Our Student Leaders
President & Publisher: Sarah Lindley
Editors-In-Chief: Ore Fawole and Maddie Verhagen
The Pitt Pulse is comprised of the following departments: Editorial, Art and Design, Podcast, Public Relations, Infographic Initiative, Fundraising, and Distribution. Departments work both individually and cohesively to produce a high-quality publication.
The Editorial Department includes Assistant Editors and writers. Writers compose articles on a health, medical, or science topic, especially in the context of the humanities and other multidisciplinary fields. Assistant Editors edit articles and provide composition guidance to their assigned writers under guidance from the Editor-In-Chief and President/Publisher.
The Podcast Department hosts engaging talks about various STEM and medical-related topics. This involves interviewing, podcast writing, audio editing, and hosting. Our podcast team is led by the Podcast Producer: Tanisha Pagadala.
The Design Department crafts magazine spreads/layouts, web graphics, advertising materials, flyers, and logos. This department is led by the Art Directors: Shirin Kaye and Amy Zhang.
The Infographic Initiative produces creative, visual infographics for use in social media and monthly newsletters. These infographics highlight current events in science and medical breakthroughs with the goal of minimizing the spread of misinformation and educating the general public in an accessible manner. This department is led by: Varsha Kumaravel.
The Public Relations Department publicizes all aspects of The Pitt Pulse through presentations and social media. This department is led by the PR Coordinator: Anya Shah, Recruitment Chair: Grace Hercik, and Webmasters: Amy Zhang (Squarespace) and Mrudul Nagapurkar (ExperiencePitt).
The Fundraising Department raises funds for the printing of the magazine and costs of events. This department is led by the Business Manager: Pravan Balamurugan.
The Distribution Department coordinates the distribution of hard copies of The Pitt Pulse to various locations on and off campus. This department is led by the Distribution Chair: Grace Hercik.
Executive Board
Trishya Pagadala
Year: Senior
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Hindi, Chemistry
Certificates: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Why The Pitt Pulse? I joined TPP as a freshmen because I wanted to learn more about how to link science and art while also meeting people who were passionate about doing the same--TPP did not disappoint! These past 3 years, I have gotten to collaborate with so many new people and learn so much from all of them. I can't wait to see what this new year brings!
Sarah Lindley
Year: Junior
Majors: Molecular Biology
Minor: Chemistry, History
Certificates: Public Communication of Science and Technology
Why The Pitt Pulse? I am passionate about science communication and being able to incorporate creativity into science. The Pitt Pulse is a great avenue to do just those things, and being able to work with writers with unique and thoughtful ideas as Editor-in-Chief is completely invaluable and inspiring!
Alisa Zhang
Year: Senior
Majors: Bioengineering & Computer Science
Why The Pitt Pulse? I've been interested in graphic designing for years, but Pitt Pulse was the first place that actually taught me how to go about sending a message through my designs and spreads. I really enjoy how the magazine itself is a balance of information and art, reflecting how both are constantly evolving and growing.
Elizabeth Gilfeather
Year: Senior
Major: Computational Biology
Minors: GSWS
Why The Pitt Pulse? The most important part of science is being able to communicate it in an engaging way. Through The Pitt Pulse, I get to help share really cool stories about fascinating and important science!
Samantha Branton
Year: Senior
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Chemistry Minor
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Why The Pitt Pulse? I love being a part of The Pitt Pulse because it has allowed me to take science that I am passionate about and channel it into the creative outlet of writing. Writing also gives me a bit of a break from my science course work!
Swati Ghosh
Year: Senior
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Neuroscience
Why The Pitt Pulse? My favorite part about being in The Pitt Pulse is that I can nurture both my passions in science and in writing in a stress-free way while also being able to work with others to improve my article!
Varsha Kumaravel
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Chemistry, Creative Writing
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Why The Pitt Pulse? I have had an everlasting passion for writing ever since I was young because I view writing as a skill where I can constantly grow and improve. I've grown so much as a writer through the Pitt Pulse, and as an assistant editor, it is intrinsically fulfilling to help younger writers flourish in the same way I have. I'm excited to work with and lead writers to help them share creative, engaging, and informative science writing!
Assistant Editors
Ore Fawole
Year: Sophomore
Major: Health Services
Minor: Film and Media Studies
Why The Pitt Pulse? I am very passionate about the intersection between humanities and medicine! The Pitt Pulse allows me to explore topics that I wouldn’t be able to in my solely science or art focused classes.
James Keller
Year: Senior
Major: Physics and Math
Minor: Economics
Why The Pitt Pulse? I love writing and editing for the Pitt pulse because, it not only provides an avenue to express my passion for science, but also, connect it to other subjects and current events. The whole process of writing/editing an article is an amazing experience, allowing me to help expand my/others scientific communication and learn about new ideas I never would've otherwise.
Cynthia Kumaran
Year: Senior
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry
Certificate: Global Health and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Why The Pitt Pulse? The Pitt Pulse has been an environment for me to flex my creative muscles in writing, while still focusing on my scientific career. As an AE, I’ve loved being able to mentor other writers and get inspiration from like-minded individuals!
Varsha Kumaravel
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Chemistry, Creative Writing
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Why The Pitt Pulse? I have had an everlasting passion for writing ever since I was young because I view writing as a skill where I can constantly grow and improve. I've grown so much as a writer through the Pitt Pulse, and as an assistant editor, it is intrinsically fulfilling to help younger writers flourish in the same way I have. I'm excited to work with and lead writers to help them share creative, engaging, and informative science writing!
Emma Moran
Year: Junior
Major: Astronomy and Physics
Certificate: Public Communcations of Science and Technology
Why The Pitt Pulse? I think science journalism and science communication is massively important: what is the point of discovery if it cannot be shared, after all? I joined Pitt Pulse because of that philosophy, and I joined the E-board as an assistant editor because I wanted to do more for the club!
Mrudul Nagapurkar
Year: Junior
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine and Global Health
Why The Pitt Pulse? I wanted to be a part of a community where I could creatively express my interests in areas of science outside of my classes. The Pitt Pulse is the perfect place to do so and get feedback from others to bring different perspectives to unique topics. Also, all of the people I've met so far have made being in The Pitt Pulse even more enjoyable!
Maddie Verhagen
Year: Junior
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Chemistry
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Why The Pitt Pulse? Being a part of the Pitt Pulse means I can combine my passion for science with my passion for journalism. Taking part in the distribution of scientific knowledge through a creative outlet is fulfilling.