We are a team of UCLA students from a wide variety of majors passionate about neuroscience and cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Marlius Castillo
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Jeff Bronstein
Medical Advisor
Dr. Jacqueline Chen
Medical Advisor
Lee Felsenstein
Engineering Advisor
Dr. Martin McKeown
Medical Advisor
Dr. Ana Luisa Trejos
Engineering Advisor
Tiffany Chen
Founder
Saumya Tawakley
Co-President
Ashley Kim
Co-President
Sasha Anand
Internal Vice Presdent
Konmal Ali
External Vice President
Allison Peng
VP of Operations
Anna Tong
Co-Webmaster
Cailah Lim
Co-Webmaster
Aye Chan May
Education Co-Director
Kailin Mimaki
Outreach Director
Arlene Nguyen
Public Relations Co-Director
Anubhav Chandla
Head/Lead Director of IT Committee
Spencer Kelly
Innovation Team Co-Director
Tiffany is a medical student at the UCLA Medical School. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, graduating with a degree in HBS and a minor in Biomedical Research. She founded High-tech and Neuro-Disorders (HAND) to bridge together healthcare and technology, in order to connect students with medical and industry professionals, and spark innovation and collaboration within the community. From promoting mental wellness to treating movement disorders, biotechnology combines hands-on patient care with cutting-edge research, which Tiffany hopes to expand upon at UCLA by bringing together students of all majors, ranging from microbiology to business economics. As inventor of iStopShaking, Tiffany is developing handglove IoT devices to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease, with the devices using miniaturized gyroscopes to stabilize tremors. Outside of HAND, Tiffany enjoys golfing, advocating for public health, and performing research with a psychiatry lab.
Saumya recently graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Neuroscience and is the Co-President of HAND this year. Her interest in neuroscience first stemmed from the fact that it provides the perfect intersection between studying the physical components of the brain and body, such as neurons and circuits, and the more abstract components, namely thinking and consciousness. After hearing about the prevalence of movement disorders such as Parkinson's, Saumya was motivated to contribute to HAND and support patients while also reducing the stigma surrounding neurological disorders. Outside of HAND, Saumya works as a healthcare assistant at a dermatology clinic and enjoys hiking and writing in her free time.
Ashley Kim is a fourth-year studying Psychobiology with a minor in Brain and Behavioral Health. She is excited to serve as the Co-President for 2023-2024. Ashley developed an interest in neuroscience after volunteering at an organization for children on the autistic spectrum. During her time at UCLA, she had the opportunity to engage with research at the Brain Connectivity and Connection Lab (BCCL) and the Child OCD, Anxiety & Tic Disorder Program. Ashley hopes to go to medical school and pursue a career in psychiatry. Outside of school, Ashley enjoys going to concerts, playing percussion, and guessing people’s Myers-Briggs type.
A native of Venezuela, Marlius received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela in 2008. She then went on to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas to study and synthetize fluorescent dyes with Professor Sergei V. Dzyuba in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She received her Ph.D. in 2019 with a focus in organic chemistry and spectroscopy. As a graduate student, Marlius was first author on two published research papers and co-author on four published papers. She was the recipient of a 2018-19 Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) graduate research grant at TCU for her project titled “Ratiometric molecular rotors for determining phase-transitions of gels, waxes, and polymer films”. Marlius joined UCLA in August 2019 as a Cram Teacher-Scholar. She conducts postdoctoral research in the laboratory of Professor Miguel Garcia-Garibay, studying synthesis and applications of fluorescent molecules, and she teaches Structures of Organic Molecules (14C).
Dr. Darlene A. Mayo (née Lobel) is a board certified neurosurgeon who is internationally known as an expert in the treatment of essential tremor and other movement disorders. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University and her Medical Doctorate from Medical College of Georgia. She completed clinical fellowships in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery and Epilepsy at UCLA and Emory, finishing training in 2007. She also completed two research fellowships, first in Grenoble, France, where she worked for two years with Professor Alim-Louis Benabid at Clinatec on the clinical protocol and implementation of a brain computer interface system, designed to aid quadriplegic patients. She then completed a fellowship in the Neural Engineering Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she worked on the design and preclinical assessment of an intraspinal microstimulation system to restore neurologic function after spinal cord injury. Dr. Mayo worked for two years as a Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor at University of Florida-Jacksonville and for nearly five years as a Neurosurgeon and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering at the Cleveland Clinic, where she had a busy practice treating patients with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. She also co-led an essential tremor support group for two years in the Cleveland area.
Dr. Jacqueline Chen is a podiatry specialist in Frederick, MD. Dr. Chen completed a residency at Aria Health and currently practices at Frederick Foot and Ankle and is affiliated with Frederick Health. Dr. Chen is board certified in Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine.
Lee Felsenstein has been designing electronic circuits, systems and products for over 40 + years. A graduate of the College of Engineering at the University of California at Berkeley, Lee’s active interest in electronics dates back to childhood. Involvement in establishing the first public-access computer social media system led to his immersion in the embryonic personal computer industry, where he designed several pioneering products, including the first commercially successful portable computer. He designed the meeting structure of the legendary Homebrew Computer Club and ran the meetings for the 11-year existence of the club. This extraordinarily productive club spawned at least 23 personal computer companies including Apple. Lee has operated two independent electronic design consulting companies, was the first researcher hired at Interval Research Corporation, where he ran the prototype development section, and has 23 patents issued in his name. He was a founding director of Osborne Computer Corporation and serves on the Intellectual Property Committee of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Lee is a Fellow of the Computer History Museum and was named a Pioneer of the Electronic Frontier in 1994 (Electronic Frontier Foundation).
Jeff Bronstein received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and M.D. and Ph.D. from UCLA as a recipient of the Medical Scientist Training Program Award. He completed a residency in Neurology and fellowship training in Movement Disorders at UCLA and at Queens Square in London. Dr. Bronstein also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology before being appointed an Assistant Professor of Neurology in 1994, Director of the Movement Disorders Program at UCLA in 1996 and Director of the Wilson’s Disease Center of Excellence in 2004. He was promoted to Professor of Neurology in 2006, Professor of Molecular Toxicology in 2007 and awarded the Fred Silton Family Chair in Movement Disorders in 2016. His clinical interests include the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders, surgical treatment of PD, and developing new therapies for patients. Dr. Bronstein’s research interests include the study of the causes of PD (environmental and genetic) using cell and zebrafish models as well as population-based studies.
Dr. McKeown is the PPRI/UBC Chair in Parkinson’s Research, Director at the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre (PPRC), Professor in the Department of Medicine, and associate member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Canada. The PPRC is deemed an International Centre of Excellence by the (US-based) National Parkinson’s Foundation. He did his Engineering Physics, Medicine and Neurology training at McMaster, University of Toronto, and University of Western Ontario, respectively. He did a 3yr research fellowship at the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego before being hired as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. He was recruited to UBC in 2003.His interests include examining novel treatments for Parkinson’s and exploring how Engineering methods can be used to enrich the lives of people with Parkinson’s.
Dr. Trejos's research has focused on the design, integration and evaluation of mechatronic devices that are aimed at providing medical care. This experience led her to establish the Wearable Biomechatronics Laboratory in 2013, dedicated to the design of wearable mechatronic devices for upper body rehabilitation and motion assistance, including wearable devices for tremor suppression and smart orthotic devices for elbow, wrist, hand and neck rehabilitation. Her research has focused on designing novel sensing and actuation components, creating models based on sensed biosignals, and developing intelligent and adaptive control systems, as well as their overall integration into unobtrusive wearable mechatronic devices.
Sasha is a fourth-year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major and the Internal VP for HAND this year! She joined HAND to explore neurological disorders further and immerse herself in a community of like-minded individuals. Sasha’s interest in neuroscience began in high school, when she interned in a neurobiology lab at UCI and investigated the endocannabinoid system in facilitating wound healing. She is fascinated by the cognitive functions behind movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, hoping to contribute to advances within this field. Besides her academic pursuits, Sasha enjoys playing the piano, reading, and exploring new boba shops.
Clara is a fourth-year Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major with a Spanish minor from Burlingame, CA. She is very excited to serve as Co-Education Director for the 2022-2023 year! Her interest in neuroscience and neurological diseases developed in her first psychology class at UCLA where she learned about the impacts of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Joining HAND in her second year at UCLA, she wanted to further her own knowledge of neurological diseases and help to share this knowledge with others. Clara is passionate about medicine and health education and intends to attend medical school. Outside of academics, Clara enjoys baking, crocheting, and coxing for the UCLA women’s rowing team.
Shruti is a third-year Computational and Systems Biology Major and a Director of Education for HAND this year. She joined HAND to learn and grow surrounded by like-minded peers also interested in neurological systems and disorders. Shruti’s passion for neuroscience initially started after taking a class at UC Berkeley in her freshman year of high school, and has continued to grow throughout the following years. She is currently interested in solving neurological problems through computational and mathematical modeling, and hopes to someday contribute to furthering research into neurodegenerative disorders. In her free time, Shruti loves to spend time reading and baking.
Alex is a second year neuroscience and Design | Media Arts double major and HAND’s Innovation Team Director (Design) for 2021-2022. He works to bring HAND’s iStopShaking device to life by combining principles of engineering with aesthetics to bring about a functional and intuitive glove for patients with Parkinson’s disease. In a broader scope, Alex aims to converge ideas in art and neuroscience, harnessing tools in data analysis, visualization, and machine learning to reimagine the landscape of brain-computer interfacing and neural circuit research for more harmonious and equitable applications in medical science. In his free time, Alex enjoys struggling with the guitar, listening to audiobooks, and sinking (or more often airballing) three-pointers.
Drawing from past experiences in healthcare settings, I joined HAND to promote awareness for neurological behavioral and movement disorders while building a community of passionate, like-minded individuals to relate and learn from as we follow our pursuits. I first developed an interest in neuroscience after participating in virtual shadowing sessions last summer, where a case study of a young woman with a neurotransmission problem and her recovery process through physical practice opened my eyes to the non-invasive technological efforts relating to neurological disorders. In HAND, I was able to further my understanding neurological disorders alongside a passionate group of students, and spread this awareness to highschool and middle school students in our local community with our Outreach Team. During my time at UCLA I have had the opportunity to engage with Behavioral Neuroscience and Emergency Medicine Research. In my free time I love to create singing recordings, go on walks, paint, and re-watch my favorite shows!
Konmal Ali is a third-year Pre-Human Biology and Society major and one of the Co-Directors of Outreach for HAND. The interdisciplinary nature of neuroscience, unique approaches, and complexity drew Konmal to HAND. Through this organization, she hopes to raise awareness and provide support to communities, to ensure that the topic of neurological diseases is made approachable. Konmal hopes to pursue a physician-scientist career and continue to expand upon available knowledge, especially on movement disorders such as Parkinson’s. As a part of HAND, she hopes to foster lasting relationships with like-minded individuals and continue to showcase the intersectionality of medicine as well as technology. Outside of her academic pursuits, Konmal enjoys creative writing, traveling to new cities, and playing the piano.
Kailin Mimaki is a third-year Psychobiology major and is thrilled to serve as HAND’s Outreach Co-Director. Her interest in neuroscience began when she became an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Hajal and Lavretsky labs, where she investigates how brain imaging techniques, such as EEGs and fMRIs, can be used to alleviate mental health disorders and improve emotion regulation strategies. Kailin is excited to host volunteer opportunities and professional panels that will help HAND members explore their passions in promoting awareness of neurological disorders. At UCLA, Kailin also serves as the President of Medical Experience through Service in Healthcare (MESH) and as a Presidential Associate of the Alumni Scholars Club. When she is not pursuing her career goals of becoming a physician, Kailin loves attending concerts, indulging in desserts at the trendiest spots in LA, and journaling!
Anubhav Chandla is a junior at UCLA studying Human Biology and Societies. Anubhav hopes to pursue a career as a physician-scientist and aspires to expand his experience within the biotech field as well. As Head of IT Committee, he aims to further expand the iStopShaking device patent developed by HAND and expand upon it through the unique ideas of our IT members! By working alongside IT members and the HAND leadership team, Anubhav hopes to widen our reach throughout UCLA and our local/global community. Furthermore, he aspires to bridge the gap between science, technology, and medicine, all while pushing the needle within neuroscience research, a field that has endless possibilities. Outside of school, Anubhav loves to play tennis, cook for friends/family, and professionally perform as an Indian Classical Percussionist.
Hey all, I'm Spencer! I'm a third-year Bioengineering student here at UCLA with an interest in biomechanics, control system design, 3D bioprinting, and bio-circuitry integration. I am passionate about environmental conservation, cooking, climbing, and learning different languages. I am the current co-Director for the physical design team (along with Brianna). This year, we are hoping to integrate the different teams to have a responsive glove design. Such a design aims to include immediate response to acceleration from outside forces, i.e. tremors or shakes.
Allison is a third year Neuroscience major, and she will serve as HAND’s Vice President of Operations this year. Allison’s interest in neuroscience was sparked after exploring brain-computer interface device development during high school. As a member of HAND, Allison is excited to explore neurotechnology, work with other students, and assist with community outreach about neurological disorders. Outside of school, Allison enjoys longboarding, playing cello, and curating overspecific Spotify playlists.
Aye Chan May is a third-year Neuroscience major and one of the Co-Directors of Education for HAND this year. She joined HAND because she wanted to learn more about neurological disorders and be surrounded by like-minded individuals. Her interest for neuroscience stemmed from writing an extended essay on neurogenesis and its correlation to depressive disorders in high school. She is fascinated by neural circuitry networks and how they contribute to behavioral and motor functions. Outside of school, May enjoys cooking new recipes and reading mystery novels.
Arlene is a fourth year Psychobiology major from Orange County, CA. She is excited to serve as a Marketing & Recruitment Co-Director for the 2023-2024 school year. Arlene has always been interested in the intersection between psychology and neuroscience. She joined HAND to learn more about the physical and mental impacts of neurological disorders and to surround herself with a strong community of like-minded individuals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, relaxing at the beach, and going to concerts/festivals!
Anna is a fourth year Computer Science and Linguistics & Cognitive Science double major serving as the Co-Webmaster for HAND this year. My interests lie in the intersection of computing, language, and medicine. HAND has provided me the opportunity to explore these interets while also raising awareness and educating on neurologicaldisorders. Some of my hobbies include learning new languages and about new cultures in addition to reading, sewing, and exploring new places!
Cailah Lim is a third-year Computational and Systems Biology student on the pre-med track at UCLA. She is the Co-Webmaster for HAND and joined the club because of the unique biotechnology-medicine intersection HAND was built upon. Cailah is excited to contribute to and help cultivate HAND’s website, as well as continue spreading awareness about neurological disorders to future generations of scientists. At UCLA, she is involved with research at the Lusis Lab and is an Advisor for UCLA’s Korean American Student Association (KASA). Outside of school, Cailah enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and crocheting!