Meet the Team!
SCYNA Board 2025-2026
board of directors/strategy team
Shravya Sethi - President
Shravya Sethi is a junior at Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos, CA. Her passion for neuroscience began in elementary school as she began studying for the Brain Bee and it only grew through her participation in the UCI CNLM’s multiple outreach programs. Her research experiences and involvement in the neuroscience community from a young age have taught her the importance of sharing ideas and opportunities with newer generations. Through SCYNA, Shravya hopes to engage students from all over Southern California in a community that learns and shares neuroscience together. Alongside these interests, Shravya enjoys playing her three musical instruments, watching Formula 1, dancing, and eating.
Valeria Castañeda - Secretary
Valeria Castañeda is a senior at Warren High School in Downey, CA, whose passion for neuroscience was sparked after witnessing the effects of neurodegenerative diseases in her own family. Motivated to create change, she deepened her understanding of the field through SCYNA, where she’s connected with like minded peers. As the founder of her own neuroscience nonprofit, Valeria is dedicated to making neuroscience opportunities more accessible to newer generations. She hopes to help continue shaping SCYNA into an inclusive, engaging, and interactive space for all students across Southern California. Outside of her academic interests, Valeria is an avid reader.
Siri Kolanupaka, Chapter Development Manager
Siri Kolanupaka is a junior at Portola High School with an avid interest in neuroscience. She was first shown how vast the world of neuroscience was in seventh grade, when she had participated in the Anatomy and Physiology portion of Science Olympiad. Siri is excited to promote SCYNA and to promote advancement in neuroscience by fostering a safe community for those just as passionate as she is. Outside of neuroscience, she likes to play the bass, sing, and watch Grey's Anatomy.
Aadhya Shenoy, Director of Outreach and Member / Alumni Engagement
Aadhya Shenoy is a senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine, CA. She first became fascinated with neuroscience after watching the show Brain Games, which introduced her to the brain’s intriguing quirks and hidden complexities. Since then, she has developed a deep passion for neuroscience, especially neurodegenerative disorders and neuroscience research; the brain’s mysterious and intricate ability to learn and process information never ceases to amaze her. Aadhya is a USA Biology Olympiad semifinalist, an AIME qualifier, and a 3-time top three finalist of the Irvine Brain Bee. By serving as the SCYNA Director of Outreach and Member/Alumni Engagement, she hopes to inspire others to explore neuroscience and share the excitement and potential of the field through engaging and accessible opportunities. Beyond the realm of neuroscience, Aadhya works toward her fourth degree black belt in taekwondo, enjoys playing video game music on her violin, and takes part in vibrant Bollywood dance performances.
Mahima Wuppalapati, Director of Media Engagement
Mahima Wuppalapati is a sophomore at Portola High School. Her favorite part of SCYNA is the community the organization gets to build and the fun events SCYNA hosts to get people interested in neuroscience!
Iris Yin, Director of Event Advertisement
Iris is a Junior at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, CA. Her interest in neuroscience began after seeing the effects of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s first hand. She was interested in how these conditions not only impacted the body, but also altered memory, behavior, and even personality, changing what seemed like the very core of a person. As she learned more about the brain, she became passionate about exploring neuroscience further and sharing that passion with others. Through SCYNA, Iris hopes to help other students learn more about the fascinating and complex world of neuroscience. Outside of academics, she enjoys painting, running, and playing the guitar.
SCYNA Advisory Board
