Our Team

Victoria Ayodele is an undergraduate student at Duke University pursuing a self-designed Program II major in 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 programming designed to expand STEM and healthcare access for underserved middle and high school students.

Victoria Ayodele

Founder AND Director - Duke Class of 2027

Executive Board

Mentorship & Alumni Chair

Diana Zheng (Class of 2028)

Diana is a biology major at Duke University with a concentration in neuroscience and a minor in 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 a psychology major and neuroscience minor at Duke University with a strong interest in 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 a Neuroscience and Biology double major with a minor in Chemistry at Duke University. 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 at Duke University, she supports initiatives that broaden access to neuroscience education and engagement.

Outreach & Recruitment Chair

Maella Koffi (Class of 2027)

Maella is a Neuroscience Major at Duke University interested in pediatric nursing. As the Outreach and Recruiting Chair of NeuroPioneers, she networks with organizations, students, and faculty across Duke to expand the program's reach. She has led child advocacy clubs in high school and continued her service in college, working in the child policy research and neuroscience departments at Duke. NeuroPioneers' mission to provide accessible neuroscience education was exactly what she was searching for when she came to Duke.

Co-Engagement & Media Chair

Jessica Alvarez (Class of 2027)

Jessica Alvarez is studying biology and chemistry at Duke University. She is a Cardea Fellow with interests in 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 helps with outreach, engagement, and sharing 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 a Neuroscience and Computer Science student at Duke University with academic interests in cardiology, sports medicine, and exercise science. As 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 a freshman at Duke University studying neuroscience and linguistics on the pre-medical path, 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 art fields, such as dance, and scientific exploration.

Tanys Mayman (Class of 2029)

Tanys is a psychology major at Duke University interested in working in child psychology, cognitive psychology, or 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 a biology major at Duke interested in science, 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 interests in science and healthcare.

Elizabeth Buduen (Class of 2028)

Elizabeth is a neuroscience major at Duke University on the premedical track, with interests in neurosurgery, radiology, and health literacy. Her work as a research assistant in Duke’s Shah Lab, Director of Health Education and Medical Initiatives for Duke Youth Health Focus, and 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 a neuroscience major at Duke University with interests in research and working with youth organizations. My passion for neuroscience, evident in my studies at Duke, 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 a Duke graduate who studied 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 a neuroscience major at Duke University and is on the pre-medicine track, with a particular interest 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 provides mentorship to students exploring neuroscience concepts and guides them in developing research-oriented thinking skills.

Maya Duarte (Class of 2028)

Maya is a student at Duke University, currently majoring in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience. She plans to attend medical school, and her interests include research on addiction and epilepsy. As a program mentor, she prioritizes understanding each mentoree'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 a student at Duke University with interests in neuroscience and health policy. As a premedical student, her experiences in translational research, patient advocacy, and community health outreach have 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 a neuroscience major and finance minor at Duke University interested in healthcare 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 a post-graduate neuroscience major from Duke University 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 pursuing a neuroscience major with a global health minor at Duke on the pre-medical path 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 facilitate critical thinking and inspire future students to pursue a career in healthcare.

Ruby Pan (Class of 2029)

Ruby is a neuroscience major at Duke University 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.