The Undergraduate Cancer Biology Society (UCBS) was started in 2022 with inaugural President Sarah Elimam. Now our third year as a UAB Registered Student Organization, UCBS is excited to continue its mission of providing all UAB students with the feasibility to gain a closer understanding of the real-world impacts that cancer can have, and how key personnel in the field of healthcare, research, and advocacy are fighting for better treatment outcomes.
From hosting volunteer opportunities at the Hope Lodge to hosting collaborative research panels with available principal investigators at UAB, we empower students on their journey towards individualized success. We are grateful to have Dr. Braden McFarland (
UCBS Students
Pari Motivaras
Co-President
Pari Motivaras is a Junior at UAB, majoring in Cancer Biology and Philosophy. She has been a member of UCBS since her freshman year. She moved from India 7 years ago and has lived in Alabama ever since. She aspires to become a surgeon and is passionate about supporting the cancer community through volunteering with organizations such as Smile-A-Mile and contributing to cancer research and initiatives.
Rishab Samant
Co-President
Rishab Samant is a current Junior at UAB and has been a member of UCBS for three years. A lifelong Alabamian, his interests reside in improving healthcare within the state, especially in the frame of preventable malignancies. When not in classes or pursuing research initiatives, you can find him running in the URec or working in the Student Involvement and Leadership Office!
Aditi Mehta
Vice President
Aditi Mehta is a current Junior at UAB majoring in Cancer Biology and has been a dedicated member of UCBS for three years. Aditi is passionate about the intersection of cancer biology and public health research, with a focus on improving guidelines and outcomes for pediatric patients and families. Outside of academics, you can often find her spending time with friends and going on spontaneous adventures!
Mahitha Veeram
Secretary
Mahitha Veeram is a proud Junior at UAB and has been part of UCBS for the past two years. She’s deeply passionate about both psychiatry and oncology—and dreams of blending the two into a meaningful career path. When she’s not busy chasing her goals, you can usually find her hanging out with her favorite people or with her favorite duo: her cat and dog!
Sangie Lincoln-Velez
Treasurer
Sangie Lincoln-Velez is a current Senior at UAB and has been an active member of UCBS for three years. Her interests reside in childhood cancer, and in the future, she hopes to help improve medical practices for children. When not in classes, you can find her on the track or out running with the UAB Cross Country and Track Team!
Sanjana Sudini
Co-Volunteer Coordinator
Sanjana Sudini is a Junior at UAB majoring in Cancer Biology and has been a member of UCBS for two years. She is passionate about advancing healthcare accessibility and addressing disparities, with particular interest in maternal and child health policy. Beyond academics, she enjoys dancing and engaging in community service.
Swathi Anand
Co-Volunteer Coordinator
Swathi Anand is a second year student at UAB. Raised in Singapore, she is passionate about creating welcoming and supportive spaces for all students. In the future, she hopes to utilize her learning to become a pediatric oncologist. Swathi serves diligently on campus, and outside of her role in UCBS, you can find her serving in other Registered Student Organizations like the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students.
Richa Sam
Co-Event Coordinator
Richa Sam is a current Sophomore at UAB and is an Event Coordinator for UCBS. Being raised in Oman she loves connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and bringing that perspective to campus life. Outside of classes, you can see her doing work in Sterne with her friends or attending events on campus.
Sriya Chandrupatla
Co-Event Coordinator
Sriya Chandrupatla is a current Sophomore at UAB originally from Florida. Her interests involve improving healthcare access and quality for individuals in low-income or medically underserved communities. When she isn't studying or doing research, you can often find her volunteering, listening to music, watching movies, or horseback riding!
Afsheen Fatima
Outreach Coordinator
Pari Motivaras is a Sophomore at UAB and a new member of UCBS. Originally from Alpharetta, Georgia, she is passionate about expanding healthcare access for marginalized communities and promoting education that empowers people to take charge of their health. Outside of the research lab and classroom, you’ll often find her lifting at the URec or reading a book by the Green.
Obshree Saravana
Public Relations Officer
Obshree Saravana is a third year student at UAB and has been a member of UCBS for three years. She is a Cancer Biology major and Chemistry minor interested in pursuing pediatric medicine in the future. Passionate about exploring the gut microbiome's connection to glioblastoma research, she can be found studying at Spencer Honors House and serving as the University Honors Program's Junior Class Representative.