Executive Board

Co-President 

Rosa Cuppari

Rosa is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, where she studies ways to mitigate weather-related financial risk, specifically for hydropower producers threatened by droughts. Long term, Rosa aspires to work in water resource management policy at the international level. Rosa spends her spare time doing home improvement projects, gardening, and biking around the Triangle.

Co-President

Rami Major

Rami is a Ph.D. Candidate in Genetics and Molecular Biology where she is advised by Dr. Mark Zylka. Her research is focused on the optimization of gene editing technologies like CRISPR Cas9. Beyond the bench, she is interested in the ethical and policy implications of gene editing in human disease contexts. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, and exploring restaurants around the Triangle.

Treasurer 

Madison Haley

Madison is an M.S. student in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering and a member of the Center on Financial Risk in Environmental Systems. Her research focuses on improving climate resiliency for large scale water providers in Arizona facing drought-related financial risk, and in the future she hopes to work to make communities more resilient and equitable. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, kayaking, and crafting.

Secretary

Nikolas Morrison-Welch

Nikolas is a Ph.D. Candidate within the Curriculum of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine and conducts research in the lab of Mark Zylka. His research focuses on investigating the connection between early-life exposure to environmental contaminants and the emergence of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Outside of the lab, he enjoys bouldering, traveling, and being out on the water.

Director of External Affairs 

Whitney Bell

Whitney is a Ph.D. Candidate in Cell Biology & Physiology and a member of the Pylayeva-Gupta lab. Her research focuses on the cytokine modulation of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and the roles of gastric proteins in pancreatic cancer. Outside of lab, she is involved in science education and outreach and enjoys volunteering at the North Carolina Museum on Natural Sciences.

Undergraduate Representative

Abhilasha Bellapu

Abhilasha is an undergraduate student studying Health Policy & Management, with minors in Data Science. She’s an avid reader, training musician, student researcher, and involved in activities and organizations on and off campus that revolve around those three interests.

Social Media Coordinator

Meghana Malempati

Meghana is an undergraduate student majoring in neuroscience who is interested in exploring health policy. She is also passionate about being involved in STEM and music education and outreach for underserved children. In her free time, she enjoys playing the viola and learning to figure skate.

SPAG Exec Alumni

2022-2023

Rami Major, President

Rosa Cuppari, Vice President

Katelyn Huff, Treasurer

Sarah Anne Howard, Secretary

2021-2022

Becca Van Hoeck, Co-President

Irene Manning, Co-President

Hunter Quintal, Vice President

Rami Major, Treasurer

Matthew Hart, Secretary