Meet the Executive Team managing operations at the Unity Network

Leila Maleki - Co-Director & California Delegate
Hey, I’m Leila, and I am a senior at Chino High School. I am a two-time ISEF Finalist (LA ‘24, Columbus ‘25) in the Robotics and Intelligent Machines category. My research focuses on using biomimetic bird structures to develop morphologically accurate aerial systems with discriminative training and sensor integration, but more recently I’ve been diving into embodied physical AI and GANs through UCLA with an interest in using AI for simulative training. In my free time, I love to visit new cafes to try new foods and matcha, congressional debate (TOC ‘25), mentor 5th/6th grade students through teaching, and explore the spoken-word scene of LA (Youngarts ‘25)! I’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing people through ISEF and Unity, and welcome you to join the amazing community filled with such unique research journeys!

Joshua Kim - Co-Director & Tennessee Delegate
Hello! I’m Joshua, a senior at McCallie School. My research focuses on cellular & molecular biology, biochemistry, and machine learning. I’m a two-time ISEF Finalist, ISEF Grand Award winner, Tennessee JAS ‘24 & '25 Winner, AJAS ‘25 TN delegate, and USABO Semifinalist. I’m also conducting research at UTC for the analysis and characterization of RNA delivery nanoparticles and at UPenn for machine learning analysis of glial cell scRNA-seq. Aside from my passion for conducting & presenting research, I love playing the clarinet, playing volleyball, and working part-time as a data analyst for a local museum. Through The Unity Network, I’ve found one of the most meaningful communities in my life, and I’m excited to see our mission of empowering young students in research continue to grow with you all!

Maya Trutschl - Co-Director & Louisiana Delegate
Hello! I'm Maya, and I am a senior at Caddo Magnet High School. I am a 2x NJSHS participants and 2x ISEF Finalist (LA '24, Columbus '25) and won 1st place in '25 and 4th place in '24 in the Embedded Systems category. I have also had the pleasure of attending and publishing research at 3 international conferences! Having competed in science fair since the 3rd grade, my research is centered on the application of machine learning/hardware systems, recently in a clinical application on the prevention of pressure injuries (bed sores)! In my free time, I'm a competitive swimmer, so you can usually catch me at the pool or getting food, all while listening to EDM! I am incredibly excited to share my love for science fair and our lovely international research community!

Angelina Wei - Operational Manager & Massachusetts Delegate
Angelina is a senior at Boston Latin School and is interested in immunology. As a MSEF competitor in the state and city-wide fairs, she has worked in labs at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel doing research in IBD, AIH, and Alzheimer's disease, and she is part of a psychology lab's advisory board. Outside of the science fair, she has interned at Tufts Medical Center, is an editor of her school's science newspaper, and is the president of a medical club. She enjoys playing volleyball, dancing, and piano in her free time.

Peyton Chang - Social Media Manager & Tennessee Delegate
Peyton Chang is a Senior at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. He is a passionate scientist who is active in his school’s Science Olympiad and Science Bowl. In addition, he is a USA Biolympiad Semifinalist and has done research at the City of Hope in Duarte, CA. Outside of science, Peyton is also a dedicated musician, playing the french horn in his school’s wind ensemble and honors orchestra, and an athlete, playing both squash and ultimate frisbee.

Zach Chen - Board of Director Head
Hi! I'm Zach, I'm a sophomore at Harvard in the EdTech Startup scene. I am a 2x ISEF Finalist with projects in environmental science and neuroscience working with colleagues from M.I.T, Massachusetts General Hospital, and most recently Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel. Beyond research, I'm an avid debater and ranked 24th nationally for congressional debate. I also enjoy running and playing basketball in my free time!

Jilly Choi - Alumni Board Member
Hi, I'm Jilly Choi. I’m a freshman at Caltech. I’m a Triple ISEF Finalist (Atlanta ‘22, Dallas ‘23, Los Angeles ’24) and JSHS National Finalist. My research focuses on biomimetic/humanoid robotic systems developing a full body proprioceptive humanoid implementing MIT’s Quasi-direct actuator design and low cost dexterous prosthetics implementing machine learning. I’m one of our mentors for all things robotics and mechanical engineering here at Unity, but if that's not your jam, our mentors at Unity are experienced in everything from environmental engineering to cutting edge cancer research. I'm incredibly passionate about the impact we're creating at the Unity Network and I'm truly excited to see what's in store for the future.

Faith You - Alumni Board Member
Faith is a freshman at Duke University who focuses on Cellular and Molecular Biology, as well as Neuroscience. She is an ISEF Finalist, as well as a 1st place winner for Oral Presentation at National JSHS. She has conducted research at the University of Montana, as well as MIT through the Research Science Institute. Outside of research, Faith is interested in advocacy for healthcare equity and education in rural parts of America. She also enjoys photography, hiking, and tennis.I'm incredibly passionate about the impact we're creating at the Unity Network and I'm truly excited to see what's in store for the future.

Sarah Park - Alumni Board Member
Greetings! I’m Sarah Park, a Freshman at Harvard. I’m a 3-time 3rd Place Grand Award winner at ISEF. I was named 2021 America’s Top Young Scientist by winning the 3M/Discovery Education Young Scientist Challenge. I’m currently researching as a SPARK (Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge) Scholar at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Besides my passion for science, I love music. I have been playing violin for more than a decade and have performed in various music gigs including classical, bluegrass, musical, etc. I’m super excited to be a part of Unity Network!

Dhruti Pattabhi - Alumni Board Member
Hello! I'm Dhruti, a freshman at Ohio State University. I'm a 2023 NJSHS finalist for my research on TBI and biomarkers. Right now, I conduct computational neuroscience research and edit for an online student journal. Outside of the lab, you can find me on the lacrosse field, in a dance studio, or in my room binging Gilmore Girls and Boston Med.
Our State Delegates

California State Director
Aditi Kiran
Hi! I'm Aditi, a freshman at Stanford University in California. I'm a 2x Grand Award winner at ISEF in the chemistry category, with projects focused on synthesizing materials for sustainable energy solutions. Beyond research, I've been a student of Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, for more than a decade, organizing and participating in countless performances over the years. In my free time, I also enjoy playing the piano and reading books. I'm so excited to be a part of the Unity Network team and look forward to helping fellow student researchers succeed!

Virginia State Director
Shiv Davay
Hello! Shiv is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). He started investing time in research in 2022 and has spent a major portion of his time on a novel cancer therapy method. This project allowed him to qualify for the Thermo Fisher JIC and win 3rd in the regional fair as the first student in his county to do so. Other than science fairs and passion project research, he also competes in Varsity Policy Debate, Model UN, Science Olympiad, and Biology Olympiad. In his free time, he tends to spend time either with his family watching movies or at a badminton court with friends. Shiv is grateful to be an integral part of the Unity Network!

Arizona State Director
Ira Bagga
Ira is a junior at Arizona College Prep High School. Her research focuses on disparities in immunological diseases and she is currently delving into computational biology and interning at the Barrows Neurological Institute. Other than research, she frequently volunteers at her local hospital, is passionate about spreading awareness on PCOS, and participates in Speech and Debate. In her free time, she is a Bharatnatyam dancer, enjoys drawing, and spending time with her friends and family. Ira is so thrilled to be a part of the Unity Network!

New Jersey State Director
Meghana Addanki
Hi! I’m Meghana Addanki, and I am a senior at McNair Academic High School! I am a 2x ISEF finalist and grand winner in the categories of Chemistry and Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design. I’m passionate about biochemical engineering and biochemistry research and their intersection with material science and sustainability. I’m also the founder and co-editor of McNEXUS, a research organization dedicated to finding the nexus between scientific disciplines through mentorship and science journalism. Outside of academics, I am a pianist, Bharatanatyam dancer, and avid artist. In my free time, I love drawing, listening to Chopin, and volunteering! I’m so excited to be part of this incredible network!

Michigan State Director
Alison Choi
Hello! My name is Alison, and I am a junior at Greenhills School. My research mostly revolves around stem cell and genetic work, but I am interested in all fields of science! I am currently a research intern at Harvard Medical School, Yale Medical School, the University of Michigan, and at the BROAD Institute of MIT and Harvard, where I conduct research that mainly focuses on stem cells and the brain. Aside from research, I am very passionate about volunteering, violin, forensics, and playing volleyball! I am looking forward to working with Unity Network!

New York State Director
Emily Smukler
Hi! My name is Emily Smukler and I am a freshman at New York University in New York and a 2025 STS Scholar. I am currently a researcher at NYU in a structural DNA Nanotechnology lab. I also created a simulation to evaluate various factors' role in neonatal seizures. I also studied the role of various diets on Alzheimer's development. Outside of research, I spend much of my time in Key Club, Science Olympiad, and FTC robotics on Team 7120 Bionica! I'm thrilled to be a part of Unity Network and help other student researchers succeed!

South Dakota State Director
Kerrick Zhang
Hello! My name is Kerrick and I am an upcoming sophomore at Brookings High School. I was an ISEF finalist in Biochemistry and a National Department of Energy National Science Bowl participant this year. Besides science, I really enjoy doing math competitions. I was a national MATHCOUNTS participant in 2024. In school, I participate in activities like debate, science olympiad, and quiz bowl. In my freetime, I mainly love playing tennis at the competitive level in my state. Besides playing tennis, I enjoy swimming and playing the cello. I am thrilled to be a part of the Unity Network!

Texas State Director
Sriya Yedlapalli
I'm Sriya Yedlapalli and I'm a part of the Unity Network as a freshman at Baylor University! I write articles focusing on the healthcare aspects of such a diverse stem organization. I would love to be a neurosurgeon one day and I build on my knowledge of the medical field to share my insights and research with the stem community as well!

Louisiana State Delegate
Vennela Maliredyy
Hi! My name is Vennela Malireddy, and I am a senior at Caddo Magnet High School in north Louisiana. I have been the state winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and have presented my work at the National JSHS. I began conducting environmental engineering research as a sophomore, focusing on removing microplastics from drinking water. More recently, I have shifted my focus to neuroscience, exploring Parkinson’s Disease through neuroimaging. Outside of research, I have competed nationally on my school’s mock trial team, run cross country team, and love performing in vocal showcases. I am so excited to be a part of this incredible network!

Alumni - Utah State Director
Evan Weinstein
Evan Weinstein is the Unity Network Utah State Director and Robotics Liaison as a freshman at Northeastern University.

New Jersey State Delegate
Arihaan Mallick
Hi! My name is Arihaan Mallick, and I’m a student passionate about neuroscience, research, and STEM outreach. I’m currently preparing an article on brain science for the International Youth Neuroscience Association and have been involved in both research and writing through that platform. I also work with Unity, a national network dedicated to supporting science fair participants and organizers with resources and guidance. Outside of academics, I love exploring challenging math problems, working on creative coding projects, and helping others through mentorship. I'm so excited to be part of this incredible network and community!

New Jersey State Delegate
Eric Guo
Hi! I’m Eric Guo, a sophomore at High Technology High School in New Jersey. I began my research journey in my freshman year, when I was named an ISEF finalist in the Physics and Astronomy category through regional fairs in the tri-state area. Outside of science fairs, I am very passionate about Olympiads, having participated in and won awards in the national USA math and physics Olympiads. Finally, I play tennis competitively for my school team and am an avid player of card games. I’m so excited to work with the Unity Network!

Alumni - Biological Resource Director
Kun-Hyung (Kyle) Ruh
Salutations! I'm Kyle, a sophomore at Stanford University. I qualified for ISEF 2023 for the discovery of new neuroprotective mechanisms against Alzheimer's Disease. I like to run, sleep (although deprived of it 24/7), and listen to Korean songs from the 1900s thanks to being influenced by my older sisters' musical taste. I run the Machine Learning, Scioly, and Math Team clubs at school. I'm so happy to lead Unity Network with everyone!

Alumni - Northeast Director
Ari Wen
Hi friends! I’m Ari, a sophomore at Columbia University. I’ve been working at Nankai University as a research intern in chemical engineering since 2022, specifically studying bio-inspired materials and alloy catalysts. I qualified for ISEF 2023 and won 2nd place in materials science. I've also entered STS 2024—so exciting! Additionally, I won bronze at Yau North America. Outside of research, I am a soprano actress in my school’s musical cast, I dance (and sometimes choreograph), and I sail. I believe that collaboration and unity are what make STEM powerful and valuable, and I’m excited to embark on this journey to work towards unity with you all.

Alumni - Internal Liaison
Dylan Butler
Hello, My name is Dylan Butler and I am a freshman at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In my first year of research I worked to characterize the plant aging pathway in response to ethylene, and in my second year I worked to develop new novel treatments of trichomoniasis. Currently I have multiple awards at the local level, and I am a JSHS New York, Semi finalist, Long island science congress’ honors winner and the winner of the first round of my states regeneron affiliated competition. I hope to one day work in the medical field as I hope to use my passion for chemistry and biology to help those around me.

Alumni - Media Director
Emma Delgado
Hi! I’m Emma and I’m a freshman at Florida State University. I started research in 2022 and qualified for ISEF last year and won first place in my category! Outside of science research and Sigma xi, I’m involved in Key Club, the Patriot Post, Model UN, and other clubs. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hanging out with friends. I’m very excited to be on the executive board of UNITY this year!

Alumni - Southeast Director
Aahana Shrivastava
I am a freshman at the University of Texas, Austin, and in high school was apart of the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science and work in a UNT research lab. I have also been a part of the nanoexplorers program at UTD and the Arts4Science program. I also am a part of the FIRST Robotics Competition and have gone to World Championships and I am an alumni of the FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League.

Alumni - Alaska Director
Elizabeth Djajalie
Elizabeth is a sophomore at Harvard, and has been involved in environmental science and ecology research for most of her high school career as well. She is a 2-time ISEF finalist and won a grand award and two special awards her second year. She was also a 1st place oral presenter at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. An advocate for women in STEM, she founded a podcast that has been aired on the radio as well as reached listeners in 7 countries spanning 4 continents.
By the numbers
Check out the rest of our team!
International reach
4 countries
Partner chapters located in Ukraine, Malaysia, and more!
National Reach
50 States
State chapters including TX, MA, CA, NY, Fl, and more!
Membership
300+ members
We've connected with so many students all advocating for STEM equity