KIN UNC Chapel Hill
2024-2025
Srinithi Raj
Chapter Director
Hi! I’m a third year neuroscience and biology major, and I'm thrilled to have started UNC’s KIN this year as the chapter director! My focus on preventative health drives a lot of my work—I direct two fellowship projects where I explore ways to blend holistic and traditional medicine practices with Western healthcare spaces for more culturally conscious practice. At UNC, I hope to take a ground-up approach to nutrition by incorporating prenatal nutrition education, which I believe is key to long-term health. I also conduct research in neuroendocrinology, focusing on mood disorders, and write on social justice issues affecting underserved communities. I’m looking forward to connecting with others at KIN who want to make healthcare work better for everyone!
Kanushi Navaneethakrishnan
Co-Operations Director
Hello! I’m Kanushi, a second-year Neuroscience and Data Science student at UNC-Chapel Hill with a keen interest in neuro-oncology and a passion for nutrition’s role in brain health. As Operations Director for KIN, I’m excited to promote early-life nutrition education for young learners! As a Patient Care Assistant in the memory unit, I saw firsthand how nutrition can play a preventive role in supporting cognitive health for Alzheimer’s patients, further deepening my commitment to diet-centered care in neurodegenerative health. At UNC, I research the effects of the neuropeptide, cholecystokinin (CCK) on hippocampal neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease patients. I additionally pursue my interest in cancer by volunteering at the oncology department at the pediatric ICU at UNC Health. I also work as a marketing director for the Carolina Cancer Association to raise awareness of cancer research and support families affected by cancer. I am so excited to work with my fellow KIN members and make a difference in the healthcare field!
Saakshi Patel
Co-Operations Director
Hello, I am Saakshi Patel, a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Information Science with a minor in Chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill. I am passionate about learning the inner workings of the brain and how nutrition can potentially affect behaviors, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being. As an Operations Director for KIN, I am excited to create and promote healthier communities, especially among younger kids. In my free time, I love to cook and watch romance movies. Beyond KIN, I volunteer at the Women's Hospital at UNC Medical Center's maternity center, and I am a research assistant in a lab that focuses on the effects of substance use on behavior. I am so excited to work alongside my fellow KIN members to make a meaningful difference in the field of healthcare and nutrition!
Kaustubh Kute
Co-Research Director
Hi, my name is Kaustubh Kute and I am a junior majoring in Nutrition (Science and Research Track) at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. I aspire to be a physician one day, particularly surgical, and I have a special interest in sports medicine and reconstruction. In terms of nutrition, I am intrigued by the intricate biochemical pathways that go into healthy physiology as well as pathologies. Previously I conducted research on AAV gene therapy for disorders such as cystic fibrosis at the UNC School of Medicine, and I currently do research at Gillings on dietary omega-3 fatty acids and how they mediate inflammation in various tissues. As a research director at KIN, I hope to apply my research expertise to the nutrient needs of youth and work with the education team to convert the most accurate, up-to-date studies on pediatric nutrition into fun and digestible lessons. Outside of the classroom, I am an EMT and instruct CPR classes, love to watch Bollywood movies, and play and watch basketball!
Lasya Nerayanuri
Co-Research Director
Hi! I’m Lasya, and I’m a first-year student planning on majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge with others and love working with children, and am excited to work with the KIN team to help spread health and nutrition education! Outside of classes, I’ve been enjoying trying new foods, group fitness classes at the gym, and practicing classical music!
Nicole Colmenero
Co-Education Director
Hello, I'm Nicole! I am a fourth year Neuroscience major with a minor in Chemistry who hopes to one day be a pediatric physician. I have a passion for holistic medicine and believe that education is a stepping stone for empowering people to take control of shaping their best and healthiest life. In my free time, I am a nursing assistant in the pediatric ICU and work as a research assistant in a lab centered around observing how holistic prenatal and postnatal factors influence child brain development. I also run a small nonprofit organization that crochets stuffed animals for hospitalized children. I'm ecstatic to be a part of the KIN team and look forward to creating a fun and impactful learning experience for the children we work with!
Nithya Jones
Co-Education Director
Hi! I’m Nithya Jones, a second year neuroscience major and chemistry minor and I am so excited to be KIN’s co director of education for this year! I have an interest in pediatrics and believe that nutrition plays a huge role in one’s long term health and that educating kids from a young age can truly make a difference in their health outcomes. I have seen how this is lacking in today’s society and believe that through KIN, a difference can be made in individual and community health. As I have a passion for working with kids, I am especially thrilled to be able to play a part in the education aspect of KIN. At UNC, I am a part of Musical Empowerment where I teach a student a musical instrument which has been a rewarding experience. I also volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill where I assist with house operations. I look forward to working with my co-director to create an engaging and effective learning experience for these kids where they can learn how to lead healthy lives!
Sehee Park
Finance Director
Hi everyone! My name is Sehee Park, and I’m a first-year Computer Science & Business major. My passion for fostering positive change and sparking meaningful transformations led me to take on this incredible position with KIN. Growing up in a financially challenging environment, I learned firsthand how crucial health is, especially when resources are limited. That’s why I’m dedicated to creating a space where people can access the knowledge, support, and resources they need to improve their health, learn about nutrition, and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Beyond KIN, I thrive on embracing new challenges and finding innovative ways to combine technology, business, and community-driven initiatives to drive positive impact. I’m also a Committee Board Member for Pearl Hacks and actively involved in organizations like AI Consulting, UNC Busi-Tech, and Women in Computer Science, where I work to inspire others and empower them to make a lasting impact. Together, we can transform ideas into action and create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Let’s shape the future starting today! 🌟
Ananya Sandeep
Social Chair
Hi! I’m Ananya, a second year neuroscience major and chemistry minor, and I am thrilled to be KIN’s outreach/ social media director this year! I’ve always loved working with the youth, and I’m so excited to engage our community through creative social media content that highlights KIN’s mission to help the next generation develop nutrition education and healthy lifestyles. At UNC, I also serve as the secretary/ social media manager for the Bhakti Yoga Club, where we introduce students to the philosophy, mindfulness, and soulful music of an ancient Indian practice. Additionally, I volunteer at UNC’s Neonatal Critical Care Center, assist in a general chemistry lecture as a learning assistant, and have research experience studying how alcohol impacts the brain. I’m excited to contribute to KIN’s service-based initiatives and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together!