Meet the Executive Board

Ellie is a junior living in Cabot and studying Biomedical Science and Engineering with a Citation in Chinese Language. In the future, she hopes to earn a PhD and work in therapeutics development. Outside of THURJ, Ellie is involved in the Harvard Health Policy Review, the Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association, PBHA Chinatown Big Sib, and the Harvard Undergraduate Research Association. In her free time, she enjoys watching Korean dramas, calling home, and sleeping. As this year's Editor-in-Chief of THURJ, she is extremely excited to publish the journal's first edition in over two years.

Olivia Johnson is a junior in Currier House studying Integrative Biology with a Secondary in Economics and a Citation in Chinese Language. During her sophomore and junior summers, she engaged in research internships that led to the discovery of her passion for conducting research and publishing papers for the betterment of science, medicine, and our society at large. Now as a Co-Managing Editor of Peer Review for THURJ, Olivia hopes to help undergraduate students at Harvard pursue publications that enrich all people.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Anna is a junior living in Cabot House studying Astrophysics. She has conducted research in the entrapment of hyper-volatiles in interstellar ice analogs with the goal of uncovering the chemistry that affects planet formation. Anna currently works with Dr. Kim-Vy Tran at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics on a project using gravitational lensing to measure the Hubble Constant. When not pondering the origins of the universe, Anna can be found rehearsing for various plays and musicals, playing the drums, or hanging out with her friends. She is very excited to celebrate undergraduate research at Harvard and to facilitate a community for students to revel in a shared passion for intellectual exploration.

Hugh Hankenson is a sophomore in Adams House studying Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology and Anthropology. Since the fall of 2022, he has worked in the Mooney Lab for Cell and Tissue Engineering on projects including immunomodulatory biomaterials and immunoregulation. Outside of classes and research, Hugh enjoys biking around Boston, spending time with friends, reading books, and playing chess. He is excited to be the Managing Editor of Content for THURJ and hopes to use the position to foster discussion and consideration of the latest research developments.

Aditya Tummala is a sophomore in Lowell House studying Biomedical Engineering. He has been passionate about addiction science research throughout his life and is currently working in the Bonmassar Lab in the A.A. Martinos Center of the Massachusetts General Hospital on developing novel implants for deep brain stimulation. Hailing from the small town of Brookings, South Dakota, he loves playing soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball, fishing, and just spending some quality time with friends. As the Business Manager of THURJ, Aditya hopes to empower undergraduate students with a platform for showcasing their cutting-edge research, inspiring others to do the same.

Originally from a small college town of Athens, Ohio, Alyssa is a junior living in Adams studying Bioengineering. Alyssa currently works as a research assistant under Professor Kit Parker at the Disease Biophysics Group, where she is able to combine her academic pursuits with her strong passions for creative art, fashion, and environmental sustainability. She concurrently holds the role of Student Coordinator for the Harvard Resource Efficiency Program, further channeling her passion for the environment. In her free time, Alyssa takes pleasure in activities like hiking, tinkering, photo editing, and simply basking under the sun.  

Yewon Lee is a sophomore in Currier House studying Chemistry with a Secondary in History. Interested in how reactions occur on the biological scale, Yewon currently works in the Woo Lab on elucidating glycosylation pathways using small molecules and previously synthesized novel drug-delivering nanoparticles with the Center for Engineered Therapeutics. Outside of THURJ, Yewon can be found serving as a first responder on Harvard's campus, organizing cultural conferences, and running advocacy projects. In her free time, she enjoys being a part of the Asian American Dance Troupe and mountain biking. As the Tech Manager, Yewon hopes to expand manuscript accessibility by creating interactive virtual spaces for student researchers.

Originally from Albion, NY, Nolberto is currently a junior in Currier House concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a secondary in History. He is currently working in the Chen Lab at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, and is focusing on trying to regenerate hair cells in the mature inner ear through Pou4f3-Atoh1 reprogramming. A main passion of his is also breast cancer, and he runs his own Cancer Pillow Program here at Harvard. Some of his other interests include crocheting, hanging out with friends, and hiking through nature trails back home. He is excited to be the Internal Relations Manager and serve as the main contact point amongst the growing THURJ team to ensure that everyone feels welcome, and contribute to THURJ’s overall success. 

Charlie Bratton is a freshman living in Hurlbut Hall and is originally from upstate South Carolina. He is currently planning to pursue a double concentration in Computational Neuroscience and Psychology on the pre-med track. This summer, he has plans to launch his neuroscientific research pursuits at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine in Charlotte, North Carolina, under Dr. Vincent Rossi. His other activities at Harvard include CrimsonEMS and Air Force ROTC. Some of his favorite hobbies are flying, playing the guitar, competing in rifle competitions, and tinkering with cars. He is super excited to be serving as the Co-External Relations Manager this year and looks forward to making lifelong friends and connections!

Maria is a first-year student in Hollis, tentatively planning on concentrating in Neuroscience, with a Secondary in Global Health & Health Policy. Since 2023, Maria has been conducting research in the Valera lab, studying the effects of traumatic brain injury in survivors of intimate partner violence. She is excited to use the position of External Relations Manager to promote undergraduate research among the Harvard student body, in collaboration with departmental deans, libraries, and other student organizations. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and taking walks.