MEET THE TEAM
ARDEN CASTLE
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Arden is a graduate student at SJSU. While pursuing her Master of Public Health, she serves as the co-president of the MPH Student Association and conducts research for multiple professors at the university. She graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University and researched bystander intervention to prevent sexual assault. She has presented her research at SOPHE and APHA, and attended the ACHA conference as a representative for Cal Poly's Health Center. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and learning new things from podcasts.
KIM DANG
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Kim is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Public Health program at SJSU. She was born and raised in San Jose, California. She earned her B.S. in Physiological Sciences at UCLA where she conducted research in the psychology department studying stress coping mechanisms among Asian American high school students and also worked with a campus-wide UCLA public health initiative to increase water consumption. Since graduating from UCLA, she has been working as a medical assistant in San Jose. In her free time, she loves to run, hike, read, and play with her dog.
ARIELLE DORCH
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Arielle Brianna Dorch is a graduating senior majoring in Biological Science, Concentration Systems Physiology with a Minor in Chemistry at San José State University. Growing up in the Bay Area, Arielle is thankful to attend a prosperous university that is right in her backyard and close to her family and friends. As a Peer Health Educator and CRLA Level 2 Tutor, she is passionate about education, community health and health literacy. In addition to her role as an educator, Arielle’s Undergraduate Research Project focuses on the analysis of Social Determinants of Mental Health in California, by Life Stage. She plans to attend graduate school in a health-related field, but
has decided to spend a few years exploring different research and job opportunities after graduation. This summer, Arielle will begin her fellowship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Hospital, through the County of Santa Clara Government Fellowship Program! When Arielle has time outside of school, work and research, some of her hobbies include cooking new recipes, singing, and going on nature walks along the numerous Bay Area trails with friends.
CHRISTINE FLEMING
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Christine Fleming is in her last semester at San Jose State University completing her undergraduate degree in Public Health with a minor in Business Administration. She has lived in Sunnyvale, California for her entire life and enjoys swimming and going to the beach with friends. She is currently working on a research project to examine predictors of anxiety among an ethnically diverse urban university population. She is also a screening intern at the Healthier Kids Foundation, working as a lifeguard at the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center, and a Public Health Peer Advisor.
ASHNEE GOUNDEN
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Ashnee attended San Jose State University and graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Public Health. During her time at SJSU, Ashnee founded and served as President of the Public Health Student Association. She also served as the Program Coordinator for the undergraduate peer mentorship program (Public Health Unite & Network). She was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to the U.S. to complete her higher education. Ashnee plans to attend graduate school to pursue an MPH with a concentration in Epidemiology. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors (hiking, snowshoeing, camping), and wildlife photography.
ALEX HERNANDEZ-CHAVEZ
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Alex is a Master of Public Health graduate student at San Jose State University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at SJSU, where he conducted research on viral transmission as well as various mechanisms for early cancer detection. Since graduating, Alex has worked in primary and population health, with a focus on making proactive approaches and preventative treatments accessible to all. In his free time, Alex enjoys volunteering at Paddle4Good, hiking, snowboarding, and paddle-boarding.
HARNEET KAUR RANAUTA
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Harneet is a second-year graduate student in the Master of Public Health program at San Jose State University. Born and raised in India, she earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree before migrating to the USA for higher education. At SJSU, she is serving as a Teaching Associate for the Department of Public Health and Recreation and is also President of Students Demand Action SJSU. Her career focus is to implement medical and public health knowledge in creating healthy communities, with a focus on community organizing. In her free time, she loves to dance, listen to music, and paint/craft.
VASUNDHARA MEHTA
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Vasundhara is a second-year MPH candidate at San José State University. She received her undergraduate degree in Medicine from India. She is also a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate biostatistics course. Her research interests include reducing health disparities for maternal and child health and chronic disease prevention. She is a passionate public health advocate and is currently serving as the Vice-President of Students Demand Action-SJSU chapter. Her hobbies include baking, hiking, and Netflixing! She has also served as an exemplary medical officer in the Army Medical Corps of the Indian Army.
OSAGIE OAIYA
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH INTERN
Osagie is a graduating senior at San José State completing his undergraduate degree in Public Health. He is a first generation Nigerian American and native of the Bay Area, growing up in Antioch, CA. While in undergrad, he has taken interest in researching health disparities affecting minorities, low income individuals, and urban black populations, and has written numerous research papers and articles about these issues. At SJSU, he served as Vice President of the Nigerian Student Association and participated in multiple research projects conducted by public health professors. He plans to attend graduate school to obtain an MPH in epidemiology. In his free time, Osagie enjoys photography, listening to music, exercising and NBA basketball.
DAVID REYNOSO MORENO
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH INTERN
David is a graduating senior at SJSU completing his undergraduate degree in Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. He has aspirations to attend graduate school to obtain an MHA or MPH. He was born and raised in Fairfield, CA. When he has time outside of school and work, David enjoys being outdoors on his on his mountain bike, reading, and playing soccer through an adult soccer league on the weekends.
GABBY SCHULZ
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Gabby graduated from San Jose State University in May 2020 with her Master's in Public Health. She was born and raised in Pleasanton CA. She received her BS in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis. She discovered her interest in studying diseases which lead her to San Jose State. She recently interned with Santa Clara County Public Health Department in the STD/HIV Prevention and Control Branch. Also, she is currently helping the County of Santa Clara as a contact tracer and case investigator to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, volunteering, go on walks with her dog, and watch documentaries.
STEFANIE TROJA
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Stefanie is a recent San Jose State University graduate with a B.S. in Health Sciences and received Summa Cum Laude distinction. She is originally from Folsom, California, where her family still resides. She was an athlete throughout her college career, as a pitcher on the intercollegiate softball team. This was one of her biggest interests and hobbies now and as she was growing up. She was also distinguished as a 4-time NFCA/Easton All-America Scholar Athlete, which is something she is very proud of. Her professional goal is to attend medical school and obtain her M.D., with dreams of becoming a sports medicine physician.