Aris “Ahri” Agarwala is a proud native of New Jersey. He has a B.S. in Business, Hotel, and Restaurant Administration from Cornell University, with additional minors in Corporate Finance and Real Estate. After a successful stint in business consulting and restaurant ownership, Ahri transitioned to the healthcare sector, gaining hands-on experience as an Ophthalmology Surgical and Medical Technician.

Their interest in medicine deepened, leading them to complete the Postbac Premed Program at the University of Virginia. Aris is currently pursuing a Master’s in Chemistry at the University of Virginia and is on leave from their studies at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Their research interests include neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, ophthalmology, and pharmacology, with a particular focus on translating research into clinical applications.

In their current lab role, Ahri is involved in Chemical Biology, where he is helping to study the 20s proteasome and its potential to combat Alzheimer’s disease. Alongside their research, Ahri volunteers by providing non-profit consulting for an ophthalmology clinic that serves underserved communities. The clinic specializes in advanced forms of glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases.

Outside of their professional life, Ahri enjoys tracking and modifying cars, playing video games, trading stocks, and indulging their passion for fixing and collecting watches.