Department of Biology

Undergraduate Departmental Representatives

The Biology Undergraduate Department Representatives (UDR) can be consulted for information about biology courses, the major and research opportunities.

Meet the 2025-26 Biology UDRs

Kyra Bhagat
Kyra Bhagat
Biology Undergraduate Dept. Representative (UDR)

Kyra Bhagat is a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Studio Arts. She is excited to help students navigate the Biology major and learn about all the amazing opportunities that the department has to offer. Aside from being a UDR, Kyra is an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the General Chemistry Lab, Vice President of BeWISE (Brandeis Encourages Women in STEM) Club. In her free time, Kyra likes to paint, travel, hangout with friends and watch movies. She’s been selling at the Craft Market held at Brandeis since sophomore year. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions!

Luke Carlsen
Luke Carlsen
Biology Undergraduate Dept. Representative (UDR)

Luke Carlsen is a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Anthropology and Health: Science, Society, & Policy. He is eager to contribute to making the Biology department a welcome home for Brandeis students. Other than being a UDR, Luke is a Research Assistant in the Lovett Lab where he studies DNA replication and repair mechanics and regulation. Additionally, he volunteers at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital, works at Brandeis Academic Services, and participates in the University Wind Ensemble at Boston College. Luke is also pre-med, so he can speak to navigating pre-health at Brandeis. Please reach out to him with any questions about using Brandeis resources, accessing service opportunities, exploring on-campus research opportunities, and anything about the Biology department!

Shivangi Das Gupta
Biology Undergraduate Dept. Representative (UDR)
Kailani Gaynor
Biology Undergraduate Dept. Representative (UDR)
Ellie Reiner
Ellie Reiner
Biology Undergraduate Dept. Representative (UDR)

Ellie Reiner is a senior majoring in Biology and HSSP with a minor in Psychology on a Pre-Health track. She is excited to help students figure out their own unique path in the department and show the opportunities Biology can offer. Outside of being a UDR, she is a Teaching Assistant for BIOL 16a, and a Research Assistant in both the Turrigiano Lab, where she studies learning behaviors in mice, and the Knight Lab, studying on the intersection between friendships, empathy, and rape myths. In her free time, she likes to lift weights, try different coffee shops, and watch reality TV. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Lucy Zhang
Lucy Zhang
Biology Undergraduate Dept. Representative (UDR)

Haoran “Lucy” Zhang is a senior majoring in biology and HSSP on pre-dental track. She is happy to help students navigate the major and learn all opportunities offered by school. Aside from being UDR, She is a General Chemistry Lab teaching assistant, Head of Treasury in Student Union, part of pre-dental E-board and a research assistant in Goode Lab on campus where she studies actin disassembly and turnover. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends and play video games. Feel free to reach out with any questions!