board Honors Member, and LoboTHON Event Operations Committee Member. She looks forward to attending UNM Physical Therapy school in August 2024. She enjoys exercising, making memories with peers, being creative, and working amongst a well-rounded team. |
Cade Chilcoat
Facilities Lead Cade is a Junior Biochemistry major at UNM. His goal is to attend UNM Medical School, graduating as a physician and contributing to clinical research. At this time, he is a Child Life Student Assistant at UNM Children's Hospital, and is starting his journey in neurosciences research. This is his second year being part of the HPS Planning Committee. Troy Bencoe
Technology Lead Troy is a senior at UNM pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology. He plans on continuing at UNM after graduation and pursuing a PhD in chemistry. Outside of HPS, he works as an intern at an analytical chemistry la and, volunteers at a local health clinic. Luke torres
Volunteer Coordinator Lead Luke is a sophomore at UNM majoring in business administration and minoring in political science and plans to attend law school after college. Outside of HPS he was ASUNM senator in the fall of 2023, treasurer of Club Tennis, member of Pre-law society, and and works at CTL/CAPS at UNM. meagan
harenberg program team Meagan is a second-year biochemistry major who aspires to attend medical school and become a future physician. In addition to HPS, Meagan regularly volunteers within the parasite division at the Southwestern Museum of Biology at UNM, and is a member of Pre-Medical Society. Besides school, she enjoys watching soccer and playing the piano. Meagan feels very passionately about advocating for women in healthcare, and is very excited to be apart of the HPS planning committee this year! Adamaris Arteaga
Program team I am a senior completing my Biology major and chemistry minor in Spring 2024. After graduating, I hope to attend pharmacy school to accomplish my goal of working as a clinical pharmacist. Outside of HPS, I am president of the Pre-Pharmacy Society, UNM APhA-ASP Member at Large, volunteer doula with UNMH Birth Companions, and member of both the American Chemical Society the chess club. I look forward to helping create a diverse health profession program for HPS 2024. Alexandra Jaquez
Outreach team (HS) Alexandra Jaquez is a senior who will be graduating in 2024. She is currently majoring in Biology and Spanish and has aspirations of attending dental school. Her ultimate goal is to return to the South Valley and serve her community. Alexandra is currently serving as the president of the UNM Pre-Dental Society, where she enjoys helping aspiring dentists navigate their pre-dental journey. Vanessa Rendon
outreach team Vanessa is a second-year student majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in psychology. She has intentions to attend medical school upon graduation to become a MD. She hopes one day to be a healthcare provider in neurology. She is involved with the college enrichment program, and VMRC as a peer advisor. Outside of school she is involved with research at UNM North Campus. Deeana Castaneda
Publicity team Deeana has completed her bachelor's degree in Public Health, and is now completing prerequisite courses in the hope applying to medical school. Outside of working with HPS, Deeana works with the nonprofit organization FreeFlow, NM, as a director of sustainability and health education. In her free time, Deeana enjoys spending time with her family, reading and baking. taha raad sponsorship team
Taha is a Junior, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Honors. He is on a pre-med pathway and is currently the President of the UNM American Chemical Society, as well as the treasurer for the UNM Pre-Medical Society. Taha aspires to become a physician and to serve the state of New Mexico. Rama Alkasasbeh
Volunteer Team Rama Alkasasbeh is a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. This marks her second year on the HPS committee. She was volunteering for HPS in 2022 and discovered her interest in being a part of the committee. Her aspirations include becoming a physician in the future. Beyond HPS, she dedicates her time to volunteering at Agora Crisis Center. Additionally, she actively participates in LoboTHON and serves as a research assistant in the emergency department at UNMH. Isabella Perea
Facilities Team Isabella Perea is a 4th year student. She is pursuing a dual degree in Population Health and Spanish. Isabella is involved in paleontology and research at UNM, has presented her research at the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, and, over the summers of 2022 and 2023, has traveled to South America for fieldwork. Some of her goals include publishing her research next December in pterosaurs, getting into grad school, and learning as many languages as possible to better communicate with people. |
Aizza REhman
outreach lead (College) Aizza is a 3rd year biology and psychology major, with a minor in chemistry. She hopes to attend PA school. haydee Liu
publicity lead Haydee Liu is a senior majoring in biochemistry, minoring in dance and pure mathematics. Haydee is the faculty assistant for UNM Physics and Astronomy Department and works also as a mandarin medical interpreter. She is interested in becoming an endocrinologist. daniel feng
Technology team Daniel is a sophomore at UNM majoring in Biochemistry, minoring in Health Medicine and Human Values and Psychology. He plans to complete his undergraduate degree and pursue medical school at the UNM School of Medicine to become a doctor in the far future. Aside from academics, Daniel enjoys building puzzles, gardening, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. He is looking forward to provide an engaging and interacting experience for all participants at HPS! Diego Ruiz
Program team Diego is a first-year student at UNM double-majoring in Biology and Applied Mathematics and pursuing a certificate in honors, with hopes of becoming a pediatrician or dentist. Diego is involved with Pre-Med Society, ACS, and ASUNM, and is excited to be a part of planning HPS 2024. Outside of academia, Diego enjoys going on hikes, camping, cooking, and getting boba. Gabriella Salmeron Ceballos
Program Team Gaby is a third-year Biochemistry major with a Spanish minor, and is committed to becoming a rural medicine physician. Her Spanish minor aligns with her goal to bridge cultural gaps in healthcare. Beyond HPS, she is the STEMinist Coordinator for the Women in STEM Program at the UNM Women's Resource Center and the Vice President of Community Relations for UNM HOSA. She also contributes to research in the HSC Department of Neurosciences. Malik Abouda
Outreach Team (HS) Malik Abouda is a junior pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a volunteer with Bridge to Health Espanola and is a member of the UNM chapters of the American Chemical Society, Pre-med Society, and American Medical Student Association. Malik plans to use his undergraduate education to attend medical school and wants to eventually enjoy a career in cardiology. derrick negron
outreach team Derrick is a second year student and is on the pre dental pathway. He is hoping to one day become a general dentist and is majoring in biology while minoring in chemistry and design studies. Outside of school he works as a dental assistant and enjoys being active in his community. Aviella Melendrez
Publicity Team Aviella is a senior majoring in biology with minors in both chemistry and psychology. She is a member of the UNM Pre-Dental Society and has intentions of attending dental school. Outside of school, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with her family in Las Cruces. She is very excited to be on the HPS committee and can't wait to help others on their pre-health journeys!. Memas
Alkasasbeh Volunteer Team Memas is a senior majoring in Biology with aspirations to attend UNM School of Medicine. She values HPS because she finds it to be an impactful and rewarding organization to be a part of. Outside of HPS, she serves as a Research Assistant at UNMH Emergency Department, volunteers at Agora Crisis Center, and participates in LoboTHON. She encourages you to make the most of this opportunity and take advantage of HPS, as it offers many useful resources to help you succeed. Danny pham
finance team Currently a third-year Biochemistry major, I'm excited to pursue a future career in dentistry. On top of being a HPS finance officer, I also serve as the Vice President of Technologies for UNM HOSA - Future Health Professionals. I am excited to give back to others what I have been given so far by contributing all I can to this year's committee. |