Terrapin Think Tank

Anushka Poddar (Co-Director) is a University Honors student majoring in Computer Science with minors in Statistics, Spanish, and Health, Humanities, and Medicine. She is interested in the societal implications of healthcare and seeks to improve equity in health outcomes through public policy interventions. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Anushka is a computational biology researcher, tutor with Maryland Mentor Corps, and volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She will be graduating in May 2027.

Madeleine Eng (Co-Director) is a Neuroscience and Public Policy Dual Major with a minor in Spanish, and is pursuing a citation from the Civic Engagement for Social Good Scholars Program. She is passionate about strengthening health literacy and expanding access to equitable, community-based health policy measures that mitigate the impact of chronic illness and educational disparities. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Madeleine is involved in a neuroscience research lab at Children's National Hospital, a Help Center volunteer, and a director for the Frederick Youth Mental Health Coalition. She will be graduating in May of 2028.

Amrutha Alibilli (Associate Director of Communications) is pursuing a double degree in Neuroscience and Spanish with a Data Science minor, and a citation from the Integrated Life Sciences Honors Program. She is passionate about researching striking public health disparities and advocating for effective community-driven programs and policy interventions to help mitigate prevalent concerns. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she is a Neuroscience Ambassador, Lean on Me Finance Coordinator, and Peer Mentor Leadership Council member in the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College. She will be graduating in May 2027.

Vibha Ramu (Associate Director of Community Outreach) is a Biology major with a specialization in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. She is interested in conducting community-engaged public health research and developing equitable, evidence-based interventions to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Vibha is a research assistant in a Biology lab and a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She will be graduating in May 2028.

Rachel Tucker (Associate Director of Recruitment) is a Public Policy major, specializing in health policy and advocacy. She is passionate about advancing equitable policies that protect patients from harmful practices and keep health industries compliant. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, she serves on the Student Health Advisory Committee and works as a health policy intern in public service. She will be graduating in May 2028. 

Sachin Parikh (Associate Director of Funding and Development) is a Public Health Science major interested in infectious disease, global health, and domestic healthcare policy. He hopes to make a meaningful impact in reducing disparities in health and healthcare in his community and worldwide. Outside of TTT, he leads the India Project Team for UMD’s Public Health Beyond Borders chapter and is a volunteer EMT in Montgomery County. In his free time, he enjoys biking (especially on mountains), playing spikeball, and riding the Metro. He will be graduating in May 2028.

Minal Abedin (Associate Director of Teaching) is a Physiology and Neurobiology major with intended minors in Philosophy and Public Health. She is interested in the intersection of socioeconomic identity and community-level health outcomes. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, Minal is involved in neuroscience & health disparity research, acts as a medical scribe for a nonprofit safety-net clinic, and volunteers for women experiencing homelessness. She will be graduating in May 2028.

Zoya Masood is a Neuroscience major with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership & Social Innovation. She is passionate about improving community health outcomes and advocating for interventions that expand equitable access to life-saving health education and resources. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Zoya is a Federal Fellow in the Public Health Policy concentration of the UMD Fellows Program, a CMNS Peer Mentor, and an instructor for Medical Me. She will be graduating in May 2027. 

Nandani Sharma  is a Neuroscience and Information Systems dual degree student and is pursuing a citation from the Integrated Life Sciences Honors Program. She is interested in public health and clinical research that positively impacts health outcomes in communities. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she is a tutor for Peer to Peer, the treasurer for Health-Link Society, a peer mentor for the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences' Student Undergraduate Mentorship for Sciences (SUMS) Program, and a neuroscience research assistant. She will be graduating in May 2028.

Diya Patel was a Public Health Science major with a minor in Public Leadership. She is interested in geriatric medicine and developing public policies that improve healthcare access and health literacy. In addition to Terrapin Think Tank, Diya was an Anatomy and Physiology teaching assistant and a tutor with Maryland Mentor Corps. Currently, she serves as a lieutenant and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at her fire station and volunteers at local libraries. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2024.

Ananth Kudaravalli is a global health and general biology major. He is passionate about global health equity and bridging clinical care with community health. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, he is co-team coordinator of the UMD chapter of Partners in Health Engage, a research assistant with the TRACE lab, managing editor for The Health Literate, and a GEOH ambassador. He will graduate in Spring 2027.

Zoe Razunguzwa is a Neuroscience and Public Policy double major with a minor in Spanish. She is interested in tackling health disparities through public policy interventions with a community-focused lens. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, Zoe is a member of the UMD Club Soccer and Club Tennis team and a member of the Integrated Life Science DEI committee.

Julia Fay is a BS/MPH student in Public Health Practice and Health Equity. She has a strong interest in healthcare policy, children and veteran advocacy, and community-based initiatives for underserved populations. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, Julia is involved in the Public Health Beyond Borders Local Team, Kappa Omega Alpha (public policy professional fraternity), BCH Honors, and the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative in Advocacy for Children and Families. Upon graduating with her MPH in 2028, Julia plans to pursue a career in either the non-profit or government sector. 

Parth Agarwal is an alum of UMD with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Sociology. He is interested in a career in medicine and health policy. Parth is passionate about researching social stigmas and inequities within healthcare, and improving public health through advocacy and policy initiatives. Outside of healthcare, Parth loves collecting records, writing movie reviews, and was on the STEPP team in his senior year. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2025.

Isha Yardi (Co-Founder and 2022-2023 Co-Director) was a Public Health Science student who graduated in May 2023 and was one of the co-founders and co-directors of Terrapin Think Tank. Isha is interested in the development, advocacy, and evaluation of community-centered health policies and programs. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, Isha was the co-director for health and wellness in the Student Government Association, a member of the Student Health Advisory Committee through the University Health Center, and a research assistant in a social epidemiology lab in the School of Public Health.

Daniel Fong (Co-Founder and 2022-2023 Co-Director) was a double major in Neurobiology & Physiology and Health Science, Computer Science, & Public Health Policy who graduated in May 2023, and was one of the co-founders and co-directors of Terrapin Think Tank. Daniel is passionate about creating partnerships with governments, healthcare institutions, and community stakeholders as a means to create innovative community-focused public health interventions and policy. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, Daniel was president of Public Health Beyond Borders, a co-founder of the COVID-19 vaccine health literacy campaign VaccineSafe, and a research assistant in a health policy and management group in the School of Public Health.

Jerry Yang (2022-2023 Associate Director) was a Neurobiology and Physiology major and Astronomy minor who graduated in May 2023, and an associate director of Terrapin Think Tank. Jerry was been involved in basic science and clinical research for many years and is interested in applying clinical and public health research to developing health policy. Outside of the research and TTT, Jerry was also involved as president of the American Red Cross Club, vice president of Public Health Beyond Borders, and a volunteer EMT at the College Park Volunteer Fire Department.

Yiting Lin (2023-2024 Co-Director) was a Biology major with a specialization in Physiology & Neurobiology and a minor in Public Policy. She is passionate about developing and evaluating community-centered health policies and programs. In addition to being a Spring 2023 Terrapin Think Tank Fellow, she served as a Co-Director of the think tank for the 2023-2024 school year. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Yiting was the president of Engineering World Health, president of The Every Child Project, and a research assistant in a bioengineering lab. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in December 2023.

Victoria Ohanele was a Public Health Science major with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. She has been involved in community-based research in the Washington metropolitan area that promotes equitable access for all residents, especially regarding maternal health and food security. In addition to being a Spring 2024 Terrapin Think Tank Fellow, Victoria was a fellow in the Federal Fellows program and served as a research assistant in the UM ADAPT program. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2024.

Sourabh Velaga is a Computer Science and Economics double major. He is interested in creating software that benefits local communities. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, he is involved in quantum computing research and is the tech chair of the Maryland Undergraduate Research Journal. He transferred to Cornell University at the end of the Spring 2024 semester.

Aaron Knishkowy was a Government and Politics major with a minor in Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy. In addition to being a Spring 2024 Terrapin Think Tank Fellow, he was in the Honors Humanities Living and Learning Program and the Maryland Fellows Program. Aside from his studies, he spent all four years at the university playing for the club ultimate team. Aaron is currently pursuing a career in the field of environmental justice policy. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2024.

Ethan Adler (2023-2025 Co-Director) was a Neuroscience major in the Honors in Neuroscience program. He was interested in studying clinical and community-based public health research to enhance the effectiveness of clinical care and outreach methods. Outside of Terrapin Think Tank, he was a volunteer EMT at the College Park Volunteer Fire Department, a research assistant in a Neuroscience laboratory in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and a Broadcast and Production intern for Maryland Athletics. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2025.

Esohe Owie (2024-2025 Co-Director) was a Public Health Science major with a minor in French Studies, with a citation from the Gemstone Honors Program. She is also enrolled in the Accelerated BS/MPH Program working towards her Master of Public Health in Health Equity. Esohe is interested in conducting community-engaged public health research, evaluating the impact of current health policies on populations, and proposing community-based interventions. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she was the President of the Eta Beta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, the Co-President of the Sister to Sister Program, and the Vice-President of Professional Development of the Gemstone Honors Program. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with her Bachelor’s in May 2025 and will be earning her Master’s in May 2026.

Sophia Thompson (2024-2025 Associate Director of Communications) was a Public Health Science major who is also enrolled in the Accelerated BS/MPH Program working towards her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology. She is passionate about community-based public health research and interventions promoting equitable access to healthcare. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Sophia was the chair of the Student Health Advisory Committee's (SHAC) Gender and Sexual Health subcommittee and a fellow for the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative in Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Families for Children. She also assisted in researching maternal and child health disparities within the Department of Family Science. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with her Bachelor’s in May 2025 and will earn her Master’s in December 2026.

Sophia Chau is a Public Health Science major. She is interested in developing public health policies that uplift marginalized communities to reduce healthcare disparities. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she was part of the Public Health Policy Federal Fellows Program and is involved in hosting events through the Residence Hall Council. Sophia was also a Startup Shell Fellow and was interested in getting more involved in medical research. She will be graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2027.

Anshuman Sarkar was a Public Health Science major. He is passionate about learning and contributing to partnerships between state and federal government bodies with various healthcare institutions through public health policy interventions. His career interests include fields such as healthcare consulting, hospital administration, and federal health policy. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, he was involved in the South Asian Student Association and was part of the Global Fellows program as both a Fellow and an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2025.

Madiha Rehman is currently studying Public Policy with a focus on Health Policy and Management. She has a passion for health equity, and it fuels her in all her endeavors. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Madiha has interned at the National LGBT Cancer Network, one of the nine CDC networks in the nation. On campus, Madiha is currently the President of Amnesty International and the Event Coordinator for the Asian American Policy Union, and has recently been awarded the Thurgood Marshall Research Fellowship at the Institute for Public Leadership at the School of Public Policy where she will be conducting research surrounding racial and social equity and justice. She will be graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2027.

Darshini Babu Ganesh graduated as a Neuroscience major with a minor in disability studies. She is interested in addressing women's and children's health issues through community-based programs and public policy. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she was the Math Program Intern for Maryland Mentor Corps and a fellow in the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative in Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Families. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2025.

Ha-Yeon Jeon is pursuing a dual degree in Neuroscience and Public Policy alongside a citation from the Integrated Life Sciences Honors program. She is passionate about community-based public health initiatives that work to improve quality of life for individuals with special needs. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she is a Terp Guide, Vice President of UMD Future Women of Dentistry, and Experience Leader for Alternative Breaks at Camp Royall, and a research assistant in a neuroscience lab. She will be graduating in May 2028.

Roshni Pallavajjala  was a Bioengineering major and Nanoscale Science minor. She is interested in developing innovative public health policies that will positively impact the community. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she was an ambassador for the School of Engineering and a research assistant in a bioengineering lab. She graduated in May 2026.

Angela Kabiwa is a Public Health Science major interested in community health and providing effective, accessible health care to ethnic and sexual minorities. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she also serves as the co-director of events for the Black Maternal Health Club and volunteers with the Darfur Women Action Group based in Washington, DC. She will be graduating in May 2028.

Akunna Okonkwo (She/Her) is a Public Health Science Major, interested in international policy and health systems with a focus on the Sub-Saharan African region. She's interested in the African development sector and providing access to healthcare in the African region.   Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, Akunna is the Research and Advocacy Co Lead for NoirUnited International, Vice President of Sisters Affairs for UMD MSA, Co-Lead for PHBB Kenya, and Healthcare Strategists for Nigeria's Next Generation (NNG), and a member for Black Pre-Law Association (BPLA). She will be graduating in May 2027.

Srijani Chakraborty is pursuing a degree in Bioengineering with a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. She was awarded a citation through the Global Public Health Scholars Program. Her academic interests center on the intersection of translational engineering, public health, and neuroscience. Outside of the Terrapin Think Tank, she is a Senior Editor for UMD's Grey Matters Journal, an Opinion Editor for The Diamondback, and an undergraduate researcher in an immune engineering lab. She will be graduating in May of 2028.