Meet the Fellows

Melody Ray Dalili, or Mel to friends, is a sophomore studying Biology and double-majoring in Poetry and Painting. She is a poet, pubic speaker, volleyball coach, and older sister/honorary mother to Leah Jay, a bright 15 year old and Tar Heel fan (rightfully so). In 2022, she was named the Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of Knoxville, Tennessee and wrote two poetry books on Amazon: “to make it out alive” and “thank you for staying.” During her term, she advocated for awareness regarding racial injustice, child abuse, homelessness, and suicide. She also initiated a “Poet-trees” project with 10 Knoxville libraries that worked towards making poetry more accessible for families. In April of 2024, she was named the Youth Poet Laureate of Tennessee and has had a doggon good time! Aside from all the poetry stuff, she really wants to be an orthodontist (it’s true… teeth are like a puzzle and I LOVE figuring them out). Her favorite places on campus are the Writing & Learning Center (shoutout to Robin B. and Robin T.) and the Carolina Covenant office. When she’s not in the classroom or on-stage, Mel likes to thrift, touch bugs, play volleyball, give tours for UNC Visitor’s Center, and print t-shirts (@melmakesthingz on instagram)!

Vraj is a sophomore from Cary, North Carolina, majoring in Health Policy and Management and Statistics and Analytics. He is passionate about improving healthcare systems and applying his analytical skills to epidemiology, health actuarial science, and risk management. At UNC, Vraj is a research assistant at the Developmental Social Neuroscience Lab, an English 105i teaching assistant, a logistics member for Holi Moli, a member of the club flag football, and a leader in many other organizations! Vraj is also the founder of VA Tutors, a nonprofit tutoring organization that has connected over 100 tutors with more than 150 K-12 students worldwide. VA Tutors strives to provide personalized care and dedication to every student’s academic journey by providing K-12 tutoring, SAT and ACT preparation, and college counseling. Vraj aims to leverage his skills and experiences to drive positive change in the healthcare and education sectors.

Tobi Onasanya is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering, with a love for STEM and literature. She enjoys being involved in clubs including NSBE, SWE, and the Black and Latino BME Society. In her free time, she likes to play video games, hang out with friends, and play tennis. She is passionate about the arts, especially writing and painting, community service with the Stone Center’s Communiversity, traveling, and making long-lasting connections. In the future, she hopes to travel the world and live an exciting life!

Sophia Burgess is a sophomore studying public policy with a growing interest in economics and psychology.  Growing up in the small town of Kona, Hawai’i, she is instilled with the desire to give back to the community that has tremendously supported her, with goals of practicing law and eventually writing legislation to improve the lives of Hawaii residents and beyond.  At Carolina, Sophia works part-time at the Life & Leadership Office and is involved with multiple student organizations including the Carolina Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Club, The Law Society at Carolina, and Dive-In, a student volunteer group that serves to teach children in the Chapel Hill area useful swimming skills and techniques. Outside of academics, she loves being near the water and any/all watersports such as swimming, surfing, and water polo.
If she could choose to be anywhere at any given time, it would definitely be at the beach!

Sofia Nyiri is a sophomore studying Communication Studies and AD/PR, with a minor in global cinema. Her academic and professional journey is fueled by a passion for experimental art, particularly within the realm of film. This passion drives her commitment to using innovative multimedia projects to explore and express complex social issues. At UNC, she DJs at WXYC, a member Carolina Film Association, and works at Meantime Coffee Co at the Campus Y! Outside of school, she loves to attend concerts and make homemade syrups for her coffees. 

Sidney is a sophomore from Charlotte, NC, and is a double major in Sports Administration and Public Policy. Since 2021, has worked for the Charlotte-based non-profit Sports Biz Careers to advocate for more diverse representation within the sports industry for high school and college students. Sidney also has a passion for civic engagement and political advocacy. Currently, she is a political organizer for Students for Voting Justice, an organization dedicated to increasing voter turnout across the country. 

At UNC, Sidney works as a Recruiting Operations Intern for UNC Football. She also serves on the planning committee for the annual UNC Sport & Entertainment Summit, is a consultant for the Carolina Sports Consulting Group, and is a student ambassador for Honors Carolina.

Sidney enjoys working out, reading, and playing pickleball in her free time!

Sarah Lewisohn (she/her) is a sophomore from Charlotte, NC. She is a Public Policy and Journalism major with a minor in Data Science. Outside of NC Fellows, Sarah is a City & State Writer for The Daily Tar Heel as well as an intern for Public Impact, an education consulting firm that works to implement equitable staffing models that support the growth of educators and therefore the growth of students. In her free time, Sarah loves to spend time with friends and go to local coffee shops.

Preston Cheek is a current sophomore at UNC studying Chemistry and Religious Studies. Preston is from Raleigh, NC, but has been a Tar Heel since birth. Preston is a proud member of Honors Carolina, and is involved on campus as a member of the Undergraduate Honor Court, teaches free CPR classes, and is a member of the Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity. He loves exploring the world, and over the summer he worked as a Kid’s Wrangler on a Dude Ranch in Colorado. Preston plans to make a career in Sports Medicine, with the hope of going to PA / Medical School. While Preston loves exploring on land, he also loves to explore the ocean through scuba diving, where he is a certified rescue diver and boasts close to 200 dives. 

Preethika Ratnam is a sophomore from Marvin, NC majoring in Neuroscience and is interested in Health Policy & Management. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in medicine focusing on studying rural health disparities and bridging health information gaps. At UNC, she is involved in the American Mock World Health Organization, the Office of Undergraduate Research, Honors Carolina, and Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-health honors society. She also works in Dr. Manga’s lab, studying sustainable water treatment methods. Preethika enjoys exploring coffee shops, reading, and baking blueberry lemon scones in her free time. 

Paloma is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and pursuing minors in French and Data Science. Originally from Queretaro, Mexico, she is an international student with a deep interest in U.S.-Mexico relations and immigration law, shaped by her experiences living in both countries. Paloma is actively involved in the university’s Model United Nations conference, UNCMUNC. This year, she is excited to serve as a Resident Advisor for Carolina Housing, where she is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community. She loves reading thrillers, historical fiction, and fantasy novels. In addition, she enjoys crocheting, crafting, and spending time with her cat, despite being allergic to him.

Ona is a sophomore from Montgomery County, MD majoring in public policy and economics and minoring in sustainability. Ona is passionate about service and policy regarding economic mobility and environmental justice. She is motivated by the question of how to effectively use capital, resources, and political power to improve societal outcomes. At UNC, Ona serves on the Student Advisory Board of the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, is the treasurer of Build U.P. (UNC’s urban planning club), and currently works as a research assistant with the Carolina Population Center. She enjoys spending time in nature, dancing, crocheting, and reading.

Noah Weyne is a sophomore, majoring Media and Journalism with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. He is also pursuing minors in Public Policy and Business. Originally from Wake Forest, North Carolina, Noah is an active member of the Carolina community. He serves as an Agora Fellow, Buckley Public Service Scholar, and a member of the North Carolina Study Center Hospitality Team. Additionally, he is involved in Club Golf and works as a food server at Alpha Chi Omega. Noah participates in YoungLife Student ministry and attends Risen Christ Church. Passionate about empowering others and advocating for important causes, Noah enjoys staying active outside the classroom. Whether by running, playing tennis, pickleball, golf, volleyball, or lifting, he always seeks new ways to stay engaged. 

Nik is a sophomore pursuing dual degrees in History and Data Science. They are interested in research, queer rights, and accessing the past to make history functional in a modern setting; as well as advocating for mindful media consumption. In efforts to recognize the significance of historical narratives, Nik has composed an archival exhibit centered around queer poets of color, through their work as a Stone Center Apprentice last year. They have recently obtained an opportunity to work in the Asian American Office; coordinating events to bridge the Asian American community. Additionally, they interned for a Digital Literacy Lab to incorporate evidence-based learning pedagogies, and how digital resources help enhance students’ educational experience at UNC. On campus, Nik is the social chair for UNC’s premier Chinese dance team, Flying Silk, and can typically be found studying in the Campus Y. Outside of school, Nik enjoys making comics, going to concerts, karaoke, badminton, and hanging out with their buddies! 

Neha is a sophomore from Long Island, NY, majoring in Business at UNC. She is the co-founder and president of the Alpha Kappa Psi pre-professional co-ed business fraternity, which she co-founded to provide a space for driven students to grow both personally and professionally on campus. Outside of the classroom, Neha pursues her creativity through music, mixing tracks, and DJing for various events within the communities she is involved in. Passionate about leadership and collaboration, Neha strives to build inclusive environments where everyone feels empowered to succeed.

Nadia Mokhtarzada is a sophomore from Washington D.C. She has lived outside the US in Colombia, Turkey, and Tunisia for a large part of her life but loves being a Tar Heel. She is an Economics major and a Geography and Urban Studies and Planning minor. She is passionate about economic and structural development. During the summer of 2024, she interned with USAID Tunisia and UN-Habitat Tunisia and loved learning about how international development and support agencies function and what issues Tunisia is facing. 

Sevilay is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill double majoring in biology and political science, with a focus in international relations. She is passionate about conflict resolution, minimizing the social impact of war, and women’s education. She writes for the Carolina Political Review and is a Crisis Director for UNCMUNC XV. In her free time, you can find her on the grass on Polk Place, watching the stars or clouds, writing poetry, reading, or sketching. She also enjoys running and spending time with friends and family.

Maris James is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, originally from Copley, Ohio, but now calls the RDU area her home. She is double majoring in Pre-Health Policy and Management and Public Policy, and minoring in Spanish for the Professions. Her interests revolve around the intersections between community outreach, disease prevention, and health equity. Her goal in life is to advocate for underrepresented communities by promoting inclusivity in the healthcare system, and put an end to the maternal mortality crisis. During the school year, Maris works at the Student Union, volunteers with TABLE NC, and is a Buckley Public Service Scholar. In her free time, she loves to read and write, enjoy great food with good company, and run off on silly little adventures!

Maddie Demos is a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Human Development & Family Science with a concentration in Health. Driven by her passion to foster a space where all individuals can unapologetically come as they are, Maddie aims to make a meaningful impact in the field of adolescent grief and trauma-based psychotherapy. Her commitment to supporting others is evident through her work on the hotline at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and her efforts to revitalize the Violence Prevention Services at UNC, where she focuses on advancing preventative measures to combat interpersonal sexual violence. In her role of Chair of Education for the Body Empowerment Project, Maddie develops inclusive eating disorder curriculums that represent diverse populations of all shades, shapes, and sizes. When not advocating for the safety and well-being of others, she channels her creativity and connection to movement as a dancer with the Blank Canvas Dance Company on campus. Her friends describe her as relentlessly passionate, empathetic, and dedicated, with an unwavering need for her oat milk latte.

Lucas Hahnenberg is a Sophomore from Mooresville, NC, double majoring in Economics and Peace, War, and Defense.  Lucas is involved with SafeWalk, is a puzzle editor for The Weekly Weirdo, and has played on the men’s handball team.  Seeking to foster his creative side, Lucas avidly writes fiction as well as produces a trivia game show on YouTube.  Furthermore, he enjoys baseball, foreign cinema, and travelling.  Lucas hopes to parlay his strong writing skills, dedication to service, and adventurous personality into a career within the United States intelligence community.

Kira is a sophomore from Centennial, Colorado studying Public Policy and Economics. She hopes to use her degrees to improve teacher retention in rural areas. At UNC, Kira works as a research assistant and an admissions ambassador, serves in the executive branch of student government, and teaches kids a consent curriculum through the Orange County Rape Crisis Center. She is an avid reader of memoirs, lover of hiking, and movie fanatic. 

Jordan is a sophomore from Savannah, Georgia, and is majoring in Public Health with a hyperactive focus on Environmental Health Sciences. He has had the privilege of being accepted into BSPH Assured Enrollment program at the Gillings School of Public Health. Jordan appreciates the community involvement and ability to consult with community members about how certain stimuli or events have impacted the health of our society. Jordan has a passion for dentistry where he is on a pre-dental track, hoping to become a practicing General Dentist, and help contribute to minimize health disparities across underprivileged communities. During his time so far at Carolina, he has immersed himself in various clubs/organizations tailored to his interests of public health, racial community, dental societies, and research. Outside of academics, Jordan enjoys thrifting, movies/shows, traveling, and learning volleyball. 

Jaineshaa Naheta is a sophomore from Mumbai, interested in the intersection of Business, Economics, and Computer Science. She is particularly interested in leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges. As an artist and advocate for social change, Jaineshaa is passionate about using her art to raise awareness for causes close to her heart.  In the past she has created paintings to highlight the stories of acid attack survivors and designed t-shirts for NCYCAC. On campus, Jaineshaa serves as the treasurer for UNC Chalkaa, a nationally ranked competitive Bollywood fusion dance team, and as the marketing director for Aaj Ka Dhamaka. Outside class, you can find her obsessing over Formula 1, hugging the puppies on campus, experimenting with new dance styles, finding new food spots on Franklin St or painting. She is always ready for a new adventure and has her sights set on skydiving next!

Ebenezer Amare, a sophomore from Alexandria, VA, aspires to be a physician-scientist and policymaker. Majoring in biomedical engineering and neuroscience, he combines his God-given mission to help others with a passion for problem-solving through regenerative medicine. As part of the Helping Hand Project’s Innovation Team, he develops prosthetics to support children using his problem-solving skills. Additionally, he works with organizations promoting educational equity and rehabilitation programs for justice-impacted youth, aligning his efforts with his vision of making a lasting impact on healthcare and society.

Drew Phaneuf is a sophomore from North Andover, MA, studying history, environmental studies, and Spanish. Growing up in New England, Drew has had a lifelong love for the outdoors; his childhood summers were filled with backpacking through the white mountains and tide-pooling on the rocky coast of the North Shore. His significantly older brothers, Jeff and Chris, are large sources of inspiration for him, introducing him to literature, politics, and music from a very young age. At UNC, Drew is the campaign coordinator for Sunrise UNC, an organization dedicated to bringing about climate justice, at both the national and local levels; he is also on the club rugby team. Outside of school, Drew loves to read classic novels, poetry, and philosophy, learn languages, and hike with his friends. Drew aspires to be an environmental or civil rights lawyer but in retirement would love to teach history or literature to high schoolers or serve as a trail manager in Maine or Vermont. 

Damien is a sophomore from Brooklyn, NY, majoring in Medical Anthropology and Public Policy and minoring in Arabic. He is passionate about healthcare policy reform and research in healthcare access and quality. Damien’s also passionate about literature and spent 5 years working with Brooklyn Public Library to combat censorship and provide library access across the Nation. 

Caroline Ku is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina from Charlotte, NC. As a Pre-Business major, she plans to apply to the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship. On campus, Caroline is involved in several organizations, including Consult Your Community, the Martin Luther King Student Planning Committee, and Carolina Women in Business. This past summer, Caroline studied abroad through the London School of Economics, where she studied marketing in a global context. She also volunteered at a retirement community in Charlotte after she returned home from London. In her free time, Caroline enjoys journaling, running, and practicing yoga – activities that help her stay grounded and reflective. She is passionate about serving others and hopes to continue challenging herself to learn and grow as an individual, peer, and friend within and beyond the Carolina community.

Anish is a sophomore studying astrophysics and biology. He values curiosity and loves nurturing it in others through working with young people and kids. At UNC, Anish is a Robertson Scholar, conducts astrophysics research, runs with the UNC Marathon team, and is an Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research. He is originally from Harrisonburg, VA.

Millie Curoltz (she/her) is a sophomore from outside Asheville, NC, majoring in Geoscience and Global Studies. The first major comes from a love of the outdoors and the second from a love of travel. She works summers as a camp counselor and winters as an assistant preschool teacher, and when possible she volunteers at a thrift store whose proceeds fund free lodging for families of Asheville Hospital patients. Besides spending time with family and friends, her hobbies include crafting, listening to audiobooks, jogging, and napping. She is open to the many ways her future may look, but is considering jobs with the National Park Service or a career in the State Department or Peace Corps.

Adamaris Delgado is a sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina studying pre-nursing and completing a minor in Latina/o studies. She is a marketing officer for the Carolina Cancer Association and an LSN peer listener with a Mental Health First Aid certification. Adamaris is currently working as a certified nursing assistant for CareYaya and she enjoys traveling as she took a service-based gap year through UNC’s Global Gap Year Fellowship. Adamaris is a Wood Family Scholar and completed the Career Accelerator Program through the Carolina Covenant. Her goal is to become a travel oncology nurse and to establish meaningful connections in her workplace.