Our Team - PHRC

Our 2025-2026 Team

This initiative would not have been possible without the dedication of students, faculty, and mentors across the world. Here are the individuals who are spearheading this effort globally.

Co-Directors

James is a recently qualified doctor with a passion for planetary health. He is currently participating in the specialised foundation program at East Kent Universities Hospitals Trust. With three years of experience as a member of the PHRC leadership team, James is eager to take on the challenging role of Director of Operations. As the PHRC enters an exciting new chapter as a non-profit organisation, he is excited to be a part of its continued success.

Arya is a final year medical student at the University of Manchester in the UK and looks forward to training in general surgery. She began working in climate activism in high school as a youth co-petitioner on CO2 emissions legislation in North Carolina alongside Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, and Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE). She also works with the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE, Columbia University) and Planetary Health Alliance (PHA, Johns Hopkins University).

At PHRC, Arya has served as Manchester school lead and Regional Lead for New Countries, working to include planetary health and sustainability in medical curricula. As Medicine Co-Director, she looks forward to growing the PHRC community to effect tangible change in health professional schools around the world. In her free time, Arya enjoys playing on the Manchester Women’s Medics football team, swimming, running, and spending time with her family and friends.

Emily is a final year medical student at the University of Notre Dame Australia, set to begin her role as a junior doctor at Alfred Health in 2025. She has worked with multiple climate and health organisations, including Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) Global Health and Code Green chapters, and the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC), where she previously served as Australia & New Zealand Regional Lead. As the Interdisciplinary Co-Director, Emily is committed to expanding the PHRC to as many health disciplines as possible, aiming to enhance the integration of planetary health knowledge into health professional education and global health systems.

Assistant Directors

Aaron is a second-year medical student at The University of Melbourne with a longstanding passion for environmental issues, especially as they relate to human and global health. He previously held the role of Communications Co-Chair at the PHRC from 2024-2025. He holds concurrent positions within the University of Melbourne Medical Students’ Society (UMMSS), the Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA), the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA). Outside of medicine and the PHRC, he loves to travel the world and attend concerts and musicals.

Eduardo is a fourth year Medical Student at the University of Minho and a professional facilitator, and he has been working with sustainability and other public health issues since his first year of Medical School. With a deep passion for Global Health and International cooperation, the chronic lack of environmental awareness in the medical curriculum inspired him to be a part of the team. In his free time, he enjoys dancing, reading and playing the guitar.

Monisha Chinthala is a graduate from V. S. Dental College & Hospital, currently practising as a general dentist in Bengaluru, India. Previously, she has served as the Dentistry PHRC Co-Lead for 3 years since its inception, contributing to the pilot and further efforts. Monisha is passionate about the representation of the dental fraternity in the climate movement and was part of the founding team as the first Student-Lead for the Planetary Health Student Club at her alma mater.

Operations Team

I’m a 4th-year medical student at UDUS, passionate about public health, research and digital health. I serve as Regional Director (Nigeria) for GYIC, Communications Co-lead at PHRC, Community Ambassador to NMHR and Co-founder of Ayukka Impact Initiative. I’m also a CPD-certified learner and volunteer in health outreach. I seek mentorship and collaboration to advance healthcare, education and global impact.

As a master’s Physiotherapy student at Keele University, in the UK, I have previously published under the PHRC and now run it on behalf of my school. With experience as a repeated student voice representative, interdisciplinary mentor, in running clinical trials; leadership positions and multiple continuing professional development opportunities. I’m a keen advocate for sustainability and the preservation of our planet, as I want to support healthcare workers in understanding their role. Outside of this, however, I enjoy silversmithing, attending concerts, and travelling with my friends.

My name is Laiyba Wasim, and I am a third-year medical student at the University of Buckingham. I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology and history from the University of Toronto and am serving as the University of Buckingham’s Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) lead for the second time. I am interested in planetary health and its relevance to medicine, particularly the interconnected wellbeing of people and the planet, and I look forward to contributing this year as a Communications Co-Lead for PHRC.

Jessica is a medical student at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She is especially interested in the role of healthcare workers in addressing climate change. One of her goals is to take every major public transit system in the United States.

Malachi is a final-year medical student at Lancaster Medical School in the United Kingdom having previously on its PHRC contributing team for the past three years. He is especially interested in the relationship between neglected tropical diseases and climate change as well as geostatistical modelling and medical education. He is particularly fond of world history and geography, baking, and music.

Shivam Singhal is a third-year medical student at the University of Oxford. He has served as the Oxford lead for the Planetary Health Report Card, and is passionate about advocating for planetary health within medical education. In his spare time, he enjoys squash, music, and reading.

Emma Willcocks is a third year medical student at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Arizona and she has a Masters in Environmental Health. Her particular interests lie in air pollution, natural disasters, and reproductive health. In her free time, she enjoys lawn mowing, eating macaroni and cheese, and playing GeoGuessr.

Interdisciplinary Team

Ramyashree Rao earned her dental degree from Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and is a practicing dentist from Bengaluru, India. She is passionate about emphasizing the critical role of sustainable oral healthcare practices in climate change and biodiversity preservation. She headed the Planetary Health Student Club in its second year at her graduating institution. Apart from dentistry, her interests lie in art and fashion.

Ashley Smith is a public health nurse, educator, and advocate advancing climate and health equity through nursing leadership. She is completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, specializing in Population Health. As co-founder of a nonprofit focused on grassroots empowerment and coalition-building, Ashley partners with local governments, schools, and justice-focused groups to strengthen community resilience. Her teaching and advocacy center nurses as leaders of transformative change in a climate-challenged world.

I am a final-year pharmacy student at Istanbul University where I gained international experience through fellowships, research visits, and leadership roles. I have a passion for introducing and enhancing innovations in the environments I engage with. Protecting biodiversity, raising awareness for rare diseases, and improving the healthcare system in disasters and emergencies are my three fundamental goals for creating a positive impact globally. I find joy in optimizing what’s already in place, driving continuous growth and innovation.

As a current MSc Physiotherapy student at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), I bring a different perspective to the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC) team. With two decades of experience as a Physical Education teacher, I’ve long been passionate about health and wellbeing. However, it was during a research internship at ARU that I discovered the PHRC and its crucial mission.

Josie is a third-year Physiotherapy student at the University of Southampton. Throughout her education, she has been passionate about planetary health, previously volunteering for Teach The Future and engaging in local sustainability projects. Josie has a strong interest in the interrelation between human and environmental health. She is excited to be taking on the role of UK Physiotherapy Lead to support the integration of planetary health education into Physiotherapy courses.

Catherine is a UK based children’s occupational therapist (OT). As a student she became interested in planetary health through work with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Following this she designed and piloted the OT PHRC and has since supported other OT students to explore the topic of sustainable healthcare through the PHRC.

I am a recent Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate at Monash University in Australia, with a strong passion for advancing the nutrition and dietetics profession through research and advocacy. During my studies, I contributed to the development of the first Planetary Health Report Card metrics for the nutrition and dietetics discipline. I am excited to see this initiative expand and be adopted by schools beyond Australia. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting and baking!

Sydney is a Master of Health Systems Management candidate at Rush University in Chicago with a background and bachelor’s degree in environmental policy and sustainability management from Loyola University Chicago. She has a longstanding passion for environmental sustainability and is committed to integrating climate resilience and health equity into healthcare leadership and operations. At Rush, Sydney works with the Office of Environmental Sustainability to support hospital-wide sustainability initiatives. She has contributed to projects focusing on emissions reductions, sustainable procurement, and climate-preparedness for patients and healthcare workers. The Planetary Health Report Card pilot initiative for healthcare management allowed her to blend her unique background and passion to help embed planetary health principles into graduate-level healthcare administration education.

Youstina is a recently graduated veterinarian from the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada. She is passionate about improving the health of animals, the people who care for them, and the planet we all share. As a student, she has lead initiatives related to laboratory sustainability, waste reduction, and participated in adapting and piloting the inaugural veterinary PHRC. As the veterinary medicine lead, Youstina is looking forward to expanding the impact of the PHRC within the veterinary profession.

Medicine Regional Leadership

Talia Raman is a 1st year postgraduate medical student and a recent pharmacy graduate from Monash University Australia. Talia has always had a passion for sustainability, leadership, research and education. She has been involved in several Council led youth sustainability leader programs and was involved in writing the planetary health report card for Monash Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2023. Talia was also a select member of a unique co-design team at Monash University where she worked in a team to implement planetary health course material into the third year pharmacy curriculum. This team is currently producing a research publication which will be presented at conferences in the upcoming year. Talia has been the New Countries Lead for Medicine since 2024.

Fiona is a 3rd year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine in New Brunswick, Canada.

Hey there! I’m a third-year medical student at the University of Toronto (Class of 2027). I first got involved with the PHRC as the Student Lead at my university, an experience that motivated me to join the Leadership Team to help strengthen planetary health education across Canada. I’m excited to support and connect students nationwide while raising awareness of planetary health curricula in our medical education system. A bonus is getting to collaborate with incredible folks across the world through the Leadership Team!

Prasoon Pattanaik is a medical student at SCB Medical College, balancing his journey in healthcare with his passion for planetary health. For over four years, he has been actively involved with the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC), championing sustainable practices in medical education and health systems. While on track to becoming a doctor, Prasoon dreams of bridging medicine with eco-conscious living—imagining a future where healing the body also means healing the planet. Outside the hospital, he can often be found behind a camera, nurturing his ever-growing indoor jungle, or trekking through the mountains. With a commitment to caring for both people and the environment, Prasoon hopes to make a difference—one patient and one plant at a time.

Sebastian (Sasha) Sorger Brock is a final-year medical student at University College Cork. While this is his first year as Regional Lead, he has served as a University Lead with the PHRC for the past three years. His interests include Emergency Medicine and sustainable healthcare, with a particular focus on educating future healthcare professionals on caring for patients affected by our changing climate. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, playing music, and learning languages.

Yuen Qi is a fourth-year Medical Student studying in Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. She is fascinated about the intersection between planetary health and medicine and hopes to raise awareness on this matter locally in Malaysia. In her spare time, she loves reading and kickboxing.

A 4th year medical student and emerging researcher with interests in infectious disease epidemiology, global health policy and public health interventions. He has research experience spanning community health, molecular biology and scientific publishing, with skills in data analysis, bioinformatics and scientific writing. Passionate about advancing One Health and planetary health approaches, he is committed to impactful research and youth advocacy.

Emmanuel Benyeogor is a Nigerian epidemiologist and 2024 Global Outreach Fellow at the Planetary Health Alliance. He is a doctoral candidate at Nagasaki University, and brings a wealth of experience in public health, planetary health, and nature-based solutions. Emmanuel has led initiatives at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, established a network of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, and supported global health organizations. With a focus on leveraging the LEAP approach in healthcare delivery and fostering inclusivity, he aims to drive sustainable development and address health disparities in Nigeria and beyond.

Bertrand is a third-year medical student who is an optimistic and idealistic visionary. He is a dedicated learner who seeks growth in every moment. He aspires to be a Physician, Research Scientist, Global Health, and One Health Revolutionary.

At PHRC, he aspires to use his One Health skillset to bring about positive change in individuals and communities, both locally and globally through fostering planetary health.

Egide Ishimwe is a second-year medical student pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Butaro, Rwanda. Guided by UGHE’s mission to reimagine health education for equity, Egide grounds his work in community engagement and a One Health mindset, recognizing that human health, biodiversity, and social justice are inseparable.

His leadership spans youth empowerment, peacebuilding, Red Cross service, and the MINUZA academic empowerment initiative, where he fosters resilience and advocacy among young learners. As a former Bridge2Rwanda Scholar and award-winning project innovator, Egide blends lived experience with professional training to advance equity-driven solutions.

Through the Planetary Health Report Card, he aims to catalyze actionable change across curriculum, research, outreach, student support, and campus sustainability—translating evidence into meaningful improvements for learners, while modeling justice-centered, planetary health leadership for East Africa and beyond.

Lauren Pinder is a third-year medical student at the University of Cape Town. She is passionate about the intersection of planetary health and human health and how this disproportionately affects those who had little to do causing the climate crisis, thereby focusing on climate equity. Outside of medicine, she plays basketball, and violin and piano, and loves spending time outdoors, exploring nature.

Anja Jost is a fourth year medical student at the University of Bern, Switzerland. As an active member of Health for Future Switzerland Anja advocates for Planetary Health inside and outside the University. She has filled the role of co-regional lead Switzerland for the third year. Anja hopes to not only convince her grandparents of the link between health and climate change, but as many people as possible.

Armelle Martinez is a second-year medical student at ETH Zürich. She developed a keen interest in sustainable healthcare during her first year, wondering how an institution as sustainability-driven as ETH could still fail to integrate it into its medical curriculum. Beyond medicine, she feels at home among books, on the ballroom floor, and in the lost worlds of Baroque music and dusty old films.

Ömer Faruk Sülüker is a medical student at Acıbadem University in Turkiye. He first joined the team as a School Lead and now continues to contribute as the Regional Lead for Turkiye. He’s especially passionate about making medicine more sustainable and meaningful for future generations.When he’s not busy with medical studies or volunteering, you’ll probably find him walking, reading, or simply exploring something new — always curious, always learning.

Priya Pardasani is a final-year MBBS student at Gulf Medical University, UAE, and an academic achiever with a strong interest in pursuing residency training. She has gained broad clinical experience across multicultural settings, including rotations at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai, and King’s College Hospital London Dubai, where she trained in inpatient, outpatient, ICU, and emergency care.

Passionate about planetary health and sustainability in medicine, Priya has served as Regional Lead for PHRC since 2024, working to integrate climate and sustainability education into medical curricula and contributing to global initiatives that link health and environmental advocacy. She has attended international sustainability conferences, led healthcare-focused community engagement events, volunteered on environmental projects, and spoken on waste management. She is also active in research, with publications in F1000 and PLOS ONE, including award-winning work on anemia in adults in the UAE. Outside academics, Priya enjoys dance, guitar, painting, reading, and music.

5th year MBBS student at Gulf Medical University.

I am a final year graduate entry medical student at Warwick Medical School, which is part of the University of Warwick in the UK. Before studying Medicine I completed a degree in Psychology, worked in psychological and medical research for some time, and then worked as a Health Care Assistant in the NHS. I am interested in sustainable healthcare and education, and am particulary interested in how we can use preventative healthcare to meet our sustainability goals. Outside of my studies I love films, creating and enjoying art, and being in nature!

Aghna Wasim is a third-year medical student at Keele University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She wants to train as a clinician scientist and is particularly interested in cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery and transplantation. Aghna is also incredibly passionate about planetary and public health and its inclusion in the medical curriculum. She excited to be part of PHRC for the second year and is eager to take on her role as the regional co-lead for the UK.

Divya Natesan is a student at the University of Pittsburgh currently on a research year between M2 and M3. She is passionate about sustainability and eliminating health disparities associated with the environment. She enjoys rock climbing, treasure hunting, and being outdoors!

Chelsea is a fourth year medical student at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond Virginia. She is passionate about the intersection between planetary and human health and is excited to serve in the role of US Southeastern co-lead for a third consecutive year! In her free time, she loves running and hiking as well as trying new recipes.

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Laura Budvytyte is a fourth year medical student at Mayo Clinic Arizona. This is her third year as part of the Planetary Health Report Card. She is involved in sustainability in medicine as well as ocean conservation through marine mammal rehabilitation. She is always seen with a cup of coffee and a deck of cards.

Hope Beyer is a second-year medical student at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Her passion for planetary health was sparked as a biochemist, after using one too many plastic pipette tips. This experience led her to become a sustainable healthcare advocate within the UK’s NHS. Her interests are now focused on advocating for planetary health curriculum and reducing the climate impact of the healthcare system to improve the health of patients, peers, and the planet. When she’s not studying, you can find her hiking, traveling, or practicing yoga.

Harshitha Lingegowda is a physician and current Master of Science candidate in Environmental Health & Engineering at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With experience spanning clinical medicine, community health, and sustainability-focused research, she is committed to bridging the gap between emergency care and planetary health. Harshitha has led vaccination campaigns for people in India, conducted oncology and environmental research, and held leadership roles in health advocacy. Her long-term goals include pursuing an Emergency Medicine residency and a PhD in Planetary Health, advancing resilient systems that link clinical practice to climate and food system solutions.

Our 2025-2026 Team

Co-Directors

James Lee

Arya Pontula

Emily Coady

Assistant Directors

Aaron Avenido

Eduardo Cachetas Mirra da Silva

Monisha Chinthala

Operations Team

Gbadamosi Abdullahi Faruq

Hollie Sheehan

Laiyba Wasim

Jessica Mo

Chezko Malachi Castro

Shivam Singhal

Emma Willcocks

Bethany Lee

Interdisciplinary Team

Ramyashree Rao

Maria Flash

Ashley Smith

Sümeyye Eylül Yılmaz

Tom Chapman

Josie Farrar

Catherine Potter

Sarah Kim

Sydney Schultz

Youstina Makhlouf

Medicine Regional Leadership

Talia Raman

Tomas Michael Bobrowski

Fiona Conway

Namra Desai

Prasoon Pattanaik

Sebastian (Sasha) Sorger Brock

Yuen Qi

Abdulhakeem Abdulsalam Oladipupo

Emmanuel Benyeogor

Goncalo Furtado Tedeu

Bertrand Dushimumuremyi

Egide Ishimwe

Aya Yokwe

Lauren Pinder

Anja Jost

Armelle Martinez​

Ömer Faruk Sülüker

Priya Pardasani

Mohammed Fozi Dakilah

Suzi Laws

Aghna Wasim

Divya Natesan

Jessica Campanile

Chelsea Levi

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Laura Budvytyte

Hope Beyer

Harshitha Lingegowda

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Armelle Martinez

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