Chapter Management Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

Varun is a Neurobiology and Public Health Policy student at UC Irvine who hopes to pursue a career as a physician. He is passionate about neuroscience, service, and building meaningful relationships with older adults. Through Alzheimer's Buddies, he hopes to help create moments of joy, connection, and dignity for every resident he meets.

"Alzheimer's Buddies has shown me that caring for someone is about so much more than remembering names or faces. Some of the most meaningful conversations I've had have been with residents living with dementia. They taught me that kindness, laughter, and genuine human connection can exist even when memories begin to fade. Every visit reminds me why this work matters.”

National Director of Chapter Relations

Serving with NAB since 2024

Alexander is a student at Georgetown University majoring in Neurobiology with a minor in Mathematics. He is passionate about advancing education and awareness surrounding neurodegenerative diseases and is committed to supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease through his work with NAB. As National Director of Chapter Relations, he works to strengthen collaboration among chapters and expand the organization’s educational outreach and impact.

“Seeing my buddies and the joy that volunteers bring to their days inspires me to continue with acts of kindness, particularly small acts like being present, engaged, and empathetic, to positively impact the lives of the people we serve. I am honored to work with NAB and further the care we provide to our buddies on the national level.”

Chapter Recruitment Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

My name is Brenna Russell, and I am from Andover, Minnesota. I currently live in Chicago, where I work as an ophthalmic technician while applying to medical school. I graduated from Carleton College in 2024 with a major in Biology, where I restarted my college’s chapter of NAB following the COVID pandemic. In my free time, I enjoy bouldering, knitting, and cooking.

“Alzheimer’s Buddies was one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. Over the course of two years, the relationship I developed with my buddy became the driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in medicine. Alzheimer’s buddies was a great way to connect with my community and it taught me the value of consistent presence in supporting others.”

Volunteer Management Chair

Serving with NAB since 2023

Ivan is currently an undergraduate student at Brown University studying Neuroscience and Public Health. Through National Alzheimer’s Buddies, he strives to continue exploring meaningful relationships and advocating for greater dignity and awareness in dementia care.

“Joining NAB felt like a natural step in my journey toward compassionate, patient-centered care. I’ve always been drawn to making a meaningful impact, and connecting with individuals affected by Alzheimer’s allows me to offer comfort while deepening my understanding of the disease and the human experiences that surround it.”

Chapter Development Co-Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

Sandhya is a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Neuroscience. She is passionate about supporting people living with neurodegenerative diseases and is committed to advancing NAB's mission of providing intentional, patient-centered care.

“Alzheimer's Buddies builds communities and fosters the formation of genuine relationships. Having witnessed the progression of neurodegenerative disease, I've seen that shared moments of connection and consistently showing up are vital components of care. I am excited to contribute to a program that prioritizes empathy, support, and lasting connections!”

Chapter Development Co-Chair

Serving with NAB since 2025

Hi, I am a rising senior at Yale University majoring in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology with a concentration in neurobiology. In addition to that I am completing an education studies certificate! In my spare time I enjoy watching a funny sitcom or going on a run!

“I have been volunteering with my local chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies since my freshman year of college, and it has been an incredible experience! I hope to continue spreading our message and expanding our community across the country..”

National Director of Volunteer Relations

Serving with NAB since 2025

Agastya is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and German. He has been volunteering with NAB since 2024. Outside of NAB, he volunteers with the JHADRC, works as an EMT, and conducts research on autoimmune diseases in the pathology department.

“Having been a caregiver to my grandmother with Alzheimer’s, I’m grateful for the opportunity NAB has given me to continue supporting the AD community. Volunteering with NAB reminded me how meaningful even the smallest moments can be. Through shared moments of joy with residents, Alzheimer’s Buddies has reaffirmed the enduring power of compassion and echoed the fulfillment I felt while caring for my grandmother.”

Serving with NAB since 2025

Shirley Zhang is currently a student at Georgetown University, majoring in Biology. Her interests in basic and translational science have driven her to conduct research on neurodegenerative disorders, and she’s looking forward to bridging these efforts as a Chapter Relations Intern to support those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

“I have come to understand neurologic and neurodegenerative disorders not only through the lens of research, but through the lives of the people they affect. Building relationships is crucial, as the strength and meaning of these human connections goes both ways for residents and volunteers. I aim to uphold NAB’s mission—rooted in the intersection of medicine and service.”

Chapter Development Co-Chair

Serving with NAB since 2025

I'm a Cognitive Science major and Consumer Psychology minor at the University of Pennsylvania. I've been with NAB since 2025, helping interested colleges start their own NAB chapter with the Chapter Relations Committee. Now Chapter Development Co-Chair, I'm excited to keep growing NAB. Outside of it, I love exercising and playing pool :)

“Being part of my school's chapter (PAB) as a volunteer and showing up to visits genuinely makes my day - seeing the elderly members and even becoming friends with them is something I look forward to. I'm glad I can be a small part of their day, and I hope it brings them as much joy as it brings me. My work with NAB has been more operational and behind-the-scenes, which is its own kind of meaningful: it's a way to help more students across the US get the chance to show up, bring joy, and create that same impact.”

National Director of Facility Relations

Serving with NAB since 2025

Cherlin is a rising junior at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology. She is currently researching in labs at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in order to better understand neurodegenerative disease pathologies and the mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission linked to Alzheimer's. She is also a hospital volunteer in the emergency department, in order to gain greater clinical exposure to patient-centered care. As the National Director of Facility Relations, she hopes to better bridge memory facilities with NAB chapters, such that volunteers can have greater opportunities to spend time with buddies through meaningful events and activities hosted!

“Alzheimer’s Buddies represents a passionate and diverse community of students who understand the power of connection through communication. NAB demonstrates how meaningful short conversations can be, whether that be between volunteers and the buddies themselves, their loved ones, or even the memory facility staff. Though volunteers are dispersed across different universities and chapters, it is heartwarming to know that we share a common goal of advocating for greater Alzheimer's awareness and support for impacted buddies.”

Volunteer Engagement Chair

Serving with NAB since 2025

Sharan Tamber is a senior at the University of California, Davis studying Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior. As a volunteer and co-president at the UC Davis chapter, she has been able to explore her passion in aiding those with Alzheimer's have a better quality of life.

“My grandmother had Alzheimer's Disease and dementia for many years, so the mission of Alzheimer's Buddies has always resonated deeply with me. As a member of National Alzheimer's Buddies, I have had the opportunity to provide comfort and joy to those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, a demographic that is often overlooked, mistreated, and even abused. Volunteering at NAB has continues to shape my future aspirations and constantly reaffirms my passion to improve the treatment and the quality of care that Alzheimer's or dementia patients deserve.”

Serving with NAB since 2025

Eva Anchekova is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. She’s been volunteering with NAB at JHU for the last semester. She is also interested research on strokes in both kids and adults and dementia and white matter disease.

“Alzheimer’s Buddies holds deep personal meaning to me. My great-grandmother has Alzheimer’s, and seeing her change and battle Alzheimer's over the last few years has sparked my interest in dementia care and the emotional impact of Alzheimer's not just on individuals but their families as well. Volunteering through NAB allows me to help so many individuals while also learning from their stories. I also research stroke and dementia in the lab, and this experience brings my work full circle—connecting science with real lives. I see NAB as a powerful way to help people around me in a meaningful and compassionate way.”

Website Design Chair

Serving with NAB since 2025

Hi, I'm Evan Figueroa, a second-year Pre-Biopsychology & Spanish major at UCSB on the pre-dental track. I am an Eagle Scout and a triathlete with the goal of completing Ironman Estonia in August of 2026. I like to read, work out, watch movies, and hang out with friends, but if I happen to have free time, you can find me catching up on sleep.

“As someone who’s sat beside my grandma through quiet moments of confusion and unexpected clarity, I know firsthand how deeply memory care requires more than just medical support and how much it can impact a family. It needs human companionship and the time to build a strong relationship. National Alzheimer's Buddies fosters that, enriching the lives of everyone.”

Social Media Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

I am a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Economics. I have been volunteering with NAB at JHU since 2025. I work in a language neuromodulation lab focusing on aphasia and I hope to continue making an impact on my community as Social Media Chair!

“Alzheimer's Buddies was one of the first organizations I joined in college and it has been the most rewarding experience. Volunteering with NAB has shown me that I can make meaningful connections with patients from all different backgrounds and bond over shared interests, whether it is music, games, or stories!”

Storytelling and Narrative Impact Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

I come from a small town in Oklahoma and currently am a Sophomore studying Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology at WashU! In my free time I enjoy the outdoors, fashion design, and trying out new recipes!

“Alzheimer's Buddies is so much more than a volunteer experience. I have learned so many valuable lessons from my Buddy and truly enjoy her company each week. To me, Alzheimer's Buddies proves just how valuable and rewarding genuine human connection can be, which is more important than ever in such a technology-centered world.”

Community Outreach Co-Chair

Serving with NAB since 2024

Ashlynn is a recent graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she earned a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Psychology. She has been involved with NAB since 2024, helping establish her university's chapter. In the future, Ashlynn hopes to continue serving her community, especially older adults, as a geriatrician.

“I have known Alzheimer's disease through the lens of research as well as through hands-on care, but NAB holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to support affected individuals in a way I couldn't before. We accomplish so much more when we have each other, which is where NAB shines. Whether through fostering intergenerational connection or organizing public outreach events, NAB helps bridge gaps within many scopes of the community. ”

Quantitative Data Analyst

Serving with NAB since 2026

Sean Huang is a senior attending UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Statistics and Mathematics. As a member of NAB, he is passionate about finding data-driven recommendations for chapter success.

“To me, National Alzheimer's Buddies means using my skills to help reach those who are often overlooked. Working on ways to maintain established chapters and grow new ones means maximizing the number of students who are able to connect with and support patients with dementia.”

Program Evaluation Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

Veda is currently a sophomore at Rice University majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Medical Humanities on the pre-med track. She has been a volunteer with Rice Alzheimer's Buddies since her freshman year, and she is passionate about leveraging narrative storytelling and expanding resources to underrepresented communities in memory care.

“Through volunteering with Alzheimer’s Buddies, I’ve learned that while residents may not be able to remember your name, their desire for self-expression, dignity, and human connection is as strong as ever. I love being able to have these unique friendships that bring lots of memorable conversations and smiles to my life. I'm honored to serve communities affected by Alzheimer's through NAB.”

National Director of Impact

Serving with NAB since 2025

Irva Patel is a senior at Rutgers University majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She is passionate about neuroscience, particularly neurodegenerative diseases. She has been volunteering with her college's Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter since her freshman year and is excited to be a part of NAB to help bring awareness and resources to underserved communities.

“Alzheimer's Buddies has taught me how powerful companionship and empathy can be. I'm grateful to support a mission that eases the emotional toll this disease brings, and I'm committed to serving communities impacted by Alzheimer's.”

National Symposium Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

Quynh Theresa Do is a graduate student in Neuroscience at the University of Florida specializing in the fields of memory, aging, and sleep. Quynh Theresa is passionate about longevity, the aging process, and healthy brain aging. She previously volunteered with Alzheimer's Association, Youth Movement Against Alzheimer's, and NAB during undergrad.

“Volunteering with Alzheimer's Buddies has allowed me give back to my community and witness the power of intergenerational connection in fostering joy and understanding. It is an honor to be part of an organization dedicated to easing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease while preserving the dignity of residents and supporting their families.”

Serving with NAB since 2025

Hi! My name is Talia and I am a junior at Northwestern University studying neuroscience and black studies. I love to learn about people’s backgrounds and hear their stories!

“NAB to me is my love for the community that used to take care of us. My grandma had Alzheimer’s and passed away my first year of college which is why I love spending time with the seniors in my local area and taking time to talk with them. It’s a goal of mine to make sure all seniors with Alzheimer’s have access to proper companionship.”

Program Development Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

I'm Richie from Jersey City, NJ, and I hope to one day pursue an M.D. and become a neurologist (still TBD, though, if I'm being honest). I'm pursuing a B.A. in Neuroscience and entering my junior year. I recently started volunteering on an ambulance this summer and am really excited to continue working with 9-1-1 throughout the school semester. I like spicy food, volleyball, and video games, and I'm pretty much always open to trying new hobbies as well (I'm washed at volleyball).

“When I joined my school's Alzheimer's Buddies chapter, I had never spoken with someone living with dementia. Since meeting my buddy, I've gained a genuine friend whose charming stories, laughter, and playful banter with the nurses challenged my misconceptions. Alzheimer's Buddies reduced the stigma I had about people living with dementia and taught me to see the person behind the diagnosis. Chatting with my buddy remains my favorite clinical experience!” 

Community Outreach Co-Chair

Serving with NAB since 2024

Neeharika is a student at Rutgers University majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-med track. She is passionate about neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. She has been involved with her college’s Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter since her freshman year. She is excited to be a part of the Impact Committee in NAB!

“Alzheimer’s Buddies has shown me how meaningful small, shared moments with residents can be. Playing games, listening to music, or even having a simple conversation makes such a huge difference for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. I am grateful to be a part of NAB!”

National Director of Program Strategy

Serving with NAB since 2026

Claire Doh is a junior at Rice University on the pre-med track, studying Biosciences, Medical Humanities, and Spanish. Having volunteered with Rice’s NAB chapter since freshman year in 2024, Claire is thrilled to deepen her involvement with the NAB community as the National Director of Program Strategy. During her time with AlzBuddies, Claire has helped establish cultural outreach initiatives, advocating to overcome language and communication barriers that prevent equitable access to care and resources regarding neurodegenerative diseases.

“To me, Alzheimer’s Buddies represents the power of empathy to transcend barriers. It is a supportive community where everyone can be seen, heard and valued, regardless of cultural and linguistic differences. Volunteering with NAB means ensuring everyone facing neurodegenerative diseases receives compassionate, accessible, and dignified care.”

Chapter Activities Chair

Serving with NAB since 2026

Hi! My name is Ishani Kishorepuria, and I’m a sophomore at Cornell University majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Gerontology. I’m passionate about advocating for older adults’ rights, and outside of academics I enjoy playing pickleball and dancing with a Kathak Indian fusion team at Cornell.

“Alzheimer’s Buddies is deeply personal to me because my grandfather had dementia. I witnessed firsthand his abrupt mood changes and the emotional challenges that came with the disease. I also saw the immense responsibility my grandmother took on as his primary caregiver. Through their experience, I realized how profoundly Alzheimer’s affects not only individuals, but entire families. Alzheimer’s Buddies gives me the opportunity to support, connect with, and advocate for those impacted by this disease in a meaningful way.”

Community Outreach Co-Chair

Serving with NAB since 2025

Beatrice is a recent graduate from Northwestern University with a degree in Biological Sciences. She joined NAB in 2023, where she developed a passion for serving underserved and vulnerable populations, and she is committed to advancing equity in healthcare by deepening NAB’s impact across diverse populations.

“Through Alzheimer’s Buddies, I’ve formed many valuable relationships with the patients that I work with. Each one of our conversations is a powerful reminder of the impact that presence, empathy, and consistency can have. It is an honor to be a part of NAB, and I hope to advance awareness and dignity for those affected by Alzheimer’s.”