Meet the 2024-2025 Officers
President: Ella Gustafson (She/Her)
Hello! My name is Ella Gustafson, and I am honored to serve as President for the 2024-2025 school year. I am excited for another great year in AED! I am from Arlington, Virginia (just a few minutes outside of DC). I am studying Public Health in the Honors College on the pre-PA track. Outside of AED, I am a research assistant in the Biostatistics and Epidemiology department here at USC. I also volunteer at the Prisma Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and am excited to start a new job as a Medical Assistant this fall! In my free time, I love to run on the Riverwalk, bake, and cheer on the Gamecocks! I look forward to supporting every member throughout their AED journey and helping students prepare for a future healthcare career.
If you have any questions or would like to just reach out and chat, please feel free to contact me at (703)-473-6473 or ellabg@email.sc.edu!
Vice President: Marina Filice (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Marina Filice, and I am so excited to serve as AED’s Vice President for the 2024-2025 school year! I am a rising junior from Buffalo, New York. I am on the pre-med track majoring in public health with a minor in Business Administration. I am currently interested in pediatric emergency medicine. Outside of AED, I am a research assistant at the Neurodevelopmental Disorders lab, I work as a GroupX instructor teaching pilates classes, and I volunteer regularly at Prisma Health Children's Hospital. AED has by far been the most beneficial experience of my college career and I am beyond excited to serve an organization that has provided me with guidance and numerous opportunities, growing professionally and expand my passion for healthcare. As Vice President, I strive to further connections providing valuable networking experiences for our members through open means of communication while fostering a welcoming community.
Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas at mfilice@email.sc.edu or 716-989-1096!
Executive Board
Vice President of Operations: Tremayne Ansani (He/Him)
Hi everyone! My name is Tremayne Ansani, and I am so honored and excited to be serving as one of your Vice President of Operations (VPO) this year! I am from right here in Columbia, South Carolina. I am a senior Neuroscience and Geography double major on the pre-med track. I joined AED in the fall semester of my freshmen year. This organization has contributed so much to my undergraduate experience from the amazing opportunities, phenomenal speakers, and lifelong friends I have made. As VPO, I will make sure to act as a bridge between the Executive Board and Cabinet alongside Cabinet and Active Members. I aim to uplift everyone’s voices to create more communication, interaction, and professional, social, and service events that you all would like to see. I will foster an environment in which everyone has enough resources to reach their fullest potential. Outside of AED, I am the President of the Black Honors Caucus, an EMT, and involved in neuroscience research. In my free time, I enjoy walking in nature, journaling, being a host of a podcast (Medicalize This), pickleball, and hanging out with friends. I look forward to getting to speak with and know you all!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any ideas, questions, thoughts, or just wanting to talk at tyansani@email.sc.edu or (803)-210-7711
Vice President of Operations: Jackson Fanelli (He/Him)
Hi guys! My name is Jackson Fanelli, and I am so excited to serve as one of your Vice President of Operations this school year! I am a rising Junior from Wilmington, Delaware and I'm on the pre-med track. I am a public health major and a business administration minor, and after graduation, I hope to pursue a career in surgery! AED has helped me in many ways on my pre-professional journey, and I can't wait to continue giving back to such an amazing organization. Outside of AED, I participate in research as a part of Nemours Children's Health, work as an EMT, and am an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi and Gamecock Club Swimming. In my free time, I love to read, work out, and hang out with friends!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jfanelli@email.sc.edu or (302) 290-3933
Secretary: Edie Violi (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Edie Violi, and I am excited to serve as Secretary for the 2024-2025 school year! I am a senior from Louisville, KY, in the Honors College, on the Pre-PA track, majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Psychology. My patient care experiences include working as an EMT and a medical assistant. Currently, I work in the Affective Social Cognition Neurodevelopment Lab, focusing on infant autism research with an emphasis on a new screening measure. I also volunteer with the Good Samaritan Clinic. This spring, I’ll be completing my exercise science practicum in cardiac rehab. In addition to AED, I am involved with Phi Mu, Women in Healthcare, and Exercise is Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy running, traveling, and hanging out with friends. AED has provided me with amazing opportunities, and I’m excited to give back to an organization that has profoundly impacted my college experience. I look forward to connecting with more of you and will put forth my best effort to maintain the excellent communication established by the past board and cabinet to make our organization great.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just want to talk. You can contact me at (502) 655-4170 or evioli@email.sc.edu
Historian: Aleena Chattha (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Aleena Chattha and I am honored to serve as your Historian for the 2024-2025 school year. I am a sophomore BARSC-MD major from here in Columbia. Getting involved in AED this year has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunities that this organization has provided me with. Participating in AED’s events has allowed me to build meaningful connections with so many of you, and I am eagerly looking forward to getting to know as many fellow members as possible. Outside of AED, I work as a research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience lab here at USC, and I am also a writer for the Garnet and Black magazine. I hope to empower you all to take advantage of everything AED provides, and I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside each and every one of you in the coming year!
Please reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions at chattha@email.sc.edu or text me at 803-451-1161!
New Member Director: Beau Fox Tran (He/Him)
Hey everyone! My name is Beau Fox Tran and I am a sophomore Public Health major on the pre-med track. I grew up outside Charlotte, NC and I love traveling, working out, and cooking! Outside of AED I am involved in Greek Life and am currently pursuing opportunities to work as an EMT. As one of the New Member Directors for the 2024-2025 school year, I am super excited to create new relationships and to meet all of the great potential new members!
If you have any questions or want to reach out my email is: bfoxtran@email.sc.edu!
Cabinet
Treasurer: Juveria Khan (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Juveria Khan and I am thrilled to be serving as AED's treasurer for the 2024-2025 year. I am a rising senior, public health major and medical anthropology minor on the pre-med track. Last year, I served as AED's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair and absolutely loved my time serving my fellow pre-health community. Currently, I am co-president of an organization called Dawah on Campus, which aims to create an atmosphere of understanding and coexistence between muslim and non-muslim students on campus. Additionally, I am a research assistant for the mLife and Switch studies, and work in a women's clinic and a NICU volunteer! As treasurer, I hope to aid AED in creating amazing events that make our organization so special.
I believe collaboration is the key to success in any group setting, so if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out at 803-569-5626 or jzkhan@email.sc.edu!
PA-CT Program Director: Aidan Commerford (She/Her)
Hi everyone!! My name is Aidan Commerford and I am absolutely ecstatic to serve as your PA-CT director this school year! I am a senior exercise science major on the Pre-PA track. I am from a small town in Northern New Jersey called Long Valley but I have absolutely fallen in love with South Carolina ever since I stepped foot on campus four years ago. I have learned of so many incredible opportunities since joining AED and have fallen in love with the community/family it has given me. I am also involved in APPAS and Dance Marathon, and will be serving as a U101 peer leader this fall. I am currently working as an Emergency Medical Technician at a company in Cayce, SC, and am just finishing up my Clinical Medical Assistant Certification for my Practicum. I am very passionate about cycling and general physical and mental health. I cannot wait to enhance the PA-CT organization as a whole and better the experience of all of our Pre-PA members in their journey to PA school! I cannot wait to meet you all this year! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about AED, the Pre-PA track, or anything about UofSC :)
You can reach me at aidanec@email.sc.edu or preferably (908) 619-8070
DPTMP Director: Braniya Anderson (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Braniya Anderson and I am serving as your Doctor of Physical Therapy Mentorship Program Director for the 2024-25 school year. I am a Junior Exercise Science major with a minor in Psychology on the Pre-PT track. I am from Spartanburg, SC and intend to specialize in sports physical therapy. In addition to AED, I am a part of the Exercise Science Club, Arnold School of Public Health Dean’s Student Advisory Council, SAVVY, as well as a member of the Illustrious Iota Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. I am beyond excited to facilitate meaningful relationships between mentees and mentors within the program, and also provide exposure to the various physical therapy specialties through social and professional events!
If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to reach out to me at braniya@email.sc.edu or 864-310-9123!
MedConnect Director: Izybel Chappell (She/Her)
Hi! My name is Izybel Chappell, and I am so excited to serve as your MedConnect Director for the 2024-2025 school year! I am a junior from Lake Norman, NC majoring in Public Health on the pre med track. In my free time I love to hang out with friends and workout! Outside of AED, I work as a medical assistant for Atrium Health Family Medicine taking vitals, drawing labs, and collaborating directly with physicians. I also work as an EMT specializing in dialysis patients! On campus I serve as the treasurer of CHHARG, an all girls workout group! As the MedConnect Director, I hope to provide several opportunities to grow both personally and professionally while directly collaborating with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine!
Feel free to reach out! My email is izybel@email.sc.edu and my phone number is 704-775-8126
New Member Director: Nick Volpe (He/Him)
Hey everybody! My name is Nick Volpe, and I am so thrilled to be serving as the New Member Director for the 2024-2025 school year! I am a junior from Longport, New Jersey, and I'm a Biological Sciences major on the pre-med track. As one of your new member directors, my goal is to continue carrying out the amazing sense of community and belonging that defines AED! Outside of AED, I participate in undergraduate research with the Exercise Oncology Lab, volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic, and I'm also on the leadership teams for TriBeta Biological Honor Society and the Aspiring Pre-Health Student Mentoring Initiative! In my free time, I love to golf, travel, and workout.
Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas at nvolpe@email.sc.edu or 856-217-6438!
Service Chair: Ridha Fatima (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Ridha Fatima, and I am so excited to be one of your Service Chairs this year! I am a senior from right here in Columbia, SC. I am majoring in Biochemistry with two minors in Health Promotion and Creative Writing! Outside of AED I'm involved in research at the School of Medicine, an internship with Prisma Health Ophthalmology, Garnet & Black Magazine, APSMI (where we travel to high schools to share about healthcare tracks and the college pre-health experience), and NOTES (where we organize service events at senior living facilities)! I have absolutely loved the service we have done through AED because of how we can impact so many aspects of our community. Not only that, but one of my favorite parts of AED service is seeing members develop a passion for service, no matter where that may be. I am really looking forward to getting to know you all!
If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to talk, please feel free to contact me at rfatima@email.sc.edu or 803-447-6602.
Service Chair: Sachi Vora (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Sachi Vora, I am a junior majoring in Public Health on the pre-med track, and I am from Connecticut! I am honored to serve as one of the service chairs for AED, and I am passionate about creating meaningful volunteering opportunities that will help us all grow as future healthcare professionals. I work as a medical assistant in a primary care office and conduct research in biostatistics and epidemiology within the Arnold School of Public Health. Additionally, I am on the Dean's Student Advisory Council for Arnold and serve as the Vice President of the Public Health Society. Outside of academics, I love going to the beach and hanging out with my friends. As your service chair, I am committed to fostering a supportive and engaging environment where we can all positively impact our community.
If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for service events, please feel free to contact me at svora@email.sc.edu or 860-800-4934! I can’t wait for an incredible year!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair: Ellie Graham (She/Her)
Hi everyone!! I’m Ellie and I’ll be the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the 2024-2025 school year. I’m a sophomore public health major on the pre-med track and this will be my second year in AED. So far, I have met amazing people, learned more about applying to medical school, and have had the opportunity to take part in different service and professional events that have truly solidified my interest in becoming a physician. As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair, I look forward to planning events that focus on promoting these values within our organization for our members to carry with them as future healthcare providers.
If you are interested in discussing AED or my role more specifically, please feel free to reach out at (843) 822-8557.
Event Coordinator: Maryellen Muller (She/Her)
Hey everyone! My name is Maryellen Muller, and I am so honored and thrilled to be serving as one of your Event Coordinators for the 2024-2025 school year! I am a Sophomore B.S. Public Health major on the Pre-PA track, and I'm currently interested in Women's Health / OBGYN. I'm originally from Princeton, NJ, and spend my summers at the Jersey Shore in Long Beach Island. In addition to AED, I work as a Medical Assistant in an Ophthalmology Office in my hometown, conduct Circadian Biology research under the Magellan Journey program here at USC, and serve as an active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. In my free time, I love to work out, cook, play with my dogs, and hang out with my friends. Joining AED during the spring of my Freshman year has been the most transformative and fulfilling opportunity in my undergraduate career. I'm eternally grateful for the connections I've fostered thus far with so many impressive, kind-hearted people who share the same passion for healthcare that I do. AED has provided me with so much knowledge in navigating my undergrad pre-health career, properly equipping me for my future endeavors! As one of your Event Coordinators this year, I will work to plan various professional and social events that allow members to connect, feel included in our organization, and gain valuable skills. I hope to encourage members to form the same meaningful and genuine connections that I have throughout my AED journey! Thank you guys so much! I can't wait for the year ahead!
Please reach out if you have any questions for me! memuller@email.sc.edu or (609)647-9201
Event Coordinator: Nabeeha Baig (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Nabeeha Baig, and I’m so excited to serve as one of your Event Coordinators for this school year! I am from Sumter, SC, and I am a senior majoring in Public Health with minors in Biology and Medical Humanities & Culture. Outside of AED, I am currently the Vice President of the Residential Hall Association, where I help advocate for and organize events for the 8,000+ residents on campus. Additionally, I am part of CCBD, helping to advocate for people to donate blood. Along with that I volunteer with the Gamecock Community Shop, Prisma Health, and the Free Medical Clinic. I also conduct research with the Dallas Lab as a paid research assistant and serve as an Organic Chemistry Lab TA too. On the fun side, I love hanging out with my friends, going to the beach, and playing board games, especially Monopoly. As the Event Coordinator, my goal is to create opportunities for members to connect and experience a warm, welcoming community. I hope to plan events that allow members to make lasting memories with one another while also valuing members input about the events as well!
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, feel free to contact me at (803)-847-8826 or nbaig@email.sc.edu!
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Philanthropy Director: Tim George (He/Him)
Hey Y’all! My name is Tim George, and I am stoked to serve as philanthropy director this year! I am a sophomore Public Health major with minors in neuroscience and business administration, from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I had to privilege of being a part of AED’s Dance Marathon team last year and found it to be a fulfilling and rewarding experience! I loved everything from raising money to going to Main Event and dancing as a Mr.USCDM. This year, I hope to inspire more AED members to get involved in this amazing cause. Outside of AED, I am involved with undergraduate research, Carolina Judicial Council, Student Government, and MedElem. I also work as a medical assistant and EMT.
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.
Pre-Med Chair: Sarah Chugh (She/Her)
Hey everyone! My name is Sarah Chugh and I’m so excited to serve as your Pre-Med Chair this year! I am from Lexington, SC and am a rising junior majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track. After graduating, I hope to attend medical school at the USCSOM or MUSC to become a pediatrician. Getting into AED during my freshman year was one of the highlights of my year and it opened a multitude of opportunities for volunteering, shadowing, and networking with like-minded students and healthcare professionals. During my sophomore year, I was honored to serve as the Marketing Director for AED which helped me get an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of this amazing organization and gave me the opportunity to work closely with other exec and cabinet members! Outside of AED, I am also excited to serve as the Secretary for TriBeta, peer mentor for the Honors College, research assistant for Dr. Susan Wood’s lab at the School of Medicine, research assistant for the VA Health Care Summer Undergraduate Research Program, personal touch volunteer at Prisma, volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic, and a member of MedElem. In my free time, I love cheering on our Gamecocks, going to the gym, shopping, and hanging out with my friends and family! As the Pre-Med Chair, I hope to connect our pre-med members with healthcare professionals and provide them with the requisite resources to get ready for the MCAT as well as get them the skills needed to excel in their medical school interviews! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me about any and all questions regarding the pre-med track or the MCAT!
Feel free to contact me at schugh@email.sc.edu or at (803)-381-7674!
Pre-Dental Chair: Emily Mueller (She/Her)
Hey everyone! My name is Emily Mueller, and I am so excited to be your Pre-Dental Chair this year! I am a junior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. I joined AED during the fall semester of my freshman year, and it has made such a huge impact on my college experience! Being a member of AED has allowed me to make lasting friendships and professional connections that I will always value deeply. As your Pre-Dental Chair, I plan to work towards fostering a tighter-knit community between pre-dental students in AED. I also will host events that are tailored to your future in the dental field!
If you have any questions or comments at all, feel free to reach out to me at erm16@email.sc.edu or 803-847-4378!
Allied Health Chair: Hope Barnick (She/Her)
Hey everyone! My name is Hope Barnick and I am super excited to serve as the Allied Health Chair during the 2024-2025 academic school year! I am a junior Psychology major with a Neuroscience minor on the pre-PT track. I am also from Kennesaw, Georgia. AED has brought me so many amazing professional and social opportunities, as well as a dependable support system. I am so thankful I get this opportunity to give back! I plan on aiding every Allied Health member in finding their role in both AED and in health care. Outside of AED, I work as a PT aide at Pinnacle Physical Therapy. I am also involved in Phi Mu, Radius Carolina, and the National Speleological Society. I love being outside, going to concerts, working out, and playing pickle ball. If you have any questions/concerns, new ideas, or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out!
You can reach me at 678-520-1078 or hbarnick@email.sc.edu
Social Chair: Anthony Maione (He/Him)
Hi everyone! My name is Anthony Maione and I will be serving as your Social Chair for this academic year! I am a senior originally from Middletown, New Jersey, currently living in Columbia, South Carolina, on the pre-med track majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Psychology. Outside of AED, I am an intern at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, I am an undergraduate research assistant and Magellan scholar working in Dallas Labs, and I am a member of the Student Mentors for Minorities in Medicine program at the Medical University of South Carolina. Outside of pre-health-related activities, I am a member of the Latin American Student Organization and the Association of Latino Professionals for America. I am so excited to give back to AED as I have grown so much in this organization, both professionally and socially, since I joined freshman year. I plan to continue to run members’ favorite social events as well as organize new, heavily requested social events to foster a greater sense of community and friendship within AED. I am so excited to work with and meet all of you!
If you have any questions, event ideas/requests, concerns, or anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me at (732)-788-5711 or armaione@email.sc.edu!
Wellness Chair: Alina Tofiqul (She/Her)
Hey everyone! My name is Alina Tofiqul and I will be your Wellness Chair for the 2024-2025 school year! I am a sophomore majoring in Public Health on the Pre-Pa/Med track. I’m interested in Women’s Health, Endocrinology and Pediatrics as specialties. Joining AED has been my favorite part of college so far, as it’s given me so many opportunities to meet inspiring healthcare professionals, volunteer with local organizations, and create valuable relationships with my peers. Outside of AED, I am a Research Assistant for the ECHO Lab at the Arnold School of Public Health as well as a volunteer at the Free Medical Clinic. On campus, I serve as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the service organization NOTES and am an active member of Dawah On Campus. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, and playing with my cat Simba. Wellness in AED has taught me the importance of balance and destressing, amidst the pressures of pursing a career the healthcare field. As Wellness Chair, I hope to provide a welcoming atmosphere that encourages members to prioritize mental, physical, and overall well being inside and outside of our organization. I am looking forward to engaging members by providing educational awareness, physical activities, and lighthearted events to help promote wellness in our day to day lives.
If you have any question, comments or just want to chat, my email is atofiqul@email.sc.edu.
Academics Chair: Shyam Ganesh Babu (He/Him)
Hey friends! My name is Shyam Ganesh Babu, and I am honored to be serving as the Academic Chair for this school year! I’m from right here in Columbia, South Carolina, and I’m on the pre-med track. I am majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Business Administration. As Academic Chair, I have big ambitions to enhance the AED Academic drive and provide you with any academic resources you might need. I also plan on organizing a variety of events, ranging from professional skill-building workshops and resume workshops to conversations with healthcare entrepreneurs and research professionals. Outside of AED, I am one of the founders and presidents of MedElem and one of the presidents of the Biology Honor Society. In my free time, you can catch me at the gym, building web applications, or biking through trails.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, ideas, or just want to chat! You can email me at shyamg@email.sc.edu or text me at (803) 357-3579.
Marketing Chair: Maarya Khan (She/Her)
Hi everyone! My name is Maarya Khan and I cannot wait to be the Marketing Director this year. I am a Sophomore majoring in Public Health with a minor in Psychology on the Pre-Med track from Columbia, SC. Outside of AED, I am a volunteer in the Neurology ICU at Prisma Health, an Undergraduate RA at the Institute for Mind and Brain ASCENT Lab, I shadow an OB-GYN, and I am involved in my mosque. Furthermore, I am an active member of Dream Outside the Box, and the Muslim Student Association. My particular interests in health surround Psychology and Neurology! I joined AED in the spring of 2024, and it has been nothing but an amazing experience so far. As Marketing Director, I look foward to connecting with each member and making everyone feel included and special. Finally, in my free time I enjoy journaling, watching movies, and hanging out with my friends and family.
Please don't hesistate to reach out to me with any concerns. You can contact me at mkkhan@email.sc.edu or (803)200-6955.
