Meet our 2025 SURF Cohort

2025 SURF Fellows

Alahe Akhavan (she/her) Alahe Akhavan is a senior Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, and an aspiring PhD student. Her research interests include biomedical devices and human-robot interactions. Her past research experiences have involved robotic control, motion optimization, and biomedical assistive devices for spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease. She is active in STEM outreach both on and off campus, helping students of all ages engage in scientific exploration, build leadership skills, and find motivation to pursue STEM. She also mentors middle school, high school, and first-generation college students. Her hobbies include reading, cycling, exploring new places, and playing chess. This summer, Alahe will be working with Professor Monroe Kennedy III in the Assistive Robotics and Manipulation Lab ARMLab.

Alondra Conchas Sánchez (she/her) Alondra Conchas Sánchez is a junior at the University of Missouri majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. She is passionate about robotics and medical technology that enhances people's quality of life. Currently, she serves as the co-president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Mizzou Chapter. Outside of academics, she enjoys weightlifting, shopping, visiting coffee shops, playing video games, and exploring new places. This summer, Alondra will be working with Professor Allison Okamura in the CHARM Lab.

Amanda Rosario Rivera (she/her) Amanda Rosario Rivera is a rising junior Chemical Engineering student at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, with a background in materials science, specifically in soft materials and recyclable polymers. She is passionate about exploring new research areas to contribute to a more sustainable future. At her university, she is involved with an organization called Colegiales Contra la Contaminación (CCC, Undergraduates Against Pollution), which focuses on implementing sustainable practices. Additionally, she is a member of the University of Wisconsin-University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (UW-UPRM PREM) Student Leadership Council, where the aim is to make research opportunities more accessible to both undergraduate and K-12 students. Her ultimate goal is to establish her own interdisciplinary research group that actively searches for innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. This summer, Amanda will be working with Professor Danielle Mai in the Mai Lab. 

Amira Shakur (she/her) Amira Shakur is a rising junior studying Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State University (PSU). Her research interests include tuning hydrogels for drug delivery and more broadly, biomaterials. At her home institution, she works in a lab focused on characterizing carbon-negative concrete, which aligns with her passion for sustainability. Additionally, she is a member of the Schreyer Honors College, the Millennium Scholars Program, and the Presidential Leadership Academy at PSU. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading and practicing yoga and pilates. This summer, Amira will be working with Professor Joseph DeSimone in the DeSimone Research Group.

Ana Fonseca (she/her) Ana Fonseca is a rising junior at Florida International University (FIU) studying Biomedical Engineering. She has conducted research at the Cardiovascular Matrix Remodeling Lab at FIU, but her research interests range from tissue engineering to immunology and molecular biology, some of which she hopes to integrate with her personal passion in robotics and technology. Through organizations like Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Undergraduate Research Society, she hopes to inspire participation in STEM and research-focused opportunities. A fun fact about her is that she loves memorizing biographical fun facts about historical figures! This summer, Ana will be working with Professor Polly Fordyce in the Fordyce Lab.

Andrea Hernández Gómez (she/her) Andrea Hernández Gómez is a rising senior at the University of Central Florida, double majoring in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Health Services Administration. She is interested in cardiovascular and metabolic research, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering, focusing on developing innovative approaches to improve disease diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Her previous research has included studies in tissue engineering, neurolinguistics, and aptamer synthesis. Driven by a passion for increasing access to STEM and higher education, she is actively involved in mentorship and outreach programs such as CREAR Futuros. Outside of academics, Andrea enjoys painting, learning new languages, and exploring new books. This summer, Andrea will be working with Professor Elizabeth Sattely in the the Sattely Research Group.

Anna Gerasimenko (she/her) Anna Gerasimenko is a Biomedical Engineering student studying at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is passionate about discovering the interconnection between different fields of sciences and building tools that can improve human lives using first principal approaches. She wants to pursue graduate studies in fields related to math and biology and be able to connect the two worlds. During her undergraduate career, she has worked in local nonprofits that promote sustainability in construction and that provide career pathways for people seeking reentry to society. These have been inspiring jobs that helped her stay connected to her community. Helping people that do meaningful work is her passion. It is her dream to impact humanity in a meaningful way through her inventions and passion for science! This summer, Anna will be working with Professor Polly Fordyce in the Fordyce Lab.

Ariana Olivares (she/her) Ariana Olivares is a rising senior studying Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University. At Tufts, her research focuses on soft robotics and additive manufacturing, and she is currently part of Professor Nemitz’s Soft Robotics Group, where she works on optimizing 3D printing techniques for soft polymer materials. She is also on the executive board of the Society of Latinx Engineers and Scientists (SOLES), where she works to create a strong support network for students in STEM. In addition to her research, she serves as a teaching assistant for Mechanical Engineering courses, helping students navigate machining, CAD, and hands-on design projects, and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. She is passionate about outreach and has volunteered in multiple programs to inspire young students to pursue careers in engineering. This summer, she will conduct research in Professor Renee Zhao’s Soft Intelligent Materials Lab at Stanford, where she will explore magneto-metamaterials and their applications in robotics. She is also deeply interested in how emerging technologies like 3D printing and soft robotics can be used to solve real-world challenges. Outside of academics, she loves roller skating, attending concerts, and curating the perfect Spotify playlists for every occasion!

Arina Garifullina (they/them) Arina Garifullina is a rising junior at Swarthmore College majoring in Engineering and minoring in Biology. Currently, they are most interested in the way medical devices can make healthcare more accessible. During the academic year, they are involved in FLI Council, the Student Budgeting Committee, and in the Math Department as a grader. In their free time, they enjoy rewatching old YouTube videos and learning about many fascinating things that they usually forget about in the next 30 minutes! This summer, Arina will be working on minimally invasive medical devices with Professor Vivian Feig in the Feig Lab.

Aubin Vertueux Dzossa Bontse (he/him) Aubin Vertueux Dzossa Bontse is part of Furman University's Class of 2027 currently majoring in Physics with a minor in Data Analytics. He is interested in exploring the intersection of engineering and sustainability through research. Thus, his long-term goal is to pursue a career in green engineering research following graduate school training. At Furman University, he engages with his passions and interests through his roles as President of Afrikiya, the African Students' Organization on campus, as a member of the Leadership Events Committee of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honors Society chapter, as a Teaching Assistant for General Physics II (PHY 112), and as a Capstone Fellow with the Shucker Leadership Institute, among others. A fun fact about him is that he recently started learning piano in his spare time after becoming fascinated by its intensity and wanting to experience it firsthand. It has turned out to be even more complex than he imagined! This summer, Aubin will be working with Professor Rishee Jain in the Stanford Urban Informatics Lab.

Caleb Savoie (he/him) Caleb Savoie is a Junior at Amherst College majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics. His interests in sustainability research arose from his upbringing in New Orleans, Louisiana. Living in Cancer Alley and experiencing the impact of hurricanes inspired him to help battle our current climate crisis. At Amherst, he is a member of the Olshansky Lab. He synthesizes ZnTe and ZnSeTe quantum dots for CO2 Reduction. Last summer, he conducted biogeochemistry research with Scott Fendorf and Alexander Honeyman at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability. The aim was to discover if wildfire smoke posed an inorganic threat to the continental United States. Caleb plays the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophone, and he loves playing New Orleanian brass band and Jazz Music. This summer, he will be working with Professor William Tarpeh in the Tarpeh Lab.

David Jo (he/him) David Jo is an Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science major currently finishing up his sophomore year at Foothill Community College. He is extremely interested in everything AI and machine learning, but his passion lies in reinforcement learning with game AI and robotics. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys weightlifting, playing basketball, and learning songs on the guitar. He looks forward to conducting research with Professor Kayvon Fatahalian as part of the Fatahalian Group this summer.

Edward Ulises Gómez Padilla (he/him) Edward Gómez Padilla is a senior Nanotechnology Engineering student at the Universidad de Guadalajara, focusing on developing expertise in nanoelectronics and semiconductor materials. His research interests include energy-efficient nanoelectronic and electrochemical systems, opto- and spintronics, and quantum devices, with an emphasis on advanced simulation tools, nanomaterial synthesis methods, and mathematical modeling. He aims to further specialize in semiconductor device modeling and fabrication. In addition to his research, he has experience in electronic system design and enjoys working on hands-on engineering projects. In his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, and learning new things. This summer, Edward will be working with Professor Dan Congreve in the Congreve Lab.

Edwin González (he/him) Edwin Jesús González is a rising junior at Yuba Community College majoring in Computer Science. His current research interests are in Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Perception, Artificial Intelligence, and Human-Computer-Interaction. He hopes to apply autonomy in aerospace and agriculture by developing new autonomous systems, looking at how A.I. can be utilized for human assistance and creating predictability models. He currently serves as a peer mentor and tutor for the TRiO SSS/STEM program where he helps guide students navigate college, informs them of new opportunities, and serves as a mentor for incoming students. He is also an active student on campus, speaking at community college student panels for incoming high schoolers, being an active member of the MESA program, and serving as a key member of the Engineering Club at Yuba College. A fun fact about him is that he is left-handed! He also loves watching and playing soccer. This summer, Edwin will be working with Professor Mykel Kochenderfer in the Stanford Intelligent Systems Laboratory (SISL).

Elvin García (he/him) Elvin García is pursuing a major in Biochemistry at Cerritos Community College. He conducts research at California State University Los Angeles, focusing on genetic engineering and RNA editing, particularly using synthetic enzymes to improve gene therapies and crop efficiency. Beyond research, Elvin volunteers with the Red Cross as a disaster relief responder and plans to continue his service as a volunteer EMT. He is also a volunteer tutor with Reading Partners, where he helps students in low-income areas improve their literacy skills. A fun fact about Elvin is that he enjoys cooking and improvising piano pieces. This summer, Elvin will be working with Professor Polly Fordyce in the Fordyce Lab.

Humberto "Tito" Rosas (he/him) Humberto “Tito” Rosas Jr. is a sophomore at Santa Monica Community College, set to transfer to the University of California in Fall 2025 to pursue a degree in engineering. His research interests lie in the fields of Robotics, Quantum Technology, and Bioelectronics. On campus, he has been an active member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society, where he volunteers for community events. He was also on the board of the Engineering Club where he and his team led workshops to teach students fundamental engineering skills. When he's not studying, he’s working as a Peer Mentor and Tutor for the STEM Program, helping students in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, playing sports, basking in nature, and, when the weather permits, he really loves snowboarding. This summer, Tito will be working Professor Somil Bansal in the Safe and Intelligent Autonomy Lab.

Joel Castro (he/him) Joel Castro is a rising senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Computer Science. His research interests lie at the intersection of computer graphics, computer vision, simulations, and haptic robotics/AR/VR. The growing role of machine learning in these fields is also of interest to him. He is particularly inspired by how these technologies shape animation and multimedia. At UC Berkeley, Joel facilitates the Undergraduate Graphics Group (UCBUGG), where he teaches students to 3D model and animate using industry-standard software. His passion for education extends beyond animation—through ANova, a nonprofit undergraduate club, he helps bring computer science education to under-resourced middle and high school students in the Bay Area. This summer, Joel will be working with Professor Shuran Song in the Robotics and Embodied AI Lab (REAL @ Stanford).

Jonathan Lewis (he/him) Jonathan Lewis is a junior at the University of Notre Dame studying Mechanical Engineering with minors in Bioengineering and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He plans to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on developing medical devices and prosthetics to improve healthcare accessibility in rural areas, including his hometown in Appalachia. His research has spanned laboratories in Notre Dame, Chicago, Rome, and rural communities both in the U.S. and abroad, where he explores different perspectives and systemic barriers to healthcare. At Notre Dame, he serves as the Local Projects Lead for Engineers Without Borders, guiding a multidisciplinary team to address community needs. Outside of research, Jonathan is always working on checking things off his never-ending bucket list. This summer, Jonathan will be working with Professor Renee Zhao in the Soft Intelligent Materials Lab.

José Manuel Rosales Juárez (he/him) José Manuel Rosales Juárez is a 9th semester Biomedical Engineering student at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. He has a strong passion for neurosciences, artificial intelligence, and extended reality technologies, and his goal is to revolutionize healthcare through innovative research and emerging technologies. His research interests include brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality applications for medical training, and AI-driven solutions for healthcare challenges. He has experience developing several impactful projects, such as developing a virtual reality perimetry system for glaucoma detection and creating a mixed-reality neuronavigation simulator. Outside of research, he enjoys photography, practicing martial arts, playing video games, and playing the piano, which help him maintain a balanced and creative mindset. This summer, José will be working with Professor James Landay in the Landay Research Group.

José Antonio Vergara Martínez (he/him) José Antonio is a junior majoring in Nanotechnology at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). His research interests lie in atomic physics and optics to explore the properties of matter and advance quantum engineering. His work has focused on ultracold atom experiments for matter-wave interferometry and the theoretical study of Bose-Einstein condensates. Moreover, he likes training his programming skills and learning new algorithms with two other classmates, which led them to compete in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). Outside of academics, he enjoys listening to music, solving the Rubik's cube, and playing ping pong and soccer. This summer, José Antonio will be working with Professor Siegfried Glenzer at Stanford's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

Kayla Magruder (she/her) Kayla Magruder is a rising senior Mechanical Engineering major and Meyerhoff Scholar at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her research interests lie at the intersection of biomimetic materials science and mechatronic design, particularly investigating how materials respond under various loading conditions. She is heavily involved in her institution’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter, where she serves on the Executive Board and enjoys engaging in STEM youth outreach programs. Outside the lab, her favorite pastimes include playing sports, 3D printing, exploring worlds through fictional novels, and appreciating musical soundtracks. A fun fact about her is that she is a fraternal twin, which has shaped her ability to approach challenges from various perspectives. This summer, she has the privilege of working in Dr. Mark Cutkosky’s Biomimetics and Dextrous Manipulation Lab (BDML).

Kenneth Llontop (he/him) Kenneth Llontop is a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research interests include Reinforcement Learning, Computer Vision, and Robotics with the goal of improving human robot interactions through robotic locomotion and dexterity. Throughout his time at Cal, he has worked to make CS accessible to everyone, especially to those in underrepresented communities, by holding ML/Python BootCamps, teaching in local high schools, and leading his own CS course. Aside from academics, he enjoys playing soccer, going on runs, and cooking Peruvian food. As a fun fact, he is learning how to dance! This summer, he will be working with Dr. Jeannette Bohg in the Interactive Perception and Robot Learning Lab (IPRL).

Luis Blas (he/him) Luis Blas is a rising junior transferring from Cabrillo Community College to continue his studies in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Passionate about protecting his community, his research interests lie at the intersection of robotics and innovative sensing systems for environmental restoration and monitoring. Beyond engineering, he serves as an ambassador for his college, engaging with students and supporting initiatives to enhance student success. In his free time, he enjoys baking and is an avid e-sports player. This summer, he will be working with Professor Zerina Kapetanovic in the Stanford Smart Sensing Systems (S4) Lab.

Lydia Wosen (she/her) Lydia Wosen is part of the class of 2027 at Howard University and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Math and Biology. She is interested in studying the brain and heart in their relationships to Biomedical Engineering, as well as learning more about bioprinting organs. She is also the Project Lead for Engineers Without Borders, Howard University chapter's abroad project where her team and she are working on solving a water supply issue in a community in southwestern Kenya. She is currently studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea at Korea University. She plays tennis and table tennis for fun with family and friends. She is very excited to join Dr. Alison Marsden's Cardiovascular Biomechanics Computation Lab this summer and learn more about cardiovascular computational modeling tools!

Malena González Fernández (she/her) Malena González Fernández studies Environmental Engineering at the University of Florida (UF), and is part of the graduating class of Spring 2026. Her research with the Deliz Lab and GeoHealth and Hydrology Lab at UF have led her to develop an interest in water resources and treatment, with an emphasis on sustainability and aiding at-risk communities. Outside of her research, Malena has been involved with her university's Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) chapter since her freshman year, and served as the Vice President of External Affairs from Fall 2024-Spring 2025. She has a passion for K-12 STEM outreach, which SHPE gratefully has allowed her to explore over the past four years. Malena loves to read, write, draw, and rock climb in her free time. This summer, she will be working with Professor William Mitch in the Mitch Lab. 

Mark D. Lucas (he/him) Mark D. Lucas is a rising senior at Boston University (BU) majoring in Biomedical Engineering with an interest in neurorehabilitative medical devices. He is an active member of Boston University's National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter and also serves as the Secretary of the BU Black Student Task Force (BSTF), advocating for equity and inclusion on campus. Mark conducts research in the Morphable Biorobotics Laboratory (MBL), where he collaborates with faculty to develop a wearable device aimed at suppressing tremors caused by Parkinson’s Disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. He aims to one day own his own company that focuses on improving humans' quality of life via medtech. A fun fact about him is that he has never traveled outside of the United States. This summer in the CamLab, Mark will be working with Professor David Camarillo, studying smart medical devices that precisely measure and learn human motion.

Nicholas Abram (he/him) Nicholas Abram is a Computer Science major with a minor in Mathematics, passionate about utilizing AI and robotics to transform education. A dedicated researcher, his work includes contributions at Howard University’s Affective Biometrics Lab and robotics research at Yale University under Dr. Tesca Fitzgerald. Nicholas is eager to further his academic journey by pursuing graduate studies in AI and robotics—a path he believes is essential for deepening his impact on education. Equally committed to mentorship, he invests his time guiding peers and aspiring technologists to foster inclusive communities. His dedication to nurturing future talent is further demonstrated by his role as the Pre-College Initiative Chair for NSBE. Nicholas hopes that his work will positively impact the world, driving innovation and inclusivity in education through technology. This summer, he will be working with Professor Sanmi Koyejo in the Stanford Trustworthy AI Research (STAIR) Lab. 

Paloma Hodje (she/her) Paloma Hodje is a sophomore at Georgia State University Perimeter College, majoring in Engineering and Mathematics. She will graduate with an Associate's Degree in Spring 2025 and will continue her education at a four-year school with an engineering program in Fall 2025. Currently, her research interests lie at the intersection of Electrical Engineering, AI, and Biomedical Engineering to improve healthcare outcomes. At Perimeter College, she conducts research in fluid dynamics and bioinformatics with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. She is involved with the Women in STEM Experience Club, LSAMP, and the Computing and Engineering Club, and she also helps with STEM outreach initiatives and peer tutoring at MESA. A fun fact about her is that she had the opportunity to work as a hostess at the heart of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, her hometown, where she gained valuable experience in an international, fast-paced environment. She is really grateful to have the chance to explore her interests in neuromorphic engineering in Dr. Kwabena Boahen’s Brains in Silicon Lab this summer.

Prince Alvin Fofanah (he/him) Prince Alvin Fofanah is a fourth-year Chemistry major with a minor in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He is passionate about the intersection of design, materials, and manufacturing, which fuels his ambition to pursue a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on leveraging additive manufacturing and nanotechnology to enhance the durability and performance of materials and mechanical systems designed for extraterrestrial environments. Beyond Research, he is actively involved in Texas Materials Scientists and Engineers (TMSE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and Student Engineers Educating Kids (SEEK), where he strives to build community and bridge the gap between students and opportunities. In his free time, he enjoys thrifting, creating art, and cooking. This summer, he will be working with Professor Wendy Gu in the Gu Research Group. 

Saúl Eduardo Pérez Herrera (he/him) Saúl Eduardo Pérez Herrera is a third-year Nanotechnology student at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. His research interests focus on the electronic properties of bidimensional materials and the role of spin-orbit coupling in shaping their behavior, using computational simulations based on Density Functional Theory. In his free time, he engages in outreach activities hoping to inspire others to embark on a scientific journey, just as he was once inspired. He also finds beauty in the details of the world around us, which fuels his love for nature photography. This summer, Saúl will be working with Professor Wei Cai in the Micro and Nano Mechanics Group.

Taieba Jannat Meem (she/her) Taieba Meem is an international student from Bangladesh and a junior majoring in Engineering Science with a minor in Mathematics at Sweet Briar College. She has a deep passion for Mechanical Engineering, which led her to work at Argonne National Laboratory last summer as a Mechanical Engineering intern, where she was involved in the CBXFEL project. She spends a lot of time in her college’s Mechanical Lab, building things and conducting experiments. Beyond academics, she is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and works as a student ambassador. In her free time, she likes to read good books, learn fun words, travel to different places, and cook for her friends. This summer, she will be working with Professor Beverley McKeon in the McKeon Research Group.

Theint Theint Thu (she/her) Theint Theint Thu is a third-year Biochemistry major at Amherst College, having transferred from a California Community College. She is originally from Myanmar (Burma). Her research focuses on bioengineering and molecular mechanisms with an emphasis on viral genome packaging and protein-DNA interactions. Outside of academics, she has also taken on multiple tutoring and mentorship roles, where she guides peers through their scholarship applications and transfer journeys. A fun fact about her is that she loves food and cooking so much that she became the president of the Culinary Club at her college. This summer, Theint Theint will be working with Professor KC Huang in the Huang Lab.

Verónica Yamil Aguilar Barrios (she/her) Verónica Yamil Aguilar Barrios is third-year student majoring in Mechatronics Engineering at Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS). She has a strong passion for electronics, materials science, biomedical engineering, and robotics. During her time as president of the Sociedad Científica Juvenil, she actively promoted science outreach, organizing events and initiatives to inspire young students in STEM fields. She has participated in international research programs and has received awards for innovation and engineering projects. Outside of academics, she enjoys painting, reading science fiction, and exploring new scientific and technological advancements. This summer, Yamil will be working with Professor Reinhold Dauskardt in the Dauskardt Group.

Vladimir Moreno (he/him) Vladimir Gómez Moreno is a second-year chemical engineering student at The University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include sustainable energy and nanotechnology. He is the Co-founder and current Vice President of the Latino Empowerment for Academics and Development (LEAD) non-profit that supports students from underrepresented backgrounds prepare competitive applications for college. Outside of school, he loves to play volleyball, read, write, and attend orchestra concerts! This summer, Vladimir will be working with Professor Matteo Cargnello in the Cargnello Group.