Department of Biology

Kyra Bhagat is a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Studio Arts. She is an international student from New Delhi, India. 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 if you want to navigate your way through the Biology major as an international student, have interest in doing other majors or minors that aren't just limited to STEM or need someone to guide you through your 4 year course plan. 

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 is a junior, majoring in Biology (BA) and Health: Science, Society, Policy (BS). Her minors include Chemistry, and Women and Gender Studies. She is thrilled to be a part of the Biology UDR team, helping fellow undergraduate students navigate the Biology program. Outside of class, she represents Brandeis through her role as a Community Advisor, as well as spending time volunteering with Waltham Group as a CIT, BEMCo, and dance captain for Chak De! Off campus, Shivangi is an intern at REACH in Waltham, and a Planned Parenthood volunteer. As a pre-med, she can help connect students with pre-health resources at Brandeis, academic service opportunities, and community engagement. Feel free to email her with questions about the Biology major, classes, or navigating Brandeis resources!

Kailani Gaynor is a sophomore majoring in Biology She is eager to help students navigate the biology major and research on campus. Outside of being a UDR, Kailani is a Lab Tech in the Bisson Lab on campus and an office assistant for the Department of Student Engagement. In her free time, Kailani likes playing softball, drinking boba with friends and watching tv. Feel free to reach out to her with any questions!

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. She is also the WiSi Coordinator for BeWISE (Brandeis Encourages Women in STEM). In her free time, she likes to lift weights, try different coffee shops, and watch reality TV. Please reach out to her with questions about figuring out course schedules, finding spots in STEM and non-STEM research labs, securing pre-Health opportunities, and general advice for navigating the department.

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!