The Biology Cultural Association is an organization that seeks to build a community of underrepresented students within the Department of Biology. We are a subsidiary of the AJED committee with independent interests in protecting equity for students.
Vulnerable identities like POC, people with disabilities, religious minorities, low-income students, and sexual and gender minorities, are underrepresented on campus and in STEM. BCA supports undeclared underclassmen through 1:1 mentorship between upperclassmen and underclassmen, seminars and panels, academic advising, and social events. We also guide biology students in navigating professional and academic opportunities.
We are a safe space for students to voice their unique concerns about representation and diversity initiatives in the biology department.
Follow our Instagram Account and meet our leadership team below!
Yochebed Woldeyohannes (she/her) – President
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Graduation Year: 2025
Majors/Minors: Biology (major); Medical Sociology and Religion (minors)
I do research on the neuropathology of neuromuscular disorders, like ALS and DMD, in the ElMallah lab. In the future, I hope to go into Pediatrics and work to help mitigate the health disparities we see. In my free time, I love to visit museums, try new recipes, and go to cafes!
Sasha Bacot (she/her) – Vice President
Hometown: South Carolina
Graduation Year: 2025
Double Major: Biology and Computer Science
I plan to pursue a PhD in Computational Biology after graduation. As a low-income, first-get student, I was very overwhelmed by the opportunities at Duke at first—all the research/class/career options felt extremely daunting. I started my research journey in the Nicholas School during my freshman year (with no prior experience!), and found a passion for genomics and bioinformatics. During my time at Duke, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct independent research in the Environmental School and conduct summer research at Boston University and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Outside of school, I love going to the gym, watching sci-fi films, and trying new coffee shops/coffee drinks!
Sanjana Anand (she/her) – Mentorship Coordinator
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Graduation Year: 2026
Majors/Minors: Biology (major); Global health and Chemistry (minors)
Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time hiking and reading!
David Su (he/him) - Mentorship Coordinator
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Graduation Year: 2026
Major: Biology
I do research in the Onishi Lab looking at mechanisms of cell division proteins. In addition to the Biology Cultural Association, I am on the AJED committee. I am also a TA for Bio154 and am involved in Root Causes. I enjoy going to the gym, playing basketball, and cooking cool food!
Caroline Yoon (she/her) – Activities Coordinator
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Graduation Year: 2026
Double Major: Biology and Computer Science
I do research at a genomics lab, and enjoy baking, cooking, and watching movies.
Redeat Takele (she/her) - Activities Coordinator
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Graduation Year: 2025
Majors/Minors: Biology (major); Global Health (minor); Innovation and Entrepreneurship (certificate)
I dance in my free time! I am a part of Duke Nakisai :)
Ashi Jain (she/her) - Financial/Marketing Coordinator
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Graduation Year: 2026
Majors/Minors: Biology (major with a concentration in pharmacology); Chemistry (minor)
I am on the pre-med track with hopes of doing an MD-PhD. I am a researcher in the Wood Lab at Duke, working on CIC-DUX4 systems. I am also involved in the Duke Red Cross, Research Scholars Program, and Science Olympiad. I like to bake and dance!