Meriem Boukaabar is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Applied Statistics. Meriem hopes to inspire and support students in the same way her mentors have inspired her. She is particularly driven to help foster a sense of belonging for other students, especially those navigating the healthcare field as first-generation and underserved individuals.
[Rebecca Gonda Bio]
Malak Ayoub is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Chemistry/Studio Arts. She prioritizes cultivating a community of fellowship from her multiple mentee experiences. Dedicated to healthcare, she believes everyone should have the equal opportunity to navigate health professions as early as they want, inspiring her to create NGH.
Anushka Rengunthwar, an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, majors in Neuroscience and Psychology with minors in Creative Writing and Chemistry on the pre-med track. Originally from India, she values mentorship, both as a mentor and mentee. A classically trained dancer and published writer, she believes motivation drives success and is passionate about guiding others.
Arushi Chamaria is a pre-med student majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Economics and Chemistry at Pitt. Passionate about neuroscience, medicine, and education, she has been committed to mentorship, especially for high school students. As a first-generation student, the guidance from her mentors fuels her drive to make a meaningful impact, inspiring her to join NextGen.
Ethan Banks is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and is also pursuing a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. Originally from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Ethan is thrilled to mentor students through NextGen Health. He aims to give back to the region he grew up in by providing individuals with the tools they need for future success.
Shruthika Muthukumar Veena is an undergraduate student at Pitt, double majoring in Biology and Spanish on the pre-med track with a minor in Chemistry. She is passionate about medicine, social justice, and mentorship for underrepresented students. Having mentored for various programs, she strives to provide a safe space at NextGen Health to help mentees build confidence and find their passions.
Madelyn McLaughlin is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Natural Sciences on the pre-Physician Assistant track, with a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. She has benefited greatly from mentorship throughout her academic journey and is passionate about giving back through similar programs. Madelyn is committed to supporting aspiring healthcare professionals by fostering meaningful connections. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing the piano and saxophone, singing, and spending time with her family.
Joleen Wong is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Natural Sciences and minoring in Economics. From her experience serving as a mentor for fellow peers, children, and community members in her hometown of Los Angeles, she has gained an appreciation for mentor-mentee relationships. Joleen hopes to continue connecting and sharing valuable insights with mentees in the local Pittsburgh community.
Hannah Kuzmiak is a junior in the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Natural Sciences with a certificate in Bioethics on the pre-Physician Assistant track. As a first-generation student, she understands the importance of mentorship and wants to be able to help others find their path and harness their passion for helping others. Hannah hopes to pay forward the support and guidance she has received from her own mentors and serve others in the same way.
Trevor Staab is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in neuroscience and psychology with minors in chemistry and religious studies. He deeply values community outreach, volunteering, and mentorship, especially through teaching. Trevor seeks to bridge the gap between art and science, ultimately using his enthusiasm to spread compassion to those around him.
Manal Boukaabar is an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Computer Science with a focus on software development and user experience design. As Web Developer for NextGen Healthcare, they manage digital infrastructure, oversee web development, and support platform-based outreach. Passionate about health tech and accessibility, they aim to bridge technology and equity in healthcare through thoughtful, scalable design.
