2023/2024
Executive Board
Ruchi Agashe, President
Ruchi Agashe (she/her) is a senior double majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is from San Diego, California. As the President of YURA, Ruchi coordinates and advises the Committee Chairs, oversees the development of new initiatives, and maintains YURA's correspondence with administrative partners, departments, and organizations. Outside of YURA, Ruchi dances on Yale Rangeela, works at the Yale Gender Program, and likes to study in cute cafes with friends!
Derek Song, Vice President
Derek Song (he/him) is a junior majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and a scholar in the Global Health Studies program from Hinsdale, Illinois. As Vice President, Derek helps oversee YURA's committees, with a current focus on restoring and revamping the Research Database. Outside of YURA, Derek plays viola in the Yale Symphony Orchestra, tutors for Bridges ESL, and floats around with the club swim team.
Dinesh Bojja, Treasurer
Dinesh Bojja (he/him) is a sophomore double majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and Statistics and Data Science and a scholar in the Global Health Studies program. He is from Dublin, Ohio. As Treasurer, Dinesh organizes YURA's finances across its many committees and works with donors, partners, and departments to support YURA initiatives. Outside of YURA, Dinesh sings for Yale Avaaz, volunteers in Pediatric Cardiology at Yale New Haven Hospital, and spars with the Yale Taekwondo Team.
Jae-Hee Bae, COCO Chair
Jae-Hee Bae (she/they) is a sophomore majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (and potentially something else). Hailing from the verdant pastures of Dayton, Ohio, she serves as Chair of the Committee of Community Outreach. Jae-Hee helps YURA connect with youths and newbies to help realize their potential research-related dreams. Beyond YURA, Jae-Hee loves biking, making music with her trio, and drinking sunshine.
Lea Kim, Graphic Design and Outreach Chair
Lea Kim (she/her) is a senior double majoring in Chemistry (Intensive) and Music. She is from Solon, Ohio. As the Graphic Design and Outreach Chair, Lea leads in the design and development of marketing materials and social media events that promote YURA's presence in the undergraduate research community. Outside of YURA, Lea plays on the big bells in Harkness Tower, plays the violin in the Yale Symphony Orchestra, and glides around Ingalls Rink with Club Figure Skating.
Lana Zheng, GUMI Chair
Lana Zheng (she/her) is a Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry major from New York. As GUMI Chair, she oversees all GUMI endeavors like the mentorship program and panels, with a special interest in outreach for minority communities in STEM. In her free time, she enjoys conducting research, battling an online shopping addiction, and eating fries at the Ivy.
Julian Lee, RDB Chair
Julian Lee (he/him) is a junior pursuing a combined BS/MS in Computer Science. As the RDB chair, he is leading the deployment of a new research database to connect students with professors who share similar research interests. Outside of YURA, he runs Yale Splash (come teach if you’re a Yale undergrad looking to share your passion for any topic with middle or high schoolers!), enjoys trying new restaurants, and plays guitar.
Zihan Yang, YURS Chair
Zihan Yang (he/him) is a sophomore majoring in MCDB. He is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As the chair of the Yale Undergraduate Research Symposium, Zihan oversees the logistics and planning of the annual research conference. Together with his team, he focuses on bridging research departments at Yale and other colleges. He hopes to foster the interdisciplinary research and collaboration that drives scientific/societal advancements in the 21st century. Outside of YURA, Zihan is a project manager in the Yale Undergraduate Consulting Group and dabbles in ballroom dance.
Siva Nalabothu, YURJ Chair
As Editor in Chief of the Yale Undergraduate Research Journal, Siva leads and oversees all aspects of the Journal.
Advisory Board Members
Dr. Sandy Chang
Faculty Advisor, YURA
Milton Young
Alumni Advisor, YURA
Javier Portillo
Graduate School Advisor
website designed by Lea Kim