Haiti
Neurosurgery
Initiative
University Engagement
Somnath Das
Co-President
Somnath Das is a Junior at Emory University. He is currently pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Chemistry, and plans on applying to medical school in the coming year. Somnath’s interest in health lies primarily in understanding the behavioral motivations of patients as they navigate through various healthcare systems. From individual patient decisions to systematic policy shifts, Somnath enjoys studying both the political and behavioral aspects of healthcare delivery. He got involved in HNI because he has a deep passion for ensuring adequate health on a global scale by giving immediate aid to populations in critical condition as well as finding longitudinal solutions to healthcare crises.
Julia Bassell
Co-President
Julia Bassell is a Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major on the premed track. She is the outreach chair for SAHI, and has started a new club, project READ (Read, Educate, and Advocate for Down syndrome). She does wet lab research in the cell biology department in addition to clinical research in pediatric development and spinal muscular atrophy.
Kevin Ding
Treasurer
Kevin Ding is a third-year undergraduate in the of Arts and Sciences at Emory University, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and minoring in Spanish. He is currently a research assistant in the Gross Laboratory looking at the use of optogenetic tools in treating epilepsy. He is also a pre-medical student and plans on applying to medical school in the near future. In his free time, he volunteers at organizations that work to combat homelessness in the Atlanta area.
Nicholas Eyrich
Public relations officer
Nicholas Eyrich is a current PR coordinator for HNI and is currently in his fourth year at Emory University majoring in Neuroscience as well as pursuing a Master of Science degree as part of Laney graduate school’s 4+1 MS in Cancer Biology & Translational Oncology program. He is originally from Pembroke Pines, Florida and a Gates Millennium Scholar of Ecuadorian descent, which exacerbates his passion for helping underserved populations. Nick is looking forward to using his medical passion, networking skills, and humanitarian efforts to keep HNI functioning like a well-oiled machine.
Jennifer Lenchner
Public relations officer
Jennifer Lenchner is a 3rd year Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major and Integrated Visual Arts co-major at Emory University. She has a particular interest in advocating for those who are deprived of their right to medical care. As the Junior Public Relations Coordinator for the undergraduate chapter for HNI at Emory University, Jennifer hopes to create a global partnership between the Emory and Haitian communities.
Mansi Maini
Public relations and fundraising co-ordinator
Mansi Maini is a sophomore at Emory studying Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology with a concentration in Anthropology. Mansi enjoys volunteer work and frequently volunteers at CHOA, Soup Kitchens, and Free Health Clinics. Mansi's interest in HNI stems from studying Neuroscience during her undergraduate studies and her passion towards volunteer work. Mansi is also involved with Relay For Life on campus-- an organization which fundraises for cancer. She is the Public Relations and Fundraising coordinator for HNI Undergraduate Chapter and has organized events such as Doughnut Grams and Clean for Haiti.
Kenny Igarza
Public relations officer
Kenny Igarza was born in Cuba, but lived in Italy for twelve years and in the United States for four. As a result of his international travels, Kenny is proficient in Italian, Spanish, English, and French. Kenny is currently a first-year student at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. At Emory, Kenny is pursuing Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology studies while conducting Parkinson’s disease-related-research at the Rollins School of Public Health. Currently on the Pre-Med and Pre-Law tracks, Kenny aspires to pursue a JD/MD or MD/PhD after college. He would advise others to always persevere and put passion in each task at hand,because the best results are given off from dedication and hard-work.
