About Us

Meet the 2026–2027
leadership team

25 students lead the Alpha Chapter — an executive board of 7 and a cabinet of 18 — guiding service, mentorship, and professional growth for our members all year long.

AED leadership team members in business attire outside a brick building on campus

Executive Board

7 officers

Aleena Chattha, President

President

Aleena Chattha

Hi everyone! My name is Aleena Chattha, and I’m incredibly honored to serve as your President for the 2026–2027 school year. I am a junior Biological Sciences major from here in Columbia. Being part of AED over the past couple of years has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience, and I’m so excited to continue growing with this amazing community. This organization has allowed me to form lasting connections while participating in countless events, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities to learn from you all. Outside of AED, I work as a research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab, and I currently serve as an editor for the Garnet & Black magazine. I also enjoy volunteering at The Free Medical Clinic during my breaks. As Vice President, I’m here to support you and help create an environment where students from all pre-health tracks feel welcome and empowered to get involved. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or just to chat! You can email me at chattha@email.sc.edu or text me at (803) 451-1161.

Jeremy Paredes, Vice President

Vice President

Jeremy Paredes

Hello everyone! My name is Jeremy Paredes and I am extremely excited to serve as AED's Vice President for the 2026-2027 academic year. I am a senior from Long Island, New York majoring in exercise science with a minor in psychology. This past year I had the honor to serve as Allied Health Chair, and I am very grateful that I have been given the opportunity to be a member of the executive board this year. AED has been such an important, influential part of my undergraduate experience, and I will work to make sure that experience is the same for you! During my free time I love to run, workout, play tennis/pickleball, hangout with friends, or really just do anything active. If you ever need anything, feel free to contact me at (347)-387-6851 or paredesj@email.sc.edu.

Matthew Braddick, Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations

Matthew Braddick

Hey everyone! My name is Matthew Braddick, and I'm looking forward to serving as one of your VPOs this year. I'm a senior Biological Sciences major with minors in Business Administration and Neuroscience on the pre-med track. I'm originally from Ecuador, but I've lived in Fort Mill, SC since moving to the US. As one of your VPOs, my primary goal is to foster a strong sense of community within AED by bridging the gap between the executive board, cabinet, committees, and members. Outside of AED, I am a research assistant in the Department of Drug Discovery, EMT at Vital Care EMS, and serve as one of the assistant editors for the Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal. Outside of academics, I love playing and watching soccer, listening to music, and reading. I look forward to meeting all of you! Feel free to reach out at (704)-466-9710 or braddicm@email.sc.edu

Shrihan Ganesh Babu, Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations

Shrihan Ganesh Babu

Hey everyone! My name is Shrihan Ganesh Babu, and I’m excited to serve as your VPO this year! I’m a sophomore from Columbia, SC majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Entrepreneurship on the pre-med track. I joined AED in the fall of my freshman year, and it’s given me countless opportunities to get involved on campus and connect with so many amazing people. As VPO, I’m looking forward to helping create an engaging and welcoming environment within AED, supporting our members, and making sure everyone has opportunities to get involved and connect with each other. Outside of AED, I’m working to establish Gamecock EMS, the Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal, and Palmetto Place Ambassadors. I also serve as the CEO of CuffWay, a medical device corporation advancing intubation and ventilation safety, serve as a research assistant at the School of Medicine, work as a peer leader, and work as an EMT. In my free time, I enjoy playing the trumpet, going to the gym, and learning about cars. I’m really excited to work with all of you this year! Feel free to contact me at shrihangb@sc.edu and 803-420-7486.

Emma Cumby, Secretary

Secretary

Emma Cumby

Hi everyone! My name is Emma Cumby, and I am so excited to serve as Secretary for AED this school year! I’m originally from Greenville, South Carolina, and I am a senior majoring in Public Health on the pre-med track with a minor in French. I joined AED during my first semester of sophomore year and previously had the opportunity to serve as Wellness Chair. AED has played such an important role in my college experience by providing mentorship, professional development, and some of my closest friendships. As Secretary, I am excited for the opportunity to give back to AED by strengthening communication between the Leadership Board and our members and helping make event planning and chapter operations as smooth and organized as possible. Outside of AED, I am involved in Student Government, the Student Success Center, and the Shustova Group. I’m looking forward to an amazing year ahead and all that our chapter will accomplish together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions; I’m always happy to help! Here’s to a great year! Email: ecumby@email.sc.edu Phone: (864) 417-8975

Sanjana Tripuraneni, Treasurer

Treasurer

Sanjana Tripuraneni

Hi everyone! My name is Sanjana Tripuraneni, and I will be serving as your treasurer for the 2026-2027 school year! I am a junior BARSC-MD major from Chandler, Arizona. I had the privilege of being a part of AED's cabinet as the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair during my sophomore year, as well as serving on the DEI committee my freshman year. Being a member of AED has already been such an impactful part of my college journey, and I’m eager to continue contributing to the organization as this year's treasurer. Outside of AED, I work as a research assistant in the Chen Lab here at USC and assist with maternal and child health research under the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation. I also work as an undergraduate research ambassador at the OUR! I am a captain of USC Akshara, our premier competitive Bollywood fusion dance team, as well as the Operations Director of MedElem. In my free time, you’ll likely see me hanging out with friends and family, trying new recipes, going to the gym, or exploring Columbia! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to talk! You can contact me at sanjanat@email.sc.edu or (480) 685-1759.

Ali Wallam, Historian

Historian

Ali Wallam

Hey everyone, my name is Ali Wallam, and I'm thrilled to be serving as your Historian for the 2026–2027 school year. I'm a Columbia local and a sophomore in the South Carolina Honors College, double majoring in Biological Sciences and Data Science on the pre-med track. I joined AED this past fall and previously served on the Academics Committee, so being elected to this role means a great deal to me. Outside of AED, I work as a Medical Assistant, volunteer weekly to feed the homeless, and in my free time I like to work out and play some basketball or ping pong. I'm also involved in computational biology and machine learning research here at USC, where I get to combine my passions for medicine and data. As Historian, my goal is to modernize how AED tracks and shares our chapter's story, and I started off by creating a website for our points tracking, an archive for past events, and a way for members to give feedback after each event. I'm excited to preserve our chapter's legacy while building tools that make every member feel more connected to AED. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas at (803)-673-2665 or awallam@email.sc.edu.

The Cabinet

18 chairs

Jiya Anand, Academics Chair

Academics Chair

Jiya Anand

Hi everyone! My name is Jiya Anand and I am honored to serve as your Academics Chair this year. I am a junior in the Honors College on the Pre-Med track, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Psychology. Having served on the Academics Committee last year, I am excited to continue organizing events and resources to support your academic success. Outside of AED, I am on the fundraising committee for MedElem, a volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic, and a research assistant at the ECHO Lab. AED has been a meaningful part of my college experience, and my goal this year is to create programming that supports you academically, encourages connection among members, and helps us all grow as future healthcare providers. I look forward to connecting with everyone this year! It is my priority to tailor academic events and resources to your needs, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at anandj@email.sc.edu or (803) 404-4854.

Zoey Dellinger, Allied Health Chair

Allied Health Chair

Zoey Dellinger

Hey! My name is Zoey Dellinger and I am so excited for serve as the Allied Health Chair for AED! I am a sophomore Public Health major on the Pre-PA from Charlotte, NC! AED has provided me with so many resources to grow professionally, build meaningful connections, and form incredible friendships. I’m so excited for the opportunity to give back by creating opportunities and offering support to our Allied Health members as they work toward their goals. Outside of AED, I’m involved in Gamma Phi Beta, the South Carolina Honors College, Trew Friends, and I serve as an Arnold Ambassador. I also had the opportunity to serve as a Resident Assistant during the 2025–2026 school year. In my free time, I love reading, spending time on the lake, going to country concerts, and watching Dance Moms. I’m so excited to get to know everyone and be a resource for fellow Allied Health students! If you have any questions, please email or text me! Zoeyd@email.sc.edu 980-429-5222

Lathika Chaluvadi, DEI Chair

DEI Chair

Lathika Chaluvadi

Hi everyone! My name is Lathika Chaluvadi, and I’m so excited to serve as your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the 2026-2027 school year! I am a senior from Greenville, SC majoring in Public Health, with minors in Business Administration and Medical Humanities and Culture, on the pre-med track. Since joining AED in Fall 2023, I have gained so many professional and personal connections, and I’m excited to continue growing with the AED family. As DEI chair, I plan to implement interactive events including speaker panels and journal clubs to inspire conversation about diversity and health equity on our campus. Outside of AED, I work as a research assistant in Maternal and Child Health through the Arnold School of Public Health, serve as the Co-President of Voices of Equity, and I am the treasurer for Maternal and Child Health Student Association (MCHSA). I am also a Co-Director for Aag Ki Raat, a national Bollywood fusion dance competition hosted by the Indian Cultural Organization, and am a lead ambassador for the Arnold School. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking, painting, and going on walks on the Riverwalk! I’m excited to use DEI to foster an inclusive and culturally competent pre-health community that supports all of our members! Please feel free to reach out to me at lathika@email.sc.edu or (864)-395-7499!!

Landon Schultz, DPTMP Director

DPTMP Director

Landon Schultz

Hi everyone! My name is Landon Schultz and I am very excited to serve as your Director of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Mentorship Program this year! Outside of AED, I am an Exercise Science major on the pre-PT track, and I am also involved in the Pre-PT Organization and the Exercise Science Club. Over the past two years, I have been also been a part of the walk-on program for football here. I am very passionate and excited about the future of physical therapy. I am especially excited to help build and grow meaningful connections between students and current DPT students. My goal is to create opportunities that allow all members to learn, network, and feel more prepared for their journey into physical therapy through mentorship, events, and shared experiences. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything! Email: Landongs@email.sc.edu Phone: (803)-386-4997

Peter Braun, Event Coordinator

Event Coordinator

Peter Braun

Hey guys. My name is Peter Braun, and I am super excited to serve as one of AED’s Event Coordinators for the 2026-2027 school year. I am from Cincinnati, OH, and I am a Senior in the Honors College here at the University of South Carolina. I am currently on the Pre-Med track majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. Joining AED has been the one of the most valuable experiences in my college career so far, and I now want to give back to the organization in return for what it has done for me. As Event Coordinator, I hope to maximize the AED experience for every member by providing valuable experiences with health care professionals as well as fun events with other members.

Ellie Graham, Event Coordinator

Event Coordinator

Ellie Graham

Hey y’all, my name is Ellie Graham and I will be serving as one of the event coordinators for AED during the 2026-2027 school year. I am a senior from Daniel Island, SC and am currently studying public health in the honors college and I am on the pre-med track. I joined AED my first semester of college and served on the DE&I committee my freshman year. During my sophomore year, I had the opportunity to be a part of AED’s cabinet as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair before being elected to serve on the executive board as last year’s treasurer. By joining AED I have learned so much about the diverse range of professions that make up the healthcare field and have had experiences that have help me grow professionally to prepare me for my future career as a physician. Outside of AED, I love to spend my free time working, volunteering, going to Pilates, and reading on the beach when I’m home in Charleston. I am so excited to meet and work with you all this upcoming year! If you have any questions or want to chat, please reach out to me at (843) 822-8557 first, or my email @elenasg@email.sc.edu

Khufu Holly, Marketing Chair

Marketing Chair

Khufu Holly

Hello! My name is Khufu Holly, and I am so excited to be your Marketing Director for this year! I am a senior Biomedical Engineering Major with a Medical Humanities and Culture minor on the pre-M.D.-Ph.D. track! I joined AED my spring semester of my freshman year. This organization has provided me with such amazing opportunities and has truly allowed me to progress on my pre-health journey. I have been able to make new friends and new connections that have helped me, not only with my adjustment to college, but also with my pre-med track. Because of the wonderful experience that I have had with AED, I am overjoyed to be able to serve on the cabinet to help others have the same experience. As your Marketing Director, I will work to create engaging posts on social media and creative merch that we are all excited to sport. I am looking forward to working with everyone this coming year and to having another fun year in AED! Thank you so much! If you have any questions, requests, or ideas, please feel free to contact me at kmholly@email.sc.edu

Alina Tofiqul, MedConnect Director

MedConnect Director

Alina Tofiqul

Hi everyone! My name is Alina Tofiqul, and I’m honored and excited to serve as this year’s MedConnect Director. This will be my third year in AED leadership, and being part of this organization has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. It has truly been a pleasure to serve in leadership. I’m a Public Health major with double minors in Biology and Medical Anthropology on the pre-med track. I’m passionate about health equity and improving access to healthcare resources. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in medicine in specialties like OBGYN and Endocrinology. As MedConnect Director, one of my main goals this year is to strengthen AED’s relationship with USCOM by creating more meaningful opportunities for our members to connect with medical students. I hope to organize interactive events that allow members to ask questions, learn from medical students’ experiences, and gain insight about the application process through extensive interview prep. I also want to expand the resources available to our members by providing more support for professional development and navigating the pre-med journey. My goal is to ensure that members feel supported as they work towards applying to medical school! I’m looking forward to working alongside such a passionate group of individuals this year, and I’m excited to get to know each of you better! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at atofiqul@email.sc.edu or (251) 509-1500 with any comments or questions!

Avery Labaska, New Member Director

New Member Director

Avery Labaska

Hi everyone! My name is Avery Labaska, and I am honored to serve as one of the New Member Directors for the 2026–2027 school year. I am a junior from New Jersey on the pre-med track, majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. As New Member Director, I am looking forward to creating a new member experience rooted in leadership, involvement, and community. AED has been so rewarding, and I am excited to share, and enhance, these qualities with our new members. Outside of AED, I work as a pharmacy technician, a patient care technician, and an Organic Chemistry SI leader. I am also involved in Zeta Tau Alpha, the Pre-Health Society, and the Biological Sciences Majors Club on campus. In my free time I love working out, getting sushi, going on walks with my friends, and volunteering at my local hospital over the summer! I am looking forward to an amazing year! Feel free to reach out at 732-832-5998 or alabaska@email.sc.edu

Beatrice Maulfair, New Member Director

New Member Director

Beatrice Maulfair

Hi everyone!! My name is Beatrice Maulfair, and I am so honored and excited to be serving alongside Avery as a New Member Director this year. I am from Round Hill, Virginia, and am entering my senior year, majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-medical track. I joined AED my sophomore year, and it has been one of the most influential and rewarding experiences of my time at USC. I am passionate about creating an environment of supportive, caring, and driven future healthcare professionals, and I care deeply about helping new members feel welcomed and integrated into the organization. Outside of AED, I work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Early Social Development Lab and serve as a Peer Leader for University 101. I love everything recruitment and previously served as Director of Recruitment Events for Tri Delta. I cannot wait to meet you all! Feel free to reach out anytime! maulfair@email.sc.edu and (571)-329-6512

Khadijah Kumte, PA-CT Director

PA-CT Director

Khadijah Kumte

Hi everyone! My name is Khadijah Kumte, and I am honored to serve as your PA-CT Director for AED this year! I’m a senior Public Health major on the pre-PA track, born and raised right here in Columbia. As Director, I’m incredibly excited to bridge the gap between our members and the local medical community, specifically by strengthening AED’s relationship with the USC School of Medicine. My goal is to create more streamlined opportunities for us to connect and grow as future healthcare professionals. Beyond AED, I stay busy as a Medical Assistant at a pediatrics office and a Research Assistant under the College of Nursing. I also serve as the President of the Muslim Students Association. I also love to binge tv shows, go on walks, read a book or scout out the best local cafes and restaurants. I’ve actually been working on a ranked list of the best coffee shops in town, so if you’re looking for a study spot recommendation, definitely let me know! I am looking forward to meeting all of you. If you have any questions about the PA-CT program or just want to chat, please feel free to reach out to me at (803)-846-4922 or kkumte@email.sc.edu!

Makensie McGee, Philanthropy Director

Philanthropy Director

Makensie McGee

Hey y'all! My name is Makensie McGee (but everyone calls me Kensie) and I am so excited to serve as your Philanthropy Director for the 2026-2027 school year. I am a sophomore Biology major with Neuroscience and Creative Writing minors on the pre-med track and I am from Camden, South Carolina. After graduating, I hope to attend medical school and go into pediatric surgery. In joining last semester, AED has already given me so much and I am excited to give even a portion of it back to this organization. I am pumped for some really amazing events and collaborations supporting our philanthropies, Dance Marathon and Relay for Life, as well as to continue growing professionally and establishing invaluable connections. Outside of AED, I am involved in volunteering at both Prisma Richland and the Children's Hospital, the Spur Retreat in which I serve as Head of Communications, Tri Beta, and the Honors Pre-Health Fellowship. In my free time I love to paint canvases, read, and hangout with my friends. I can't wait for an amazing and successful year! If you have any questions, ideas, or just want to chat, please reach out! My email is mtm40@email.sc.edu and my phone number is 803-549-9119.

Sara Holden, Pre-Dental Chair

Pre-Dental Chair

Sara Holden

Hey everyone! My name is Sara Holden, and I’m super excited to serve as Pre-Dental Chair for the 2026-2027 school year! I am a senior Biological Sciences major, with a minor in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior. I’m originally from Southern California, but moved to Fort Mill, SC when I was five. In my free time, I love playing the saxophone, baking, and spending time with friends and family. Ever since I was twelve years old, I have always known that I wanted to become a dentist, and with this role, I’ll be able to help other pre-dental members, just like myself, on the journey to dental school. My two primary goals are organizing manual dexterity events where pre-dental students can hone their fine motor skills, and helping to foster a closer pre-dental community in AED. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, feel free to reach out to me at siholden@email.sc.edu or (805)-338-7013

Shivangi Nayak, Pre-Med Chair

Pre-Med Chair

Shivangi Nayak

Hey everyone! My name is Shivangi Nayak, and I'm so excited to be serving as your Pre-Med chair for the 2026-2027 school year! I'm a sophomore from Anderson, SC majoring in Biological Sciences with minors in Entrepreneurship and HPEB. AED has been such a meaningful part of my experience by providing a supportive community, lifelong connections, and unique opportunities to explore medicine! My goal this year is to create a more personalized pre-med experience in order to foster professional development and community building. I hope to ensure every member has the necessary resources and experiences to succeed on the path to becoming a physician! Outside of AED, I serve as the vice president of APSMI, the outreach chair of CURJ, and am a member of No Periods Left Behind, TriBeta, and Gamecocks UAEM. I am also a research assistant at the Azhar Lab at USC-SOM and the FLEX lab. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, crocheting, singing, and spending time with friends and family! If you have any questions, ideas, or just want to chat, please reach out to me at snayak@email.sc.edu or 864-434-3142!

Dharmik Namineni, Service Chair

Service Chair

Dharmik Namineni

Hello! My name is Dharmik Namineni and I'm excited to be one of your service chairs this year. I'm from Long Island, NY and I'm a senior Public Health major with a Neuroscience minor. Around campus, I'm involved with HOPE and work for Student Health and Wellbeing as an ambassador. Off campus, I do a lot of volunteering, like with the Free Med Clinic and Carolina Wildlife Center. I also love to cook, bake, and read and I'll always take recommendations for any of those! Please feel free to reach out to me with any ideas, or questions, at namineni@email.sc.edu or (631)-951-8424

Lucy Shive, Service Chair

Service Chair

Lucy Shive

Hey, y’all! My name is Lucy Shive, and I am excited to be one of AED’s Service Chairs this year! What an honor! I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee. I am majoring in biological sciences and minoring in chemistry on a pre-medical track. Right now, I am passionately involved in service through Young Life, the Department of Mental Health, and Transitions Homeless Shelter. Beyond college, I desire to continue serving others through medicine. As Service Chair, I am eager to create a culture of deep appreciation for service within AED. I hope that AED members will engage in service events that are significant to them so that they can grow in gratitude, empathy, and appreciation for diversity, all of which will make them stronger healthcare providers. I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead AED in service, a hallmark of our organization, and I look forward to getting to know each of you! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at lshive@email.sc.edu or (615) 961-2934 with any ideas or questions!

Jackson Scala, Social Chair

Social Chair

Jackson Scala

Hi everyone! I’m Jackson Scala, and I’m so excited to be serving as your Social Chair for the 2026–2027 school year! I’m a Junior from Warren Township, New Jersey, majoring in Biology with a minor in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior pre-med track. After graduation, I plan on attending medical school. I’m currently interested in pursuing a career in anesthesia, specifically regional anesthesia, however I’m keeping an open mind and excited to explore all options available! Outside of school, I love all things sports, working out, and hanging out with friends. I'm involved in club boxing, club golf, and a social fraternity, where I serve as the academic chair. This year my goal is to create events that are fun, interesting, and that brings members together. I hope to bring the AED community closer together while hosting simple and entertaining events that help members take a brain break, clear their mind, and just relax. AED has been a very impactful part of my college experience, both personally and professionally, and I’m truly excited to give back to a community that has meant so much to me. If you ever have questions, ideas, feedback or just need someone to talk to please don’t hesitate to reach out at Jscala@email.sc.edu or 908-300-6364!

Rithi Ramamurthy, Wellness Chair

Wellness Chair

Rithi Ramamurthy

Hi everyone! My name is Rithi Ramamurthy, and I am so excited to be serving as your Wellness Chair for the 2026–2027 school year. I am currently a junior BARSC-MD major on the pre-med track and will be attending medical school at UofSC Columbia next year! I am originally from Novi, Michigan. I am so grateful for AED as it has given me a support system that has been vital in both the academic and social sense for my college experience, especially as an out-of-state student. Outside of AED, I have a passion for women's health and healthcare disparities. I am involved as a research assistant with Dr. Peiyin Hung in the Arnold School of Public Health, discovering the barriers of maternal telehealth uptake in South Carolina, and I am a part of the onWHARD collaborative at the University of Michigan, researching reproductive disparities. On campus, I am the Deputy Research Coordinator in Student Government, working with the Student Body President, and an intern for the Cola Rose Shower, which conducts a menstrual product drive and celebrates women's health in the Columbia area. As Wellness Chair, I look forward to connecting with all of you and providing wellness resources and events that allow all of us to take a pause in our busy lives while connecting with other AED members. In my free time, I love to sing, do Pilates, bake, and hang out with friends while trying new food spots in Columbia! If you have any ideas for events or just want to chat, please feel free to reach out to me at (734) 486-8682 or rithi@email.sc.edu!