Grounds

Sultana Omar

A biology major, Sultana Omar is particularly drawn to exploring the ethical implications of genetic editing technologies and their impact on healthcare equity. She is also interested in the broader societal and environmental consequences of advancing biotechnology. Outside of the Virginia Journal of Bioethics, at UVA, she is engaged in writing for Medium, contributing to Outlier, and staying active through swimming. Outside of academics, she enjoys creating art and volunteering.

Nicholas Cormas

Nicholas Cormas is a second-year student from Pittsburgh, PA double majoring in Neuroscience and Health Equity. He is most interested in bioethics issues related to medical malpractice and patient autonomy. In addition to writing for the journal, he serves as the head clinic supervisor for a free weekly Primary Care clinic in downtown Charlottesville, leads a research project in the Lukens Lab investigating brain inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis, and performs clinical research in the Li Lab of Spine Surgery. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, competitively swimming, and rewatching the Kung Fu Panda trilogy.

Ananya Balachander

Ananya Balachander is a first-year from Northern Virginia in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Bioethics/Statistics. Her interests lie in the ethics of genetic modification, inclusivity in research and healthcare, and the effect of fast-advancing technology on the field. In addition to writing for the Journal of Bioethics, she is also a Features writer for the UVA arts and culture magazine V Mag, along with being a committee head for the volunteer organization Matchas for Mexico City, and is part of various sustainability clubs and student associations. In her free time, Ananya enjoys reading, listening to music, and cooking with her friends!

Bailey Logan

Bailey Logan is a third year from Charlottesville Virginia. She is majoring in Human Biology and minoring in Health, Ethics, and Society. Her bioethical interests are focused on women’s health, reproductive rights, patient autonomy, reproductive justice, and health equity, especially in rural and underserved areas. She is also especially passionate about how various biases and forms of discrimination harm the healthcare patients receive. Outside of VJB, she works as a research assistant in a neuroscience lab focusing on subarachnoid hemorrhage in the School of Medicine. She interns with the Virginia Prison Birth Project, volunteers for Madison House, tutors elementary students, and works as a Doula and Childbirth Educator. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her animals, friends, and family, baking, hiking, and going on short weekend trips.

Gabrielle Guido

Gabrielle is a fourth-year double majoring in Biology and Medical Anthropology. She is interested in reproductive rights and technologies, as well as equitable healthcare for all. In her free time, she teaches reproductive education for Planned Parenthood, works as a medical assistant in breast health, as well as enjoys spending time with her friends, crafting and baking!

Caroline Smith

Caroline is a second-year from Richmond, Virginia majoring in Biology and Spanish on the pre-research track. She is an independent researcher for the Bergland Lab at UVA and is most interested in microbiology, evolutionary biology and ecology, and epidemiology. Beyond writing for VJB, she is a member of the Community Engagement Cabinet on the Student Council, a peer buddy in Best Buddies, and a representative for the Biology Society. She loves writing fiction and poetry, reading, painting, gardening, yoga, and hanging out with her four brothers.