Meet the 2025-2026 Leadership Team
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President (He/Him)
Shyam Ganesh Babu
Hey friends! My name is Shyam Ganesh Babu, and I’m honored to serve as President of AED for the 2025–2026 school year. I’m from right here in Columbia, South Carolina, and I’m on the pre-med track, majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Business Administration.
I’m incredibly excited for another amazing year in AED! As President, I’m committed to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for all of our members, whether that means expanding shadowing and networking opportunities, hosting impactful workshops, or creating space for meaningful conversations with healthcare professionals.
Outside of AED, I’m one of the founders of MedElem, founder of PhysiLink, and host of The Productive Mind Podcast. I also conduct colon cancer research, help lead the Top Scholar Peer Leader Program, and volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic. When I’m not in class or working on projects, you’ll probably find me at the gym, biking around town, or coding.
Feel free to reach out if you have questions, ideas, or just want to connect. You can always email me at shyamg@email.sc.edu or text me at (803) 357-3579. Looking forward to a great year together!
Vice President (She/Her)
Aleena Chattha
Hi everyone! My name is Aleena Chattha, and I’m incredibly honored to serve as your Vice President for the 2025–2026 school year. I am a junior
BARSC-MD 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.
Vice President of Operations (She/Her)
Alina Tofiqul
Hey everyone! My name is Alina Tofiqul and I’m so excited to serve as your VPO this upcoming year! I’m a junior from Lexington, SC majoring in Public Health and minoring in Nutrition and Food Systems on the pre-med track. I am interested in Women's Health and Endocrinology, both as concentrations and research. I joined AED the fall of my freshman year and it's given so much to be thankful for. I've gained incredible experiences, both professionally and personally, that have prepared me for future. I cherish this organization and the people I've met, it has given me so much support! Outside of AED, I am a volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic, work in the ECHO Lab as an URA as well as a Wellbeing Ambassador with the SHWBC. In my free time, I love to crochet, run, and eat. I am looking forward to this year!
If you have any questions feel free to reach out! (atofiqul@email.sc.edu, 251-509-1500)
Vice President of Operations (He/Him)
Tim George
Hi everyone! My name is Tim George, and I’m so excited to serve as one of your Vice Presidents of Operations this year. I’m a junior majoring in Public Health with minors in Neuroscience and Political Science, on the premed track. I was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where I grew up with my parents and younger brother, Isaac.Outside of AED, I’m involved in Gamecock EMS, Carolina Judicial Council, Student Government, and Phi Delta Epsilon. I also conduct research at the ASCENT Lab and volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic.AED has connected me with some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. It’s helped me grow not just as a future healthcare professional, but as a leader and person. As your VPO, my goal is to foster a strong community in AED and bridge the gap between the executive board and cabinet, committees, and members. Most of all, I want every member to feel welcomed, supported, and heard.If you have any questions, ideas, or just want to talk, please reach out to me at trg3@email.sc.edu or 423-598-0608.
Historian (He/Him)
Jackson Fanelli
Hi everyone! My name is Jackson Fanelli, and I am so excited to be serving as your Historian for the 2025–2026 school year. I have been a member of AED since the fall of my freshman year and have had the pleasure of serving as your Event Coordinator and Vice President of Operations. Membership in AED has been a truly transformative experience for me, and I'm thrilled to continue giving back to this amazing organization. I look forward to getting to know even more AED members this year, and I hope to be a resource for all of you. Outside of AED, I work as a volunteer medical assistant at the Free Medical Clinic and as a research assistant at the Early Social Development Lab. I also serve as the Social Chair for my business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, and I'm involved in ongoing clinical research at Nemours Children's Health. In my free time, I love to run, hang out with friends, read, and draw.As your Historian, I hope to be a source of clarity and understanding regarding membership requirements, expectations, and points. I look forward to connecting with all of you, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns at (302)-290-3933 or jfanelli@email.sc.edu.
Secretary (He/Him)
Peter Braun
Hey guys. My name is Peter Braun, and I am super excited to serve as AED’s Secretary for the 2025-2026 school year. I am from Cincinnati, OH, and I am a rising Junior 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 Secretary, I hope to maximize the AED experience for every member by providing thorough communication and increasing networks between members. It is my goal to make this organization a comforting and supportive environment for everyone to grow as future healthcare professionals.
Treasurer (She/Her)
Ellie Graham
Hey y’all, my name is Ellie Graham and I will be serving as the treasurer for AED during the 2025-2026 school year. I am a junior 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 this years 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 volunteering at MUSC, 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 and questions or want to chat, please reach out to me at
(843) 822-8557 first, or my email @elenasg@email.sc.edu!
New Member Director (He/Him)
Andrew Pana
Hi everyone! My name is Andrew Pana, and I am a senior double majoring in Biology and Spanish on the pre-medical track. I joined AED in the fall of my sophomore year and have since built many meaningful connections with fellow members while participating in various AED events. As one of the New Member Directors for the 2024–2025 school year, I look forward to supporting new members as they discover and grow their passions within AED. Outside of AED, I serve as the Marketing Director for MedElem, work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Ellermann Lab, and serve as a Resident Assistant. In my free time, I love swimming, playing the piano, and eating sushi. I can’t wait to meet everyone! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, ideas, or just to chat at (612) 484-9654 or apana@email.sc.edu.
New Member Director (He/Him)
Tyler Koenig
Hi everyone! My name is Tyler Koenig, and I am honored to be serving as the New Member Director for the 2025-2026 school year, alongside Andrew! I am a Junior from Long Island, NY, on the pre-med track, majoring in Biology and minoring in Nutrition and Food Systems. As New Member Director, I have big ambitions to refine and add to the new member process. Outside of AED, I am on the Club Swimming and Gymnastics teams, a founding father of Delta Chi, a Red Cross lifeguard instructor, a member of Gamecock EMS, and an ocean rescue lifeguard and medical assistant back home. In my free time, I love to go to the gym, cook for myself and others, research exercise and nutrition, and go to the beach. I am excited to get to know all potential members and look forward to another great year in AED. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, ideas, or just want to chat! You can email me at tlkoenig@email.sc.edu or text me at (516) 474-6432.
MedConnect Director (She/Her)
Abby Williams
Hi everyone! My name is Abby Williams, and I am so excited to be serving as MedConnect Director for the 2025-2026 school year! I am a senior, Biology major and Spanish minor from Bedford, NH on the pre-med track. Outside of AED, I am involved with PhiDE, Exercise is Medicine, and the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Committee. I also volunteer at the Good Samaritan Clinic and participate in research with the Poulain Lab here on campus. In my free time I love running, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the sunshine. I look forward to working alongside Eleanor, the MedConnect President, to provide opportunities that will allow you to build meaningful connections and benefit you on your journey to becoming a physician. Mentorship is a key component of medicine, and I can't wait to help foster relationships that will motivate, guide, and support you every step of the way! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas at alw19@email.sc.edu or 513-488-2902.
PA-CT Program Director (She/Her)
Nishi Patel
Hi everyone! My name is Nishi Patel and I am from Greenville, South Carolina. I am a rising senior on the Pre-PA track majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Business Administration. I am so excited to serve as your 2025-26 PA-CT Director! I am currently working as a medical assistant at an allergy and asthma clinic in Greenville as well as a medical assistant in an OB-GYN office here in Columbia to gain patient care experience for PA school! Apart from AED, I am also involved in APPAS, the Indian Cultural Organization, and serve as a co-director for AKR, a Bollywood-Fusion Dance Competition held here in Columbia. I love to stay busy and I am very excited to lead the pre-PA members of AED through the PA-CT program. My goal is for everyone in the program to gain as much valuable information as possible and form strong connections with current USC SOM PA students! If you have any questions or just want to talk, feel free to reach out to me at np23@email.sc.edu! I can't wait to meet you guys :)
DPTMP Director (He/Him)
Elias Babcock
Hi everyone! My name is Elias Babcock and I am very excited to serve as the Director of the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Mentorship Program this year! I am a Junior Exercise Science major, double minoring in Business Administration and Psychology, and I am on the pre-PT track. Apart from AED, I am on the executive board for Gamecock Club Swim serving as their historian, I am an undergraduate research assistant in a Women’s health research lab here at USC, and I intern with Gamecock Olympic Sports in their nutrition department! I'm incredibly excited to help students explore the wide range of specialties within physical therapy, and create opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth through interactive events and experiences.
Please reach out if you need anything! babcockt@email.sc.edu or (540) 855-1775
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair (She/Her)
Sanjana Tripuraneni
Hi everyone! My name is Sanjana Tripuraneni, and I am honored to be serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the 2025-2026 school year! I am a sophomore BARSC-MD major from Chandler, Arizona. As DEI Chair, I hope to implement a variety of new opportunities, from health equity workshops and speaker events to implicit bias in healthcare training. 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 by uplifting underrepresented voices and pushing forward meaningful DEI efforts. Outside of AED, I work as a research assistant in the Broude Lab here at USC and assist with maternal and child health research under the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation. I am also the logistics captain of USC Akshara, our premier competitive Bollywood fusion dance team, as well as the publicity chair of Gamecock EMS. 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.
Service Chair (She/Her)
Sarah Hobson
My name is Sarah Hobson, and I’m a junior biochemistry major with a minor in Spanish. Home for me is Greenville, SC! In my free time, I enjoy running and taking naps. Outside of AED, I am the President of Share One Love, Vice President of Women in Healthcare, President of Palmetto Place Ambassadors, a tutor with Mano a Mano, an active member of Project Vida, and an EMT with First Priority. I’m so excited to serve as your Service Chair and look forward to getting everyone more involved in the community! Feel free to reach out to me via email (skhobson@email.sc.edu) or phone (8644340382)!
Service Chair (She/Her)
Brynne McGee
Hey guys! My name is Brynne McGee, and I'm excited to be serving as one of your Service Chairs for this year! I'm from Weston, Connecticut which is about a 12 hour drive. I'm a senior Biological sciences major on the pre-med track. AED has been a large part of my college experience since I've been participating since freshman year. I'm overjoyed to give back to a community that has given me so many opportunities, both socially, volunteering, and meeting physicians who give insight into their journey and time in the medical field. I'm a member of TriBeta, a research assistant in the Early Social Development Lab with Dr. Bradshaw, a member of MedElem, and a volunteer at Prisma Baptist. As service chair, I want to guide members to have meaningful experiences that example why service is important. I hope to keep our long term partnerships while creating short term events as well as more on-campus service events. I'm honored about this opportunity and can't wait to get to know everyone! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at brynnem@email.sc.edu or (203)257-5091.
Event Coordinator (She/Her)
Maarya Khan
Hi everyone! My name is Maarya Khan, and I’m thrilled to serve as one of your Event Coordinators for the 2025–2026 school year. I’m a junior majoring in Psychology (B.S.) on the Pre-Medical track, and I’m from Columbia, South Carolina! Outside of AED, I’m actively involved in organizations on campus such as the Muslim Students Association, and Dream Outside the Box. I am also involved in the ASCENT Lab at the Institute of Mind and Brain, volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic and Prisma Richland, and currently shadow an OBG-YN! In my free time, I love baking for my friends and family, learning how to cook nutritious meals, and finding new movies/music! As Event Coordinator, I’m passionate about creating engaging and meaningful connections, and I look forward to making your experience in AED as memorable as possible this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at (803) 200-6955 or mkkhan@email.sc.edu if you have any questions about AED or my role.
Event Coordinator (He/Him)
Matthew Braddick
Hey everyone! My name is Matthew Braddick, and I'm looking forward to serving as one of your Event Coordinators this year. I'm a junior 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 Event Coordinator, I hope to organize events that allow members to build meaningful connections and make everyone's experience in AED more engaging. Outside of AED, I am a research assistant in the Department of Drug Discovery, volunteer at Prisma, 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
Philanthropy Director (He/Him)
Mohin Amin
Hey everyone! My name is Mohin Amin, and I’m excited to serve as your Philanthropy Director for the 2025–2026 school year! I’m a rising junior majoring in Cardiovascular Technology on the pre-med track, and I aspire to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. I currently work as a Patient Care Technician at McLeod Regional Medical Center and am also certified as an EMT, which has given me valuable hands-on experience in the medical field. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, and volleyball. I am also a proud brother of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc. Joining AED has been a meaningful part of my college journey—helping me grow both professionally and personally. As your Philanthropy Director, I’m looking forward to organizing impactful service opportunities that strengthen our connection to the community and reflect the values we share as future healthcare professionals. If you have any questions, ideas, or just want to get involved, feel free to reach out to me at aminmb@email.sc.edu or (732) 986-0620!
Pre-Med Chair (She/Her)
Sanjana Parise
Hello everyone! My name is Sanju Parise, and I'm thrilled to be your Pre-Med chair for the 2025-2026 school year! I am a senior Public Health major with a minor in Medical Humanities. Since I joined AED during the spring of my freshman year, I've made amazing connections, created lifelong memories, and confirmed my passion for medicine. My goal this year is to make sure that members have the tools, opportunities, and experiences to prepare them for their journey to becoming a doctor. Outside of school, I'm an EMT, an RA, a competitive club gymnast, and a research assistant. I also enjoy crocheting, yoga, running, volleyball, singing, and going to concerts! If you have any questions, requests, ideas, or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at sbparise@email.sc.edu or 803-261-2847.
Pre-Dental Chair (She/Her)
Jilwa Alikhail
Hey everyone! My name is Jilwa Alikhail. I am a senior, Biological Sciences major, on the Pre-Dental Track. I am from Anderson, South Carolina. I love hanging out with my family and friends, playing soccer, and traveling! Outside of AED, I am in Delta Delta Sigma, Chi-Omega Sorority, the Development of Minorities in Dentistry, and Club Soccer. These clubs, as well as AED, has helped further my passion for dentistry and my love for this university. As Pre-Dental chair, my goal is to facilitate fun, interactive, and informative events among the AED Pre-Dental community. I want to help mentor and serve as a support system for members in the process of going to dental school! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, or if you just want someone to talk to! My email is jilwa@email.sc.edu and my phone number is (864)-934-1997!
Allied Health Chair (He/Him)
Jeremy Paredes
Hey everyone, my name is Jeremy Paredes and I am super excited to get to be the Allied Health Chair for this year. I am from Coram, New York on Long Island. I am an Exercise Science major with a minor in Psychology on the Pre-PT track. AED has so much to offer, and I look forward to giving members cool opportunities to learn and explore their interests. Some of my interests besides AED are country music, the Knicks, and Breaking Bad. Can't wait to meet you guys! Feel free to reach out to me at paredesj@email.sc.edu or (347)-387-6851
Social Chair (She/Her)
Kelsey Boynton
I’m Kelsey Boynton, and I’m so excited to be serving as your Social Chair for the 2025–2026 school year! I’m a senior from Aiken, South Carolina, majoring in Biology with a minor in Medical Humanities and Culture on the pre-med track. After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to travel and gain more hands-on experience in clinical settings. I’m currently interested in pursuing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, though I’m keeping an open mind and excited to explore all my options! Outside of school, I’m highly involved in my church community, where I volunteer regularly. I also love working out, going on sweet treat runs, and of course, shopping! This year, my biggest goal is to create a fun, welcoming environment where members are genuinely excited to attend events, not just showing up to earn points and check off a box. I also hope to encourage open communication, not only within the Social Committee, but across the entire AED community, so that all members feel seen, heard, and are excited to contribute their ideas. AED has been such a huge 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, or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out at boyntonk@email.sc.edu or
803-335-7479!
Wellness Chair (She/Her)
Emma Cumby
Hi everyone! My name is Emma Cumby, and I am so excited to serve as your 2025-2026 Wellness Chair. I was born in France, but I have lived in Greenville, South Carolina for over 10 years now. I am a Junior Public Health major with minors in Chemistry and Francophone Studies on the pre-med track. AED has played a pivotal role in my pre-health journey at UofSC through providing amazing clinical, research, and other professional development opportunities. However, my favorite part of AED is all the amazing people I have met - one of which is meeting my current roommate during recruitment Freshman year! I have benefitted so much from the support system provided by AED, and I look forward to supporting you all by hosting impactful emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing events. If you need anything at all, please contact me at ecumby@email.sc.edu or 864-417-8975.
Academics Chair (He/Him)
Shrihan Ganesh Babu
Hey everyone! My name is Shrihan Ganesh Babu, and I'm excited to serve as your Academics Chair 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 Academics Chair, I’m looking forward to hosting a wide range of events that explore the ethical, clinical, business, social, and even creative sides of healthcare, so that each of you can discover your "why" in medicine. Outside of AED, I’m working to establish Gamecock EMS, the Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal, and Palmetto Place Ambassadors. I also lead CuffWay, a patent-pending medical device focused on intubation 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@email.sc.edu and 803-420-7486
Marketing Chair (She/Her)
Emme Muller
Hi everyone! My name is Emme Muller, and I’m thrilled to serve as the Marketing Director for AED this year. I’m a Junior Public Health major on the Pre-Med track, originally from Princeton, New Jersey. This past year, I had the pleasure of serving as one of AED’s Event Coordinators, and I’m excited to continue growing within the organization and contributing to its leadership. Outside of AED, I’m involved in several professional and academic pursuits. I work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in a Circadian Biology lab, and I’m an active brother of the Alpha Kappa Psi professional fraternity. I also gain clinical experience as a Medical Scribe at Southern Urogynecology in Columbia, and during the summers, I work as a Medical Assistant at an ophthalmology office back home in New Jersey. As Marketing Director, I’m looking forward to strengthening AED’s presence on campus through creative and consistent outreach, and I’m especially excited to connect with our members and highlight the amazing work we’re doing throughout the year. I'm so excited for the year ahead! Reach out if you need anything, or have any questions - 609-647-9201 or memuller@email.sc.edu