2025 Committee
Meet the students coordinating the event!
Executive Co-Directors
Directors of the event
Taha Raad
Taha is a senior majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Psychology and Management. He is currently the Vice-president of the UNM Pre-Medical Society. Taha began his involvement with HPS in order to help teach students about the different careers available in the healthcare field. He hopes to be able to provide students with opportunities to further their careers and broaden their horizons on what the healthcare field has to offer.
Cade Chilcoat
Cade Chilcoat is a senior Biochemistry and Psychology 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 a lab assistant at UNM Health Sciences Center's Cancer Research Facility. This is his third year as a member of the HPS Planning Committee, and he is excited to deliver a successful event this year.
Catering
Responsible for organizing the luncheon held during the Health Professions Symposium
Aizza Rehman (Lead)
Aizza is a biology and psychology major, with a minor in chemistry. She hopes to pursue a career in healthcare. This is her third year in HPS, and before she was in the outreach committee!
Marcus Lucero
Marcus Lucero is a freshman EMS major with a focus on the pre-med track along side a minor in honors. Marcus has plans to attend UNM’s medical school and becoming a reconstructive plastic surgeon.
Adela Sena
Year: Senior, Major: Health Medicine and Human Values, Minors: Population Health and Nutrition. Future goals: would like to attend medical school and do a dual degree program for an MD/MPH. Other involvement: Event Ops Coordinator for LoboThon, Marketing and Communication Chair for Make-A-Wish UNM, and Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish NM
Facilities
Coordinates with UNM HSC to secure rooms and ballrooms for the day of the event. Responsible for setting up catering for the day of the event
Tara Kuponiyi (Lead)
Tara is a third year biology major with a minor in chemistry. She plans to go to graduate school and obtain a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Tara is also the co-founder and co-president of Pre-Doctorate Society and a General Chemistry II Atomic Start TA. She is a McNair scholar and that allows her to explore her passion for research intersecting with medicine. She loves playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.
Isabella Gonzales
Isabella is a third year Chemistry major with the intention of attending medical school. She has been attending HPS since 2022. She has also been apart of pre-medical society and the American chemistry society. Isabella is an avid reader and enjoys spending the weekends at local coffee shops.
Danielle Alejandrez
Danielle is a third-year Biology major, minoring in Chemistry and American Sign Language. She aspires to attend the UNM School of Medicine and ultimately become a physician with a specialty in pediatrics. She is passionate about working with Deaf children and families to build trust and provide better access to healthcare within both urban and rural areas of New Mexico. She is a member of the UNM Pre-Medical Society and is currently working with physicians across the state to encourage Latinas to pursue a career in healthcare. Danielle is very excited to be a part of the Health Profession Symposium committee this year!
Hasti Patel
Hasti Patel is a junior majoring in Biology with a minor in American Sign Language and pursuing a Certificate in Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts. She plans to attend Dental School to one day become a specialized dentist. As the secretary of the Pre-Dental Society, she is passionate about community service and leadership. She loves to play pickleball, spend time with loved ones, and watch shows.
Xavier larason
Xavier Larason is a second-year student in the chemical engineering program at the University of New Mexico. He is actively involved in computational biology research and plans to get his MD/PhD.
Finance
Maintains the budget, accounts, financial transactions, and financial records, helps innovate and refine finances to be more efficient for years to come
Jennifer Tjung (Lead)
Jennifer Tjung is a second-year undergraduate student double-majoring in Biochemistry and Psychology. Along with HPS, she serves as the Historian for Pre-Medical Society and Publicist for UNM American Chemical Society. Jenn is also conducting research in Dr. Bolt's lab within the field of environmental toxicology. As the Finance Lead for this year's HPS Planning Committee, Jenn is excited to contribute to the organization's financial management and success.
Julen Arevalo
Julen is a First-Year student studying Biology from Las Cruces, NM. He is interested in becoming a plastic surgeon and wants to attend medical school here at UNM. This is his first year in HPS and is very excited to work with everyone. Outside of HPS, he is also in the Pre-Med Society and likes to play basketball, skateboard, and go to the gym.
Celeste Maldonado Taheri
Celeste is a third-year pursuing a B.S. in Nuclear Medicine with minors in both Chemistry and in Health, Medicine and Human Values. Her goal is to go to medical school one day and become a future physician here in New Mexico. Outside of HPS, Celeste is a Peer Learning Facilitator for Anatomy & Physiology 2 and a tutor for middle schoolers. She also enjoys going to concerts, painting with watercolors, traveling abroad, and spending quality time with her cats. She is extremely excited to be a part of HPS this year!
Hannah Park
Hannah is in her third year at UNM, double majoring in biochemistry and political science and is interested in attending UNM medical school. She currently works in a lab in the biology department, focusing on mitochondria and neural crest cells. She is also secretary of American Medical Student Association at UNM for this year.
Historian
Responsible for documenting the organizations accomplishments as well its procedures, and maintaining a legacy catalog for previous HPS leaders
Leah Trujillo
Leah is currently a senior at the University of New Mexico majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She is an employee for Los Alamos National Laboratory under their occupational health and medicine division. She also volunteers 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.
Anthony Tomaziefski
Anthony is a senior studying Biochemistry. He is heavily involved in the UNM Community, and also works with the undergraduate student government, ASUNM. Anthony hopes to attend medical school to become a family medicine physician.
Outreach
Composed of College and High School subteams, each with a Team Lead. Promotes registration and spreads the word in the months prior to the event
Malia Trujillo Hanawalt (College Lead)
Malia is a junior majoring in biology with minors in chemistry, psychology, and honors. After graduation, she plans to pursue her Doctor of Optometry and return to New Mexico to improve access to specialized healthcare throughout the state. Malia is the College Outreach Lead for the 2025 Health Professions Symposium and is passionate about connecting students with valuable resources in the various health fields. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-President of the UNM Pre-Optometry Society, where she helps fellow students prepare for their careers in optometry. She is excited to contribute to this year’s symposium!
Malik Abouda (High School Lead)
Malik is a senior pursuing a degree in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology. He wants to attend medical school and eventually become a physician. This is his second year being involved in planning UNM HPS, and he is thrilled to be a part of such a great event!
Vanessa Rendon (College)
Vanessa is a third-year student majoring in Biochemistry and 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. Outside of school she is a student lab assistant for the department of neurology and volunteers with child life at UNMH.
Nara Scott (High School)
Nara is a freshmen with a major in psychology, and had a main goal is to get into medical school and get involved with ROTC in the future semester.
Derrick Negron (College)
Derrick is a third 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 psychology. Outside of school he works as a dental assistant and enjoys being active in his community.
Rihanna Aurora (High School)
I am a Freshman studying Biology. My future goals include pursuing a medical career in the realm of child or maternal care. I am currently involved in AMSA, Premed society, and HPS on campus.
Traeh Amburgey (College)
Traeh is a third-year student majoring in psychology and chemistry with a minor in honors. After graduation, Traeh hopes to attend medical school and is most interested in specializing in psychiatry.
Selbi Sapayeva (High School)
Selbi is a sophomore at UNM studying biology. She plans on studying at medical school to become a pediatrician. She volunteers at UNM Hospital as a Wayfinder, works at a lab on campus, and is part of the Pre-Medical Society. During her free time, she enjoys watching K-dramas, crocheting, and reading books.
Emily Bai (College)
Emily is a sophomore at UNM majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Computer Science. She hopes to attend medical school after graduation. Outside of HPS she is an intern at Sandia National Labs and is involved with ASUNM and ACS.
Emelia Quaye (High School
Emelia Quaye is a fourth year Student at the University of Biology. She is pursuing a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry. Emelia aspires to be a Physician. She is currently undecided on what type of physician she wants to be but she loves patient and family interactions. Emelia is currently an Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse. In her free time, she loves to read and workout and dive deep into anatomy and pathophysiology concepts.
Kate Whitley (College)
Kate is a third-year Biology major with a minor in chemistry and french. She aspires to go to medical school to become a physician. Outside of school, she volunteers at BEACON literacy, and is a lab assistant. She has attended the last two HPS and is excited to contribute to HPS this year!
Program
Communicates diligently with all workshop/table presenters, and with any and all new presenters
Meagan Harenberg (Lead)
Meagan is a third-year biochemistry student who aspires to attend medical school and become an empathetic and knowledgeable physician, who advocates for her patients and contributes to clinical research. In addition to HPS, Meagan is a medical scribe at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital, and regularly volunteers within the parasite division at the Southwestern Museum of Biology at UNM. She enjoys rock climbing and listening to classic Rock 'n' Roll in her free time. Meagan feels very passionate about advocating for women in healthcare, and is excited to contribute to a successful HPS for her second year in a row.
Cayla Bren
Cayla is a third-year biochemistry major with an interest in medicine. She currently works as a scribe at PresNow. Cayla enjoys reading, working out, and meeting new people. She has volunteered and attended HPS in the past and it provided her with a lot of knowledge about healthcare. Now she wants to share that knowledge, helping others using HPS the way that HPS helped her.
Daniyal Hussain
Daniyal Hussain is a freshman majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with minors in Population Health and Honors. He plans to attend law school after graduating from UNM. He is also part of ASUNM and is a legislative coordinator, a current member of the Emerging Lobo Leaders program, the treasurer for the UNM Mock Trial team, and a member of the Pre-Law society. In his free time he likes to drink coffee, build legos, garden, and run. He is very excited to be a part of this years HPS Planning Committee!
Gabriella Sandoval
Gabriella is a fourth-year student at the University of New Mexico. She is majoring in biology. She hopes to go to medical school in the future. This is her second year on the HPS committee. She is also a Peer Learning Facilitator for Gen Chem 1 and involved with Club soccer.
Raneem Hammad
Raneem Hammad is a senior majoring in biology at UNM. After graduating, Raneem plans to apply to the UNM School of Medicine, and she aspires to become a pediatrician. Outside of HPS, Raneem volunteers as a crisis text counselor. She also works as an after-school teacher for middle and elementary school students. During her free time, Raneem enjoys cooking, drawing, and playing with her kitten. She is excited to be part of the committee planning for HPS this year!
Sean Cervantes
Sean is a 3rd year biology major with future goals of attending medical school at UNM. He works as a CMA in UNMH's care management services, while volunteering with BBBS and Hospice of NM. He enjoys drawing and taking film photos in his spare time.
Kofi Boateng
Kofi Boateng is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry at UNM. He hopes to attend medical school after graduating in hopes of a career as an addiction psychiatrist. He is also a member of UNM’s black student union and enjoys playing basketball, and spending time with friends and family outside of school. He is proud to be a member of this years HPS Planning Committee!
Publicity
Helps determine new ways to get the word out and gain publicity, manages social media accounts and posts regularly to promote the event
Gabriella Salmeron-Ceballos (Lead)
Gabriella is a senior majoring in Biochemistry with a second major in Spanish. As a first-generation student, she hopes to become a bilingual physician in rural New Mexico to give back to her community. In addition to her studies and her role as an HPS Lead, she assists with health equity research at the College of Population Health TREE Center. As an El Puente Research Fellow at El Centro de la Raza, she is developing a research proposal to address cultural gaps in healthcare. Gabriella is also conducting an honors thesis with the SOM Department of Neurosciences. She is enthusiastic about sharing opportunities with students through HPS!
Diego Ruiz
Diego is a second-year at UNM studying Population Health and minoring in Chemistry on a pre-dental track. In addition to HPS, he conducts research with University College and Pre-Health Professions. Diego also holds leadership roles with ASUNM, Pre-Dental Society, and Pre-Medical Society. Outside of academics, he enjoys camping, paddleboarding, hiking, cooking, and traveling. He is excited to help bring healthcare opportunities to New Mexico and contribute toward making this event a great success!
Madelyn Litschke
Madelyn is a Sophomore at UNM studying biochemistry and psychology. She is looking at going to UNM medical school and is trying to be a pediatric doctor. Madelyn is in the Pre-Medical Society, and is involved with the Honors College.
Maysa Khan
Maysa is a biology major also completing a chemistry minor alongside a communications and journalism minor. Alongside HPS, she is also the PR chair of UNM’s World Affairs Delegation, and an active member of Trailblazers. She plans on attending medical school to be a surgeon with an interest in pediatrics and oncology. She aims to give everyone the best HPS 2025 experience possible!
Sponsorship
Works to identify, meet, and secure new sponsorships, keeps clear records of all sponsors and what they have donated
Sade Arencon Smith (Lead)
My name is Sade Smith and I am a 3rd year biology major! As a Pre-Dental student I am looking to pursue a career in Dentistry and specialize in orthodontics. This is my second year in HPS and I am beyond excited. I’ve seen the way this event helps so many students interested in healthcare, and I’m so grateful I get to be apart of it!
Victor Isaac Chavarria
Victor is a Freshman majoring in Biology, his future goals are to become a Surgical Physican Assistant. Aside from HPS he gets involved in Pre-Medical Society and ASUNM. In Victors personal life he enjoys exploring, playing games, hanging with friends, and overall enjoy the little things in life.
Chuzube Edeh
Chuzube Edeh is currently a biochemistry major with a minor in psychology at the University of New Mexico, expecting to graduate in May 2025. Chuzube is actively involved in organizations such as the American Chemical Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Native Health Initiative. Chuzube’s future goal is to attend medical school, become a doctor, and give back to the community.
Technology
Maintains and updates the website regularly, helps other teams create forms, flyers, brochures, and posters for sponsorship and recruitment purposes
Daniel Feng (Lead)
Daniel is a junior at UNM majoring in Biochemistry, minoring in Health, Medicine, and Human Values, and Psychology. He plans to pursue medical school at UNM SOM after he graduates, in hopes of becoming a future doctor. Outside of academics, he is involved in UNM Pathmakers, UNM ACS, UNM AMSA, BA/MD Org, and an Apidose Tissue Lab for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Deparment on UNM North Campus. On his free time, he likes to swim, go on walks, take pictures of colorful Abq sunsets, speedsolve Rubik's Cubes, and listen to music. This is his 3rd year helping with HPS, and he is looking forward to providing an amazing and unforgettable experience for all HPS participants!
Gustavo Lopez
Gustavo is currently in his third year of majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Health, Medicine, and Human Values (HMHV). This will be his third year helping out with HPS, and he can confidently say that every year HPS continues to get better! His goals are to go to finish his degree and pursue medical school, however, his biggest short term goal is to get better at making hamburgers. He loves HPS and looks forward to helping in improving HPS more!
Mohammed Nakip
Mohammed is a freshman in Biochemistry aiming to get into Medical School. In addition to HPS, he’s also in the UNM Premedical Society and enjoys playing volleyball.
Volunteer Coordination
Coordinates efforts for outreach and on-site registration, helping both attendees and presenters to sign up for the event
Taha Abdeljawad (Lead)
My name is Taha Abdeljawad. I am a senior majoring in biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry. In my free time, I enjoy playing games, cooking, reading, and going to the gym. I am so beyond excited for HPS this year!
Mylee Vigil
Mylee is a 2nd year Population Health student at UNM on the pathway to an Occupational Therapy graduate program. She enjoys listening to music, going on walks and hikes, and cross-stitching.
Claudia Zarate Vazquez
Claudia is a junior majoring in Biology and Spanish, with a minor in Chemistry and Maternal and Child Health. She is planning on attending medical school and passionate about becoming a bilingual doctor in neonatal care. As a member of the Pre-Medical Society and American Chemical Society, she is so excited to contribute in the volunteer commitee. Outside of academics, Claudia enjoys taking care of her houseplants, hiking, skincare and hearing music live!
Santa Lucia Jiron
Santa Lucia is a fourth-year premed student at the University of New Mexico, where she is majoring in biology and double minoring in Health Medicine & Human Values and Chemistry. Santa Lucia hopes to attend Medical School after graduation to continue to follow her interests in Pediatric Medicine. With a passion for understanding the complexities of human health/ health outcomes, she is particularly motivated by her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Santa Lucia has other interests working for children with disabilities and hopes to pursue future advocacy for enhancing their overall care, addressing their needs, and promoting inclusiveness in both healthcare and community environments. Outside of her studies, Santa Lucia likes to play lacrosse, work out, and draw on her free time. She is excited to be involved in HPS this year and hopes to help others experience the opportunities that can come from this event.
Ashanty Solorzano
Ashanty is a senior majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish with a minor in Psychology. She aspires to attend medical school to become a compassionate and informed physician dedicated to advocating for her patients and giving back to her community. In addition to her involvement with HPS, she participates in the Honors Research Program, where she is conducting a thesis with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is currently an apprentice at Simply Salud, where she is gaining valuable experience in providing primary care to underserved communities. As a first-year member of HPS, she is enthusiastic about supporting fellow students and making a positive impact!