Suhina Jain Chand, a UC Irvine second-year cognitive sciences and biological sciences double major, has received a Social Sciences Moore Scholarship for Community and Social Change. The $1,000 award supports students who demonstrate the most academic promise and potential to enact change and improve the community. Below, the aspiring doctor from Irvine shares her interests and future plan to combine clinical expertise with entrepreneurial leadership to create positive change in healthcare. 

What made you decide to pursue your current field of study, and specifically at UCI? What interests you most about your work?

My dual interests in cognitive sciences and biology reflect a deep passion for understanding both the brain’s complexities and the societal systems that influence health and behavior. At UCI, I’ve found the perfect environment to integrate my academic pursuits with real-world applications, particularly in fields like AI, mental health, and social good. What excites me most is the potential to bridge these disciplines through ethical innovation, addressing critical issues like mental health access, equitable technology, and culturally responsive care.

When do you plan to finish your degree and what are your plans thereafter?

I plan to graduate early in 2026 and pursue a dual M.D./M.B.A. to combine clinical expertise with entrepreneurial leadership. My vision is to lead initiatives that leverage AI and cognitive science to transform healthcare systems, improve mental health outcomes, and advocate for policies that prioritize ethics and equity. I am currently studying for the MCAT so I can potentially graduate in 3 years and start medical school right after.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment at UCI?

My most significant accomplishment at UCI has been integrating my diverse passions—AI, mental health, social good, and policy—into impactful projects and leadership roles. As the Academic Affairs Officer for the University of California Student Association (UCSA), I represent over 300,000 students across all nine UC undergraduate campuses. Chairing the UCSA Council of Academic Affairs, I have worked on initiatives that advance AI literacy or causes relevant to disability justice in the academic sphere.

My work involves collaborating directly with the UC Regents, the UC Office of the President (UCOP), and the UC Academic Senate to shape systemwide policies that empower students and improve access to education. Currently, I’m focused on two transformative projects:

AI Literacy and Transparency Advocacy: This initiative aims to integrate appropriate language around AI expectations, fair use, and academic integrity into syllabi across the UC system. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and tools to responsibly engage with AI technologies while fostering a culture of transparency and ethical use. By embedding guidelines and educational resources into General Education curricula, this project seeks to empower students to leverage AI as a tool for learning rather than a shortcut, ultimately cultivating a better quality of education.

My advocacy extends to collaborating with the UC Regents and the UC Office of the President to address concerns about the role of AI in academia and its implications for academic honesty. Through this work, I aim to prepare a generation of students to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape while ensuring equity and access to AI education for marginalized and underrepresented communities. This advocacy has the potential to position the UC system as a leader in responsible AI integration within higher education.

Incomplete Grade Policy Reform: This project addresses a critical gap in equity by advocating for systemic reforms to the current Incomplete Grade policies across the UC system. Students who face barriers such as caregiving responsibilities, socioeconomic challenges, mental health struggles, or systemic discrimination often rely on the option of taking an Incomplete to navigate life’s unexpected difficulties. However, inconsistent and rigid policies around how Incompletes are granted, extended, or completed disproportionately disadvantage marginalized and underrepresented students.

By working with the UC Academic Senate and UCOP, I am championing reforms that provide clearer, more flexible guidelines for granting and resolving Incompletes. The proposed changes include:

• Standardizing procedures to ensure consistency across campuses.
• Increasing transparency so students are fully aware of their rights and options.
• Advocating for longer timeframes and more flexibility to accommodate those facing systemic inequities.

This reform not only addresses immediate student needs but also aligns with broader efforts to create a more equitable academic environment. The policy changes I’m advocating for have the potential to remove a significant barrier to academic success for vulnerable populations, ensuring that all students have a fair chance to succeed.

As a first-year student, I was also appointed as ASUCI’s first-ever Deputy Accountability Officer, a role I created to ensure that student funds were allocated responsibly and transparently. This position gave me the opportunity to work closely with campus leadership to streamline processes and maintain trust between the student body and its representatives.

I am also the founder of IcLucy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which advocates for youth causes. IcLucy has grown to include chapters in London and Brazil, with over 250 volunteers working on initiatives ranging from obesity awareness campaigns in Kuwait to food drives in the U.S.

Equally impactful and related to IcLucy has been my leadership in founding The Blues Program, where I secured $750,000 in start-up collaborative funding between IcLucy and a medical psychiatry corporation to expand adolescent mental health access in underserved communities across California. I currently serve as the Youth and Outreach Director, helping to chair the Youth Advisory Board and overseeing that services are responsive to youth needs. Through this, I’ve combined my experience in advocacy, grant writing, and program development to create lasting community impact. This is something I actively continue to pursue in the form of new opportunities to serve a similar purpose with the public and state.

I also served as a Youth Advisor to allcove Irvine for 3 years, helping shape its mission to provide free mental health and wellness services for youth ages 12-25. As part of this role, I’ve represented UCI’s allcove team at central meetings with Stanford’s allcove and mentored new advisors.

As a current UCI School of Social Sciences (SSARC) Student Ambassador for Faculty and Alumni Relations, I serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and alumni, fostering meaningful relationships to enhance the academic and professional experiences within the school. In this role, I provide strategic support to both prospective and current students, assisting with outreach efforts, campus tours, and high-profile school events. Beyond these responsibilities, I actively promote SSARC’s resources and programs to elevate student engagement and connect students with influential alumni networks. My work ensures that Social Sciences students feel supported and empowered to maximize their time at UCI.

What type of research activities are you involved in as an undergrad?

At the Yassa Lab, I investigate how degeneration of the locus coeruleus (LC), a key brainstem structure involved in memory and attention, contributes to preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). My research focuses on how LC dysfunction interacts with tau and amyloid-beta pathology to drive neurodegeneration in memory-critical regions like the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, including LC-MRI and tau-PET, we aim to identify early biomarkers that could improve the detection and treatment of AD. Our study also examines the impact of demographic factors, such as sex and ethnicity, and genetic predispositions like the APOE-ε4 allele on LC integrity and disease progression. These findings have the potential to inform targeted interventions and expand our understanding of the earliest changes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, I co-lead a chemistry education project piloting virtual interventions to enhance student learning outcomes, showcasing my commitment to interdisciplinary solutions that address critical challenges in health and education. We are obtaining a IRB for this project as well.

This year, I have received 2 UROP grants for the above projects, along with a single UROP grant last year for the LC project. Additionally, I am pursuing Excellence in Research (a senior thesis project as a 2nd year) for the LC project as well.

Who has played an important mentorship role in your life thus far and why? Specifically at UCI?

My mom has been the most significant mentor in my life, shaping my character, resilience, and values. She has taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and staying grounded, even during challenging times. Her unwavering support and belief in my potential have been a constant source of motivation, inspiring me to pursue ambitious goals while staying true to myself.

At UCI, Angel Salazar from SSARC has been instrumental in helping me develop as a leader. Through his mentorship, I’ve learned to balance assertiveness with empathy, refine my communication skills, and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. His encouragement has been pivotal in fostering my confidence and character.

Additionally, Dr. Michael Yassa, the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion for the School of Biological Sciences, has set an incredible example of balancing leadership, mentorship, and groundbreaking research. His guidance has taught me not only the technical aspects of research but also the importance of managing complex responsibilities with grace and purpose.

Together, these mentors have shaped who I am and continue to guide me toward the person I aspire to be.

Are there any unique circumstances or life experiences that have played a major role in where and who you are today? What challenges or hurdles have you faced in getting to where you are today?

A defining experience in my life was co-founding The Blues Program to address the mental health crisis in underserved communities. Navigating the complexities of securing funding, forming partnerships, and scaling impact taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community-centered solutions. Balancing these responsibilities with my academic pursuits has been challenging, but it has also solidified my commitment to using my education and leadership to drive meaningful change. These experiences have shaped me into someone who thrives under pressure and is deeply motivated by a sense of purpose.

Where can you most often be found on campus?

You’ll often find me in the Biological Sciences III area or near the Social Sciences Plaza, where I’m either in a lab or mentoring students as an SSARC Ambassador. I also enjoy taking walks through Aldrich Park, using the peaceful environment to recharge and reflect.

What’s your best memory thus far from your undergraduate experience at UCI?

One of my favorite memories actually predates my time as a UCI student. Back in 2019, as a freshman in high school, I volunteered at a cancer awareness marathon hosted on campus, handing out water cups to runners. The college students who were also volunteering were so welcoming and kind that I felt an immediate sense of belonging. It was at that moment, surrounded by UCI’s vibrant community and the energy of the event, that I knew this was where I wanted to be. Now, every time I walk around campus, I’m reminded of that day and how UCI has truly become my home!

Any other interesting tidbits you would like to share?

I was proud to play varsity tennis starting as a freshman in high school, a role that taught me discipline and teamwork. Outside of academics, I have a fascination with researching AI and its potential applications, often exploring new developments in the field just for fun. I also have an adventurous side when it comes to ice cream. I’ve tried (and loved) unique flavors like olive oil, pear and blue cheese, and guava with spice. It’s always exciting to find creativity in unexpected places.