meet the team

All Boston University students (undergraduate, graduate, part-time, full-time) are eligible for membership. In accordance with University policies, there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, political views, sexual orientation, nationality, handicap, sex, etc. Members are required to attend all general member meetings and participate in at least one relief event each semester. The official roster of the student group will be monitored and updated by the vice-president of internal and external relations.

team members

Jeff Valisno

As the President and Founder of DIRE, he oversees every point of operation, conducts meetings, and maintains a friendly and social environment for the board. He studies Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and has a deep passion for learning Spanish. When he is not working in the laboratory, he works as the Immigrant Health Committee Intern at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless. In his free time, he likes to read books, watch anime, and listen to music.

Serene Bahi

Serene is a sophomore studying Neurobiology and minoring in Spanish. She currently works as Vice President of Internal and External Relations to form relationships among students in the club and between the club and outside partner organizations. When she’s not studying, she volunteers at Boston Children’s Hospital, spends time with her fantastic friends (including everyone you read about here), binge watches TV, and avoids exercising.

Sydney Badger

Sydney is a junior double-majoring in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Psychology. As the Vice President of International Relief, she acts as a liaison between foreign relief organizations and DIRE. During spring break of March 2017, she volunteered on a public health project in Uganda and this spring break, she will be working with immigrants and refugees through an organization in Phoenix, Arizona. She is also an avid reader (2018 year goal is 150 books!) and loves to dogsit, bake, and eat Nud Pob :)

Savina Lin

Savina is a junior studying Biology and minoring in Human Physiology. As the Vice President of Local Relief, she is involved in reaching out to local organizations and institutions to provide relief. Buy her french fries and she will love you forever.

Emily Blaum

Emily is a second year student studying Biology with a specialization in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics. As chair of External relations she works to form relationships with peripheral organizations and clubs to expand our humanitarian reach. When she is not in class or working in the lab, Emily enjoys playing the oboe in the Boston University All-Campus Orchestra, listening to music, doing yoga, and baking.

Audrey Wack

Audrey is currently a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Visual Arts and Chemistry. As Chair of Internal Relations she works to form relationships between students in the club to encourage teamwork through group activities. In her free time she enjoys running, painting, and reading.

Michelle Pan

Michelle is currently a first year student studying Biology with a concentration in Cell, Molecular, and Genetics as well as Spanish. She is the treasurer of DIRE and is in charge of requesting/soliciting funds from SAO, keeping track of the organization’s spendings, and coming up with ideas to earn funding. In her free time, she enjoys watching Netflix and finding new restaurants to visit. Additionally, she tries to go to the gym once a week.

Elizabeth Zhao

Elizabeth is currently a first year student studying Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Spanish. As DIRE’s secretary, she oversees meeting minutes and ensures effective communication between members. Elizabeth is a proud New Yorker, crazy dog lady, runner and occasional foul mouth.

Ru Huang

A first year student studying Biomedical Engineering. As the Publicity Head of DIRE, she manages the club website and social media accounts. When she’s not busy obsessing over The Voice, she is probably frantically looking for her ID. She learned programming off of the back of a flyer and making this website.

Eric Sung

A first year student studying ~~Mechanical Engineering~~ Medical Sciences. He works alongside Ru to refine DIRE’S public image. Ask him what season it is, you’re in for a surprise.

Eugene Chong

Eugene is a first-year student studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As the Fundraising Chair of DIRE, he organizes and runs fundraising events for the club. He alternates between practicing the piano, playing computer games, napping, and staying up late with friends in his leisure time.