Co-President

Kaylee Smith

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Biology, 4th year

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Professional/academic background & experiences:

- Urgent Care Medical Assistant

- Physical Therapy Aide

- Ronald Reagan Hospital Volunteer

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Specialty of interest: I am interested in family medicine or ER but I’m open to anything!

Advice to other Pre-PA students: Whenever you feel stressed or nervous about your journey just remember you are right where you are meant to be. I truly believe you can accomplish anything with hard work and dedication it just takes time. Remember to enjoy your path at every step because they will help you grow and shape you, remind yourself why you are doing it.

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love to spend time outside! Last year I climbed Half Dome in Yosemite.

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Co-President

Grace Ou

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology and Society, 4th year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: Have previous experience as a tutor, patient advocate, medical scribe, and hyperbaric technician. I also got my EMT certification at the UCLA CPC program.

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Specialty of interest: A surgical specialty!

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: It is a long and difficult journey, so make sure to engage in activities or hobbies that help maintain your identity outside of academics.

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Fun facts & hobbies: I've solo-hiked the Seven Sisters Cliffs and back during my time studying abroad in London!

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Co-Outreach Coordinator

Lydia Zhou

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychobiology Major, Applied Developmental Psychology Minor, 3rd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: I've been a Certified Nursing Assistant for two years. I started my journey in Skilled Nursing Facilities, and I am currently a Care Partner for the UCLA Nursing Float Team. I am also interning at the Megan E. Daly Infant Development Program as part of the ADP program.

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Specialty of interest: Surgery

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: My biggest advice to other pre-PA students is to focus on your interests and build your unique path! "Pressure is a privilege" - Billie Jean King

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love lifting, eating, shopping, and traveling.

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Co-Outreach Coordinator

Leah Gomez

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychobiology Major, Spanish Minor, 4th year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: Care Extender at UCLA RR hospital

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Specialty of interest: Pediatrics or Family medicine!

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Focus on gaining meaningful experiences, not just checking boxes. Shadow PAs, get hands-on patient care experience, ask questions, and build genuine relationships with mentors along the way. Most importantly, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s—take your time, stay consistent, and trust the process. 🩺🤍

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love going to hot yoga 🧘‍♀️

Co-Volunteer Coordinator

Sophia Sadaqatmal

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychobiology, 2nd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: Physical Therapy Aide, Designated Belle for Bruin Belles Women's Service Association, Licensed Phlebotomist

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Specialty of interest: Dermatology or OBGYN

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Never be afraid to ask people for help and resources; you receive the energy you put into college!

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love thrifting, eating, and doing watercolor!

Co-Volunteer Coordinator

Ryann Sanchez

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Biology Major, Spanish Minor, 3rd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: I’ve been throughly involved in my community from tutoring to helping serve the unhoused community and making care packages to hand out to the unhoused community. Clinically, I’ve worked as a CNA, an HHA, and this year will be starting work as a Behavior Technician.

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Specialty of interest: I’m currently interested in Emergency Medicine. As there are so many specialties within the medical field, I’m eager to learn more about the different specialties.

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: My advice for other Pre-PA students is to remember that you are not alone on this journey to becoming a PA. There is always someone along the way that you can lean on for help, support, or guidance. This journey is not linear either, it doesn’t matter how little progress you make, it’s always a step in the right direction.

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy going to the beach and running errands with friends. I’m an animal lover to my core and enjoy spending time with my pets at home as well.

Co-Member Relations

Liberty McColl

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology and Society, 3rd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: I am currently a chemistry learning assistant and I hope to get a job as a medical assistant in family medicine this year.

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Specialty of interest: I am interested in the fields of OB/GYN or emergency medicine but I am excited to learn more about other specialties through shadowing and in PA school.

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Everyone's path and timeline to PA school will look different but the most important thing is to enjoy every step on your individual journey! 

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Fun facts & hobbies: I have recently gotten really into long distance running and I am planning on running the LA half marathon next year.

Co-Member Relations

Gwena Rose Pineda

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychology Major, Global Health Minor, 3rd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: 

​- Medical Assistant in Aesthetics, PM&R, and Pain Management

- UCLA College Scholars Lead Mentor

- UCLA High AIMS Scholar KIWIN'S Mentor - Kaiser THRIVE Intern Intern for a Medical Aesthetics Clinic

Specialty of interest: Dermatology, Family Medicine, Aesthetics

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Don’t lose sight of what makes you you. Pursuing a career in healthcare can be a huge part of your journey, but it doesn’t have to define your entire identity. Continue to embrace the different interests, passions, and experiences that make you who you are. Stay true to yourself, believe in what you’re capable of, and remember that if there’s a will, there’s a way. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to!

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love to sing and hike, and I'm also training for the LA marathon!

Treasurer

Vishwa Pardeshi

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology, 4th year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: Math tutor, Cope Health Volunteer, and a Medical Assistant in the past

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Specialty of interest: Surgery

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Don't compare yourself to others! Everyone is on their own path!

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Fun facts & hobbies: Binge Watching, Going to the gym, Dancing, spending time with Family and friends!

Secretary

Vivian Young

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, 4th year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: I have experience working as a physical therapy aide, as well as volunteering at a clinic, where I assisted the medical front desk receptionist and administrative staff. I also volunteered with nonprofit organizations such as Kids in Nutrition to educate elementary school students about nutrition and food systems. Additionally, this summer, I participated in a STEM Research in Japan program through UCEAP.

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Specialty of interest: Hematology-Oncology

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Enjoy the journey, and never compare yourself to others! Everyone is on their own unique path, with their own timeline and pace. Be proud of yourself for every step you take, no matter how big or small it may seem. Every step forward is great progress! :)

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love drawing at cafes with my art friends, visiting the beach, and spending time with my family, including my cat Mimi :3

Publicity Director

Andrea Duenas-Torres

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology and Society, 4th year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: I am involved as a Co-Lead for USC Pre-PA Pathways and a TCAB Volunteer at Cedars-Sinai. Aside from Pre-PA, I am Peer Advisor for UCLA FAS, volunteered for a lab where we worked on defining brain health, and was a HCC Intern for Summer '26.

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Specialty of interest: Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, or Family Medicine

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Everyone is on their own path, so don’t feel discouraged by comparing your progress to others. Take advantage of the resources around you and don't be afraid to network!

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Fun facts & hobbies: I enjoy café hopping, watching true crime (especially Rotten Mango!), and cooking!

Webmaster

Jada Ly

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Biology, 2nd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: OB/GYN Medical Assistant, UCLA Health Patient Transport Volunteer

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Specialty of interest: Urgent Care or Orthopedics

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, you'll end up learning a lot and making meaningful connections. Also take the time to enjoy the journey and continue doing the things you love!

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love taking workout classes, playing basketball, going to the beach, and shopping!

Co-Programming Coordinator

Amanda Lyons

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, 3rd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: I earned my CNA certification the summer of 2024 and worked full time as a CNA in a hospital’s Oncology unit the summer of 2025. I help with a research project identifying differences in medical outcomes due to linguistic biases. I also am an intern in a UCSF Oncology Database. I am the co-chair of UCLA’s CRSHE Early Career Advisory Board which connects undergraduate students to reproductive science education and opportunities on campus.

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Specialty of interest: Oncology

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: My advice to other Pre-PA students is to get involved with activities and clubs that they are passionate about instead of ones that just check a box.

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Fun facts & hobbies: I love dancing! Fun fact: I help lead the line dancing club on campus!

Co-Programming Coordinator

Emily Quach

Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Physiological Science Major, Disabilities Studies Minor, 2nd year

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Professional/academic background & experiences: In the summer, I volunteered at Sutter Health/CPMC in the Mom and Baby Unit and helped out at an internal medicine clinic, primarily serving Cantonese speaking elderly. I also shadowed various healthcare professionals to explore other career pathways. Most recently, I obtained my CNA and CCMA certifications. At UCLA, I volunteer at Ronald Reagan hospital and with clubs, such as Asian Pacific Health Corps (APHC) and ACE Free Clinic, that provide health screenings and education to underserved communities. In the past, I've conducted research surrounding metabolism, aging, and cancer at Stanford and have done secondary research regarding ethics of CRISPR in regards to breast cancer treatment. However, I found that my passion lies in the conversations and interactions that can only be found in direct patient care.

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Specialty of interest: Family Medicine

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Advice to other Pre-PA students: Don't be too harsh on yourself! Everyone's career path looks different and only you know what is best for you!

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Fun facts & hobbies: I am a huge homebody who will almost always choose a comfy night in over going out. But, I LOVE to travel! No matter the destination, I will be just as excited to try new foods and get lost in the city’s neighborhoods.