SQ Core Staff 2024-2025

Editor-in-Chief: Chiraag Kambalimath, ’25

Neurobiology Major

Chiraag is a fourth-year neurobiology major and pre-medical student. This is his fourth year in SQ. He started as an online reporter, writing articles on a broad range of biological topics and stories—like long COVID and psychedelics-based mental health treatments. He then managed the online reporting team as online editor. More than anything, the experience crystallized his belief that when it comes to scientific communication, accessibility is key—everyone should be able to pick up a scientific article and understand it. No jargon. No obscurity. In his third year, Chiraag served as Editor-at-Large, handling an array of administrative responsibilities like organizing fundraisers and planning staff-wide events, to name a couple. Chiraag is thrilled to end his time at SQ as one of its Editors-in-Chief. Saltman Quarterly has been one of Chiraag’s most cherished extracurricular homes in college. For SQ and the incredible people he’s gotten to know and befriend because of it, he’s immensely grateful. Contact Chiraag anytime at ckambalimath@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

Executive Editor: Amoolya Chandrabhatta, ’25

Molecular and Cell Biology Major

Amoolya (she/her) is a fourth-year student, majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and minoring in Cognitive Science. She first joined SQ in her freshman year on the Community Outreach team and has since continued to develop her passion for sharing science with diverse communities, serving as the head of Community Outreach and Editor-in-Chief. After graduating, she hopes to go to medical school and work towards bridging gaps in healthcare education and access. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, attempting to use her sewing machine, and collecting merchandise of sports she doesn’t watch. If you’d ever like to talk about current biology research, indie rock bands, or anything else even if it’s completely unrelated to this list, she would love to chat. Contact her at achandrabhatta@ucsd.edu.

 

 

Editor-at-Large: Sammy Kawai, ’25

Neurobiology Major

Sammy (she/her) is a fourth-year student majoring in Neurobiology and minoring in Urban Studies and Planning. She joined SQ in her first year as a writer for UTS to feed her passions for biology and writing and to make science communication accessible to people of all backgrounds. She is honored to work with a team of such diverse, creative, and driven individuals who strive to make biology exciting and engaging to everyone. In her free time, she enjoys listening to indie music, handbuilding, watching true crime documentaries, and spending too much money on iced matcha lattes. Feel free to reach out anytime at skawai@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

SQ Features Editor: Esha Bhattacharya, ’26

Microbiology Major

Esha (she/her) is a third year student majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Computer Science. She joined SQ in her first year as an Under the Scope writer, hoping to combine her passions for science and writing. Through her time at SQ, she’s discovered the importance of transparent science communication and the need to critically engage with the social implications of science. In her free time, she enjoys breezy walks by ocean, being curled up with a good book, and sipping on crisp iced lattes. For coffee concoctions and book recommendations, reach out to her at ebhattacharya@ucsd.edu.

 

 

Production Editor: Erin Jang, ’27

Neurobiology Major

Erin (she/her) is a second year student majoring in Neurobiology. She joined Saltman Quarterly at the beginning of her freshman year as part of the Production team. Since her involvement in newspaper journalism in high school, she was always interested in graphic design and layout. Her passion in the work combination of design and scientific research papers led her to grow and become one of the Production Editors the following year. When she’s not in her own room studying, conducting research, or responding to an email, she can be found at different local coffee shops enjoying a strong iced coffee or watching a horror movie with her friends snuggled on the couch. Feel free to reach out to her at erjang@ucsd.edu.

 

 

Head Technical Editor: Samia Rahman, ’25

Molecular and Cell Biology and Clinical Psychology Major

Samia (she/her) is a fourth-year studying Molecular and Cell Biology and Clinical Psychology who first joined SQ as a Review Board member during her freshman year because of how much she loves the editing process. She absolutely loves SQ and getting to know all of the members at each of the events SQ hosts. Her plans after graduation include attending medical school to become a pediatrician for underserved communities. In her free time, she enjoys rewatching shows and partaking in a wide variety of arts and crafts activities, ranging from watercolor painting to beadwork jewelry. She also enjoys reading and reviewing books of any and every genre (will give recommendations and very much wants recommendations) whenever there is some free time. If you ever want to talk about anything biology or psychology related, or want to send her book recommendations, contact her at ssrahman@ucsd.edu.

 

UTS Features Editor: Meghana Hariprasad, ’26

Molecular and Cell Biology Major, Chemistry & Psychology Minor

Meghana (she/her) is a third year student majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and double minoring in Chemistry and Psychology. She joined SQ during her second year as a UTS Staff Writer to explore scientific writing and biology with a diverse group of people. Outside of classes, Meghana works in the Dixon Lab at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies to understand the formation of topologically associating domains in metazoans, competes in tournaments with the UCSD Club Tennis team, and raises awareness about women’s reproductive health and menstrual equity through the International Women’s Health Organization on campus. For fun, she loves to be outdoors with her friends and family, trying new foods, and bingeing a new show she’s fixated on. Feel free to reach out to her at mhariprasad@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

 

Research Features Editor: Sarah Mirsaidi Madjdabadi, ’25

Molecular and Cell Biology Major, History Minor

Sarah Mirsaidi Madjdabadi (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year molecular and cell biology major with a history minor whose goal is to attend medical school. In her second year, she joined SQ as an online writer to help make biological research more easily accessible and understandable to those both in and outside the field of science. In her free time, Sarah enjoys consuming copious amounts of media including movies, TV shows, books, podcasts, etc. She also enjoys creative writing, journaling, and baking. Feel free to email her at smirsaidimadjdabadi@ucsd.edu to chat about anything from science to pop culture.

 

 

Web Director: Anasofia Vildosola, ’25

Speculative Design Major, Marketing Minor

Anasofia is a fourth year speculative design major and student of Eleanor Roosevelt College. This is her second year as a Saltman Quarterly member. As Web Director, Anasofia is excited to continue fulfilling her passion for design and interest in science with the Saltman Quarterly web committee. When she isn’t at the design labs on campus, she enjoys spending time outdoors, watching plays at the theatre, and reading horror novels. She is an outgoing introvert with interests that extend far beyond the computer screen. Reach her at avildosola@ucsd.edu.

 

 

Online Editor (Reporters): Vaidehi Zala, ’27

Neurobiology Major, Classical Studies Minor

Vaidehi (she/her) is a second-year Neurobiology major with a minor in Classical Studies. She first joined SQ as an extroverted Online Reporter during her freshman year, where she gradually fell in love with the dynamic energy of the team. In SQ, she discovered a way to blend her enthusiasm for niche STEM topics with her love for writing. Aspiring to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, Vaidehi plans to attend medical school after graduation. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, having cozy movie nights, and attending music concerts, with a playlist ranging from Laufey to 21 to Subtronics. Currently, she is involved in UCSD’s Ghosh lab, researching the cell biology of signal transduction, focusing on GIS and HIS tagged proteins. If you’d like to contact Vaidehi for discussion of any subject, feel free to email her at vzala@ucsd.edu!

 

 

Online Editor (Bloggers): Jihyun In, ’25

General Biology Major

Jihyun is a fourth-year student studying neurobiology and math/applied science. She first joined SQ as a blogger as a sophomore. She hopes to continue researching cell shape and size control in the future. In her spare time, Jihyun can be found reading on a bench around campus or searching for sources of caffeine (coffee, tea, you name it). To give or receive caffeine recommendations, you can reach her at jiin@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

 

Head Photographer: Inaya Nicholls, ’26

Molecular and Cell Biology Major

Inaya (she/her) is a third-year Molecular and Cell Biology and Environmental Systems with a concentration in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution double major. She joined SQ as a photographer in her first year, where she translated her passion for capturing the natural world into compelling visual storytelling. Through her work, she aims to highlight the beauty and complexity of science using a raw, unfiltered approach. Outside of her academic pursuits, Inaya enjoys spending time immersed in nature, whether it’s going on hikes, road trips to explore national parks, or practicing her wildlife photography. Her other interests include expanding her collection of house plants, experimenting with new baking recipes, and ceramics. Feel free to reach out at inicholls@ucsd.edu

 

 

 

 

Head Illustrator: Leo Harris, ’27

Ecology Behavior & Evolution Major, Marine Science Minor

Leo (they/them) is a second-year Ecology Behavior & Evolution major and Marine Science minor. They started in SQ the beginning of their freshman year as an illustrator, aiming to find new and creative ways to challenge themself both as a growing scientist and artist. Looking ahead, Leo hopes to pursue a graduate education centering around birds and how they fit into our rapidly changing ecosystems (Cornell Lab of Ornithology if you see this… hear their prayers). If you ever need to find them, keep an eye out for them conducting marine bird mortality surveys at Scripps, searching for the Muir owls, or trying not to cry over that one albatross episode from Our Planet II. Feel free to reach out to them at liharris@ucsd.edu if you have any questions, need some bird ID help, or just want to chat!

 

 

 

 

Head Illustrator: Christina Zhao, ’25

Molecular and Cell Biology Major

Christina Zhao is a fourth year majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. She joined the SQ Illustration team in 2023 to pursue her passion for both the sciences and art. She hopes that she can continue influencing others with the art she creates as a future physician. In her free time, she loves listening to music, binging movies or TV shows, going on spontaneous trips with friends, and spending time with family. If you have any song recommendations, reach out at clzhao@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Outreach Coordinator: Meghan Nguyen, ’25

Marine Biology Major, General Biology Minor

My name is Meghan Nguyen and I am currently a fourth year majoring in marine biology and minoring in general biology. I joined SQ as a community outreach member in my second year to continue my community involvement and fell in love with finding ways to serve my community through my passion for science. I remained on the committee until I had the privilege to serve as its coordinator this year. When I’m not in class or working in my lab, you can find me rock climbing, hiking with my dog, reading, or getting poke. Feel free to reach out at mdn008@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

 

Media Content Director: Meghna Pulacode, ’25

Neurobiology Major

Meghna Pulacode is a fourth year majoring in Neurobiology. This is her 2nd year as the Media Content Director for SQ. Passionate about science and communication, she balances her academic pursuits with virtual clinical research at a hospital in New York City. Beyond her studies, Meghna co-founded a not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering the next generation by introducing them to diverse fields they might not have encountered before. Through engaging vlogs, videos, and a newly launched podcast on their YouTube channel, her organization strives to inspire and educate young minds. In her free time, Meghna enjoys cooking, binge-watching her favorite TV shows, and spending quality time with friends and family. Her commitment to making a positive impact, both in academia and her community, reflects her passion for learning and leadership.

 

 

BS/MS Liasion: Kristiana Wong

Human Biology Major, Speculative Design Minor

Kristiana is a continuous BS/MS student. In her undergraduate, she majored in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Speculative Design. She joined SQ as part of the Illustration team in 2021 with a passion to blend her love of science and art together. In the future, she hopes to be able to do clinical research, specifically in oncology. When she has spare time, Kristiana loves to go find new cute cafes, use her friends as guinea pigs for her new cooking recipes, and illustrate (of course). To discuss anything from metabolic rewiring in cancer to appreciation of independent artists, reach out to her at kmw001@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

 

Production Editor: Jacqueline Cheung , ’25

Human Biology Major

Jacqueline(she/her) is a 4th year Human Biology major pursuing a career in molecular pathology and biomedical research. She joined Saltman Quarterly’s Media and Production team in her sophomore year to explore her passion for biology and graphic design. When she isn’t talking to the fish in the Neal Lab, she enjoys reading, knitting, watching movies, and brewing questionable concoctions of coffee and tea. If you would ever like to chat or share any (much needed) book or movie recommendations, you can reach her at jecheung@ucsd.edu.

 

 

Research Editor: Leanne Liaw, ’25

Neurobiology & Public Health Major

Leanne (she/her) is a fourth year student majoring in Neurobiology and Public Health with a concentration in Medicine Sciences. She joined SQ as a review board member in her second year where she grew a passion for scientific writing and biology education, leading her to continue as a writer for SQ’s Under the Scope publication in her junior year. When she’s not in class, she’s working in a psychiatry lab, playing her rotation of survival video games on Steam, building her spice tolerance with buldak ramen, or exploring cozy places in the SoCal area. Send her any questions you have to lliaw@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

EIC: Malleeka (Molly) Suy, ’25

Human Biology Major, History & Bioethics Minor

Molly (she/her) is a fourth-year human biology major and history/bioethics double minor! She first joined SQ as a blogger during her freshman year and became UTS Editor in her third year. When Molly isn’t wrapped up in school, she can be found at the Writing Hub tutoring writers or at the Law Lab at the Salk Institute studying methylation in Arabidopsis! She also enjoys cooking without recipes and collecting seashells for hours on the beach. She hopes to continue science communication during grad school (where she’s hopefully accepted somewhere!) studying epigenetics or regenerative biology. Molly aspires to become an Editor for a big science journal like Nature or Science one day! For more thoughts on the meaning of life (or a simpler chat), contact her at msuy@ucsd.edu.

 

 

 

 

Review Board Manager: Kelly Wang, ’26

Molecular and Cell Biology Major, Chemistry Minor

Kelly (she/her) is a third-year Molecular and Cell Biology major and minoring in Chemistry. She initially joined SQ in her second year as Podcast Manager to explore a different method of communicating science. She loves anything epigenetics, genomics, and neuroscience related. After graduating, she aspires to work as a physician-scientist so that she can integrate genomics research with clinic duties (specific subspecialty in pediatrics tbd!). When she is not working in lab, which is most of the time, you can find her cooking, obsessively organizing her Google Calendar, or listening to Renee Rapp. To discuss biology research, all things food-related, or anything else, reach out at kcw003@ucsd.edu!

 

 

 

Research Editor: Nicolas Bello, ’25

Human Biology Major

Nicolas (he/him) is a fourth year student studying Human Biology and Psychology who hopes to become a doctor and open a multilingual (Spanish and English speaking) clinic. He joined the SQ team in the fall of his first year as a technical editor. He also conducts research in the Chi Lab, where he studies cardiovascular regeneration in individuals who have cardiovascular arrhythmias, congenital heart disorders, and vascular diseases by using zebrafish and axolotl models. When Nicolas is not in the lab, he enjoys playing the viola in community orchestras, skateboarding all over San Diego, spending late nights with friends, and going on trail and beach runs. If you ever want to reach out, please feel free to contact Nicolas at nbello@ucsd.edu.

 

 

Podcast Manager: Thrisha Praveen, ’25

Molecular and Cell Biology Major

Thrisha (she/her) is a 4th-year Molecular and Cell Biology major, who joined SQ as a freshman to combine her passion for journalism and biology. She was previously the Online Editor for SQ and is excited to continue producing content this year with a team of dedicated and curious minds. When not in lab, you can find Thrisha reading on the beach or getting highly competitive over a game of Catan. To talk about anything from local vegan/vegetarian food recs to stem cell research, feel free to contact her at tpraveen@ucsd.edu.