Meet the Board
Ashrit Challa
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Ashrit is a senior (C’25) studying Biology and Linguistics, with a minor in Bioethics. His interests in bioethics include the decision-making processes in providing both ethical and effective patient care, as well as the bioethical decisions involved in the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities from socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental perspectives. Ashrit is aiming to be a physician in the future, and to that end is involved in translational research regarding the use of novel radio-tracers in predicting cancer drug efficacy. Outside of bioethics, Ashrit is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon (Pre-Medical professional fraternity), Penn Appétit, and Penn Hindu & Jain Association. In his free time, he loves rewatching Modern Family and baking while listening to Taylor Swift.
Avalon Hinchman
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Avalon is a senior (C ’25) from Philadelphia majoring in Medical Anthropology and minoring in Bioethics. She is interested in the intersection between bioethics and reproductive health and the nature of the physician–patient relationship, especially as it relates to providing holistic forms of care. Outside of PBJ, Avalon is a Features writer at 34th Street Magazine and involved with student education at the Penn Museum. She also does research on the process of transferring critical patients from community medical centers to large, university hospitals. In her free time, she loves to run, crochet, and spend time with friends.
Sophie Kudler
Managing Editor
Sophie is a junior (C’26) from West Hartford, CT on the pre-med track, planning to major in Biology and to minor in American Public Policy. Her passion for the intersection of science and public policy inspires her interest in bioethics. As Co-President of the Penn Epilepsy Awareness Club, she works with the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania to advocate for people with Epilepsy. Sophie also volunteers with the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project and Camp Kesem, and she leads campus tours for the Kite and Key Society! In the summers, Sophie works on Tuberous Sclerosis research at the Kwiatkowski Lab at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. Outside of school, she enjoys solving KenKen puzzles (she published a children’s instructional book in 2021), traveling throughout the US (21 states and counting!), and taking walks with friends.
Akhila Guttikonda
Managing Editor
Akhila is a junior (C’26) studying Neuroscience and Nutrition Science with a minor in Healthcare Management. She is very interested in the intersection of bioethics, health equity, and health economics/policy. Outside of PBJ, Akhila is heavily involved in the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative Student Society, Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club, and the Educational Pipeline Program. In her free time, she loves to read, hang out with friends, and explore the Philly food scene!
Iman Dorman
Managing Editor
Iman is a junior (C’26) from DC, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Bioethics and Africana Studies. She is passionate about integrating cultural and religious perspectives into clinical care and ethics, particularly with a focus on neonatal care and neuroethics. Outside of the Penn Bioethics Journal, Iman is a member of Alpha Iota Gamma (Pre-Health Professional Fraternity), serves on the Africana Undergraduate Advisory Board, and is engaged in research on placental dysfunction and maternal health. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and hiking.
Caitlyn Chen
Managing Editor
Caitlyn is a junior (C’26) studying Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Chemistry. she is interested in reproductive health and medical technology, with a focus on the ethical implications of equitable access to emerging innovations. Outside of PBJ, Caitlyn is involved with the Penn Undergraduate Chemistry Society and Penn Undergraduates for Refugee Empowerment, and works on developing diagnostic devices aimed at improving health outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering for community initiatives and figure skating.
Manav Parikh
Managing Editor
Manav is a junior (C’26) from Baltimore, Maryland majoring in Biology and Data Science. He is interested in the intersection of health policy, biotechnology, and ethics, from gene therapy technologies to clinical uses of artificial intelligence. Outside of PBJ, Manav is involved in the Shelter Health Outreach Program, Penn Raas, Penn Sargam, and is involved in research involving new community approaches to hypertension and computational methods to better understand the development of kidney disease. In his free time, he loves travelling, playing tennis, and trying new restaurants around Philly with friends.
Hannah Cho
Managing Editor
Hannah is a sophomore (C’27) from Los Angeles, California on the pre-med track, planning to major in biology and minor in Computer Science, Neuroscience & Healthcare management. Bioethics interests her because studying ethical and social aspects of science allows her to approach medicine with a more holistic mindset. Outside of PBJ, Hannah is involved with the Educational Pipeline program and researches with the USC Brain and Creativity Institute and the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative. Her hobbies include writing, calligraphy, running, and playing classic games (Tetris, minesweeper, sudoku).