About The Board
Kayla Chang
President | krchang3@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Neurobiology
Certificate(s): Art History
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Kayla, I use she/her pronouns, and I’m a senior majoring in Neurobiology with a certificate in Art History. I’m an EMT at Midwest Medical Transport, an undergraduate fellow in Phi Beta Kappa, and my dog Wally’s biggest fan. My favorite place to eat on campus is Mediterranean Cafe, my favorite place to study is Memorial Library, and I think the best time of year is December. I’m taking a gap year (or two) before (hopefully) attending medical school.
Morelle Heiden
Vice President | mcheiden@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Biology
Certificate(s): Global Health, Environmental Studies, and Leadership
Bio: Hello everyone! My name is Morelle and I’m from a teeny town called Hancock, Wisconsin. I’m currently a member of the UW Powerlifting team, UW Fishing team, Project Link, and AXS, which is a co-ed and professional chemistry fraternity. I work as a medical historian at BioLife Plasma Services (COME DONATE PLASMA) and as an in-home caregiver at LifeKeepers; both jobs are super cool! I volunteer at St. Croix Hospice via companionship and bereavement, and I’ve worked with a variety of researches, from grouse decoys to climate dermatology. I got to study abroad in Tanzania last summer, and shadowed a few surgeons in between MCAT prep over winter break. I’m really trying not to take a gap year, hence the busy schedule, and I’m in the process of applying to medical schools right now for 2026 enrollment! The MCAT was crazy and applying to schools is almost as crazy, so please ask if you ever have any questions. I love to chit chat so pull up to my office hours, talk to me at our AMSA events, or feel free to email me!
Lauren Kersten
Director of Program Development | lekersten@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology & Spanish
Certificate(s): Leadership
Bio: Hi! My name is Lauren, and I’m super excited to be the Director of Program Development this year. I use she/her pronouns and will be graduating in the spring with degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Spanish, along with a Leadership Certificate. I have been a CNA for 4 years at a small rural hospital and also stepped into the role of a medical assistant in an OBGYN clinic this past year, which has fueled my passion for women’s health. I’ve also had the chance to shadow physicians in emergency medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, and obstetrics and gynecology. On campus, I stay involved through AMSA, the Odyssey Project, and the BASES mentorship program. I also do ovarian cancer research in the Lang Lab, where I study ways to better understand chemotherapy treatment resistance. I have taken my MCAT and am currently working towards medical school. Outside of school, I love indoor cycling, baking sourdough, and horseback riding. If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to me! I’m looking forward to planning events, connecting with you all, and making this a great year!
Michelle Yoo
Director of Finance | mdyoo@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Biochemistry
Certificate(s): Math, Disability Rights and Services, and Studio Art
Bio: Hello!! I am Michelle, a senior majoring in Biochemistry with certificates in Math, Disability Rights & Services, and Studio Art. I conduct research in the Bendlin Lab at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. I work as the assistant study coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Gut Microbiome Project (AGMP) and examine how excitation/inhibition balance in the brain relates to Alzheimer’s disease using fMRI and DTI. Clinically, I work as a CNA at UW Health and volunteer with the Hospital Elder Life Program at Meriter Hospital. I also support classmates as a Peer Learning Volunteer for Physiology 335 and mentor Asian American students at Madison West High School through Cultivating Connections to help them feel more comfortable within their cultural identities. I have shadowed a plastic surgeon in South Korea and a pediatric general and thoracic surgeon through UW’s Surgical Shadowing Program this past summer. Outside of academics, I recently joined the club tennis team and play the flute. Looking ahead, I plan to take the MCAT in January 2026 and apply to MD programs in the 2026–27 cycle.
Zoe Gonzales
Director of Communications | zcgonzales@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Neurobiology & Psychology
Certificate(s): Classical Studies
Bio: Hi everybody!!! I am Zoe, your director of communications for the 2025-2026 school year! I am going into my last year of undergrad at UW and am currently applying in the 2026 med school app cycle. I took my MCAT in May of 25' and can answer any questions you may have about it. I am a CNA at the UW Rehab Hospital and I worked as a CNA this past summer on a med/psych unit at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. I am in the IMPACT lab where I conduct research about living kidney donors and their recipients and have been able to speak at a few conferences about my work. Outside of AMSA, I am in Alpha Chi Sigma (the professional chemistry fraternity), Project Link, the Brain Exercise Initiative, and Fishing Club. In my free time, I love to spend time with friends, cook, bake, go to the gym, and rot on Tiktok. Please reach out with any questions, I would love to chat. I can’t wait for an amazing year with you all!
Mona Iskandar
Advocacy Trustee | miskandar@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Junior
Major(s): Nutritional Sciences
Certificate(s): N/A
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Mona Iskandar and I’m super excited to be on the AMSA board this year as an Advocacy Trustee. I'm from Madison and am a Junior majoring in Nutritional Sciences. After college, I plan to take a gap year before medical school to travel, do research, keep working as an EMT, and spend time with family and friends. I’m especially passionate about women’s health, which is what drew me to this role and also inspired my current research on treatment disparities in cancer care for pregnant patients. Outside of school, I love going to hot yoga, trying out new coffee shops, reading, and hanging out at the lake. I can't wait to meet all of you!
Akhil Pidikiti
DEI Trustee | apidikiti@wisc.edu | he/him/his
Year: Junior
Major(s): Genetics
Certificate(s): Data Science
Bio: My name is Akhil and I’m a junior majoring in Genetics with a certificate in Data Science. I’m currently an undergraduate researcher in the Vezina Lab, where I study how serotonin influences gene expression in the urethra under normal and infected conditions. I also work as a phlebotomist at SSM Health and recently shadowed a pediatrician over the summer, which further affirmed my interest in pursuing pediatrics. I’m a returning Advising Fellow with Matriculate, where I’ve spent the past two years mentoring high-achieving, low-income high school students through the college application process. On campus, I serve as the secretary of the UW–Notion Club and work as a finance and programming intern for the Unit.E Dance Team. Finally, I am an ambassador for Bucky's Classroom where we go to 7th grade classrooms and help students understand what college is. Outside of academics, I enjoy trying new restaurants, grabbing boba, and spending time with friends. My long-term goal is to become a pediatrician.
Abhinay Reddy
DEI Trustee | asreddy4@wisc.edu | he/him/hims
Year: Junior
Major(s): Environmental Science, Data Science, and Music Performance
Certificate(s): N/A
Bio: Hello! My name is Abhinay and I am a junior majoring in Environmental Sciences, Data Science, and Music-Performance. While I am unsure about my future path, I am extremely interested in incorporating computerized technologies, environmental issues, and public health to provide a holistic view of medicine and healthcare. Additionally, I am extremely interested in delving into health equity and advocacy! Outside of AMSA, I am on the executive board for UW's MEDLIFE chapter, an intern for the Office of Sustainability and Slow Food, and a member of Engineers for a Sustainable World. Currently, I work in the Climate Action Lab, helping on projects which include how climate impacts health along with climate policy work. I have also shadowed various doctors in the Milwaukee area and volunteered through the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Aurora Sinai in Milwaukee. In my free time, I love playing the flute, scrapbooking (a new hobby for me!) and journaling, cooking, and going on walks through nature!
Rylie Ceplina
Service Trustee | rceplina@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Neurobiology & Psychology
Certificate(s): N/A
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Rylie and I’m a senior majoring in Neurobiology and Psychology. Outside of AMSA, I work as a Critical Care Technician at Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital and a CNA at Heritage Senior Living. I also volunteer at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and do research as an undergraduate assistant in the Tamplin Lab. I spent three summers as a camp counselor, which sparked my interest in pediatrics and led me to shadow a variety of doctors at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. When I’m not busy with school or work, I enjoy hiking, taking yoga classes, boating, traveling with my family, and spending time with my miniature dachshund Otis. I’m always happy to chat, so feel free to reach out anytime!
Kristen Patterson
Service Trustee | klpatterson2@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Senior
Major(s): Biochemistry
Certificate(s): Global Health
Bio: My name is Kristen, and I am currently applying to anesthesiologist assistant programs! I work part-time as a CNA at UW Hospital, and I volunteer at Meriter when I have time. I also conduct research involving minimally invasive surgery outcomes. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, explore new places, and cook.
Julia Loritz
SD&N Trustee | jloritz@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Junior
Major(s): Molecular and Cellular Biology & Spanish
Certificate(s): N/A
Bio: Hi! My name is Julia, and I'm a junior graduating this spring with degrees in Spanish and Molecular & Cellular Biology. I plan to study abroad this summer to kick off my gap year before applying to medical school. Currently, I work in the Christian Lab in the Department of Medical Physics at UWSMPH, which uses brain imaging to study neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. Our research focuses on developing PET radiotracers to characterize brain development and neurodegeneration. I have an additional project evaluating handheld gamma spectroscopy devices for use in radiotracer quality control. Previously, I have worked as a memory care CNA for several years. Using my Spanish in patient care has been one of my favorite ways to bridge my passions, and it’s shown me how vital language is in building trust in medicine. I’ve also shadowed across specialties including intensive care, emergency medicine, cardiology, anesthesiology, and radiology. Outside of AMSA and academics, you can find me outside swimming, hiking, or waterskiing. If you have questions about dual degrees, language in medicine, supporting patients with psychiatric conditions, or the pre-med journey, I’m always happy to help.
Mike Peck
SD&N Trustee | @wisc.edu | he/him/his
Year: Senior
Major(s): Biochemistry
Certificate(s): French & Environmental Studies
Bio:
Sariya Benslimane
Social Trustee | Benslimane2@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Biology & Global Health
Certificate(s): Biocore Honors & Leadership
Bio: Hi FAMSA, I am very excited to be one of your social trustees this year! I am a sophomore studying Biology and Global Health. I love going on walks, playing tennis/pickleball, baking, and playing soccer. I will be an undergraduate lab tech in the Pediatric Urology Department here at UW! Currently, I am interested in orthopedics and orthopedic surgery. Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions or if we have any common hobbies:)
Bella Weis
Social Trustee | iweis@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Junior
Major(s): Biology
Certificate(s): Global Health
Bio: Hi! My name is Bella Weis, and I’m so excited to be serving as one of the Social Trustees for AMSA this year. I’m currently a junior on the pre-med track and really passionate about pursuing a career in Radiology. I’ve always been drawn to healthcare because of the opportunity it gives me to care for others, connect with people from all backgrounds, and make a real impact. Outside of academics, I will be one of the Volunteer Coordinators for Brain Exercise Initiative, which has given me the chance to help organize meaningful service opportunities and connect with the community. In my free time, you can usually find me dancing (I’ve been a competitive dancer since I was three!), going to the gym, or taking long walks with friends. I also love spending time with my dogs, watching sunsets, and just being around the people I care about. This year, I hope to create fun and welcoming events that help everyone in AMSA feel connected and supported. I can’t wait to meet you all and help make this a memorable and meaningful year together!
Emma Rapallini
Fall Board Advisor | rapallini@wisc.edu | she/her/hers
Year: Junior
Major(s): Psychology & Spanish
Certificate(s): Leadership
Bio: Hello everyone, my name is Emma Rapallini, and I am a Junior this year. I'm majoring in Psychology and Spanish and hoping to add on Biology this year :) As a junior, I am also working in the Developing Brain Imaging lab, where I am exploring my interests in pediatric neuroscience and gaining valuable research experience at the Waisman Center. In addition to AMSA, I am an executive member in my sorority and attend the Italian club and others! I also love volunteering at the Bayview Community Center, local to Madison, it is a low-income housing complex and center that hosts a variety of programs. In my free time, I love going on walks, going out with friends, reading books, trying new foods, and being outside.
