Cohort Members

Bienbenido Angeles

Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics, Minor in Computer Science

I'm a returning student at Baruch College majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. Previously, I completed a software engineering fellowship at Pursuit Transformation where I developed iOS applications to establish a strong technical foundation. My interest in aging research comes from the realization that not only is mathematics applicable in health but that it may also address the global demographic shift to wards older populations coming from a mix of low fertility and improvements in medicine. I seek to apply my knowledge in probability theory to public health research, specifically in areas related to Alzheimer's, cardiovascular health, and hearing loss as some of these conditions affect my own family. 

Outside of my studies, I like to spend my free time learning financial market analysis and exploring new trends in tech.

Shireen Aryana

B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Minor in Neural Computation and Engineering

I am a third-year student at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Neural Computation and Engineering. My interest in biostatistics and public health centers around the study of neurodegenerative disease. Inspired by my late grandmother, I am passionate about exploring the applications of quantitative methods and data analysis in advancing our understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. My experience as an undergraduate researcher at the Golden Lab, where I study the neural circuits underlying motivated behavior, has nurtured my fascination with the remarkable complexity of the brain — a complexity I hope to explore more deeply this summer.

I studied in Dushanbe, Tajikistan for two months during the summer of 2025. 

Ria Bajpai  

B.S. in Mathematical Sciences (Statistics Concentration), with minors in Health Humanities and Pre-medicine

I am a junior and statistics major with minors in the health humanities and pre-medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA! I initially discovered an interest in public health through bioethics and currently lead a bioethics-focused organization at my university called Bioethics 4 Students. As someone who has participated in aging-related university clubs and volunteered with aging populations, I’m looking forward to developing my quantitative skills this summer through research, and to use this experience to explore pursuits in public health alongside the driven and knowledgeable individuals of the PQAR program. I am interested in possibly pursuing a masters in public health and I aspire to attend medical school and become a practicing physician.

A fun fact about me is that I love to frequent my local library book sales and secondhand book stores!

Rhea Banerjee

Major: Public Health Management and Policy with minors in Statistics and Biological Data Sciences

I am a rising senior at Oregon State University majoring in Public Health with minors in Statistics and Data Science. I am passionate about using statistics as a tool to improve health outcomes, especially for women. As an undergraduate, I have been involved in research focused on breast cancer family history and increasing screening awareness among diverse populations of women. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong interest in epidemiology and biostatistics, and I am excited for the opportunity to expand my knowledge through the PQAR program.Outside of academics, I work as a Peer Health Educator where I promote student health and well-being on campus. I have also been a member of a Bollywood dance team for the past three years

Fun fact about me: I love watching K-dramas and have watched over 150 dramas so far! 

Rafaela Drake

Political Science & Statistics

My name is Rafaela Drake, and I study political science and statistics at Columbia University. I am specifically interested in the intersection of these two subjects from a public health lens, aiming to use research skills in this discipline to inform policy suggestions and implementation. In 2023, I worked on a research project surrounding diabetes patients in the rural Dominican Republic and heard the stories of the predominantly older population. This piqued my interest in aging research, which I am excited to continue in this program. 

A fun fact about me is that I am a student-athlete and compete for Columbia's Track and Field Team!

Teny Hacopian

Mathematics B.S. - Statistics 

I am a rising senior at California State University of Northridge, pursuing a degree in mathematics with a focus in statistics. I've always found mathematics fascinating, but most academic pursuits of math are highly theoretical, which is why I am so excited to see how I can apply everything I've learned to get real world results! I'm excited to learn research methods and integrate my mathematical logic at NYU. 

On a more personal note, I love to dance and will take advantage of the dancing scene in New York City!

Grace McNally

Mathematics and Economics 

I am currently a junior mathematics major and economics minor at the University of Vermont. I've always loved biology and public health, and I am hoping to apply my quanitative math skills to human biology and public health. I also enjoy finding this intersection in economics, specifically in my health economcis course this spring it was fascinating to hear about the social impacts of public health and the medical workforce.

A fun fact about me is that I spent last spring studying abroad in Lyon, France and I absolutely loved it!

Naqiya Moore

B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics; Biology Minor

Hello! My name is Naqiya Moore, and I am a rising sophomore studying Applied Mathematics & Statistics with a minor in Biology. I am particularly drawn to public health research because it sits at the intersection of data, lived experience, and justice. Public health outcomes are shaped by countless variables–access to resources, environmental exposures, mental health support, and systemic inequities. For communities of color, these factors often intersect in ways that amplify disparities. I want to use quantitative tools to understand these patterns and contribute to solutions that are grounded in real data and real communities.

Fun fact about me: I love playing table tennis!

Lucia Moscola

B.A. + M.A. in Mathematics; B.A. in Economics

Hello! My name is Lucia, and I'm a rising junior at Bryn Mawr College pursuing a double major in math and economics. I'm passionate about combining these fields with public health to better understand and improve people's wellbeing! I have experience studying aging-associated diseases with computational biology, and I was struck by how little we understand the conditions that affect so many people. I enjoy collaboratively solving problems in my math courses, so I aim to apply my analytical knowledge to these real-world epidemiological issues. I'm particularly interested in how policy measures affect human decisions. I'm excited to conduct research at the intersection of math and public health!

Fun fact about me: I play piano, and I particularly enjoy Impressionist pieces!

Andie Napolitano

B.S. Allied Health Sciences Concentration: Digital Health and Technology, B.S. Individualized Major 

Hi! My name is Andie, and I am a rising junior at the University of Connecticut studying Allied Health Sciences with a concentration in Digital Health and Technology, and pursuing an individualized double major. My interest in research began when I participated in a research program at my high school and worked with mentors studying digital health and social media at UConn (mentors that I still work with nearly 4 years later!). Contributing to a study about childhood cancer on social media through this program sparked my passion for research and its potential to address public health issues that I care about. I was first introduced to epidemiology and biostatistics through my coursework, and I was able to apply the skills I learned in these courses to my opioid misuse prevention internship this year by conducting statistical analyses on prescription and overdose data across Connecticut communities. This experience of translating classroom methods into public health research drew me to the PQAR program's emphasis on quantitative training to investigate public health and aging-related issues. 

A fun fact about me is that I tried ice cream for the first time when I was 18! 

Oluwagbemisoke Soneye

Major: Biology/ Minor: Chemistry and Math 

My name is Oluwagbemisoke Soneye, and I am a rising senior at Howard University studying Biology with minors in Mathematics and Chemistry. My interest in biostatistics comes from my passion for public health and serving underserved communities. Through previous internship experiences, I realized how important biostatistics is in answering complex public health questions and understanding health disparities.

Through the NYU PQAR program, I hope to strengthen my quantitative skills and gain deeper insight into how biostatistics can be used to address public health challenges. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a PhD and build a career focused on public health, health equity, and public policy.

Fun Fact: I enjoy making R&B, pop, and rap music, as well as creating visual art.

Grace Wilding

B.A. in Economics, Minor in Data Science

I am from San Francisco, CA, and I am graduating with a degree in economics and data science. I have plans to pursue a master's in population health science and I am particularly interested in predictive modeling and its applications. This interest was sparked when I participated in a biostatistics program last summer. I hope to explore even more predictive modeling applications this summer, as well as learn more about a variety of topics related to the study of aging!

Fun fact about me: I like to knit and enjoy making my own sweaters!