pranav Thokachichu

Serving with NAB since 2023

Evelyn Goulart

Serving with NAB since 2025

Evelyn is currently attending UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Psychology and Brain Science. She joined NAB as a Chapter Relations Intern and is excited to apply her past experiences in various volunteer organizations to help further the mission. She is committed to serving the NAB community and supporting those in need.

“Through the love and compassion I hold for my own elderly family members, as well as the work I have done in assisted living facilities, I have seen the profound effect that cognitive decline has on both individuals and their families. NAB’s mission aligns with my own desire to help and the drive I possess to ease the heartache that Alzheimer’s disease brings. While memory may fade, I believe connection can persist, and alongside NAB, I hope to provide moments of solace and peace to communities across the nation.”

Ingrid Chan

Serving with NAB since 2025

Ingrid Chan is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania studying Cognitive Science. As a volunteer with Penn Alzheimer's Buddies, she is passionate about dementia care and intergenerational connection. She's especially interested in how innovative designs can improve care experiences for patients and families.

“Alzheimer's Buddies is one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience! Visiting with residents each week has taught me the power of presence, patience, and genuine connection. With both my grandmothers diagnosed with severe dementia, it is extremely rewarding to be able to bring hope and joy to residents who are in the same situation as my grandmothers were. Being part of NAB has not only strengthened my passion for dementia care, but also grounded me in the belief that small, consistent acts of compassion can create lasting impact for both the residents and ourselves.”

Minjeong Seo

Serving with NAB since 2025

Rising senior at Wellesley College pursuing Psychology and Education Studies. Passionate about mental health, caregiving, and community-based initiatives. Have been actively volunteering with Alzheimer’s Buddies since freshman year, driven by a strong dedication to serving and empowering Alzheimer’s communities across the country.

“Joining NAB has given me a space to build meaningful, intergenerational relationships rooted in compassion and community. As a volunteer, I have witnessed how small, consistent moments can bring fulfillment and joy to individuals living with Alzheimer's. This experience continues to inspire me to advocate for more inclusive and compassionate systems of care and support.”

Shirley Zhang

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.”

Sharanya Sarkar

Serving with NAB since 2024

Vibhas Ippili

Serving with NAB since 2024

Vibhas Ippili is a third-year Psychology B.S. major at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), specializing in Cognitive Science (and a recent transfer from Irvine Valley College, a community college). He currently serves as a nurse assistant and volunteer in the Emergency Room at Kaiser Permanente. With a strong commitment to healthcare and a goal of attending medical school, Vibhas finds deep fulfillment in supporting patients and contributing to their recovery.

"“Joining NAB was a natural extension of my commitment to helping others. I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact, and working with those affected by Alzheimer’s in the ER allows me to bridge my dedication to compassionate care with a meaningful cause. I am also eager to learn more about Alzheimer’s to help people with the disease to the best of my ability.”

Eva Anchekova

Serving with NAB since 2025

Eva Anchekova is a sophmore 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.”

Amy Cunningham

Serving with NAB since 2024

Amy is currently a third year at the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying Psychological and Brain Sciences on the pre-MD-PhD track. She is passionate about neuroscience, specifically in brain disorders and how biology relates to our psychology. She wants to pursue a career in research and development. She works within clubs and multiple Alzheimer's organizations to help spread awareness throughout her university and community.

“Being able to spend time with my Buddies brings such a positive and unique experience to both sides of the interaction. I am so grateful NAB has given me the opportunity to not only volunteer with those living with dementia, but has also given me a platform to help bring attention to such an important disease of our modern world.”

Ivan Yu

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.”

Kamya Chakravarthi

Serving with NAB since 2024

Kamya is currently an undergraduate student at Wellesley College majoring in mathematics with a minor in biochemistry. She has a strong passion to advocate for the people and families affected by Alzheimer's and Dementia throughout her time during and after her undergraduate education. She served as president of the Wellesley College chapter from 2023 - 2025, and continues to be an active volunteer with the organization excited to support these communities through her work with NAB.

“After finding out a close mentor of mine had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and witnessing how vastly he changed I felt compelled to not only educate myself on the impacts of the disease, but to also do my best to help others also impacted by it. I’m proud to not only be a volunteer with NAB but to also support its mission in bringing awareness to the disease and support to all those affected by it.”

Irene Teng

Serving with NAB since 2025

Irene Teng is a rising sophomore at Claremont McKenna College, majoring in integrated sciences. Passionate about improving the quality of life for people living with chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, she volunteers with the Claremont Colleges Chapter of Alzheimer’s Buddies and is excited to further contribute to the NAB community as a marketing intern.

“My volunteer work at Alzheimer’s Buddies have given me a profound understanding of the public’s insufficient awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and the urgent need for broad societal support for patients. Witnessing the small moments of joy and connection we share has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my belief in the power of human connection, fueling my passion to leverage marketing strategies to advocate for greater awareness, challenge stigmas, and empower those living with Alzheimer’s to live with dignity and hope.”

Tisha Jasani

Serving with NAB since 2024

I am a sophomore at Rutgers University, majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. I joined my university's Alzheimer's buddies chapter in my freshmen year of college because the mission deeply resonated with me.

“As someone passionate about psychiatry, I’m drawn to understanding and supporting people with neurodegenerative conditions. When volunteering, getting to know the buddies as they open up to me about their interesting lives is extremely rewarding. Through NAB’s marketing committee, I hope to spotlight the resilience of these individuals and raise awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s on patients and their families.”

Neel Patel

Serving with NAB since 2024

Neel is currently a senior at Carl Sandburg High School. He is passionate about utilizing finance as a force for good in the world. Through spreading awareness and pursuing funding opportunities, Neel seeks to improve the community around him.

“My commitment towards Alzheimer’s Buddies comes from witnessing firsthand the struggles of family members with medical conditions. I want to ensure that our volunteers have every resource available to provide the best physical and mental support to those suffering, as well as their families and caregivers.”

Cortlyn Patterson

Serving with NAB since 2025

Hello, my name is Cortlyn, and I am an incoming junior at UCSB. I volunteered with NAB since I started at UCSB and it is something that I am deeply passionate about, and I am so excited to help out on the finance committee for this year. I love being active, hanging out with friends, the beach, and helping others!

“Alzheimer's Buddies means a lot to me because of my grandfather who passed away on Christmas Eve a couple years ago due to the disease. I was essentially raised by my grandparents and lived with them for most of my life so the decline and loss of my best friend was rough. I am glad that I can now help make a difference in the lives of the people affected by this horrible disease.”

Christina Hemsley

Serving with NAB since 2025

Christina is a junior studying Neuroscience at the College of William and Mary on the pre-med track. She joined NAB as a Finance Intern and is looking forward to helping NAB grow and support those afflicted by Alzheimer’s both in this role and as a volunteer at her university’s chapter.

“Watching my grandfather’s mental and emotional health decline due to Alzheimer’s has deepened my understanding of the vital role community support plays in delivering comprehensive care to those affected. I’m eager to support this nonprofit so that NAB can continue reaching university students and Alzheimer’s patients who would benefit from the same kind of care I hope to provide for my own grandfather.”

Ashilyn Joseph

Serving with NAB since 2024

Ashilyn is currently an undergraduate student at Purdue University on the pre-medicine track. She is deeply committed to advocating for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia and hopes to pursue a career in the field in the future. Currently, she works as a CNA at an assisted living and dementia care center, where she continues to pursue her passion for supporting this community.

“From countless nights spent working at a dementia care center, I have witnessed firsthand how Alzheimer’s disease affects daily life for both patients and their families. I am passionate about bridging the gap between current research and care-centered approaches in order to further NAB's mission in helping this community.”

ANdrea Malca

Serving with NAB since 2024

Andrea Malca is an incoming freshman at Boston University, majoring in finance on the pre-medical track. She joined NAB in the summer of 2024 and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's.

"Being part of National Alzheimer's Buddies has taught me the power of presence and listening with empathy, while fostering connections between residents and their families. I am inspired to continue expanding NAB's impact and bring support, hope, and understanding to even more lives."

Claire Chang

Serving with NAB since 2024

Claire is a sophomore at Yale pursuing a major in neuroscience with a statistics and data science certificate. She is dedicated to pursuing a career in biotechnology involving treatments for Alzheimer's disease through a PhD in the future and serves in her college's chapter of Alzheimer's Buddies.

"When my grandfather was suffering due to Alzheimer's, I was devastated by its effects. However, being able to preserve his memories by being able to speak with patients on a national level spreads his presence to them as well."

Jennifer Long

Serving with NAB since 2025

Jennifer is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania studying Neuroscience and Cognitive Science. She has been involved in research on Multiple Sclerosis that focuses on improving patient outcomes through exploring therapeutic strategies. She looks forward to continuing and expanding her focus at NAB to advocate care for people and families affected by Alzheimer's.

“The interaction between a patient and a physician is built on a rare kind of honesty that's raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. Alzheimer’s Buddies mirrors that same connection: the quiet power of simply showing up for someone who needs to be seen.”

Irva Patel

Serving with NAB since 2025

Irva Patel is a junior 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 in 2023 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 am so grateful to support a mission that helps ease the emotional turmoil this disease brings and am committed to serving communities impacted by Alzheimer's.”

Talia Johnson

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.”

Carolina DePaula

Serving with NAB since 2025

Carolina DePaula is an incoming junior at Vanderbilt University, where she is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. Carolina is involved in research with the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, where she studies the impact of socioeconomic status on heart-brain interactions.

“Witnessing my grandmother’s journey with Alzheimer’s completely reshaped my understanding of the disease. It inspired me to join Alzheimer’s Buddies, where I hope to offer compassion to those affected, especially individuals and communities disproportionately impacted. I’m truly grateful to be part of such a meaningful organization!”

Vega Mani

Serving with NAB since 2023

Vega is a rising senior at Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, driven to pursue a career path in Neuroscience and medicine. She is passionate about neuroscience with hopes to achieve either a medical degree or a PhD in Neuroscience research in her future endeavors. She is excited to be a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee at NAB, and looks forward to further supporting those affected by this disease. 

“My aunt is currently suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, and watching her struggle with feelings of isolation as she lost many of her life memories, sparked my interest in Neuroscience. Through working with National Alzheimer's Buddies, I have gotten the opportunity to help spread awareness on the detrimental impacts of Alzheimer's Disease and how to strive for equal care across all communities.” 

Himaja Kodi

Serving with NAB since 2024

Himaja is a current junior at UC Davis, majoring in Genetics and Genomics and minoring in Public Health. She has been a volunteer for the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Buddies chapter ABUD since 2022, where she has bridged bonds with many peers and buddies. While also serving in a student-run clinic targeting juvenile adolescents, she continues to grow a penchant for helping marginalized populations. 

“Being part of the Alzheimer's Buddies community at my university has paved the way for fostering new friendships with peers, caregivers, and buddies. NAB has provided a similar outlet and even more, listening to collections of stories from tackling challenges during buddy visits to our familiar passion to advocate in fighting against Alzheimer’s. These stories bring us together, each representing the journies of many lives. It serves as a reminder that our existing diversity strengthens our goals to support individuals with dementia.”

Beatrice Park

Serving with NAB since 2025

Beatrice is a junior at Northwestern University, studying Biological Sciences on the pre-medical track. 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.”

Cherlin Kim

Serving with NAB since 2025

Cherlin Kim is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology. She is passionate about spreading greater awareness about Alzheimer's and, thus, continues to research about the disease within the lab setting. She is excited to further fulfill this passion as an Impact Committee intern for National Alzheimer’s Buddies!

“Alzheimer’s Buddies represents a passionate and diverse community of students that understands the power of connection through communication. It represents a collective effort to not only fight against Alzheimer’s disease, but to likewise strengthen the bond between Alzheimer’s residents and their loved ones. Despite our different paths that led us to NAB, it is heartwarming to know that our initiative to advocate for Alzheimer’s is shared.”

Praneeta Veluri

Serving with NAB since 2025

I’m studying Psychology on the Pre-Med track at UNC Charlotte. I’m the co-director of National Alzheimer’s Buddies, conduct research on Alzheimer’s and child psychiatry, coordinate clinical studies exploring the mind-body connection, and contribute to research on stress biology. I also serve on the NAB Impact Committee.

“My passion for Alzheimer’s research comes from a genuine desire to better understand the brain and the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases. I’m committed to learning as much as I can and contributing to research that can make a real difference in people’s lives. At the same time, I care deeply about community service and the impact it can have beyond the lab. I believe that combining knowledge with meaningful action is the key to creating a future where individuals with Alzheimer’s are treated with compassion, supported fully, and seen for who they are, not just their diagnosis.”

Audrey Nguyen

Serving with NAB since 2025

Audrey is a current senior at Rice University studying in Biosciences, Medical Humanities, and Neuroscience on the pre-medical track. She has volunteered with Rice's NAB chapter since her freshman year, and is excited to serve as co-director for her final year. She is committed to advocating for culturally and linguistically accessible healthcare. She is looking forward to connecting with the NAB community as an Alumni Network Coordinator!

“After losing my grandfather to Parkinson's disease during the COVID quarantine, I witnessed firsthand how crucial socialization is to the well-being of people living with neurodegenerative diseases. Volunteering with NAB has allowed me to honor his memory by forming close connections with my buddies and being a consistent support in their lives. It has shown me how human connection can be a beautiful form of healing.”

Monica Colchado

Serving with NAB since 2023

doga celep

Serving with NAB since 2025

Doga is a Computer Science and Cognitive Science student at UC Davis, passionate about human-centered technology, real-world impact, and building emotionally intelligent systems that are thoughtful, accessible, and grounded in people’s needs. She volunteers with Alzheimer’s Buddies and now joins the Alumni Network team to help grow a community rooted in empathy, support, and real connection.

“Being part of Alzheimer’s Buddies made me rethink what care actually means. I realized it’s not always about taking action, sometimes it’s about consistency, presence, and being willing to share space with someone, even in silence. I’ve had moments where words didn’t matter as much as simply being there. I came in wanting to help, but I’ve learned so much from the people I’ve met, about patience, empathy, and the kind of presence that doesn’t need recognition. It’s reminded me that real connection doesn’t require a solution, and that understanding has stayed with me not just in volunteering, but in how I think about building tech and showing up in life.”

Evan Figueroa

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 Arizona 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.”