The College of Sciences is pleased to announce the newest members of its Young Alumni Board (CoSYAB). Launched in fall 2024, CoSYAB is a volunteer leadership group that partners with the College’s External Advisory Board and Friends of the Sciences to strengthen connections within its community and support its strategic plan.
“Our Advisory Boards enter 2026 with a refreshed and energized membership, bringing renewed focus, broader perspectives, and strengthened commitment to advancing our strategic priorities,” says Leslie Roberts, director of Alumni Relations for the College of Sciences.
The board is composed of alumni who obtained an undergraduate degree from the College within the past two decades or a master’s or Ph.D. degree within the past decade. In addition to participating in regular meetings, members are expected to contribute annually to the Dean’s Excellence Fund, which provides direct support to where it is most needed across the College's six schools.
In 2025, the inaugural CoSYAB members engaged directly with students at numerous College of Sciences events. They shared industry insights and professional guidance during the College’s students-alumni leadership dinner, career education panel discussions, and “Making Science Accessible” event, which was organized by the Center for Programs to Increase Engagement in the Sciences. At the latter, board members provided feedback to graduate students testing new ways of presenting their research to general audiences.
In the new year, CoSYAB will continue to build on these efforts to “support students, faculty, and programs in meaningful and impactful ways,” adds Roberts.
The 2026 board brings together alumni with a broad range of academic backgrounds and professional perspectives, united by a shared commitment to supporting the College of Sciences and strengthening student-alumni connections.
Riana Burney (Biochemistry 2015) is excited to continue in the role of board chair and work alongside members who are equally committed to mentorship, engagement, and service.
“Collaborating with passionate College of Sciences alumni to build a foundation that directly supports student engagement and strengthens alumni connections reaffirmed how meaningful it is to stay involved with the College beyond graduation,” she says.
Returning member Kristel Topping (Ph.D. Applied Physiology 2021) expresses similar enthusiasm for continuing the board’s efforts to build meaningful connections and partnerships across Atlanta and Georgia.
“I am thrilled to return as a board member because of its impactful initiatives and tremendous potential to benefit the broader community,” she shares.
Jalen Borne (Chemistry 2022, M.S. Materials Science and Engineering 2024) is among the nine new board members bringing fresh ideas and a commitment to serving the College of Sciences community. As a member, Borne is most looking forward to supporting professional development and mentorship initiatives for both current students and young alumni.
“I'm excited to join CoSYAB because some of my greatest experiences came from the College of Sciences, and I want to use what I've learned to benefit as many future scientists as possible,” he says.
Likewise, Edward Freeman (Biology 2021), who also joins the board this year, views his involvement in student and alumni programming as an opportunity to give back.
“The College of Sciences gave me the foundation and skills that made my transition into graduate school and the biotech industry possible,” he explains. “I want to pay that forward by sharing what I've learned with the next generation.”
2026 College of Sciences Young Alumni Board
Sathya “Sat” Balachander, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Biology 2018
Jalen Borne*
B.S. Chemistry 2022; M.S. Materials Science and Engineering 2024
Katherine Bridges*
B.S. Mathematics 2025
Riana Burney
B.S. Biochemistry 2015
Asheley Chapman, Ph.D.*
Ph.D. Biochemistry 2021
Stephen Crooke, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Chemistry 2018
Ralph Cullen
B.S. Psychology 2008; M.S. Psychology 2011
Morgan Foreman, Ph.D.*
B.S. Psychology 2017
Edward Freeman*
B.S. Biology 2021
Alison Graab
B.S. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 2008
Claire Haskell*
B.S. Mathematics 2025
Austin Hope
B.S. Psychology 2014
Evelyn Ligon, Ph.D.*
Ph.D. Chemistry 2019
Hannah Liu
M.S. Bioinformatics 2017
Anita Mohammad
B.S. Psychology 2012
Piper Rackley
B.S. Biology 2022; M.S. Biology 2023
Anne Marie Sweeney-Jones, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Chemistry 2020
Kristel Topping, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Applied Physiology 2021
Yusuf Uddin, Ph.D.
B.S. Biology 2012; Ph.D. Biology 2018
Chiamaka Ukachukwu*
B.S. Biochemistry 2013
Megen Wittling
B.S. Biology 2018
Ashley Zuniga
B.S. Biochemistry 2014
*new member
Related Media
During a 2025 “Making Science Accessible” event, CoSYAB members provided feedback to graduate students testing new ways of presenting their research to the public.
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Writer: Lindsay C. Vidal
