CAMPUS LEADS

Gabriela Masnica

University of Illinois at urbana champaign 

Gabriela Masnica is a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she majors in Molecular and Cellular Biology with minors in Public Health and Business. She is currently on the pre-medical track, preparing for a future in healthcare.

In 2024, Gabriela joined the GH Foundation and launched a campus chapter at UIUC. Driven by a passion for raising awareness about gastrointestinal health, she actively engages her peers in meaningful conversations and educational outreach.

Gabriela’s personal connection to the foundation, through her sister’s involvement, has further fueled her passion for advocating for gastro health in her community. Gabriela’s goal is to inspire fellow students on campus and make a meaningful difference in their lives by encouraging them to join her in her advocacy for gastro health.

Hannah Fergus

Northwestern University

Hannah Fergus is a student at Northwestern University, where she majors in Psychology and Spanish, with an English minor. Hannah plans to attend law school and become a medical malpractice attorney. Hannah brings a unique blend of academic interests and a passion for justice to the GH Foundation.

Inspired by her Crohn’s disease diagnosis at 15, Hannah joined GH on Campus as a freshman to empower students with chronic illnesses to speak openly, reduce stigma, and build community support.

On campus, Hannah promotes gut health education, raising awareness of gastrointestinal conditions, and encourages healthy practices. She creates spaces for students to learn and discuss gut health openly.

Hannah’s goal is to inspire peers to take charge of their health, foster empathy, and build a compassionate, informed community.

Nandini Jagarlamudi

University of California, Davis

Nandini Jagarlamudi is a student at the University of California, Davis, majoring in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a minor in Nutrition Science. On the pre-health track, she is preparing for a future in healthcare with a vision to bridge the gap between nutrition and medicine, promoting a holistic approach to wellness.

Motivated by a deep passion for gut health awareness, Nandini noticed that many individuals suffer from digestive issues without understanding how to manage them. In response, she co-founded Gut Gurus at UC Davis with fellow student Sahana Mohan. The club serves as an educational platform where students explore gut health through evidence-based science.

Beyond education, Gut Gurus takes action by providing nutritious meals to local homeless shelters, empowering both students and community members to take charge of their digestive health and overall well-being.

Harika Parimi & Olivia Norville

University of Washington

Harika and Olivia are co-presidents of Gut Gurus at the University of Washington, a student-led initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of gut health. Their passion for digestive wellness inspired them to launch Gut Gurus as a way to foster community, curiosity, and conversation around food and fermentation.

Through interactive programming, including Zoom fermentation workshops, kombucha miles, and volunteer efforts at the campus food bank, they aim to make gut health approachable and fun. By blending education with hands-on experiences, Harika and Olivia are building a vibrant space where students can explore new recipes, share stories, and support one another in their wellness journeys.

Their mission is to empower peers to take charge of their digestive health while cultivating a culture of openness, experimentation, and care.

Rayna Xiao

Emory University

Rayna Xiao is passionate about bridging the gap between digestive health awareness and student wellness. Her interest in gastro health stems from personal experiences as a patient and clinical exposure as a medical assistant intern, where she witnessed firsthand the discomfort many young people feel discussing GI issues. A close friend’s delayed care due to embarrassment, which led to an IBD diagnosis, further fueled her commitment to advocacy.

At Emory, Rayna is founding a Gastro Health Club to create a safe and educational space for students to learn, share, and normalize conversations about digestive health. Through panels and peer engagement, she aims to empower students to seek timely care and foster a culture of openness and support.