Faculty

Below are the faculty and staff members of Nova Southeastern University, Nova Blanche Elementary School, and the NSU U-School that make Science Alive possible. 

Emily Schmitt Lavin, Ph.D.
NSU Department of Biological Sciences Department Chair, Professor

​My Name is Dr. Emily Schmitt Lavin (or Dr. Emily when I lead young students) in the joy of scientific discovery through our Science Alive programs. Science Alive is exciting for both the younger students and the more advanced college students. Being able to explain complex science topics in an easy to understand way to younger students really helps college students enjoy their studies even more. Since a young age, I dreamed of becoming a college professor. I earned my Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Miami in 1997 and joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2001.  I now hold the rank of Professor and serve as the Department Chair for the Department of Biological Sciences in the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography.

Aarti Raja, Ph.D.
​NSU Department of Biological Sciences Associate Professor 

Hi! I am Aarti Raja and I am excited to be part of Science Alive. Joining Science Alive and Dr. Emily’s team has been a rewarding experience for me. I enjoy interacting with college students and young children alike as we try to explain scientific concepts together. It is a wonderful learning experience for me as young students ask brilliant questions and keep me on my toes. I come from a family of educators and am proud to have become one myself. I obtained my Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Maryland in 2000 and joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2012.  I now hold the rank of Associate Professor for the Department of Biological Sciences in the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography.

Michele Parsons
Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School, Before and After Care Supervisor 

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Hello, my name is Michele Parsons and I am teach and organize the aftercare program at Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School. I have been teaching in Broward County for over 20 years. I have assisted in fostering the relationship between Nova Blanche and the Science Alive program, and believe Science Alive brings a wonderful variety of positive experiences to the students at Nova Blanche.
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Jessica Sanchez
​NSU University School (High School Biology Teacher)
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​My name is Jessica Sanchez and I'm originally from Milford, CT. In 2022, I graduated from Nova Southeastern University with my B.S in Secondary Biology Education. Currently, I teach 9th grade honors biology at NSU University School, and I love every second of it. Fostering a safe and welcoming classroom environment for my students to explore their curiosities is my passion. 

Interns

Here are our amazing Interns! All these students have dedicated all their time and effort to create an amazing program. Below, they detail why they love science, as well as why they love Science Alive. 

Pranav Madadi
President
​Chemistry Major

​Hello! My name is Pranav Madadi and I am a Chemistry major on the pre-med track. I love being apart of Science Alive! because I am able to show others how fun science can be especially to the younger kids. Through Science Alive, I hope to inspire the next generation to see science everywhere they go and hopefully gain something meaningful from us! 

Lickchina Jeanlis
​Public Health Major

I am Lickchina (Lick-shee-Nuh) a public health major with a double minor at Nova Southeastern University. I have a strong passion for community well-being. Volunteering is a big part of who I am, and I love being actively involved on campus. Volunteering isn't just a hobby; it's a lifestyle. I enjoy making a positive impact in my community through various activities. Science Alive is a key part of my journey, providing an outlet to engage, collaborate, and educate the next generation. It allows me to share the wonders of STEM, fostering curiosity in young students. 

Lohita Sunkara
Biology Major

My name is Lohita Sunkara and I am a current Junior majoring in Biology at Nova Southeastern University. Science Alive has given me the opportunity to connect with my local community and elementary school students to enrich a fun learning experience in different science subjects. This experience is greatly cherishing as it has allowed me to work with a diverse group of children involving them in exploring the vast field of science through interactive activities. I have enjoyed working towards providing a positive impact on the children’s educational experience and encouraging the future generation into exploring the vast field of STEM. 

Priya Vontikommu
Neuroscience Major

My name is Priya and I’m a junior majoring in neuroscience with a minor in public health. I joined science alive last year and it was really fun to see kids so interested in STEM. I enjoy sharing the wonders of science with others, especially through community activities and outreach programs. I'm working towards the goal of making a positive impact in healthcare through volunteering and continuous learning.

Ohm Patel
Biology Major

​Hi! My name is Ohm Patel and I am a Junior majoring in Biology and minoring in Honors Transdisciplinary studies. Science Alive is a great platform that has allowed me to connect with the local community here in Broward County to work with children at public schools to help grow their interest in science. Seeing the elementary students become more passionate and interested in science is what motivates me to keep giving back to my community. I am excited to keep growing Science Alive and encourage future generations to explore STEM!

Smrithi Mukund
Behavioral Neuroscience Major

​Hi! My name is Smrithi Mukund and I am a Neuroscience and Biology major minoring in Honors Transdisciplinary studies. Being a part of Science Alive has allowed me to grow my passion for working with children and also spread a love for science related topics. Outside of Science Alive, I am President of a club called Pediatric Heroes and a research assistant in Neuroscience. I am excited to continue pushing others to explore their love for science and pursue my future goal of becoming a Pediatrician.

Karim Faltas
Applied Professional Studies Major

Hello!! My name is Karim Faltas and I am a senior Majoring in Applied Professional Studies with a Concentration in Biological and Physical Sciences. I am a Pre-Dental Student and am currently in the application cycle for the class of 2028. I joined Science Alive back in Februrary of 2023 after it was recommended by one of my peers, and I am glad to say it was a life changer! Outside of school I enjoy playing hockey, hanging out with friends and seeing family!

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Adhvika Saravanan
Biology and Neuroscience Major

​Hello! My name is Adhvika Saravanan and I am majoring in Biology and Neuroscience with minors in Honors, Pre-Health, and Experiential Leadership. Being apart of Science Alive has been extremely gratifying as I love making a difference in the community and working with kids to help instill an interest in STEM. I hope to continue to mentor and guide them and share my passion for the field! 

Senior Group Leaders

Here are a few of our outstanding Group Leaders! All of these students are looking to pursue careers in science. Below, they detail why they love science, as well as why they love to participate in Science Alive. 

Miranda Brohman
Zoology Group Leader

I am a Masters of Science with a concentration in Marine Biology student. I enjoy seeing how excited the students are to see us each Friday and tell us how they shared what they learned the week before to family and friends. Seeing the kids connect what we are teaching to the activity is also amazing.

Jovanni Gomez
Neuroscience Group Leader​

I am currently in the Master of Biology program with a Health Studies concentration, with my graduation expected to be this June. What I love most about Science Alive is the ability to connect our college students– who are driven and passionate– with the elementary students– who are always eager to learn and have fun. Bridging the seemingly distinct student populations reminds me of how far I've come and how much more I have to contribute to the community and future generations.

Ashley Abad
​Biology Major

Hi! My name is Ashley, and I'm a Junior at Nova Southeastern University majoring in Biology and minoring in Human Nutrition and Honors Transdisciplinary Studies. Science Alive has given me an incredible outlet to share my love of science while also fulfilling my passion of working with children. My favorite part of working with Science Alive is seeing the kids' faces light up with excitement and curiosity when engaging in our science activities. It is truly so rewarding to be part of that experience with them, knowing that every new experiment may forever change how they view science - as exhilarating, adventuresome, and fun!

​UCF Leaders
Here are a few of our outstanding leaders that work from the University of Central Florida!  Below, they detail why they love science, as well as why they love to participate in Science Alive. ​

 Alexander Lavin
Marine Biology Major

Hi, my name is Alexander Lavin and I am an undergraduate student in  the Marine Science discipline with a minor in archaeology at the University of Central Florida. Working with Science Alive is an amazing experience and helps me shape how I lead others throughout what I do both in and outside of the classroom. Learning science with students is an amazing experience that benefits everyone involved and has long lasting impacts that benefit us throughout our lives. Learning about science topics expands our horizons and makes us more interesting people! Working with the Hydroculture Project at Nova Blanche Forman has been an incredible way to connect engineering and the sciences through physical projects that students learn and grow with together. The students love participating in our Hydroculture Project, and it has so far been one of the greatest successes of Science Alive. Aside from science education, I enjoy athletics like Scuba diving and running as well as fishing with friends. You can frequently find me studying biology and fossil history, as well as teaching complex biology topics to others!

Markel Jones
Film Major 

Hello! My name is Markel and I am a second year Film major at the University of Central Florida. I love to visually tell stories, both my own and the stories of others. When I was offered to take up this project, I was more than thrilled to showcase the journey of this ever expanding project filled with passionate contributors. I believe this project is not only for the good of nature, but for the good of human connections and sustainability as well. Outside of this project, I am aspiring to work in the film and commercial industry as a director, editor, and cinematographer. 

Simran Patel
Graphic Design Major

​Hello! My name is Simran Patel and I am a second year Graphic Design major at the University of Central Florida. Collaborating with Science Alive on their Seed HOPE Project gave me a one of a kind opportunity to create a logo for their organization. Educating the youth with a fun, interactive project prompts them to continue to implement what they have learned outside the classroom. As a big advocate for hydroculture myself, I am excited to see the green thumbs sprout from within the kids as they learn about the benefits of these gardens. Outside of school, you can find me studying in the library or creating art. 

Junior Group Leaders

​Here are a few of our amazing Junior Leaders from NSU University School! Below, they detail why they love science, as well as why they love to participate in Science Alive. 

Disha Krishna
Freshman at NSU U-School

My name is Disha Krishna, and I am a 9th grade student at NSU University School. My favorite subject in school is Biology and it has been an amazing experience to start a Hydroponics project in U-School and work alongside Science Alive. I really love science because it helps us explore the amazing things in the world and expands my curiosity about how everything works. Hydroponics shows us a way to use resources efficiently and blends technology with nature. Other than science, I really enjoy the arts. I am a cultural dancer, play the guitar, love drawing, and I like video editing.
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