
Meet The SUNS Team
Presidet
Sreeya Vuppala
1) Why you joined the eboard?
I joined the eboard because coming to the club events in my freshman year made me realize that neuroscience was the right major for me. The community and passion of department are unbeatable, and everyone does really cool research. I wanted to share my passion and create opportunities for other students interested in neuroscience.
2) Research lab or current study of interest (concentration)
I work in the Carter Lab studying thalamocortical circuits.
3) Plans after graduation
Pursue a career in medicine
4) Interest/Journey in NS summed up in 3 words
(3-word journey)
Friendship, learning, lab
Vice President
Jackie Shan
Why did you join the SUNS board?
I joined the e-board because I really enjoyed being a member of the community that SUNS builds. It helped me find my path through neuroscience and meet other students, so I wanted to contribute to the community in a meaningful way.
What research are you currently doing or are you interested in?
'm currently in the Froemke Lab, studying neuromodulation of maternal motivation, as it relates to postpartum depression. I'm also interested in psychedelic therapies and cellular neuroscience.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to pursue an MD or MD/PhD degree.
Your Neural Science journey/interests in 3 words:
evolving, undiscovered interests
Secratary
Bryana Vinaigre
Why did you join the SUNS board?
I joined the E-board because SUNS was such a big part of my decision to not only major in Neural Science, but to continue on with that knowledge and start the pre-grad track! This club was the perfect balance between fun, resourceful, and serviceable. And I realize I wanted to be have greater part/role in the club so I could ensure that other people could reap all the benefits of SUNS like I did.
What research are you currently doing or are you interested in?
I currently conduct research in the Liddelow Lab, which ordinarily works with glia, at NYU Langone! My project focuses on the role reactive astrocytes have in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s! We using transgenic mouse models to identify, quantify, and characterize the reactive glia to further elucidate the pathology of these neurological disorders.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After undergrad, I plan on furthering my career in neuroscience by soling to Ph.D. programs. I have questions about synaptic transmissions and the mechanism behind selective memory and memory consolidation. I am also interested in small molecule therapeutics for dementia (Alzheimer’s, Frontotemporal, etc.)
Your Neural Science journey/interests in 3 words:
Determination-Novelty-Discovery
Treasurer
Julie Menkin
1) I joined the e-board to become a more active member of SUNS and to become closer with the NYU neuro community.
2) My current study of interest is metabolism and how it affects the nervous system
3) My plan after graduation is to get my master’s degree and then go to medical school to become a physician.
4) I genuinely am having the hardest time answering this question I am so sorry
Social Chair
Jili Lara
Why did you join the SUNS board?
I joined the E-board for SUNS to get more involved with the club; I wanted to have a say in events and learn/gain more leadership skills. I picked the social chair because I like aesthetics and wanted to work with the social media accounts and visual marketing.
What research are you currently doing or are you interested in?
I’m interested in psychological aspects as well as the computational side of neural science.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to apply for med school within a year of graduating.
Your Neural Science journey/interests in 3 words:
Exploring, discovering, growing
External Communications Chair
Lori Campbell
Why did you join the SUNS board?
Upon arriving at NYU, SUNS was the only club where competition ceased in the midst of an academic setting. I gained lab experience, a faculty-friend, while strengthening my resolve for studying Neural Science.
What research are you currently doing or are you interested in?
Currently, I have not settled in a lab, but I have experience in both a chemistry and behavioral neuroscience lab. So I would like to settle with a team that shares in the joy of both fields.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Unofficially, I would like to do research in a lab in Boston Massachusetts while garnering clinical practices in nearby hospitals. Officially, I will be applying to medical school in pursuit of a childhood dream and a lifelong resolve.
Your Interest/Journey in Neural Science summed up in 3 words
Enrapturing, challenging, stimulating
Community Service Chair
Alexandra Clements
Why did you join the SUNS board?
As a SUNS general member last year, I learned so much about neuroscience opportunities on and off campus and made close friendships around shared interests in the field. I joined the e-board in hopes of fostering a similar environment for new and current members. As Community Service Chair, my goal is organize events such that SUNS members can both educate others about neuroscience/STEM-related topics and gain firsthand experience helping those affected by neurological issues.
What research are you currently doing or are you interested in?
I’m a member of the Sippy Lab, where I primarily study how psychedelics affect social behavior and aggression in the mouse.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to take a gap year and apply to medical school.
Your Neural Science journey/interests in 3 words:
Psychiatry, circuits, psychedelics
Underclassma Liaison
Irene Chen
Why did you join the SUNS board?
I wanted to meet more neuro folks, as upperclassman in NS are so passionate abt what they study and I know I could learn lots from them while making some great friendships. I also wanted to be more involved with the logistics of neuro club events at NYU.
What research are you currently doing or are you interested in?
I am currently in a lab studying specific neural circuits innervating mice back muscles using molecular neurobiology techniques. My field of interest in neuro includes behavioral neuro (with lots of overlap with psych), neurodegeneration, intellectual development and disability, and more. I hope to gradually narrow down a specific field of interest through research and clinical experienced throughout my undergrad.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My current plan is to go to med school after a gap year or two
Your Neural Science journey/interests in 3 words:
Unique, knowledge, development