BioBridge Advising

Gurmenjit Bahia a sophomore studying Biology with a concentration in biochemistry/biophysics from Modesto, CA. She particularly enjoys research revolving around genetic editing technology and healthcare disparities. Additionally, she is involved with the Stanford Premedical Association Health Policy Committee, undergraduate senate, and a group advocating for First-generation and/or low-income students known as FLIP. She aspires to become an Orthopedic surgeon and go into global surgery, while continuing to complete biochemical research. Aside from her academics, she loves nature, gardening, and long walks.

Marcus is a senior from Columbus, Ohio majoring in Biology on the Computational Biology track. He is interested in data science and applying computational methods for modeling biological systems. He has completed research with the Thirty Million Words Center at the University of Chicago, which involved developing predictive models for studying how conversation affects cognitive development in young children. Aside from Biology, Marcus is passionate about singing and is the president of the Stanford Mendicants, Stanford's original acapella group. He also likes the outdoors, listening to music, and exercise. As part of the BioBridge team, Marcus is excited to help students navigate course selection, find opportunities within the department, and meet other students passionate about Biology!

Julia is a Junior majoring in Biology on the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental track. She was born in Nice, France and grew up moving around Africa and Europe. She is passionate about stem cell research and regenerative medicine, and currently works in the Fan Yang lab on projects related to Biomaterials for MSC differentiation. Julia is passionate about research and plans to attend graduate school to get a PhD and then continue research in academia or industry. On campus, Julia is involved with Pi Beta Phi and the Stanford Undergraduate Research Journal. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, and visiting art museums. Julia is excited to connect with students about the Biology major, graduate school, designing 4-year plans, getting involved with research on and off campus, and looks forward to helping students navigate all the incredible opportunities available to them!

Blen is a senior majoring in Biology on the Neurobiology track and minoring in Philosophy. She is also pursuing a coterminal master’s in Biology. Blen was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and grew up in Dallas, Texas. She is passionate about investigating neurodegenerative disease and hopes to pursue a career as a physician. Currently, she works in the Wyss-Coray lab investigating the role of aging and immune pathways in neurodegeneration with a focus on Alzheimer's Disease. She is also part of the Cardinal Free Clinics working as a clinic coordinator for the Mental Health Specialty clinic and Bridge to Care volunteer. In her free time, Blen enjoys grabbing Coupa with friends and solving the daily Wordle. Blen is excited to connect with students about the neurobiology track, pursuing a co-term, designing a four-year plan, planning for pre-professional tracks, and finding research opportunities. She looks forward to helping students however she can in making the most out of their experience at Stanford!

Bikal is a junior from Dallas, TX majoring in Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry/Biophysics and pursuing a coterm in Biomedical Informatics. He worked in the Pfeffer lab for two years studying the molecular pathways of neurodegenerative diseases and currently works in the Hiesinger lab applying computational tools to study heart failure. He is also a premed student, the former student-body vice president, and an expert in taking way too many units every quarter. Outside of academics, Bikal volunteers with Cardinal Free Clinics, competes on Stanford's Model UN Team, and serves as an RA. In his free time, he enjoys reading sci-fi, trying new foods, and spending time with friends. He's excited to help students succeed in the Biology department!