2025 Scholars

Aditi Pinnenti

Keystone School

Aditi is a high school student at Keystone School with a passion for science, research, and service. Aditi enjoys competing in science fairs, writes on medical topics in her school’s publication, and is part of her school’s varsity debate and swim teams. Aditi is also a STEM ambassador at Girls Inc in the Eureka program. As a Voelcker Biomedical Research Program Scholar, she hopes to deepen her research skills and contribute to meaningful advancements in human health.

Adrian Perez

Advanced Learning Academy

Adrian Perez was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He enjoys learning new things and working with friends at school. He also plays on his school’s soccer team. Outside of school, Adrian likes going to sports games and hanging out with friends.

Ariana Lugo-Beltre

Cornerstone Christian Schools

At Cornerstone Christian Schools, Ariana is an active member of the CUFI Club, Chess Club, and National Junior Honor Society. She is passionate about genetics and pediatrics, inspired by her love for science and helping children. With goals of becoming a pediatrician and opening her own clinic one day, she is excited to develop technical lab skills and improve her public speaking through this program.

Ava Duncan

Health Careers High School

Ava Marie Duncan is a driven student at Health Careers High School with a strong passion for biomedical research, inspired by her family’s history. She consistently strives for academic excellence, embracing advanced coursework and setting high standards for herself across all subjects. Beyond the classroom, Ava has developed resilience and teamwork through years of competing in volleyball, basketball, and track & field. Committed to giving back, she actively supports her community through volunteer work and is honored to join the Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy to take the next step toward her dream of improving lives through science.

Conner Moore

International School of the Americas

Conner is a naturally curious individual who loves exploring new ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and uncovering how things work. Conner is deeply mindful of others, bringing empathy and intention to how he listens, connects, and engages with the people around him. Conner’s curiosity drives growth, while his mindfulness brings presence and balance to everything he does.

Hania Naqvi

BASIS – Shavano

Hania attends Basis Shavano, where she is an active member of the debate team, HOSA, and DECA. Outside of school, she practices Taekwondo and is a second-degree black belt. Additionally, Hania volunteers at her mosque. In her free time, she loves playing board games with her family and reading.

Irem Bakal

Reagan High School

Irem Bakal is a rising sophomore at Ronald Reagan High School. She serves as a committee member for Math Honor Society, Vice President of her HOSA chapter, and President of Student to Student (S2S) club. Irem enjoys volunteering at the library and tutoring kids after school. She aspires to become a physician and researcher. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing the violin, and spending time with her family and friends.

Isabel Watson

LEE STEM Academy

Isabel is student at STEM Academy and she is into art and biology.  She is part of the Robotics, Tennis team, STEM Ambassador, Breakthrough T1D Ambassador, plays piano and enjoys reading, baking and painting.  When she is not busy at school or volunteering with the community, you will find her planning her next big project as looking for new things to try and ways to grow is one of her amazing qualities.

Ixchel Fernandez

John Jay Science and Engineering Academy

Ixchel is a student at John Jay SEA. She is currently class president for the Class of 2028. Ixchel is a part of various clubs such as biotech and journalism. She really enjoys running track, photography, and her science classes.

Lela Tabatabai

Saint May’s Hall

Lela has attended Saint Mary’s Hall for 10 years. She is a part of the grade council for her year. Lela is a member of the Debate team, Varsity Track, Soccer, and Cross-Country teams. She enjoys participating in math competitions such as purple comet and the AMC. Lela is very excited to be partaking in this program, as science and biomedicine have always been interests of hers. She can’t wait to learn more and gain hands-on experience.

Lillian Ruder

Judson High School

Lillian Ruder has a strong passion for neuroscience; more specifically neurodegenerative diseases, with this being her interest since the age of twelve. She currently attends Judson High School, where last season she played for their Junior Varsity Volleyball team. Lillian recently finished out a club season with San Antonio Fifteen National. She has one older sibling who lives in Oregon, one of her biggest role models!

Madison Windscheffel

Saint Mary’s Hall

Madison “Max” Windscheffel is a rising Sophomore at Saint Mary’s Hall. She participates in many school activities, including musical theater and MUN as the only freshman club leader. She pursues her love of STEM through Girls Inc. Eureka STEM and SAMSA at St. Philip’s College. She is a Presidential Gold Award recipient of two years through the Texas Children’s Choir. Max is excited to learn more about neurology and neurodegenerative diseases and conditions at VBRA.

Ryan Pham

CAST Med High School

Currently attending CAST Med, Ryan is already accustomed to the fast-paced curriculum, yet his open-mindedness drives him to seek new skills and continue developing his growing mind during his time at the Academy. Beyond academics, Ryan enjoys going on leisure walks and proudly serves as a member of HOSA. With his strong desire to learn, there is no doubt he will flourish in the biomedical world that awaits him.

Scarlette Hong

Medina Valley High School

Scarlette Hong is a rising sophomore at Medina Valley High School. Her favorite classes are Symphonic Band, Health Science, and American Sign Language. Scarlette enjoys playing with her cats, reading books, and looking up articles about mental health in her free time.

Scholar #2

Scholar Bio

Shalini Patel

Reagan High School

Shalini Patel is a student at Ronald Reagan High School. She is passionate about her activities, which include Speech, Model UN, DECA, and playing tennis. When she’s not in school, Shalini enjoys traveling with her family and dancing. She is really looking forward to my time as a Voelcker Scholar!

Sierra Rogler

Lutheran High School

Sierra Rogler is a high school student involved in varsity soccer, track, and swim. While she is passionate about athletics, she also loves art and plays several instruments. Sierra’s interests extend into medicine and research, where she hopes to learn and grow more as a scientist, and as a team member. Sierra aspires to be well-rounded, contributing to both her community, and her future endeavors.

Sophia Green

San Antonio Christian School

Sophia Elyse Green is an upcoming sophomore at San Antonio Christian School (SACS), where she plays varsity basketball, serves as a chair on the student government ministry committee, and participates in theatre at SACS. Sophia is also passionate about music and has been playing piano for six years with Stone Oak Piano Studio. She spends her extra time volunteering with her mom through the National Charity League to serve the San Antonio community. She looks forward to gaining hands-on research experience through the Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy.

Sragvi Madishetty

Reagan High School

Sragvi attends Ronald Reagan High School, where she acts as a committee member of Mu Alpha Theta and Vice President of the Astronomy Club. She is also a competing member of HOSA, DECA, and math/science UIL. Along with being an ambassador of the Mayor’s Fitness Council, she enjoys volunteering at the Parman library and Kumon to help her community and tutor students. She has also been doing classical dance for over 10 years and aspires to continue pursuing her passion for biology and engineering!

Victoria Gass

Antonion College Preparatory School

A High Honor Roll Student at Antonian College Preparatory High School, Victoria Gass is passionate about science and medicine and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology. A standout athlete, she plays competitive softball and is a pitcher on the Varsity team, helping secure the 2025 District Champion title and Runner-Up at the State Championship for Antonian. Beyond her academic and athletic achievements, Victoria serves on the Antonian Student Council, performs in high school musicals, volunteers at the Veterans Hospital, and speaks fluent Spanish. With a balance of academic excellence, athletic achievements, and community service, Victoria exemplifies discipline, resilience and a heart for service.

Yash Kesar

Great Hearts Northern Oaks

Yash Kesar is a high school student at Great Hearts Northern Oaks. Yash loves to read, swim, play guitar, and play piano. Yash also loves learning about Biology!

Zoe Chen

BASIS – Shavano

Jingyi has a strong interest in math and science, and she is a rising sophomore at Basis Shavano where she participates in the Science Fair Club and Science Bowl Team. Jingyi is a current member of NHS and the Mayor’s Fitness Council and is passionate about serving her community where she hopes to improve physical and mental well-being. She plays cello in her spare time, has been playing in YOSA for six years, and loves to draw and write. She can speak French and Mandarin, and she aspires to pursue a career in biomedical research, medicine, or health policymaking.