You can contact program coordinators directly through their email addresses. You can also schedule a meeting with Professional Staff about CRC programs and academic advising here.
Curricular Resource Center
Program Coordinators
Departmental Undergraduate Groups (DUGs)
Independent Concentrations (ICs)
-
Manan Pancholy '27
Pronouns He/him/hisConcentration Artificial Intelligence in Health InformaticsWhere's home?: Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
What are you concentrating in?: Artificial Intelligence in Health Informatics
I chose my concentration(s) because: I wanted to rigorously understand the theory, design, integration, and related ethics of AI that can improve clinical decision-making and population health.
On campus, I'm also: Brown Barsaat (A Capella) Musical Director, Umeed Fundraising Chair, biomedical informatics researcher at the BCBI & RIH, editor in a healthcare journal, BIOL UTA.
My favorite place to study is Swearer Center or New Watson; and my favorite place to relax is anywhere with friends
One of my favorite classes was: ANTH 0300: Culture and Health, BIOL 1565/1535: Survey of Biomedical Informatics
I like to advise about: Interdisciplinary studies, pre-med, Open Curriculum, vegetarianism at Brown/in PVD, work-life balance.
A formative college experience for me is/was: Going to the RISD Nature Lab with my Studio Foundations class.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: You might feel like you want to pursue every new opportunity hoping it will take you to where you want to or “should” go in your career, whether that’s a job or further education. In reality, it’s better to give yourself enough time to focus on a few projects you are truly passionate about. That way, you can put in your full effort to truly make something substantial that you are proud of.
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Wandering around PVD and taking photos, singing, going to the gym, or calling friends & family back home.
-
Ananya Uddanti
Pronouns She/her/hersConcentration Spatial Epidemiology (IC) & STSWhere's home?: Little Rock, Arkansas.
What is/are your concentration(s)?: Spatial Epidemiology (IC) & STS.
I chose my concentration(s) because: I am deeply passionate about the idea of "place" and its role in how communities interact with the world. As I hope to work in health services and policy, I built the concentration myself: core epidemiology, GIS and cartography, demographic methods, and disease biology to ground the spatial patterns in actual disease mechanisms.
On campus, I'm also: a Swearer Center Peer Advisor & Bonner Fellow.
My favorite place to study is Swearer Center; and my favorite place to relax is SOE cafe.
One of my favorite classes was: EDUC 1475 The Big IDEA: The Complexities of Gifted and Special Education.
I like to advise about: Independent Concentration & Community Engaged Research.
A formative college experience for me is/was: joining the South Asian Students Association.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: to explore all the concentration options.
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: finding your safe space, whether its your people, a physical space, or a song!
Something most people don't know about me: I love reading birth charts and astrology.
Something I love about the CRC is: the community.
-
Kyla Zhang '27
Pronouns She/her/hersConcentration Aerospace Physiology and Visual ArtWhere's home?: Portland, Oregon.
What is/are your concentration(s)? Aerospace Physiology and Visual Art.
I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose to pursue an independent concentration in Aerospace Physiology, because I wanted to merge my two passions in space and medicine to learn the foundations for space medicine and astronaut care. I also double-concentrated in Visual Art, because I knew I couldn't live without color and creativity as a form of self-expression and reflection.
On campus, I'm also: an Undergraduate Researcher, Meiklejohn, Community Coordinator, TA, member of Molì East Asian Dance Company and Club Tennis.
My favorite place to study is Rock first floor and New Watson, and my favorite place to relax is quiet green.
One of my favorite classes was: HIAA 0077 Revolutions, Illusions, Impressions: A History of Nineteenth-Century Art.
I like to advise about: ICs, pre-health, RISD cross-registration, on-campus opportunities, student clubs.
A formative college experience for me is/was: Summer study abroad in China.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: challenge yourself to take classes and try new things that explore your interests completely; don't take classes to fit yourself in a concentration, instead choose (or make!) your concentration based off the classes you take
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: time with family and friends, exercise, journaling, sleep.
Something most people don't know about me: I absolutely love pineapple on pizza
Something I love about the CRC is: the unconditional and undivided support they give to students.
Independent Studies (IS)
-
Lucas Pham '27
Pronouns He/him/hisConcentration Modern Culture and Media and Critical Artificial Intelligence StudiesWhere's home?: Southern California
What is/are your concentration(s)?: Modern Culture and Media and Critical Artificial Intelligence Studies
I chose my concentration(s) because: I'm passionate about digital media, human-computer interaction, user experience, and trust and safety; these two concentrations allow me to combine all of my interests!
On campus, I'm also: Lead Peer Career Advisor at the Center for Career Exploration
My favorite place to study is Watson SRH ("New Watson"); and my favorite place to relax is any coffee shop.
One of my favorite classes was: MUSC 1240R Intro to Rap Songwriting.
I like to advise about: Taking advantage of the Open Curriculum, exploring different academic and pre-professional interests.
A formative college experience for me is/was: Having no idea what I was going to study for my first two years at Brown, then declaring an IC and knocking out eight concentration requirements in my Junior year, while also taking advanced and business Korean.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Take as many fun/interesting/unique classes as possible to maximize learning since you'll only be an undergrad at Brown once in your life, and use S/NCs generously so you don't burn out!
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Baking, cooking, and testing new recipes.
Something most people don't know about me: I won a chicken eating contest by eating an entire rotisserie chicken in 5 minutes.
Something I love about the CRC is: Everybody is so kind and welcoming.
Leavetaking
-
Brian Balderson '27.5
Pronouns He/him/hisConcentration Environmental Sciences and StudiesWhere's home?: Tappahannock, VA
What is/are your concentration(s)?: Environmental Sciences and Studies
I chose my concentration(s) because: I think climate change is among the most important issues facing the world, and I am deeply passionate about it.
On campus, I'm also: involved in the Program Management for the Young Entrepreneurs Program and an intern in the Pediatric Health Disparities Lab at Brown Health.
My favorite place to study is John Hay Library; and my favorite place to relax is the Main Green.
One of my favorite classes was: Climate Media, Discourse, and Power (ENVS 1823).
I like to advise about: Leavetaking or anything else you want to talk about!
A formative college experience for me is/was: Summer internship in the Pediatric Health Disparities Lab.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: to not compare yourself to other students. Comparison is the thief of joy, especially at an institution with so many other well-accomplished and motivated students. Take things at your own pace. You deserve to be here just as much as everyone else.
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: calling my family, going outside, socializing, getting good sleep.
Something most people don't know about me: I greatly dislike chocolate
Something I love about the CRC is: the commitment to inclusion.
-
Chigo Manu '27.5
Pronouns He/him/hisConcentration Environmental EngineeringWhere's home?: Battle Creek, Michigan
What is/are your concentration(s)?: Environmental Engineering
I chose my concentration(s) because: I enjoy learning about how we as humans can practically and regeneratively use natural resources to make better the lives of everyone. Respecting the ecosystem around us, while prioritizing the development of infrastructure that is inherently restorative to the sources we draw from is something I lead my research and academic exploration with.
My favorite place to study is Rock basement or Friedman Hall; and my favorite place to relax: I love hanging out in my room LOL.
One of my favorite classes was: Fluid Mechanics.
I like to advise about: Leave taking in all its aspects! Whether it be discussing what taking leave may look like for you, identifying the right administrative offices for planning your leave, or how to utilize the resources offered by Brown (CAPS, Student Support Services, contacting professors, engaging in student orgs on campus) to create a strong support system upon and throughout your return. I always emphasize the importance of finding a balance between your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing and the academic rigor of Brown. Additionally, feel free to ask me about navigating your return as a POC Brown student.
A formative college experience for me is/was: Subletting an off-campus apartment during a summer UTRA.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: There is no "normal" at Brown, so feel free to be yourself to the fullest. Explore new ideas, clubs, and remember to always prioritize your wellbeing!
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Physical activity of any kind! Your brain will release happy chemicals during and after. Bring a friend for support or zone in for some solo-time.
Something I love about the CRC is: There are so many support systems just waiting to be utilized. Everyone is welcome, no matter the situation or circumstance. It is truly a hidden gem.
Matched Advising Program for Sophomores (MAPS)
-
Fairwin Li '28
Pronouns He/him/hisConcentration Computer Science-EconomicsWhere's home?: Bay Area, California
What is/are your concentration(s)?: Computer Science-Economics
I chose my concentration(s) because: I love how economics teaches us a lot about how people think and behave on a large scale, and computer science is useful in understanding how the systems around us work and to create those systems yourself!
On campus, I'm also: an Underground Coffee Shop Manager, ENGN 90 TA, and part of GAMMA club!
My favorite place to study is the Blue Room Booths and the Underground; and my favorite place to relax is the Main Green.
One of my favorite classes was: ENGN 0900: Managerial Decision-Making.
I like to advise about: CS-Econ degree requirements, adjusting to college, Management consulting recruiting, and being a first-generation student at Brown!
A formative college experience for me is/was: Taking CSCI 0150 as a first-semester freshman.
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Your journey is your own! Don’t participate in things just because your peers are– the purpose of your time here is to discover YOURSELF, not focus on others!
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: playing pickleball on the Main Green, going to the Nelson with friends, and walking along the Waterfront!
Something most people don't know about me: I am in the top 0.005% of all Olivia Rodrigo fans on Spotify!
Something I love about the CRC is: the student-led aspect of it– students helping and leveling with each other, not generalist advice.
Theories in Action (TiA)
-
Ariti Gani '28
Pronouns She/her/hersConcentration Computer Science and EnglishWhere's home?: Bowling Green, KY
What are you concentrating in?: Computer Science and English
I chose my concentration(s) because: I'm passionate about both of them and can't imagine my life without either!
On campus, I'm also: A member of the Brown Ballroom Dance Team, Ivy Film Festival, and Madrigals A capella group!
My favorite place to study is RISD Fleet Library; and my favorite place to relax is at boba shops :).
One of my favorite classes was: Brain Damage and the Mind with Professor Heindel (CPSY 0450)
I like to advise about: Academics, extra-curricular activities, adjusting to college, or anything that people have questions about!
A formative college experience for me is/was: Meeting friends that make Brown feel like home more than just a place to live and study <3
My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Be open to exploring new opportunities, even if it seems scary! You might decide that something isn't for you after trying it, but every new experience can still teach you and help you grow.
My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: I'm trying to read more often, especially when I need a break from doing schoolwork all the time. One of my favorite book genres is fantasy!