Meet the Team!

Executive Board Members

Sonja Xie

FOUNDER & CEO

Hi! I’m Sonja Xie, the Founder and CEO of Brain Waves for Change. As an aspiring physician, I’ve personally witnessed the profound impact of neurological and mental health conditions, which inspired me to establish Brain Waves for Change. Our youth-led organiation is committed to providing accessible and engaging neuroscience education to the younger generation in our community. We’ve chosen to bridge this gap in knowlege using arts & crafts and graphic design, an approach we hope will convey complex topics in a child-friendly, simplified manner that is easily understood by all.

Beyond my involvement with BWC, I am passionate about art, psychiatric research, and community service. I envision a future where youth are not just informed, but inspired to take action for brain health—through the fusion of creativity, compassion, and community.

Sarah Kobi

CONTENT EDITOR

I’m Adrian, a Junior at Scarsdale High School and content editor for BWC. I’m looking to help educate the next generation with this program. I play volleyball and I swim, and I enjoy painting and sculpting in my free time.

Ada Langford

RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Hi, I’m Sarah Kobi, a junior at Scarsdale High School. I am passionate about neuroscience and the complexities of the brain. As a Research Director in Brain Waves for Change, I’m excited to educate younger students about brain health and raise awareness of neurological conditions. I’m particularly interested in Alzheimer’s Disease and am currently conducting research on the topic through the school’s science research program. Outside of school, I enjoy playing piano and reading.

Daisy Bennett

RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Hi, my name is Daisy Bennett and I am a Research Director for BWC. I am in 10th grade and currently researching pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia at my school’s science research program. As part of the BWC team, I am looking forward to helping to gather good quality information that is easy for students to understand and learning more about various neurological topics. Beyond my research, I am conversational in ASL and am an officer of the American Sign Language club at my high school. I am also a wrestler for my school’s team as well as my club and love to work hard and push for the movement of women in male dominated sports.

Clara Liu

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR


My name is Noah Ng, and I’m a Junior at Scarsdale High School. I enjoy reading and exploring topics in science, and as the Social Media Director for BWC, I’m excited to help others learn about neuroscience and raise awareness for brain illnesses. Outside of BWC, I love playing volleyball, playing piano, and one of my favorite movies is Interstellar.

Adrian Wang

ART DIRECTOR

Hi!! My name is Clara Liu, I am an art director in the Brain Waves for Change organization. I am a 10th grader at Scarsdale High school. In my free time I like to create art, play the flute, dance, read, and research psychology. I’m looking forward to spreading awareness and education on neuroscience to people of all ages!

Maddy Nam

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I’m Ada Langford and I am a Scarsdale High School junior and treasurer of Brain Waves for Change. In my free time, I enjoy coding AI projects and making robots. I hope to use my experience with organizing data to fundraise for Brain Waves for Change.

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Hi, my name is Maddy Nam, one of the project co-directors for BWC. I am a 9th grader at Scarsdale High School. Through my role as director, I aim to educate younger generations on brain health and break down the hard information in the form of infographics or projects. I believe that the younger generations withhold the power to make a profound difference in our current understanding of the human body, specifically the brain. I forward this concept by visiting my old elementary school as a member of the club GEMS, where I help educate rising middle schoolers on science related topics through fun labs and projects. Beyond my passion for neuroscience, I tend to my commitment towards my synchronized ice skating team. During the eight years that I have spent on this team, I have learned the importance of working as a unit and building community. This year, I am team captain, where I have developed vital leadership skills and have been given the opportunity of taking initiative on multiple occasions.

Noah Ng

Meet The BWC Research Team

  • Abby Nam

    BWC Researcher— New York, USA

    Hi! My names Abby and I’m a 9th grader at Scarsdale High School. I’ve always been interested in neuroscience, and I can’t wait to see how Brain Waves for Change will grow!! Outside of that, I love taking walks while listening to music, and my favorite movie is To all the Boys I’ve loved Before!

  • Aniqa Delwara

    BWC RESEARCHER— New York, USA

    My name is Aniqa Delwara, and I'm a Sophomore at Al-Mamoor School in NYC. I'm particularly interested in Neuropsychiatry—my recent work included neuroimaging and its role in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in adolescents. I hope I can make a difference with my research in BWC, grow within this organization, and help it grow simultaneously! Outside of BWC, I love films/shows (Oldboy, Mob Pyscho 100, and the Grand Budapest Hotel are among my favs!), sports, video games, fashion, art, volunteering, and more!

  • Avantika Raj

    BWC RESEARCHER— Bangalore, India

    Hi! I’m Avantika, a 9th grader at Delhi Public School in Bangalore, India. I’m passionate about neuroscience and aspire to raise awareness about neurological disorders through BWC. I’m also a 4th-level guitarist from Trinity College London. I'm a fan of reading and writing thrillers, and in my free time, you can find me binge-watching sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Friends or crocheting.

  • Ayun Chae

    BWC Researcher— Texas, USA

    Ayun Chae is a sophomore student in Flower Mound High School. She’s interested in brain science and psychology, and she’s pursuing future careers of mental health. Outside of school, she loves to play the violin and spend time with her family.

  • Brandon Mabey

    BWC RESEARCHER— Pennsylvania, USA

    My name is Brandon Mabey and I am a freshman studying pre-medicine at Penn State Scranton, minoring in neuroscience. I am the CEO of Project PAND (Physiological Associations with Neurodevelopment) and work as a clinical assistant at The Center for Discovery’s Children's Specialty Hospital. I hope to grow BWC and inspire students into neuroscience.

  • Constance Huynh

    BWC RESEARCHER— California, USA

    Hi, I'm Constance Huynh, a high school student from Lowell High School in California. I'm fascinated by neuroscience and the power of the brain to shape our experiences and behaviors. I'm looking forward to exploring these topics further with BWC and contributing to the creation of engaging infographics. Outside of research, I love to travel, watch Modern Family, and journal!

  • Ella Lin

    BWC RESEARCHER— Ontario, Canada

    Hi! My name is Ella and I am currently in grade 9 at St. Robert CHS in Ontario, Canada. I want to learn more about neuroscience and raise awareness about illnesses related through the research in BWC, and I want to become a pediatrician in the future. I also play 3 instruments and I love watching Grey's Anatomy and Cobra Kai.

  • Lauren Thorpe

    BWC RESEARCHER— Ontario, Canada

    Hi! My name’s Lauren Thorpe and I am a second-year student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, with a passion for neuropsychology and understanding how brain injuries affect us. I’m dedicated to educating others about neuroscience and encouraging people to expand their knowledge of the brain. I look forward to sharing the importance of understanding neuroscience and hope to inspire other to do the same. When I’m not studying, I enjoy working out, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family. 

  • Maham Ali

    BWC RESEARCHER— Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Maham Ali is a high school senior deeply intrigued by all things science, whether that be astrophysics or medicine!  She spends her free time reading and going down rabbit holes on whichever topic is intriguing her for the week. Plus, she believes making some form of art is the best way to unwind!

  • Makayla Anderson

    BWC RESEARCHER— Minnesota, USA

    Hello! My name is Makayla, I am a junior in high school at Minnesota Connections Academy! I am from Rochester, Minnesota. I really look forward to helping spread the word about Brain Waves for Change, And learn more about the mind itself! Outside of BWC, I love to volunteer of course, I volunteer for the American Red Cross, etc. I am also currently working towards being a Nurse Assistant.

  • Nimisha Sailesh

    BWC RESEARCHER— Bangalore, India

    Hi! I'm Nimisha Sailesh, an 11th grader residing in Bangalore, India. I am deeply passionate about neuroscience, psychology, biochemistry and cancer research, and i hope to spread knowledge on the wonders of the human brain through BWC! I enjoy baking, writing, badminton, fashion (and naps!). I'm a huge bookworm as well, and in my free time you would probably find me at my bedside mountain of books.

  • Nhi Nguyen

    BWC RESEARCHER — California, USA

    Nhi Nguyen is a high school student passionate about public health, neuroscience, and health education. She is currently a researcher at Brain Waves for Change and actively contributes to initiatives that raise awareness about mental and physical health. As a first-generation Vietnamese American, she hopes to increase healthcare accessibility and education in underrepresented communities. Nhi is also involved in a variety of STEM, art, and outreach programs that empower youth voices.

  • Noor ul Aien

    BWC RESEARCHER— North Carolina, USA

    My name is Noor ul Aien, and I’m currently studying at Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina and hope to transfer to University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

    I have a profound interest in neuroscience and hope to pursue a degree in this fascinating field. I am especially looking forward to helping raise awareness about how psychological issues in young people can affect their brain function and learning capabilities.

    Outside of my studies, I am engaged in various activities. I am a member of DECA Club, where I strive to polish my leadership skills. I also volunteer with the Zakat Foundation of America. I work as a lab assistant and financial wellness counselor . I successfully placed in the top 10 for debate and geospatial technology at the TSA 2024 High School International Conference in Florida. In my free time, I love reading and exploring new genres of literature.

  • Suhada Rahman

    BWC RESEARCHER— Dhaka, Bangladesh

    Hi! My name is Suhada Rahman. I am currently in 11th grade. My hobbies include reading, writing, and listening to music. I love debates and like to maintain an open outlook to trying new things. I have always been interested in medicine and want to pursue a degree related to that in the future. I look forward to my journey with BWC.

  • Sukhmeet Kaler

    BWC RESEARCHER— Ontario, Canada

    Hi everyone! My name is Sukhmeet Kaler, and I’m currently in my third year of the Honours Health Sciences program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I’m deeply passionate about exploring the origins of brain diseases, particularly focusing on aspects like myelin sheath degeneration and blood-brain barrier permeation. Outside of my academic and research pursuits, I love spending quality time with family and friends, trying out new cuisines, and rewatching Modern Family whenever I get the chance!

  • Zainab Reya

    BWC RESEARCHER— New York, USA

    HI, My name is Zainab Reya, and I'm a sophomore at Al-Mamoor High School here in NYC. My interests include how anesthesiology relies heavily on neuroscientific principles and how to understand how drugs affect the brain and induce unconsciousness, while neuroscience utilizes anesthetics as tools to study consciousness and brain function. Some things you can note about me are that I love playing volleyball and I dabble in a bit of gardening. Some more hobbies are drawing or anything related to creative arts. One of my favorite movies has to be either Zootopia or Tangled ( Childhood Favorites, loll), but other than that, on the extracurricular side, I love helping out in my community by volunteering to those in need and taking leadership roles. 

  • Zinia Sajjad

    BWC RESEARCHER— New York, USA

    Hi my name is Zinia Sajjad and I am in 11th grade at The Ursuline School. I am from Westchester, New York. I am interested in learning more about how specific neurological disorders affect the brain and behavior and I am looking to spread more awareness and improve literacy concerning neurological conditions through BWC. Some things I enjoy doing in my free time are playing volleyball, baking, and painting.

Interested in Joining Our Team? Browse Open Positions Here