The purpose of the ASGD shall be to create a community for graduate students, to represent the needs of the diverse body of graduate students, to advocate for student rights and interests, and to promote career and professional development for students.
Welcome 2025-2026 ASGD Executive Board members
President - Thaybeth Malave-Mendez & Jared Khan
Thaybeth Malave-Mendez
Graduate program: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics
Jared Khan
Graduate program: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics
Vice President - Nanase Toda
Nanase Toda:
I am a PhD candidate in the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics (PSPG) program at UCSF. Through my service in ASGD, I am committed to nurturing an inclusive environment among graduate students that fosters a sense of community. In my spare time, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes I see on TikTok.
Treasurers - Allison Wang & Chris Thompson
Allison Wang
I’m a third year graduate student in Capra Lab. Outside of lab, I love taking ballet classes, trying new baking recipes, and exploring local museums. I’m excited to continue to serve as ASGD Co-Treasurer this year – feel free to reach out if you have question about ASGD Travel Awards and RCO funding opportunities!
Chris Thompson
Graduate program: Biological and Medical Informatics
Student Affairs - Ashel D'souza and & Isobel Beasley
Ashel D'souza
Isobel Beasley
Graduate program: Biological and Medical Informatics
Public Affairs - Alessandra Veinbachs & Ipsa Mittra
Alessandra Veinbachs
Graduate program: Biomedical Sciences
Ipsa Mittra
Graduate program: Biological and Medical Informatics
Publicity, Digital Media & Communications - Ashvin Ravi & Sydney Figueroa
Ashvin Ravi
Hi, I'm Ashvin! I'm a third year PhD student in the BMI program in the Capra Lab. Outside of lab, I love running, making music, hiking, and exploring new spots in San Francisco. Through ASGD, I'm committed to creating an inclusive environment and community spaces among graduate students here at UCSF. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]!
Sydney Figueroa
Hi, I’m Sydney, a 2nd year in the CCB program. I’m part of the publicity team, and this is my first year serving on the ASGD council. I’m passionate about mentoring, outreach, and advocating for others. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]!
Diversity - Stefanie Piña Escudero & Connie Silva
Stefanie Piña Escudero
Stefanie is a 2nd year Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics (PSPG) student at the Yokoyama lab and is interested in exploring the genetic factors that influence cognitive health. Stefanie's commitment to ASGD revolves around the belief that every student deserves to have their voice recognized and valued.
Connie Silva
Graduate program: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics
Student Event Coordinators - Christine Wan, Caroline Huang & Landon Nguyen
Caroline Huang
Graduate program: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics
Landon Nguyen
Program Representatives - Bivas Nag, Jack Fenn & Esperanza Padilla
Esperanza Padilla
I am a first-generation college graduate and granddaughter of migrant farm workers from Mexico. My experience with receiving a late diagnosis of autism and ADHD in my adulthood influenced my interest in social science research around neurodiversity and disability. My research draws on medical sociology and critical disability studies to understand how experiences of disabilities and diagnoses, specifically relating to neurodivergence, are shaped by axes of power and oppression. Currently, my dissertation research focuses on how neurodivergent people (e.g., self-identified autistic or ADHD) are leveraging online spaces to collectively construct alternative narratives, scripts, and shared cultures about neurodivergence. Previously, I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology at UC Berkeley and was a student of the California community college education system.