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, Data Science and Analytics
Research group: Christianson lab, Department of Chemistry at 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 the co-organizer of the Biological Chemistry Seminar Series, DEI chair for PUCS, and a CWiC speaking coach for scientific presentations. In her free time, Kristin enjoys yoga, running on the Schuykill river trail, and exploring Philadelphia.
Ryo Lindsey (C’25), Co-President
Majors: Biochemistry, Chemistry (MS)
Research group: Hua lab, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
Ryo helps develop novel CAR T therapy to target neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and colorectal cancer (CRC), and improve the CAR T cell’s ability to withstand suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) using multi-pronged approaches. Ryo is a peer advisor, a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, involved in the Japan Student Association, and a resident advisor in the College House at the Radian. Ryo enjoys running, biking, exploring new places and DJing in his free time.
Amishi Mahajan (C’25), Resources Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Chemistry (MS)
Research group: Eisch lab, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care at Perelman School of Medicine
Amishi is currently investigating the role of entorhinal-hippocampal circuitry in episodic memory encoding, through the use of optogenetics and chemogenetics. Outside of MLS, Amishi is the president of Bioastronautics@Penn, an Organic Chemistry Workshop Leader, and an Advising Fellow for Matriculate. Amishi is also a figure skating coach!
Cole Christopher (C’25), Resources Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Data Science
Research group: Riley lab, Department of Microbiology at Perelman School of Medicine
In the lab, Cole works on developing T cell therapies to treat autoimmune diseases. Cole enjoys going for walks, trying new cafes, and exploring Philadelphia.
Julia Gauffreau (C’26), Communications Chair
Majors: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Hispanic Studies
Research group: Huryn lab, Department of Chemistry at School of Arts and Sciences
Julia’s research focuses on medicinal chemistry, and her current project is researching small molecules to increase NAD+ concentration. Julia sings with the Penn Glee Club, has been recruitment chair for the Alpha Omega Epsilon, is physical sciences event director of Science Olympiad at UPenn, is social chair for Penn Undergraduate Chemistry Society, and volunteers with Shelter Health Outreach at Penn and the Veterans Association Hospital. In her free time, Julia enjoys cozy video games and cooking!
Jimmy Bachman (C’27), Event Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Biophysics
Research group: Camire lab, Department of Pediatrics at 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!
Daniela Min Jing Che Jin (C’27), Social Chair
Majors: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry
Research group: Thaiss lab, Department of Microbiology at Perelman School of Medicine
Her research involves enhancing the understanding and treatment of Hirschsprung disease by exploring microbial dysbiosis and dietary interventions. Outside of MLS, she is part of Penn Hype dance crew, Kapacity, Kbeats, and the Alt Protein Project.
One fun fact: She ate 4 boxes of blueberries within one day.
Awss Mishal (C’27), Social Chair
Majors: Biochemistry and Biophysics, Chemistry (MS)
Minor: Mathematics
Research group: Oliver lab, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Perelman School of Medicine
Awss does research on ubiquitin systems’ relationship to immunological functions in the body, namely eosinophil production. Awss is involved in math mentoring at CSSP and is in the Penn MMA club. Awss likes to play a bunch of sports including MMA, soccer, weightlifting and more. Awss is an international student from Jordan.