Julian Fiore
Co-President
(He/Him)
4th Year MIMG Major & Gerontology Minor
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
I absolutely love the Magic and the Brain presentation!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Happiness isn’t something you can schedule for later on in your life. Once it’s delayed, that happiness is gone. Don’t sacrifice things that make you happy for things you think eventually could!
What is a fun fact about you!
I am obsessed with prairie dogs.
Hanna Boughanem
Co-President
(She/Her)
4th Year Human Biology and Society Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
I love any opportunity to work with kids, especially in a fun, educational setting. It’s super rewarding to help foster a curiosity and interest in STEM, and particularly in the brain. I love getting to introduce kids to the incredible world of science!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Pursue anything and everything you’re interested in! As a general rule of thumb, if it piques your interest, sign up! At the same time, make sure to set aside time for yourself. Rest and relaxation are just as valuable as any academic or extracurricular activity.
What is a fun fact about you!
I am an expert speed-walker.
Elena Kong
External Vice President
(She/Her)
3rd Year Neuroscience Major & Biomedical Research Minor
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
Seeing how excited students get when we visit their schools and present to them and of course, the Interaxon members!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t get caught up in being afraid to look silly! Sometimes being silly is what people around you need.
What is a fun fact about you!
I backpacked in New Zealand!
Yubin Lee
Internal Vice President
(She/Her)
4th Year Cognitive Science Major & Bioinformatics Minor
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
The people of course! On a more serious note, my favorite part of InterAxon is the presentations, especially the Senses poster – the kids love the candy and it’s so cute.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the little moments and be as present as possible! There’s no need to stress about things that won’t matter in 5 years, and everything will work out the way it should in the end.
What is a fun fact about you!
I was born in South Korea and moved here when I was 4!
Emily Sobel
Secretary
(She/Her)
4th Year Physiological Science Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
Seeing the engagement and excitement of the students we present to! Especially for the younger students, this is their first introduction into the subject of neuroscience and it is so special to be a part of that!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Whenever you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, just take a five minute walk. Come back and reassess after you have had a moment to clear your head!
What is a fun fact about you!
I’ve never broken a bone but I’ve torn my ACL twice!
Joan Thyagarajan
Finance Director
(She/Her)
4th Year Neuroscience Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
I really enjoy the community InterAxon gave me, especially within the neuroscience major!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Pursue happiness!
What is a fun fact about you!
I used to live in Canada!
Caroline Chin
Publicity Director
(She/Her)
2nd Year Neuroscience Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
Teaching the kids about neuroscience & witnessing their curiosity! Also, all the people are so helpful and fun to hang out with.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Stay true to yourself— don’t be afraid to be authentic and silly— and don’t worry too much about the future. Life has a way of working itself out!
What is a fun fact about you!
I collect mini turtle figurines from everywhere I travel to!
Lauren Wall
Co-Head Project Director
(She/Her)
4th Year Neuroscience Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
Working with the kids! Just when I think I’m prepared, they always ask the most out-of-the-box questions that are fun to answer!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Get off campus and explore Westwood! The Getty and Hammer art museums, delicious Sawtelle restaurants, and Griffith observatory are all accessible by bus!
What is a fun fact about you!
I research mice models of autism and co-lead the Bruin Neurodiversity Collective for UCLA students!
Olivia Fong
Co-Head Project Director
(She/Her)
4th Year Neuroscience Major & Biomedical Research Minor
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
Everyone in InterAxon is objectively the coolest ever! In terms of presentations, I love the Neurons poster and content!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities that seem overwhelming! I promise it’s worth it in the end!
What is a fun fact about you!
I used to work at In-N-Out, ask me about all my horror stories!
Emma Hoffman
Project Director
(She/Her)
2nd Year Neuroscience Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
I love being able to see kids get really into a presentation and ask thoughtful, out-of-the-box questions! I usually end learning something new alongside them, which is a super cool experience 🙂
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Try not to worry so much about what other people are doing! It’s okay to have different interests/hobbies than your friends or classmates. In fact, it would be boring if everyone did the exact same thing all the time!
What is a fun fact about you!
I road-tripped to rural Maine by myself to visit a friend at school!
Evelyn Yulianto
Project Director
(She/Her)
2nd Year Psychobiology Major
What is your favorite part of InterAxon?
Engaging with the kids (they’re so entertaining) at our school events and making close relationships with the members during our general meetings!
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Cherish your friends and all the people you care about, don’t take the small moments for granted!
What is a fun fact about you!
I used to play clarinet in a marching band.
Interested in joining board next year? Make sure you get at least one quarter of active membership!