Meet The Team
We are an undergraduate organization at Duke that is dedicated to improving and expanding the experience of high school students in Science Olympiad. Our activities include volunteering at local Science Olympiad competitions and organizing a high school invitational. 2026 will be our eighth year holding the tournament!
Co-President
Sahil Patel
Major: Math and Computer Science
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Fun Fact:
My favorite events are Codebusters and Chem Lab!
Co-President
Cooper Ruffing
Major: Statistical Sciences
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Fun Facts:
I competed at DUSO in high school!
I don’t drink caffeine.
I’m an EMT.
Treasurer
Alex Ivan
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Fun fact:
My favorite events are Designer Genes and Experimental Design!
Treasurer
Sarah Munjed
Major: Neuroscience
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Fun facts:
1) I spent last summer at the Duke Marine Lab.
2) My favorite song is Private by The Neighbourhood.
3) I like going to concerts, fishing, and trying out new coffee shops.
Logistics
Shivam Jain
Major: Biophysics and Chemistry
Fun fact:
My favorite events are Experimental Design and Remote Sensing!
Logistics
Tiffany Chen
Major: Evolutionary Anthropology and Biology
Fun fact:
I have a photo published in NYT.
I've studied abroad in Europe for two months.
I’m a master at elevating instant ramen
Media and Outreach
Eeman Dayala
Major: Biology + Linguistics
Fun facts:
I speak 7 languages!
My favorite band is Lake Street Drive.
I bake constantly.
Event Chair
Matthew Xie
Major: Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science
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Fun fact:
My favorite events is Chem Lab.
I enjoy building and collecting Lego sets.
I've lived in Hawaii for over 4 years.
Media and Outreach
Nadia Shezad
Major: Biology
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Fun fact:
My favorite events are Disease Detectives and Write-It, Do-It.
Life Sciences Lead
Josh Goozman
Major: Environmental Sciences and Earth and Climate Sciences
Fun fact:
- favorite events are forestry and ecology
- I love doing crosswords and puzzles
- I have a goldendoodle named Jasper
Earth Sciences Lead
Ronit Kapur
Major: Physics and Computer Science
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Fun facts:
1. I've climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro
2. I've met Bill Nye
3. I photograph galaxies
Physics and Chem Lead
Joel Valan
Majors: Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry
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Fun facts:
I have been a blue devil for 8 years (my high school mascot was blue devil)
I am a foodie and like cooking Indian food
I have ranked, on a scale of 1-10, every single water fountain on campus
Inquiry Lead
Hannah Park
Major: Computer Science and Statistics
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Fun facts:
I have a twin brother.
I used to dance, but now I enjoy Taekwondo.
I like to crochet amigurumi.
Senior Advisor
Emma Cao
Major: Biology and Computer Science
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Fun Fact:
My favorite events are Disease Detectives and Write it Do It