The Vagelos Student Board (VSB) organizes social events for Vagelos MLS students. As a student-led organization, the VSB aims to promote an inclusive MLS community by hosting various social and professional events throughout the academic year.
Meet the VSB
Kristin Osika (C’26), Co-President
Majors: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry (MS)
Minors: English
Research group: Christianson lab, School of Arts and Sciences
Kristin’s research focuses on the structural and mechanistic biochemistry of terpene cyclases: enzymes which catalyze some of nature’s most complex chemical reactions. Kristin is also a CWiC speaking coach for scientific presentations and the co-organizer of the Biological Chemistry Seminar Series. In her free time, Kristin enjoys yoga, running on the Schuykill river trail, and exploring Philadelphia.
Awss Mishal (C’27), Co-President
Majors: Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science
Research group: Speck lab, Perelman School of Medicine
Awss’s research focuses on the mechanism of RUNX1 in regulating the chromatin accessibility of granulocyte monocyte progenitors. Outside of classes, he is a peer advisor, the social chair of a pre-medical fraternity, and volunteers with CHOP. In his free time, he enjoys cooking some delicious meals.
Julia Gauffreau (C’26), Social Chair
Majors: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Hispanic Studies
Research group: Huryn lab, School of Arts and Sciences
Julia does research in medicinal chemistry with a focus on small molecules in the Huryn Lab. She is also the President of the Penn Glee Club and Grad-Undergrad Coordinator for PUCS and volunteers with SHOP, SOUP, and at the VA on campus. In her free time, Julia is trying to experiment more with cooking and baking and trying new coffee shops and restaurants.
Malcolm Greenstein (C’27), Social Chair
Majors: Physics and Biophysics
Research group: Cajigas Lab, Perelman School of Medicine
Malcolm’s research centers on brain-computer interfaces and wireless energy, with a current focus on decoding EEG data linked to movement in the nervous system. He combines this technical work with a broader interest in understanding how signals can be translated into actionable insights. Outside the lab, Malcolm enjoys tackling the most complex board games he can find.
Talia Smith (C’26), Social Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Statistics and Data Science
Research group: Shin Lab, Perelman School of Medicine
Talia’s research focuses on immunometabolism, investigating how specific environmental amino acids license human and mouse macrophage innate immune responses to bacterial pathogens. For the MLS Program, Talia is a peer advisor and a social chair of the Vagelos Student Board; beyond MLS, she is involved in the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education, Auxilium Tutoring, Arts House Dance Company, and is a Resident Advisor in the College House at the Radian. Talia enjoys running on the Schuylkill River Trail, spending time with friends, and long walks in the city.
Jimmy Bachman (C’27), Event Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Biophysics
Research group: Camire lab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Jimmy’s research at CHOP surrounds the biochemistry of blood coagulation, looking to better understand the mechanisms/pathways of bleeding and thrombosis for the development of therapeutics. Some of other extracurricular activities at Penn involve clinical volunteering at local hospitals (VA Medical Center and Penn Presbyterian), membership in the Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club, and philanthropy/service chair roles in both a medical and social fraternity. Outside of academics, Jimmy is also a sports broadcaster and basketball coach!
Nidhi Achanta (C’27)
Majors: Biochemistry and Biophysics
Research group: Kohli Lab, Perelman School of Medicine
Nidhi’s research involves the degree of resistance beta-lactamase genes have to beta-lactam antibiotics in the Kohli Lab. She is also involved in Penn’s Indian classical dance team, Thillana, WUHC’s Consulting committee, and teaching reproductive health workshops in West Philly schools through PRJ. Outside of classes, she loves to play crossword puzzles and paint.
Eli Laskawy (C’27), Event Chair
Majors: Biochemistry and Biophysics
Research group: Beatty Lab, Perelman School of Medicine
Eli’s research explores the mechanism and impact of chronic liver inflammation on immunotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer. Eli volunteers in the pediatric ICU at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and as a personal patient navigator at the Center for Surgical Health to help people obtain insurance for important procedures. In his free time, Eli is down at Penn Park playing pickup soccer or running on the river trail.
Shikhar Gupta (C’26), Resource Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Chemistry
Research group: Cristancho lab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Shikhar works at CHOP, where he explores chromatin remodeling and alternative splicing in prenatal hypoxia. Outside of the lab, he is Class Board vice president, volunteer coordinator at Camp Kesem, editor-in-chief of the Penn Healthcare Review, and a vocalist in the Penn Chorale. In his free time, he is currently trying his best to become a movie buff and perfect his french press recipe!
Santiago Cobarrubias (C’27), Resource Chair
Majors: Mathematics and Biophysics
Research group: Sellmyer Lab, Perelman School of Medicine
Santi’s research involves examining and developing molecular images to track CAR-T cell expansion, trafficking, and persistence in cancer. Santi is involved in the Penn Healthcare Review, is a mathematics teaching assistant, and is a member of a pre-medical fraternity. In his free time, Santi loves to run and watch shows with his friends.