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Board Member Alumni

 

Linda Wu | PSYC, SWGS ’23

2022-2023 Co-President

Email: llw2@rice.edu

 

Hello! I’m Linda and I’m a shift leader and your 2021-2022 co-president! I’m a junior from Baker majoring in Psychology and Study of Women, Gender, & Sexuality and minoring in Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Working with PDI for the past few years has given me a deeper insight into how health disparities and social determinants of health impact the lives of underserved populations in our community, and I hope to continue bridging the gap in the quality and access to care through civic engagement and community service. Outside of PDI, you’ll find me strolling around campus with a nutty-bee, swinging in Fondren’s banana hammocks, or (attempting to) work out at the rec!

 

Michael Zhu | NEUR ’23

2022-23 Co-President

Email: myz4@rice.edu

 

Hey y’all! My name is Michael, and I’m a senior at Wiess College. I’m a Neuroscience major who wants to improve health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable populations in Houston. My work in the ED has increased my awareness of the challenges patients face, and my desire to help address them. Outside of PDI, you can find me reading, jogging, or jamming on sax!

 

Sujay Marisetty | NEUR ’23

2022-23 Shift Leader

 

I am Sujay Marisetty, and I am a senior at Jones majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I have been involved with PDI since my freshman year, and through my involvement, I hope to help improve health outcomes of vulnerable patients in the Houston community. Outside of PDI, I enjoy going on long bike rides and performing with my acappella group.

 

Ashna Karpe | PSYC/BIOC ’23

2022-23 Shift Leader

 

Hey everyone! I’m Ashna and I am a shift leader! I am a junior from Duncan College studying Psychological Sciences. I joined PDI freshman year because I was interested in helping patients in our community overcome healthcare disparities. I’ve appreciated all that PDI has taught me in terms of engaging with the patient community and the importance of educating myself about social determinants of health. In my free time, I love taking care of my plants, watercolor painting, and biking!

 

Terri-Jeanne Liu | BIOC/FRENCH ’23

2022-2023 Community Outreach Committee Co-Head

 

Hi! My name is Terri, a committee head for PDI. I am a Senior at Jones College at Rice studying Biochemistry and French Studies. Outside of these interests, I am passionate about working to address the social determinants of health, helping patients navigate the healthcare system, and improving healthcare access and equity for underserved populations. Outside of PDI, I am involved in my residential college and do biochemistry research on campus. I also love running, cycling, thrifting, and finding new food, boba, and coffee places around Houston.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abrar Mamun | BIOC ’23

2021-22 Volunteer Education Committee Head, Shift Leader

Hey guys! My name is Abrar, and I have been a member of PDI since my freshman year! I’m a junior at Jones majoring in Biochemistry and Social Policy Analysis with a minor in Medical Humanities. I started working with PDI because I wanted to play a role in helping patients navigate the complex American healthcare system. As time goes on, I hope to learn more about how our organization can mitigate the socioeconomic barriers that continually affect underserved populations. In my free time, I like to play basketball and watch anime.

 

Becca Mak | SOPA/FREN ’23

2021-22 Health Policy Committee Head, Shift Leader

Hi! My name is Becca, and I am a Duncan College junior from the Saratoga, California. I am studying Social Policy Analysis with a minor in French Studies while on the pre-med track. My interests include equitable health policy, diversity and inclusion, and social activism. I hope to become a physician and then transition to working for the government or an intergovernmental healthcare organization. Outside of PDI, I am involved with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, with the Center for Civic Leadership, and the Humana Institute. In my free time, I enjoy working out, exploring the Houston food scene, and drinking an obscene amount of yerba mate.

 

Neha Kalakuntla | BIOS/SOPA ’23

2021-2022 Research Committee Head, Shift Leader

Hi everyone! I’m Neha Kalakuntla, and I’m a junior at Duncan double majoring in Biosciences and Social Policy Analysis. I’m super grateful for the community PDI has given me, because I love working with others who are also passionate about addressing the social determinants of health as a means of improving healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations. Getting to know patients’ unique experience and forming connections through PDI has been extremely rewarding for me, and I’m excited to continue doing that this school year! Outside of PDI, some of my other interests include working with refugee populations, creative writing, and hiking. I’m so excited to meet everyone!

 

Kaitlyn Crowley | KINE/SOCI/MDHM/BIOC ’23

2022-23 Patient Education Committee Head, Shift Leader

 

Hey! I’m Kaitlyn, a shift leader and Patient Education Committee Head for PDI! I am a Senior at Will Rice College majoring in KINE&SOCI and minoring in MDHM/BIOC. I have been involved in PDI since my Freshman year, and have loved being involved in the Houston communities through the diverse PDI initiatives. Outside of academics, I love hiking and traveling, and have been getting into filmmaking this year!

 

Nikita Tripurana | DSCI/ECON ’24

2021-2022 Shift Leader, Treasurer

Hi! I’m Nikita Tripurana, and I am Treasurer and Shift Leader for PDI! I’m a sophomore from Will Rice College pursuing a major in Economics with a minor in Data Science. I am passionate about health disparity and understanding the social determinants of health. PDI helps combat these issues through patient interaction, and I am excited to help PDI continue to grow. In my free time, I love to play tennis, go on walks around campus, and watch crime shows!

 

Hannah Cho | PSYC ’22

2021-2022 Shift Leader

Hi my name is Hannah, and I am a senior studying Psychology! I am a shift leader and have been volunteering with PDI since my freshman year! From my time volunteering, I have loved interacting with patients and getting to hear their stories. Over the years, I have been able to get a more intimate look at the intricacies of the healthcare system, and want to help mitigate the social determinants of health that affect our patients beyond the hospital. During my free time, I like taking long walks, eating lucky charms out of a cup, and finding new music!

 

 

Brittany Nguyen | CSCI ’22

2021-2022 Co-President, Shift Leader

Email: bnn1@rice.edu

Hi! I’m Brittany, and I’m a shift leader and your 2021-22 Co-President! I’m a senior at McMurtry College majoring in Cognitive Science. Some fun facts about me: I love turtles, social deduction games, pulpy orange juice, and cute dad hats. I love working as part of BCM-PDI to not only meet and learn from the amazing students around me but also to interact with the patients at Ben Taub Hospital – all of whom have such inspiring backgrounds. I’m so excited to share my ideas and hear others’ perspectives as we all grow PDI together!

 

Laurel Chen | BIOE ’22

2021-2022 Community Outreach Committee Head

Hi there, Laurel Chen here! I am a senior from Jones College majoring in Bioengineering and one of your External Outreach Committee Heads. I joined PDI after seeing the trickle-down effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on those from disadvantaged and underserved backgrounds. I am an advocate of equitable access to care around the world and am interested in learning about healthcare beyond the clinical side. If I’m not at the BRC or OEDK, you can find me chilling at Brochstein, swimming at the Rec, or scouting out new sushi places!

 

Amirtha Shekar | BIOS ’23

2022-23 Shift Leader

 

Hey! I’m Amirtha and I am a Wiess College Senior from Dallas, TX. I am super passionate about studying health inequities and using research to mitigate them, hoping to enter medicine as a more clinically and culturally competent physician. I have enjoyed interacting with the diverse patient population at Ben Taub Hospital and our wonderful physician mentors to implement new initiatives. I am a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and also enjoy running. Excited to meet you all!

 

Esteban Pantoja | HEAL ’23

2022-23 Volunteer Education Committee Head, Shift Leader

 

Hi y’all! I’m Esteban Pantoja. I’m a senior at Duncan College, majoring in Health Sciences. I joined PDI to gain a more active understanding of social determinants of health, components involved in patient interactions, and how to improve these experiences, especially considering their relevance to health disparities. In my free time, I love listening to reggaeton, running on the Outer Loop, and trying new foods with friends!

 

Anh Nguyen | BIOS/SOCI ’23

2022-23 Treasurer, Shift Leader

 

Howdy y’all! My name is Anh Nguyen, and I’m a Shift Leader and Treasurer for PDI! I’m a senior at Duncan College double majoring in Biosciences and Sociology. I’m passionate about serving and empowering underserved communities through health literacy and health equity. In my free time, I like to learn languages, read mystery novels, collect scrunchies lol, and bike!

 

Stanley Tsou | BIOS ’22

2021-2022 Expansion Committee Head, Shift Leader

Hello! My name is Stanley Tsou, and I am the Expansion Committee Head and a shift leader for BCM-PDI. I am a senior at Will Rice College majoring in Biosciences and minoring in Poverty, Justice and Human Capabilities. Since joining PDI my freshman year, I have been enthralled by the tremendous growth of the organization and the passion that all our volunteers bring to serving the underserved patients at Ben Taub Hospital. My passion with PDI lies in expanding our discharge intervention beyond the hedges of Ben Taub to the greater Houston community and beyond. Outside of PDI, I enjoy playing sand volleyball and drinking tea!

 

Harvey Zhou | BIOS ’22

2021-22 Resource Committee Head, Shift Leader

Hello! I’m Harvey and I’m a shift leader for BCM PDI. I’m a Brown senior majoring in Biological Sciences. During my time volunteering for PDI, I’ve heard and even been a part of many heartwarming stories involving patients and other volunteers. From these experiences, I not only reaffirmed my passions as a premedical student but grew as a person as well. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, writing short stories, and eating good food!

 

Ryan Armijo | CHEM ’22

2021-2022 Shift Manager, Shift Leader 

Hi everyone! My name is Ryan, I’m a senior chemistry major and pre-med at Lovett College. I am incredibly excited to be PDI’s Shift Manager for a second year, especially with all of our upcoming opportunities! I am also a Shift Leader and a member of the Patient Education/Training Committee and the Development Committee. In addition to PDI, I am an Associate Justice for Lovett, a Lovett Fellow in chemistry, a certified EMT, and have been a teaching assistant for CHEM 121/122/215. Originally, I am from Orange County in California, and I came to Texas for a chance to see a different part of the US, and so far I am loving it here! In my free time, I am an avid gamer and archer, and I love to cook.

 

Hannah Cho | PSYC ’22

2021-2022 Shift Leader

Hi my name is Hannah, and I am a senior studying Psychology! I am a shift leader and have been volunteering with PDI since my freshman year! From my time volunteering, I have loved interacting with patients and getting to hear their stories. Over the years, I have been able to get a more intimate look at the intricacies of the healthcare system, and want to help mitigate the social determinants of health that affect our patients beyond the hospital. During my free time, I like taking long walks, eating lucky charms out of a cup, and finding new music!

 

Daniel Wang | ECON ’21

2020-21 co-President; Research Committee Head; Shift Leader

Email: dw44@rice.edu

Hi there! Daniel Wang. PDI Shift Leader and the 2020-21 BCM PDI Co-President. I’m am interested in helping patients understand and navigate the complex healthcare system and addressing the underlying social determinants of health that impact patient health outcomes. You can often find me in some kitchen baking (browned butter toffee chocolate chip) cookies, running the outer loop, or sipping a flat white in Brochstein.

Sahana Prabhu | CHEM ’21

2020-2021 co-President; Shift Leader

Email: sahana@rice.edu

Hi! I’m Sahana and I am a shift leader and the co-president for BCM PDI! I am a senior at Martel College, majoring in Chemistry and pursuing a CCL certificate. I am passionate about community service, education, and children’s rights, and in the future, I hope to become a pediatrician. A few other things I enjoy include graphic design, green tea ice cream, blueberries, Bollywood films, and cheesy jokes. My ultimate goals in life are to remain positive, smile a lot, and inspire others!

Anchith Kota | BIOC/SOPA ’21

2020-21 Development Committee Head; Shift Leader

Hello! My name is Anchith Kota, but my friends just call me Kota. I’m a senior at Duncan College double majoring in Biochemistry and Social Policy Analysis with a minor in Sociology. I have been involved with PDI since the beginning of my freshman year, and I have absolutely loved my time serving as a PDP and most recently as the Development Committee Head and Shift Leader. Over the past few years, I have grown a deep appreciation for the role of upstream health disparities on clinical outcomes, and I believe that it is a necessity for any healthcare professional to understand the intersectionality of medicine beyond the hospital with regards to access and quality of care. When I’m not busy helping out with PDI, I’m also heavily involved with Camp Kesem, Rice Vibe, and PAIR. I love dancing and Marvel movies so please reach out if you like either!

Austin Hwang | BIOE ’21

Shift Leader

Hey y’all. I’m a senior at Hanszen College studying Bioengineering with a Medical Humanities minor. I first joined PDI as a freshmen to get an inside look of the hospital, interact with patients, and gain a better understanding of health determinants. I continue to be inspired after every shift by the resilience of our patients who, despite their circumstances, overcome the obstacles that impede their access to care. As a shift leader, I hope to further develop our resources and expand our mission.

Emma He | BIOC ’21

2020-21 External Community Outreach Committee Head; Shift Leader

Hi! I’m Emma, and I’ll be one of your External Outreach Committee Heads for 2020-2021! I’m a senior at Brown majoring in biochemistry and minoring in poverty, justice and human capabilities. My interests include global inequality, health disparities and cultural barriers to care. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, watching indie films at Rice Cinema and going to open air concerts at the Miller Outdoor Theater!

Evelyne Tantry | NEUR/CSCI ’21

Shift Leader

Hi you guys! I’m Evelyne Tantry: PDI shift leader and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science senior. PDI has provided me the opportunity and knowledge necessary to begin better engaging with and supporting the disadvantaged patient populations in my community. I intend to use these experiences to continue doing my part in advocating and empowering the general public with health literacy. In my free time (haha…), I dabble in graphic design, binge murder mysteries, agonize over psychological thrillers, hunt for quality puns, and read.

Fredy Lopez-Durante | BIOC ’21

Shift Leader

Hi, y’all! My name is Fredy Lopez-Durante and I’m a senior at Jones College. I’m a Biochemistry & Cell Biology major who has been involved in BCM-PDI for a little over a year now. My interactions with patients have been heartwarming and opened my eyes to the numerous health disparities that exist in our community. My ultimate goal is to become a physician with a focus on the care of the underserved. I would like to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care to my future patients while also exemplifying physician advocacy. My other interests aside from PDI include volunteering with Rice EMS, learning French, and doing research on aging.

Iván Arizpe | PSYC/SWGS ’21

2020-21 Volunteer Education Committee Head; Shift Leader

Hi! I’m Iván, a shift leader and committee head for PDI. I am a senior at Rice majoring in Psychology and the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. Growing up in Houston’s diverse community and being a native Spanish speaker, I got involved my freshman year to better understand the experiences of Black, Latinx, and immigrant communities navigating healthcare in Houston. I am passionate about the intersection of medical humanities and public health, social justice activism, and community building- PDI has been one of my most important involvements in furthering that passion. In my free time, I like to walk in parks, cook spicy dishes, and watch movies on Kanopy!

Karen Shore | SPAN/KINE ’21

Shift Leader

Hello! My name is Karen Shore, a senior from Martel College double majoring in Spanish and Kinesiology Health Sciences! I have been a shift leader since junior year and member since freshman year. PDI is one of my favorite organizations on campus. I love getting to know the diverse patients we see at Ben Taub, following up with patients, and training new volunteers! Outside of PDI, I am heavily involved at Martel and Happenings (my new club!). You can probably catch me jamming to music in different languages, watching some drama/soap opera, taking walks around campus, or working at Fondren.

Nitin Srinivasan | PSYC ’21

Hi y’all! My name is Nitin and I’m a senior at Hanszen College. At Ben Taub, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to speak to patients and hear their stories and provide them the resources that they need. PDI has allowed me to understand the social determinants of health a lot better, and how our healthcare system is intertwined with other systemic issues in our society. Outside of PDI, you can catch me singing with the Apollos a cappella group or working out at the rec!

Oluwashina Ojo | PSYC ’21

Shift Leader

Hi! I’m Oluwashina Ojo and I’ll be serving as a Shift Leader for BCM PDI. I am currently a senior at the University of Houston majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Medicine & Society. I joined PDI last year and gained so much experience in regards to helping bridge the gap that exists in underserved communities with a goal to address health disparities. The mission of this organization is something I am completely passionate about and as we move on to the UH campus, I am super excited to expand to new borders. Outside of PDI, you’ll find me helping conduct research at the Laboratory of Early Experience and Development at UH or filming for my youtube channel!

Owais Fazal | SOPA ’21

Shift Leader

Hello! I’m Owais and I’m a shift leader for BCM PDI. I am a Lovett senior majoring in Social Policy Analysis and minoring in Global Health Technologies. For the past three years volunteering with PDI, I have gained a newfound appreciation for the importance of what happens after a patient leaves Ben Taub’s doors. Calling and following up with my patients has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had during my time at Rice. PDI has also helped inspire me to become a global health and infectious disease expert as well as a physician. In my free time, I enjoy playing games of pickup basketball, reading short stories, and writing about novel breakthroughs in the field of global health.

Rishab Ramapriyan | BIOC ’21

2020-21 Patient Education Committee Head; Shift Leader

Hi! I’m Rishab and I am the Patient Education Committee Head and a shift leader for BCM PDI. I am a senior at Will Rice college majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology with History and Medical Humanities minors. For the three years, I have loved working with PDI to guide and empower the patient population at Ben Taub Hospital and achieve tangible outcomes together. I became a Shift Leader in May 2018, and served as the Volunteer Education Chair for the past two years. I am eager to expand our impact through both in-person and digital methods, as the head of Patient Education. Aside from PDI, I conduct research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, serve as Editor-in-Chief for the Thresher, and work as a campus tour guide. I look forward to furthering my experiences in PDI as the impact of our organization continually grows and evolves.

Sam Ramirez | NEUR ’21

2020-21 Expansion + Presence Committee Heads; Shift Leader

Hey y’all! My name is Sam, and I’m a senior at Hanszen College. I’m a Neuroscience major with a minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. For the past few years, I have loved conversing with patients at Ben Taub General Hospital as a patient discharge planner. PDI has fostered my interest in public health and the health disparities in our communities. I hope to expand PDI to other underserved patient populations in and outside of Harris County. More often than not, you can find me watching a sports game or debating the latest sports news.

Sophia Chang | ENGL ’21

Shift Leader

Hi everyone! I’m Sophia, a senior at Duncan College majoring in English and minoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I’ve been volunteering with PDI since my freshman year, and the experience has continually challenged and redefined my vision of healthcare. For many of us who are aspiring healthcare professionals, it is crucial to understand the social determinants of health and illness, as well as the processes that underlie and perpetuate the unequal distribution of social, economic, and health resources. PDI has sparked my passion for and taught me so much about public health ethics; I’m particularly interested in the critical engagement between material feminism and genetics research. I also love reading, dancing, matcha, and volunteering at animal shelters!

 

Lupita Galvan Tinoco | CSCI ’20

2019-20 co-President; Shift Leader (2018-2020)

Hola! I am Lupita, BCM PDI’s 2019-20 Co-President. I am a Cognitive Sciences major from McMurtry College. I am passionate about the equity in health care, and being a part of BCM PDI has helped me be an active member in bridging the gap in the quality of care underserved populations often experience. Aside from BCM PDI, I can be found dancing with the Hispanic Student Association (HACER), up-cycling thrift clothing, or making boba tea!

 

David McDonald | NEUR ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, Baylor College of Medicine

2019-20 Community Outreach Committee Head; Shift Leader (2019-2020)

Hello!! My name is David and I’m the Community Outreach Committee Head and a shift leader for BCM-PDI. I’m a senior at Wiess majoring in Neuroscience. For the past two years, I have loved serving the patients at Ben Taub and introducing them to resources that hopefully improve their quality of life, while simultaneously learning about many of the healthcare disparities faced by underserved populations in Houston. In my spare time, I love exploring Houston’s food & coffee scenes, playing ping-pong, and talking about cars and politics!

 

 

Jeel Mehta | BIOE ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, Baylor College of Medicine

2019-20 Resource Management Committee Head; Shift Leader (2018-2020)

Hi! I’m Jeel, and I’m a shift leader for BCM-PDI. I’m a senior at Wiess majoring in Bioengineering. I have really enjoyed meeting and serving the patients at Ben Taub since I joined last year. In my free time, I love to sing, spend time with friends, and eat hummus!

 

Jonathan Pang | BIOC/MDHM ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine

2019-20 Expansion Committee Head; Shift Leader (2018-2020)

Hi! My name is Jonathan and I’m the Expansion Committee Head as well as a shift leader for BCM-PDI. I’m a senior from Duncan College and a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major with a minor in Medical Humanities. I love PDI and am passionate about extending the impact it has on healthcare accessibility beyond Ben Taub Hospital and into the greater Houston community. In my free time, I enjoy rooting for my hometown Golden State Warriors and going on late night food runs with friends.

 

Julie Thamby | CSCI ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, Duke University School of Medicine

Shift Leader (2019)

Hi, I’m Julie and I’m a shift leader for BCM-PDI! I am currently a junior at Martel College majoring in Cognitive Sciences and minoring in Biochemistry. I love volunteering with PDI and am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about gaps in healthcare and be a part of a potential solution to resolve them these past three years. During my free time, I like to dance, try out new restaurants/cuisines, watch romcoms, and spend time with friends!

 

Haelee Chin | BIOC/MDHM ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, Long School of Medicine

Shift Leader (2017-2019)

Hi! I’m Haelee, a shift leader for BCM-PDI. I am a junior at Duncan College and am majoring in Biochemistry & Cell Biology and Medieval & Early Modern Studies. I have been fortunate to see how PDI has grown since my freshman year in ways that benefit the Ben Taub community, and I am looking forward to continue serving this community and to be a part of this growth for the next two years. Outside of PDI, I love playing on the Rice Club Tennis team, reading, and going to concerts!

 

Michelle Dai | CHEM ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, Baylor College of Medicine

Shift Leader (2018-2019)

Hey! My name is Michelle Dai and I am a shift leader for BCM PDI! I am a junior majoring in Chemistry. I have volunteered with this organization since the fall semester of my freshman year, and I love being able to spend some time off campus every week hearing about the perspectives of different patients and talking to them about various resources that are out there. Other things I enjoy include traveling, going to the rec, and getting out of the Rice bubble to explore Houston!

 

Megan Shen | BIOC/ENGL ’20

Shift Leader (2018-2019)

Hi, I’m Megan, and I’m a shift leader for PDI! I’m currently a senior at Baker majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and English. For the last three years, I have had incredible experiences serving and continually learning from the diverse Houston community at Ben Taub. Outside of PDI, I am passionate about disability advocacy and love to hike, practice yoga, and read!

 

Natalie Sanchez | CSCI ’20

Shift Leader (2018-2019)

Hello! I’m Natalie Sanchez, and I am currently a Rice PDI shift leader. I am senior at McMurtry College majoring in Cognitive Science. I joined PDI in the fall of 2016 and I have enjoyed it because I can help underserved patients in Ben Taub Hospital. I aspire to become a physician that helps the disadvantaged populations receive the healthcare they deserve. Outside of PDI, I like to watch Netflix, go on a run, and explore the food scene in Houston.

 

Raj Dalal | BIOC ’20

Current Position: Medical Student, Feinberg School of Medicine

Shift Leader (2017-2019)

Hi! My name is Raj and I’m a shift leader for PDI. I’m a junior at Wiess majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I love being part of PDI and have been a member for a year now. In my free time, I love to play sports and read books.

 

 

 

Siddharth Gorantla | BIO/ECON ’19

2018-19 External Community Outreach Committee Head; Shift Leader (2017-2019)

Hey! I’m Siddharth and I am a shift leader for PDI. I am a Jones College senior majoring in Biology and Economics with the goal of becoming a physician and advocating for access to quality healthcare for all. In my free time I like to play sports and listen to reggaeton.

 

Yuli Lim | NEUR ’20

2019-20 Recruitment Head; Shift Leader (2019-2020)

Hi, my name is Yuli, and I am a shift leader for PDI. I am a junior at Jones College and am majoring in Neuroscience. I love working with PDI and am fortunate to have to chance to connect with the Ben Taub community. Outside of PDI, I enjoy traveling, exploring good food, and spending time with friends!

 

2018-2019

 

Anthony Wang; BIOC ’19; President 2018-19

Current Position: Medical Student, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Hi, I am Anthony the 2018-19 Co-President of BCM PDI. I am a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major with a minor in Neuroscience from Sid Richardson College. Being a member of BCM PDI has been a defining experience for me at Rice- the services that we provide at Ben Taub has the potential to have a long term impact on the lives of the underserved patient population of Houston. Aside from BCM PDI, I conduct stress-induced mutagenesis research at BCM and am a member of the Rice club water polo team. In my free time I either sleep or enjoy getting boba.

 

Caroline Lee; CSCI/POST ’19; President 2018-19 

Current Position: Medical Student, Harvard Medical School

Hello my name is Caroline Lee and I’m the 2018-19 Co-President for BCM PDI! I’m a Cognitive Sciences and Policy Studies major with a Global Health Technologies minor. I’ve been a PDI volunteer since my first semester of freshman year and am constantly inspired by the amazing patients I’ve met along the way! The growth that this organization has gone through has been colossal every single year and I’m so excited to see it continue to blossom. At Rice you can always find me either at 1) Coffeehouse, 2) the Rec, or the 3) OEDK.

 

Shivani Raman – Volunteer Management Head 2017-19; CSCI ’19

 

Ani Chatterjee; BIOC ’19; Member/Shift Leader 2015-18

Current Position: Medical Student, Baylor College of Medicine

 

2017-2018

 

Rohit Gupta; BIOC ’18; President 2016-18

Current Position: Medical Student, Baylor College of Medicine

Hi, my name is Rohit, and I was the 2017-18 president of BCM-PDI! I was a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major from Duncan College. I am passionate about PDI because the organization gives us an opportunity to truly impact the lives of the underserved Houston patient population while developing our patient-interaction skills. Even in my fourth year of working with this organization, I am still amazed by the passion our volunteers have to help our patients. I am especially proud of all the progress our club has made since its inception; working directly with BCM and Ben Taub faculty, we have grown to new areas of the hospital, increased the number of patients have helped, and are currently working to broaden our impact on the Ben Taub Waiting Room. Outside of PDI, I am involved in pediatric leukemia research at BCM, work as an EMT at Rice, and enjoy relaxing with friends.

 

Nicky Joseph; CHEM ’18; Member/Shift Leader 2014-18

Current Position: Medical Student, Harvard Medical School

Hi! My name is Nicky Joseph and I was the Treasurer of BCM PDI! I am from Lovett College majoring in Chemistry, and I’ve been a part of this wonderful organization for nearly three years now. I love babies, Indian culture, and York Peppermint Patties – any of these things can always put a smile on my face. I also enjoy meeting new people, so don’t be afraid to say hi!

 

 

Kathy Le; BIOC/POST ’18; Member/Shift Leader 2014-18

Hi! I’m Kathy Le, the past Vice President of Volunteer Management of BCM PDI! I majored in Biochemistry and enjoy singing to the dismay of my suitemates.

 

 

 

Ashwin Leo; ECON/POST ’18; Member/Shift Leader 2015-18

Current Position: Medical Student, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

Hi I’m Ashwin Leo, and I was a shift leader & the Expansion and Development Chair of BCM PDI! I remain passionate about its goal to help underprivileged patients. I’m an Economics & Policy Studies double major, and my career goal is to become a physician. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, movies, and playing/watching soccer.

 

Miranda Morris – Shift Leader; POST/VADA ’19

Current Position: Medical Student, Duke University School of Medicine

Hello! I’m Miranda Morris, a shift leader of BCM PDI! I’m a senior from McMurtry double majoring in Policy Studies and Studio Art (VADA). I’m very passionate about the work we do at Ben Taub to help patients improve their quality of life. I also intern at the Houston Health Department and I’m interested in public health policy. In my free time, I paint, eat, and drink excessive coffee.

 

 

 

 

Aaron Wong; KINE ’18; Member/Shift Leader 2014-18

Current Position: Medical Student, Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University

Hello! I’m Aaron Wong and was the head of Volunteer Recruitment here at BCM PDI. I majored in Kinesiology and minored in both Business and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. In my free time, I love playing basketball, going on hikes, drinking coffee, and discovering new restaurants!

 

 

2016-2017

 

Todd Lee; KINE ’17, Member/Shift Leader 2013-2017

Hello I was a shift leader for BCM PDI and I majored in Kinesiology at Rice University. I am a senior at Baker College as well. I enjoy soccer and reading during the weekends.[:de]

Board Member Alumni

 

Todd Lee; KINE ’17, Member 2013-2017

Previous bio: Hello I am a shift leader for BCM PDI and I majoring in Kinesiology at Rice University. I am a senior at Baker college as well. I enjoy soccer and reading during the weekends.[:]

 

 

UH PDI CO-PRESIDENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniella Guerrero | BIO ’22

2021-2022 UH Co-President

Hi! I’m Daniella Guerrero and the 2021-2022 UH PDI Co-President. I am a Senior, majoring in Biology with a minor in French. I first joined PDI because it called out to my passion for advocating for the community within the health industry and I have only been finding more ways to help the community since I joined. It has really shown me the importance of giving people a voice and understanding other social determinants of health that can impact them. When I’m not with the PDI group, I enjoy teaching spin classes, cracking a few too many jokes, and dancing salsa.

 

 

Click Here to See Our Alumni![:de]

Executive Board Bios:

Rohit Gupta – President; BIOC ’18

Hi, my name is Rohit, and I’m the 2017-18 president of BCM-PDI! I’m a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major from Duncan College. I am passionate about PDI because the organization gives us an opportunity to truly impact the lives of the underserved Houston patient population while developing our patient-interaction skills. Even in my fourth year of working with this organization, I am still amazed by the passion our volunteers have to help our patients. I am especially proud of all the progress our club has made since its inception; working directly with BCM and Ben Taub faculty, we have grown to new areas of the hospital, increased the number of patients have helped, and are currently working to broaden our impact on the Ben Taub Waiting Room. Outside of PDI, I am involved in pediatric leukemia research at BCM, work as an EMT at Rice, and enjoy relaxing with friends.

 

Caroline Lee – President; CSCI/POST ’19

Hello my name’s Caroline Lee and I’m the 2018-19 Co-President for BCM PDI! I’m a Cognitive Sciences/Policy Studies major from Jones College. I’ve been working as a PDI volunteer since my first semester of freshman year and am constantly inspired by the amazing patients I’ve met along the way! After Rice I hope to work in medicine and conduct health policy research on immigrant healthcare issues.

 

 

 

 

Anthony Wang – President; BIOC ’19

Hi, I am Anthony the 2018-19 Co-President of BCM PDI. I am a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major with a minor in Neuroscience from Sid Richardson College. Being a member of BCM PDI has been a defining experience for me at Rice- the services that we provide at Ben Taub has the potential to have a long term impact on the lives of the underserved patient population of Houston. Aside from BCM PDI, I conduct stress induced mutagenesis research at BCM and am a member of the Rice club water polo team. In my free time I either sleep or enjoy getting boba.

 

Ani Chatterjee – BIOC ’19

 

 

 

 

Raj Dalal – BIOC ’20

Hi! My name is Raj and I’m a shift leader for PDI. I’m a sophomore at Wiess majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I love being part of PDI and have been a member for a year now. In my free time, I love to play sports and read books.

 

 

 

 

 

Siddharth Gorantla; BIO/ECON ’19

 

 

 

Nicky Joseph – Treasurer; CHEM ’18

Hi! My name is Nicky Joseph and I’m the Treasurer of BCM PDI! I’m a junior from Lovett College majoring in Chemistry, and I’ve been a part of this wonderful organization for nearly three years now. I love babies, Indian culture, and York Peppermint Patties – any of these things can always put a smile on my face. I also enjoy meeting new people, so don’t be afraid to say hi!

 

 

 

Kathy Le – Vice President of Volunteer Management; BIOC/POST ’18

Hi! I’m Kathy Le, the Vice President of Volunteer Management of BCM PDI! I’m majoring in Biochemistry and Policy Studies and enjoy singing to the dismay of my suite mates.

 

 

 

Ashwin Leo – Expansion & Development Chair; ECON/POST ’18

Hi I’m Ashwin Leo, and I am a shift leader & the Expansion and Development Chair of BCM PDI! I am entering my third year with this amazing club and remain passionate about its goal to help underprivileged patients. I’m an Economics & Policy Studies double major, and my career goal is to become a physician. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, movies, and playing/watching soccer.

 

 

Miranda Morris – Harris Health Liasion; POST/VADA ’19

Hello! I’m Miranda Morris, the Harris Health liaison and a shift leader of BCM PDI! I’m a junior from McMurtry double majoring in Policy Studies and Studio Art (VADA). I’m very passionate about the work we do at Ben Taub to help patients improve their quality of life. I also intern at the Houston Health Department and I’m interested in public health policy. In my free time, I paint, eat, and drink excessive coffee.

 

Shivani Raman – Shift Leader; CSCI ’19

 

 

 

Aaron Wong – Volunteer Recruitment Chair; KINE ’18

Hello! I’m Aaron Wong, the head of Volunteer Recruitment here at BCM PDI. I am a junior at Lovett College majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in both Business and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. In my free time, I love playing basketball, going on hikes, drinking coffee, and discovering new restaurants!

 

 

 

Alumni[:es]

Executive Board Bios:

Rohit Gupta – President; BIOC ’18

Hi, my name is Rohit, and I’m the 2017-18 president of BCM-PDI! I’m a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major from Duncan College. I am passionate about PDI because the organization gives us an opportunity to truly impact the lives of the underserved Houston patient population while developing our patient-interaction skills. Even in my fourth year of working with this organization, I am still amazed by the passion our volunteers have to help our patients. I am especially proud of all the progress our club has made since its inception; working directly with BCM and Ben Taub faculty, we have grown to new areas of the hospital, increased the number of patients have helped, and are currently working to broaden our impact on the Ben Taub Waiting Room. Outside of PDI, I am involved in pediatric leukemia research at BCM, work as an EMT at Rice, and enjoy relaxing with friends.

 

Caroline Lee – President; CSCI/POST ’19

Hello my name’s Caroline Lee and I’m the 2018-19 Co-President for BCM PDI! I’m a Cognitive Sciences/Policy Studies major from Jones College. I’ve been working as a PDI volunteer since my first semester of freshman year and am constantly inspired by the amazing patients I’ve met along the way! After Rice I hope to work in medicine and conduct health policy research on immigrant healthcare issues.

 

 

 

 

Anthony Wang – President; BIOC ’19

Hi, I am Anthony the 2018-19 Co-President of BCM PDI. I am a Biochemistry and Cell Biology major with a minor in Neuroscience from Sid Richardson College. Being a member of BCM PDI has been a defining experience for me at Rice- the services that we provide at Ben Taub has the potential to have a long term impact on the lives of the underserved patient population of Houston. Aside from BCM PDI, I conduct stress induced mutagenesis research at BCM and am a member of the Rice club water polo team. In my free time I either sleep or enjoy getting boba.

 

Ani Chatterjee – BIOC ’19

 

 

 

 

Raj Dalal – BIOC ’20

Hi! My name is Raj and I’m a shift leader for PDI. I’m a sophomore at Wiess majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. I love being part of PDI and have been a member for a year now. In my free time, I love to play sports and read books.

 

 

 

 

 

Siddharth Gorantla; BIO/ECON ’19

 

 

 

Nicky Joseph – Treasurer; CHEM ’18

Hi! My name is Nicky Joseph and I’m the Treasurer of BCM PDI! I’m a junior from Lovett College majoring in Chemistry, and I’ve been a part of this wonderful organization for nearly three years now. I love babies, Indian culture, and York Peppermint Patties – any of these things can always put a smile on my face. I also enjoy meeting new people, so don’t be afraid to say hi!

 

 

 

Kathy Le – Vice President of Volunteer Management; BIOC/POST ’18

Hi! I’m Kathy Le, the Vice President of Volunteer Management of BCM PDI! I’m majoring in Biochemistry and Policy Studies and enjoy singing to the dismay of my suite mates.

 

 

 

Ashwin Leo – Expansion & Development Chair; ECON/POST ’18

Hi I’m Ashwin Leo, and I am a shift leader & the Expansion and Development Chair of BCM PDI! I am entering my third year with this amazing club and remain passionate about its goal to help underprivileged patients. I’m an Economics & Policy Studies double major, and my career goal is to become a physician. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends, movies, and playing/watching soccer.

 

 

Miranda Morris – Harris Health Liasion; POST/VADA ’19

Hello! I’m Miranda Morris, the Harris Health liaison and a shift leader of BCM PDI! I’m a junior from McMurtry double majoring in Policy Studies and Studio Art (VADA). I’m very passionate about the work we do at Ben Taub to help patients improve their quality of life. I also intern at the Houston Health Department and I’m interested in public health policy. In my free time, I paint, eat, and drink excessive coffee.

 

Shivani Raman – Shift Leader; CSCI ’19

 

 

 

Aaron Wong – Volunteer Recruitment Chair; KINE ’18

Hello! I’m Aaron Wong, the head of Volunteer Recruitment here at BCM PDI. I am a junior at Lovett College majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in both Business and Biochemistry & Cell Biology. In my free time, I love playing basketball, going on hikes, drinking coffee, and discovering new restaurants!