Meet our RISE Ambassadors!
The RISE Ambassador program is for undergraduate students who want to get involved with identifying and improving inclusion issues at ASU. Ambassadors may develop written materials, give presentations, run focus groups with students, collect data, and work to effect change.
Our Team
Benny Aguilar
Benny is a fourth year undergraduate student at ASU, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Biological Sciences. Having contributed to research in gut microbiome health and the human protein targetome in the past, Benny is exci…
Molly Budhiraja
Molly Budhiraja is a first-year student at ASU Barrett, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Biological Sciences. As a former congressional intern and nonprofit founder, she is passionate about fostering inclusive environments thr…
Hailey Bunch
hmbunch@asu.eduHailey was born and raised in Arizona. She was born in Phoenix and moved to Tonopah for middle school and high school. She is a junior currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Religious Studies. In her free time, she e…
Ashlyn Germanos
Hi! My name is Ashlyn Germanos, I am a rising senior here at ASU. I am majoring in biological sciences with plans to apply to medical school following graduation. I am really looking forward to this school year, and I am particularly interested…
Analy Granados
agranad5@asu.eduAnaly is a first-generation fourth year student at Arizona State studying Biomedical Sciences, and minoring in Sociocultural Anthropology. Driven by her personal experience facing socioeconomic barriers in education, she is interested in e…
Randy Gutierrez
Randy Gutierrez is a first-generation, fourth-year undergraduate student at Arizona State University, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with an emphasis in pre-med.
Aliya Hashim
Aliya is a junior, majoring in Neuroscience and Pharmacology with a minor in Philosophy, and is on the pre-med track. As a RISE Ambassador, she is interested in research that explores the interplay between cognitive functions and student well-b…
Scarlett Arias Hernandez
Scarlett is a first-generation, third-year student majoring in Biological Sciences. She is interested in bringing recognition to challenges taken on by underrepresented groups, such as first-generation and socioeconomically challenged students.…
Nedah Hiermandi
Hello everyone! My name is Nedah Hiermandi and I am a senior graduating in the Fall of 2024 majoring in biomedical sciences. I’m currently on a pre-med track, currently applying to medical school. I have an interest in the effects of academic s…
Zahraa Kamil
As a first-generation pre-med undergraduate student, Zahraa is passionate about bridging gaps in the STEM field. She is pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences with a focus on Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, along with a certificate in…
Mannatpreet Kaur
Mannat is a first-year international student at Arizona State University, majoring in Neuroscience. Driven by a passion for advancing the field, Mannat aspires to pursue a career that seamlessly merges cutting-edge research, innovative solution…
Jude Kolodisner
jkolodis@asu.eduJude is a third-year senior majoring in biomedical sciences, and he is interested in researching inequities in STEM education that limit students' ability to succeed.
Lennessa Mazo
Lennessa Mazo is a first-generation college student pursuing a 4+1 accelerated Master’s degree in Biological Sciences at Arizona State University, with aspirations to further her academic journey through a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology.…
Kyle McFarlane
My name is Kyle McFarlane and I am a Senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I am interested in researching the unique struggles underserved student populations face in STEM education and providing resources to help them succeed.
Corinne Mitra
cmitra@asu.eduCorinne has lived in Arizona her whole life. She is currently pursuing majors in Biological Sciences (Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior) and Neuroscience. She hopes to go to medical school after her undergrad. Corinne is interested in rese…
Haley Patel
Haley Patel is a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in Medical Microbiology. Haley's academic interests include psychology, neuroscience, and immunology, with a focus on understanding how youth social interactions and environmental f…
Naina Shaik
Naina Shaik is a Biological Sciences major on the pre-med track with a strong passion for the intersection of education, medicine, and science. She aims to help fellow undergraduates succeed in their academic and professional journeys, and she…
Sriharsha Silasagaram
Sriharsha Silasagaram is a freshman at Arizona State University studying Computer Science. With a passion for promoting diversity, Sriharsha joined the RISE research center to advocate for greater inclusivity in STEM, focusing on empowering min…
Hakop Sinoryan
hsinorya@asu.eduHakop was born in Pasadena, California to Armenian immigrants. He is a first generation student majoring in biology with an emphasis in pre-med. His interests include art, manga, and video games. Most importantly his research interests foc…
Kaitlyn Tam
Kaitlyn Tam is a senior from Chandler, Arizona majoring in Biological Sciences and Sociology. She's very interested in mental health and increasing inclusivity in higher education. In her spare time she likes to swim, rock climb, and cook.…
Vincent Truong
vttruon1@asu.eduAs a sophomore pursuing education in Psychology, Biochemistry, and a minor in Disability Studies, Vincent is excited to explore ways to improve accommodations and resources for the dis/abled community here at ASU. His participation in the…