SCHOLARS 2024

Toluwani is a rising senior at Tufts University majoring in Biology and Community Health, with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. As an international student from Nigeria, she brings a unique perspective and deep passion for health equity to her academic and extracurricular endeavors. Through her experience doing cancer research at the Dan Jay Lab, and physician shadowing at hospitals, Toluwani has witnessed the crucial intersection of clinical knowledge and community-based approaches in addressing health disparities. Toluwani is looking forward to using her coursework in community health research methods, epidemiology, and biostatistics to conduct meaningful public health research. She is committed to applying this knowledge to explore the impact of social inequities on health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. Her ultimate aspiration is to become a physician advocate, utilizing both research and medicine as tools to promote health equity and social justice.

Juan Carlos Argueta-Rodriguez is a 5th year student at San Francisco State University, scheduled to graduate in May 2023. He is dual majoring in Psychology and Cell & Molecular Biology. Originally from Rancho Cucamonga, California, Juan has been residing with family in Hayward since his acceptance and enrollment at SFSU in 2019. In his senior year of high school, he took a Psychology class that profoundly altered his perspective on STEM fields. Initially entering SFSU as a Psychology major with aspirations in mental health, Juan’s journey as a Psychology major acquainted him with the field of Psychiatry, prompting him to shift his career aspirations towards medicine, aspiring to become a Psychiatrist while remaining receptive to all areas of medicine. Beyond academics, Juan has served as a research assistant at the Time Lab within the Psychology Department at San Francisco State and holds licensure as a pharmacy technician (CPhT) in California. His drive to serve the Hispanic community is deeply rooted in his diverse background and upbringing, being the offspring of an Argentine mother and Salvadoran father. Juan endeavors to integrate his diverse heritage and educational experiences as he progresses towards his goal of studying medicine.

Mira Terdiman (they/them) is a third-year student at Pomona College, majoring in Applied Mathematics and Gender & Women’s Studies. Their research interests revolve around social determinants of health, with a specific focus on substance abuse and harm reduction practices. They are particularly interested in issues related to trans/genderqueer health and are dedicated to advocating for the expansion of healthcare and public health systems to be more inclusive and accessible to trans individuals. In their leisure time, Mira volunteers as an elementary-school tutor, is a member of Pomona College’s cross country team and dance team, and enjoys crocheting. While they haven’t set a definitive career path, Mira aspires to work at the intersection of public health and mathematics, either through research or by directly engaging with community-based organizations. 

Swetha is a native of Tampa, FL, and graduated from the University of South Florida in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and a minor in Queer and Sexualities studies. Their passion for community health and inclusive healthcare led them to fully invest themselves in health promotion from their undergraduate years onward. Their endeavors included participation in youth advisory boards and volunteering in initiatives such as the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative within their community. Currently, they work in HIV prevention as both an educator, health professional, and research consultant, focusing on youth in juvenile justice facilities. Their aim is to ensure everyone has access to routine healthcare by directly assisting them in overcoming barriers. Swetha aspires to continue this mission by eventually obtaining an MD/MPH and dedicating themselves to building a healthcare system that effectively addresses and reduces health disparities. 

Julieth Lara (she/they) is from the San Francisco Bay Area and is passionate about building policies that function on an equitable, intersectional, and transparent level for all. Julieth is a current student in the Sciences Po and UC Berkeley dual degree program, having had the privilege of spending the first-two years of her degree abroad in France, studying politics and social justice. Upon graduation, Julieth plans to pursue a master’s degree and envisions a career centered around public policy development targeting public health disparities within the queer community. In her previous endeavors, they worked as the LGBTQIA+ Public Health Discrepancies Subcommittee Chair for the 18th Congressional District Student Advisory Board, where she wrote a public policy proposal for Congresswoman Anna Eshoo advocating for mandatory gender and sexuality health training within medical licensure procedures. In 2021, they were awarded the “Juvenile Justice Recognition Award” by the Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Commission for their efforts in creating service projects that support detained youth health development. 

Julieth hopes to continue working as an advocate for the communities she belongs to!

Xandro Xu is a Junior at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Data Science and Urban Education. His academic journey is fueled by a profound passion for exploring the intersection of healthcare, policy, and DEI.  

In the realm of healthcare, Xandro has engaged in both wet and dry lab research projects, delving into the evaluation of policies surrounding HIV policy and exploring the utilization of Telehealth as a community-based intervention for underserved communities. His commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare access and delivery is evident in their dedication to research that directly impacts marginalized populations. 

Beyond his academic pursuits, Xandro is deeply involved in fostering community and belonging, particularly within identity-based groups such as Asian-Americans and LGBT communities. His involvement in student government and advocacy organizations reflects their proactive approach to promoting equity and inclusion on campus. With a keen interest in the intersection of behavioral health, global health, and epidemiology, Xandro aspires to make meaningful contributions to these fields in his future endeavors. Outside of academia and activism, Xandro finds joy in various hobbies such as traveling, cooking, and playing tennis.