Meet the Team!
SCYNA Board 2026-2027
Board of Directors/Strategy Team
Shravya Sethi - President
Shravya Sethi is a senior 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, expanding her CD collection, driving, reading, and picking up new hobbies.
Mahima Wuppalapati - Vice President
Mahima Wuppalapati is a Junior at Portola High School in Irvine, California with a strong passion for neuroscience. Her interest in the field was sparked by competing in the Science Olympiad Anatomy event in elementary school. She took part in UCI's Brain Camp to further her interest and is a two-time top 4 finalist in the Irvine Brain Bee. By serving as the vice president of SCYNA this year, she hopes to continue making neuroscience accessible to high schoolers in the SoCal community and beyond through interactive events and social media engagement. In addition to neuroscience, she is involved in science research, volunteering, and her school's broadcast & film program.
Sarah Feigenbaum - Chapter Development Manager
Sarah Feigenbaum is a sophomore at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) in Santa Ana, CA. Her interest in neuroscience began in middle school at the UCI Brain Camp and has continued through research, volunteering, and co-founding OCSA's SCYNA chapter. She is particularly interested in research on neurodegenerative diseases and neurocognition. She is currently analyzing neural data from rats to better understand episodic memory. As SCYNA Chapter Development Manager, she is excited to bring SCYNA to high schools across Southern California. Outside of neuroscience, Sarah enjoys playing flute, winning card games with friends, and trying new foods.
Meghana Wuppalapati - Director of Membership
Meghana Wuppalapati is a sophomore at Portola High School in Irvine, CA. Her interest in neuroscience began after researching Alzheimer's disease for a school project, where she learned about the complexities of memory and identity. She got involved in SCYNA after participating in UCI's Brain Camp last summer, where she gained more exposure to the field and deepened her passion for learning about the brain. As the Director of Membership, Meghana hopes to expand the organization by bringing in new members and inspiring more students to explore neuroscience. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing the flute, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
Anvi Mody - Director of Alumni Engagement
Anvi Mody is a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High School with a passion for neuroscience and scientific research. Her interest in neuroscience has led her to explore topics ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to autism through summer research programs and independent research, where she has gained experience in data analysis, machine learning, and mass spectrometry. She has also explored healthcare through clinical shadowing experiences in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Through SCYNA, she hopes to strengthen connections between current members and alumni while helping students build meaningful relationships within the neuroscience community. Beyond neuroscience, Anvi Mody is involved in Science Olympiad, music initiatives, and her school’s tennis team. She also enjoys creating art, reading novels, and playing the ukulele.
Abigail Yowell - Director of Media Engagement
Abigail Yowell is a sophomore at Portola High School in Irvine, CA. What started as a curiosity in neuroscience during her freshman year has grown into a genuine passion through SCYNA connections and programs like UCI CNLM's Brain Explorer Academy. Closer to home, a family member's neurodevelopmental disorder has also motivated her to deepen her own understanding of the brain and to share that knowledge with others. Through her involvement with SCYNA, Abigail hopes to help spread awareness about the field of neuroscience. Outside of academics, Abby enjoys running, learning new songs on the piano, baking for friends and family, and spending time with her two dogs.
David Kim - Director of Special Initiatives
David Kim is a junior at Beckman High School with a passion for neuroscience that stems from its vastness and its ability to connect to many aspects of everyday life. He is particularly interested in neuropharmacology and has explored neurotoxicology and behavioral neuroscience through research at the Piomelli Lab. Through SCYNA, he hopes to make neuroscience more accessible and exciting to high schoolers and younger students through interactive and fun workshops! Beyond neuroscience, David loves to play Minecraft, basketball with friends and snorkel!
SCYNA Advisory Board
