Meet our Team
This is our incredible team at the Neuro Club of Hunter College CUNY, dedicated to enhancing our community and fostering interest and understanding of the brain and nervous system:
Board of 2025-2026
President
Event Coordinator 24-25
Desara Kucana
Desara is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences on the premed track and is thrilled to be the president of the Neuro Club. She moved to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor after not having the opportunity to do so in her home country. This journey has taught her a valuable lesson that she would love to share—never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles! Desara joined the Neuro Club with the hope of advocating for a more humanistic approach to neuro disorders, believing that together, everyone can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding environment. She looks forward to meeting everyone at the upcoming events!
Vice President
Outreach coordinator 24-25
Sanjidah Anika
Sanjidah Anika is a senior majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. She enjoys creating mandala art and watching movies and TV shows that focus on medicine and history. Sanjidah joined the Neuro Club because of her strong interest in learning more about Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. She is passionate about raising awareness of the symptoms, causes, and available therapies for these conditions and is committed to making a positive impact on the community and the lives of those affected.
Treasurer
Arthur Izik
Arthur is a Junior majoring in Biology in pre-med track. His interest in neuroscience began when his mother was falsely diagnosed with a neuro degenerative disease. The trauma she experienced made him realise that there is a need for better doctors in neurology, who can accurately diagnose patients and help them navigate their lifestyle with less stress . He wants to help people understand the organ that makes us, us, and contributes to every aspect of our quality of life. Outside of academics, he enjoys volunteering at the animal shelters and taking care of his many animals.
Secretary
Diyora Sobirjonova
Diyora is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track with a passion for neuroscience. She joined the club to connect with like-minded individuals, deepen her knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, and serve the community. A fun fact about Diyora is that she enjoys playing chess, tennis, and reading.
Social Media Manager
Thiri Soe Soe
Thiri is a senior majoring in Biological Science on the pre-med track. She loves hiking and playing badminton, although she doesn’t get to enjoy these activities as often as she’d like. Thiri joined the neuro club because its mission and vision align with her interests, and she is passionate about learning and exploring neurodegenerative diseases. She is excited to expand her understanding of this field while also making a positive impact on the community.
Media Content Creator
Teresa Pathadan
Teresa is a freshman majoring in Psychology on the pre-med track and serves as the Media Content Creator for the Neuro Club. She hopes to use social media to creatively raise awareness about neuroscience-related challenges, conditions, and current events, sparking curiosity and engagement. In her free time, Teresa enjoys hiking, playing pickleball, and working with fossils at the museum.
Graphic Designer
Daria Vasilchenko
Daria is a senior majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. She enjoys reading and traveling in her free time. Daria joined the Neuro Club to both spread awareness and deepen her understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. She is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with others and engage in discussions on topics related to neuroscience.
Event Coordinator
Joshua Shoykhet
Josh is a senior majoring in Biology and on the pre-med track. He enjoys playing sports, such as soccer and basketball, as well as watching interesting movies. Josh joined the club because he recognizes that the general public often lacks knowledge about neurodegenerative diseases. He aims to help address this gap in understanding, ensuring that people are empowered to support their loved ones before it is too late.
Event Coordinator
Club Facilitator 24-25
Aasiyah Aziz
Aasiyah Aziz is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences as part of the Yalow Honors Scholars Program and on the pre-med track. She joined the club to both learn about and raise awareness of neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to help those affected by these conditions. A fun fact about Aasiyah is that she loves to read and is currently learning her fourth language.
Event Coordinator
Athena Eyzaguirre
Athena is a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track and currently serves as an event coordinator for the Neuro Club. She joined the club to advocate for initiatives that raise awareness of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, aiming to help build a well-informed community passionate about advancing neuroscience. She has experience caring for individuals with a range of neurological conditions, from dementia and Parkinson’s to children with ADHD and Autism, as well as teaching neuroscience lectures to children and conducting neuroscience research. Outside of academics, Athena enjoys crocheting and runs a small side business creating handmade doll clothing.
Event Coordinator
Erik Martinez
Erik Martinez is a freshman who is still exploring potential majors and is excited to serve as an Event Coordinator for the Neuro Club. He was drawn to the club’s mission of raising awareness and educating others about the brain and neurological diseases, a topic he feels is both important and often overlooked. Through his role, Erik hopes to contribute to this mission while developing his own knowledge and leadership skills. A fun fact about him is that he loves learning and sharing what he learns with others.
Event Coordinator
Alicia Fernandez
Alicia Fernandez is a senior majoring in Human Biology with a concentration in Chemistry on the pre-med track. She is excited to serve as an Event Coordinator for the Neuro Club, where she hopes to deepen her understanding of mental health and neuroscience, particularly as they relate to individuals facing behavioral challenges. Through this role, she looks forward to learning more, strengthening her leadership skills, and contributing to the club’s mission. Outside of academics, Alicia enjoys playing soccer in her free time.
Club Facilitator
Yueyang Dong
Derek is a junior majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-med track and is this year’s Club Facilitator for the Neuro Club. His passion for neuroscience began in high school and has grown through his work as a medical scribe in a neuroendovascular clinic and his involvement in the Miranda Lab, where he contributes to research on youth suicide prevention. Through the club, Derek hopes to raise awareness of neurological disorders and treatments while learning from fellow members. A fun fact about him is that he loves half-frozen green grapes.
Outreach Coordinator
Becky Koshy
Becky Koshy is a sophomore at Hunter College majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology. She is excited to serve as the Outreach Coordinator for the Neuro Club this year and looks forward to meeting new people, collaborating with others, and helping make it an amazing year for the club.
Previous Officers
President/Founder 23-25
Salma Hammam
Salma is a senior on the Pre-Med track, majoring in Human Biology with a concentration in Chemistry and a minor in Psychology. She founded the Neuro Club of Hunter College, previously known as Healing Blessings, in 2023, inspired by her grandparents who had neurodegenerative diseases. Salma hopes to raise awareness about neurological conditions and inspire other students to join the field and become part of the community. A fun fact about Salma is that she loves horse riding and enjoys learning new languages and exploring new cultures.
Vice President 23-25
Gaddah Abouzein
Gaddah is a senior on the Pre-Med track, majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Chemistry and a minor in Psychology. Motivated by a passion for neurology, Gaddah joined the club to help raise awareness about various neurological diseases and contribute to our mission of education and advocacy. A fun fact about Gaddah is that she enjoys baking.
Treasurer 24-25
Katherine Bayona
Katherine Bayona is a senior majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. She is excited to serve as treasurer this year. A Yalow Honors Scholar, Katherine is preparing to apply to PhD programs this fall. Her deep passion for Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases has fueled her research interests for years, and she is eager to study these topics further in graduate school. Katherine joined the club to help raise awareness about the many misconceptions surrounding dementias and their underlying mechanisms. As a fun fact, she is currently learning to play the drums.
Club Facilitator 24-25
Sanjida Fairuse
Sanjida is a junior majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in Bioinformatics. Her interests include learning new languages, such as Italian and Thai, and trying out new cuisines. She joined the club to gain deeper insights into the diagnosis, causes, treatments, and public health aspects of neurological illnesses. Sanjida is committed to supporting the community and making a positive impact through the club’s initiatives by hosting engaging and impactful events.
Event Coordinator 24-25
Therese Mbah
Therese Mbah is a freshman majoring in Biochemistry as part of the Yalow Scholars program. She enjoys running, exploring different countries, and reading adventure novels. Therese joined Hunter College’s Neurology Club because she wants to be part of an environment that fosters meaningful discussions about neurodegenerative diseases. She aims to contribute by promoting communication and growth, while also enriching her own understanding of current medical information. Her goal is to help those affected by incurable diseases, and she is excited about the events the club has planned for this year.
Event Coordinator 24-25
Julian Thompson
Julian is a senior majoring in behavioral neuroscience on the pre-med track. He joined in 2023 as being a part of this club aligns with his career goals in neurology. He hopes the experience he gains from being a member will benefit him in the future.
Media Content Creator 24-25
Secretary 23-24
Rukhshona Yakhyaeva
Rukhshona is a Senior majoring in Human Biology on the Pre-Dental track. She joined the club in 2023 due to the impactful memories from a high school trip where she deeply connected with elderly individuals who had Alzheimer's. As she continues with the club, she hopes to raise awareness about disorders and diseases. She aspires to become a dentist specializing in the treatment of patients with special needs. A fun fact about her is that she is terrified of small dogs.
Social Media Manager 23-24
Stephanie Quintero Chacon
Stephanie is a senior majoring in Human Biology who plans to pursue graduate school. She joined the club to make a difference and be part of a supportive community. A fun fact about her is that she loves yoga, journaling, and meditating.
Event Coordinator 23-24
Aziz Abdul
Aziz is a sophomore majoring in Human Biology on the Pre-med track. He joined the club because he wanted to be part of a supportive community and contribute as an event coordinator. A fun fact about him is that he likes to travel, read, and go on hikes.
Treasurer 23-24
Brian Ramirez
Brian is a junior double majoring in Biological Sciences and Physiological Psychology on the Pre-med track. He joined the club to aid those affected by neurological diseases, as he hopes to specialize in neurology. A fun fact about him is that he is into older music and movies.
Ambassador 23-24
Nikita Chernetskii
Nikita is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences on the Pre-med track. He joined the club due to his interest in neurology and to involve individuals from various campus clubs, including the Student Veteran Club. A fun fact about him is that he enjoys watching Grey's Anatomy with his puppy.