Our Team
Victoria Ayodele studies Neurological Development and Nutrition with a Child Policy Certificate. Her academic and professional interests center on maternal-child health, neurodevelopment, global health equity, and neuroscience education. Victoria has conducted research related to maternal nutrition, HIV and cardiovascular health, donor milk policy, and global neurosurgical systems, with multiple conference presentations and publications. As Founder and Executive Director of NeuroPioneers Pathway, she leads the development of neuroscience and brain health programs designed to expand access to STEM and healthcare for underserved middle and high school students.
Victoria Ayodele
Founder AND Director
Executive Board
Mentorship & Alumni Chair
Diana Zheng (Class of 2028)
Diana is interested in biology, neuroscience, and physics. She plans to pursue a career in medicine. As Mentorship and Alumni Chair for NeuroPioneers, Diana fosters connections between members and alumni, facilitates professional development opportunities, and supports a collaborative network that advances student engagement in neuroscience and medicine.
Operations & Logistics Chair
Ally Kahne (Class of 2028)
Ally is interested in psychology and neuroscience, particularly human behavior, neuropsychology, and the relationship between brain function and behavior. She is particularly interested in exploring how psychological and neurological processes shape cognition, emotion, and mental health. As Operations and Logistics Chair for NeuroPioneers, she supports the organization’s internal coordination by helping manage scheduling, meetings, and operational planning to ensure programs and initiatives run efficiently.
Curriculum & Learning Chair
Fiza Khan (Class of 2027)
Fiza Khan is interested in neuroscience, biology, and chemistry. She is intellectually drawn to neuroscience as a "perfect blend" of molecular biology and psychology, examining how cellular mechanisms give rise to cognition and behavior. Fiza aspires to become a medical provider, while also serving in conflict zones, where she hopes to combine clinical excellence with humanitarian impact and change. She is deeply committed to mentorship and to expanding high school students' awareness of neuroscience as a powerful, interdisciplinary field of study. As Sponsorships and Funding Chair for NeuroPioneers, she supports initiatives that broaden access to neuroscience education and engagement.
Outreach & Recruitment Chair
Maella Koffi (Class of 2027)
Maella is interested in neuroscience and aims to become a pediatric nurse. As the Outreach and Recruiting Chair of NeuroPioneers, she networks with organizations and students to expand the program's reach. She has led child advocacy clubs in high school and continued her service with NeuroPioneers, working in child policy research and neuroscience. She is committed to NeuroPioneers' mission to provide accessible neuroscience education.
Co-Engagement & Media Chair
Jessica Alvarez (Class of 2027)
Jessica Alvarez is interested in biology and chemistry, with a particular focus on neurobiology and medicine. She is particularly interested in how the nervous system relates to human health and patient care. As Media and Engagement Executive for NeuroPioneers, Jessica supports outreach, engagement, and the sharing of the organization’s work with the Duke community. She has previously worked as a mentor to community college students through the English for Academic Purposes program at Miami Dade College.
Co-Engagement & Media Chair
Hana Lemma (Class of 2029)
Hana’s interest in NeuroPioneers comes from her commitment to healthcare, youth mentorship, and research. Through the Action Potential Initiative and the Summer Science Program, she conducted advanced biomedical research and presented to physicians, while her volunteer work in INOVA’s women’s unit strengthened her passion for patient-centered care . As a leader in the Red Cross Youth Advisory Board and multiple school organizations, she is dedicated to empowering young people and expanding access to STEM and health education.
Co-Engagement & Media Chair
Carly Thompson (Class of 2028)
Carly is interested in neuroscience and computer science, with academic interests in cardiology, sports medicine, and exercise science. As a Program Assistant for NeuroPioneers, she leads social media strategy and community outreach efforts, expanding the organization's reach and fostering broader engagement with neuroscience education.
Program leads
Samprokshana Karthikeyan (Class of 2029)
Samprokshana is interested in neuroscience, linguistics, and medicine, with a particular interest in the intersection of linguistics and modal cognition. She is also passionate about advocacy and empowerment of underprivileged communities, especially in promoting broader collaboration between traditionally artistic fields, such as dance, and scientific exploration.
Tanys Mayman (Class of 2029)
Tanys is interested in psychology, especially cognitive psychology and neuropsychological testing. She is also interested in the intersection between consumer behavior and psychology. She has worked at the Manhattan Children’s Center with individuals with ASD and at the JCC, assisting in pre-K classrooms, both of which sparked her interest in child development, education, and mentorship.
Phuong Ngu (Class of 2027)
Phuong is interested in the biological sciences, health care, and reducing health disparities. As one of the Program Facilitators, she develops lessons focused on brain health development across the lifespan. In the past, she has served as a mentor to high school and undergraduate students conducting research, and hopes to continue inspiring youth's interest in science and healthcare.
Elizabeth Buduen (Class of 2028)
Elizabeth is interested in neuroscience and medicine, particularly areas involving neurosurgery, radiology, and health literacy. Her work as a research assistant in Duke’s Shah Lab, her experience in health education, and her work as a tutor strengthened her interest in brain health and neuroscience education. She aims to emphasize prevention and early intervention in neurodevelopmental health.
Leilani Clark (Class of 2028)
Leilani Clark is interested in neuroscience, with a focus on research and work with youth organizations. My passion for neuroscience is evidence-based, and my interest in engaging positively with the Durham community inspired me to seek an opportunity like NeuroPioneers.
Program Mentors
Emma Zhong (Class of 2025)
Emma is interested in psychology, chemistry, and education. She is currently a life sciences consultant, working with biopharmaceutical companies on product and market access strategy. As a Program Mentor, she leverages several semesters of research experience in neurobiology and developmental psychology to lead case studies and support students on capstone projects.
Jessica Marchese (Class of 2029)
Jess is interested in the connection between neuroscience and dance. She is passionate about equitable access to education, with a focus on brain health literacy. As a program mentor, she mentors students exploring neuroscience concepts and guides them in developing research-oriented thinking skills.
Maya Duarte (Class of 2028)
Maya is interested in biology and neuroscience. She plans to attend medical school, and her interests include research on addiction and epilepsy. As a program mentor, she prioritizes understanding each mentee's interests to better plan each interaction.
D’Asia Evans (Class of 2027)
D'Asia joined NeuroPioneers because of her passion for mentorship, neuroscience education, and encouraging students to pursue opportunities in medicine and STEM. Her experiences in neuroscience and medical research have strengthened her interest in supporting future healthcare professionals and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Aashni Shah (Class of 2029)
Aashni Shah is interested in neuroscience and health policy. She has gained experience in translational research, patient advocacy, and community health outreach, which has shaped her commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care. As a Program Mentor for NeuroPioneers, Aashni looks forward to walking alongside students as they explore neuroscience and find their own footing in the field.
Arielle Maged (Class of 2028)
Arielle is interested in neuroscience, finance, and biotechnology. As a mentor for NeuroPioneers, she develops lesson plans focused on memory, attention, and focus.
Aniekanabasi Eno-Ekefre (Class of 2025)
Aniekan is interested in the general neurology of stroke and post-stroke outcomes. As a Program Mentor, he guides students through case study scenarios based on neurological concepts and provides constructive feedback towards neuro-related experiments, presentations, and projects.
Ethan Hu (Class of 2029)
Ethan is interested in neuroscience, global health, and medicine, with a particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases. He is interested in providing equitable healthcare and community engagement for all. As a mentor, he hopes to foster critical thinking and inspire future students to pursue careers in healthcare.
Ruby Pan (Class of 2029)
Ruby is interested in researching neurological disorders and diseases. As a Program Mentor for NeuroPioneers, she facilitates inquiry-based discussions and guides students through their unique capstone projects.