STEM Scholar Executive Board

STEM Scholar Executive Board
As a STEM Scholar, you are expected to engage in STEM activities.

The STEM Scholar Executive Board is a student leadership board that is responsible for planning events, coordinating the STEM Scholar Mentoring Program, and organizing outreach opportunities such as STEM Pals.

Meet The Executive Board Members for 2024-2025

 

Fariha Fardin, President

Why I joined the E-Board:Hey, I’m Fariha and I’m an Honors STEM Scholar senior studying Molecular & Cell Biology with a minor in Bioinformatics. On campus, I do research in the Goldhamer Lab studying the effect of Acvr1^R206H expression in muscle stem cells on skeletal muscle regeneration and have received the SURF grant during the of summer 2023. On campus, I work as a Peer Research Ambassador for the UConn Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and a WOW captain and serve as the President of the Bangladeshi Students Association. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and working out!

Damini Lakshmipathy, Vice President

Why I joined the E-Board:Hi there! My name is Damini Lakshmipathy and I am the STEM Scholars Vice President! I am a senior studying Molecular and Cell Biology, with a minor in Healthcare Management and Insurance, WGSS, and Bioinformatics. I am part of the UConn Men’s Crew team, as well as research on campus and other clubs and activities. I hope to continue to get more involved around campus during my last year, as well as make some cool memories to remember! Other than classes and academic commitments, I love photography, traveling, seeing friends, being outside, rowing, trying new foods and artsy/DIY crafts!

Megan McTigue, Treasurer

Why I joined the E-Board: My time in the STEM Scholars community and on the executive board has not only provided me with new skills that I can carry on into my professional career, but also allowed me to meet and connect with so many amazing people. I admire everyone in this community for their diligence and intelligence and we truly can always learn from one another. I hope to continue to grow with the community and aim to better both myself and the program by continuing to be a part of the board.

Rachael Roizer, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair

Why I joined the E-Board: Hi, my name is Rachael Roizer and I’m a senior majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in Psychology. On campus, I’m a research assistant at the Connecticut Autism and Language Lab and the secretary of UConn’s Psychology Club. I’m also a research assistant at Pace University’s Trauma, Social Processes, and Resilience Lab. I’m from New York City and outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends. This year, I’m looking forward to being the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Chair on the STEM Scholar EBoard!

Daris Pon Mohan Kumar, Secretary

Why I joined the E-Board:Hi, I’m Daris! I am a sophomore from Ellington, CT, majoring in Computer Science & Engineering. I love meeting new people and trying new things. During my free time, I love hanging out with family and friends, going on hikes, and listening to music. I’m looking forward to a great year!

Anika Agrawal, STEM Mentoring Co-Chair

Why I joined the E-Board: I am a junior PNB major on the pre-medical track, and this is my second year on the E-Board. Coming to UConn from a small town, the tightly-knit community of STEM Scholars allowed me to make meaningful connections with peers that share similar academic goals. As the co-mentoring chair, I’m excited to continue being involved with this community and help further facilitate the amazing networking opportunities already made possible!
Ben Fieldsend, STEM Mentoring Co-Chair Why I joined the E-Board:My name is Benjamin Fieldsend and I am a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track. I joined the STEM Scholar E-Board because of the organization’s interdisciplinarity which makes it unique at UConn. I want to organize new and exciting events that will give more opportunities to members of the STEM Scholars community. I am also a member of the UConn chapter of Engineers Without Borders. In my free time I like to ski, play tennis, and play soccer.
Anishi Kalaria, STEM Pals Co-Chair Why I joined the E-Board: Hi! My name is Anishi Kalaria, and I am a STEM pals co-chair! I am from Milford, CT and I am studying Physiology and Neurobiology here at UConn as a third-year undergraduate student. On campus, I am involved in research along with various other clubs. Outside of school I enjoy tennis, baking, and hanging out with my friends and family!

Laxmi Chinmaya Vobbineni, STEM Pals Co-Chair

Why I joined the E-Board: Hi! My name is Laxmi Vobbineni and I am a STEM Pals co-chair! I am from Rocky Hill, CT and am a junior studying Biomedical Engineering and Molecular& Cell Biology. On campus, I am involved with various clubs such as UConn FIRST, am a tutor for BIOL 1107, and a Resident Assistant for the Buckley/Shippee community. I am also involved in research in tissue engineering at UConn Health and a clinical volunteering program, UConn Health Leaders. Outside of school, I love reading, taking nature walks, and spending time with my friends and family!