Fall 2026 Innovation Fellows
Yahia Abdelkarim
Economics
Originally from Egypt and raised in Johns Creek, GA, Yahia Abdelkarim is an Economics student with a passion for business, community building, and consulting. He has worked at Assurant on the Global Data Analytics team, focusing on business integration and strategic insights, and served as a Growth Equity Associate at University Growth Fund, leading investment research and supporting M&A initiatives. Yahia is the Founding Executive Director of BuildATL, a statewide student startup incubator, and currently serves as President of the Tech Collaborative. He also brings experience in commercial real estate and business development. Yahia is driven by impact, creativity, and innovation, with a focus on creating positive change through business and technology. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, running, and boxing.
Gwyn Anderson
Mechanical Engineering
Gwyn is a third-year Mechanical Engineering major from Boston, Massachusetts, with a strong interest in medical and pharmaceutical design. She serves as an executive member of the UGA Spike Squad and is actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the 5 Rivers Club, where she works to promote water conservation and support community-focused initiatives. Gwyn also volunteers with Extra Special People (ESP) and the Council on Aging, dedicating her time to meaningful service. Outside of her academic and extracurricular commitments, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and camping.
Akriti Banerjea
Economics, Accounting, and International Business
Akriti Banerjea, from Marietta, GA, is pursuing an Economics, Accounting, and International Business major with an emphasis in Consulting along with certificates in Legal Studies and Workforce Management. She is involved on campus with Alpha Kappa Psi, Honors Student Council, and International Business Society. Outside of academics and professional pursuits, she enjoys the arts, yoga, traveling, and aviation.
Eason Barrineau
Philosophy
Hailing from Canton, GA, Eason is pursuing a BA in Philosophy with a minor in Bioethics and a certificate in Computing at the University of Georgia. He is a member of the Morehead Honors College, Charter Scholar, and an Honors International Scholar. His campus involvement includes leadership in Alpha Kappa Psi, AI and disability ethics research with the RETT Lab @UGA, Information Desk Associate at the Tate Student Center, and the UGA at Oxford Study Abroad. In his free time, he enjoys tabletop board games, intramural sports, reading, stand-up comedy, and spending quality time with friends.
Hailey Brakke
Management Information Systems
Hailey Brakke, from Cumming, Georgia, is pursuing a BBA in Management Information Systems along with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. She holds leadership roles in Women in Technology and the Society for Management Information Systems. She is also involved in the Apollo Society, Atlas Business Society, and is a member of the Morehead Honors College. Hailey is passionate about developing innovative solutions driven by data and creativity. In her free time, she enjoys watching Formula 1 races, trying new coffee recipes, and spending time with friends and family.
Alaina Crisostomo
Environmental Engineering
Alaina Crisostomo is a third-year student studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in business and a certificate in sustainability. She is passionate about balancing industry progress with environmental responsibility and sustainability. She aims to help companies adopt solutions that create both environmental and economic value. Alaina is an ambassador for the College of Engineering, a part of Terry Student Consulting, the National Society of Black Engineers as the Academic Excellence Chair, Black Business Student Association, and Keystone Fellowship as the Interdisciplinary Chair. Alaina’s hobbies include reading, journaling/scrapbooking, thrifting, and DIY nail art. Fun fact: In 2024 she read 43 books and is on track to complete 44 in 2025.
Vania Djomoah
Public Relations and Economics
Vania is a Public Relations and Economics major from Atlanta, Georgia. Much of her past work and passion projects have focused on pushing the boundaries of traditional media. She is an experimental creative and is involved in a variety of creative outlets, including serving as an editor on The Red & Black sports desk and working alongside its creative agency, EXTRA. After graduation, she is interested in working in the media and entertainment industry, ensuring that people’s stories are seen not only on screen but behind the scenes as well.
Lauren Garrity
International Business and Marketing
Lauren Garrity is a second-year student from Richmond, Virginia, pursuing a BBA in International Business and Marketing with a minor in Spanish. Ambitious and highly engaged, she serves as the Alumni Relations Director of Kappa Alpha Theta, a team captain for UGA Miracle, and a student consultant with the American Marketing Association. Lauren is passionate about global business, collaborative work, and creative strategy, and hopes to integrate these interests into her future career. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, and trying new restaurants around Athens!
Katie Gentilotti
Accounting
Katie Gentilotti is a third-year student from Collegeville, Pennsylvania studying Accounting with a minor in Sports Management. Passionate about applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, Katie looks forward to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic and innovative solutions to pressing problems. Outside of academics, Katie is actively involved in campus life through her leadership role in her Panhellenic sorority and the Terry Edge Network. Katie spends her free time following Philadelphia sports, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and trying different restaurants throughout Athens.
Abigail Harris
Political Science and Sociology
Abigail Harris is a sophomore from Forsyth County, GA pursuing a BA in Political Science and Sociology with minors in Public Administration and Management. She has worked in the GA State House for two years and is excited to return this Spring under the Chief Minority Whip after working as the Director of Communications for a U.S. House of Representatives candidate. She serves as an Associate Justice on the Judicial Council of the Phi Kappa Literary Society and has published award winning research on capital punishment. Outside the classroom she enjoys ballroom dance, baking like she’s feeding a small army, and leading to serve the people in her life with that same vigor.
Richard Hill
Finance and Management Information Systems
Trey Hill, from Atlanta, Georgia, is a third-year student in the University of Georgia Morehead Honors College, pursuing a BBA in Finance and Management Information Systems and a certificate in Entrepreneurship. He serves as a Venture Capital Analyst at Circadian Ventures and will be a Summer Associate with Boston Consulting Group this upcoming summer. Trey is also involved with the Kickstart Fund, UGA’s student-managed venture capital fund, and the Knox Martin Foundation here on campus. In his free time, Trey enjoys football, skiing, cooking, and watching movies with friends.
Harshil Joshi
Regenerative Bioscience
Harshil is from Leesburg, GA and is majoring in Regenerative Bioscience. He is passionate about innovating the medical field through strategic health initiatives and the development of novel therapeutics. On campus, he is actively involved with several organizations, including the Thomas Lay After School Program, the UGA Kickstart Fund, and Stethoscope Magazine. Outside of academics, Harshil enjoys working out, reading, listening to music, gardening, and hiking.
Sean Leonard
Management Information Systems
Sean is a second-year student from Decatur, GA in the Morehead Honors College pursuing a BBA in Management Information Systems. He currently interns with UGA Auxiliary Services on the Business Analytics team and has previously studied abroad through UGA’s Entrepreneurship Program in the Nordics. On campus, Sean is involved with the International Business Society and serves as a Head Coach for the Mathcounts Outreach Program. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, camping, and traveling.
Wyatt McAvoy
Finance
Wyatt McAvoy is a finance student at the University of Georgia with a strong interest in entrepreneurship, strategic problem-solving, and business development. He is the co-founder of Niche Supplements, a performance nutrition startup focused on cleaner, more effective pre-workout products. Wyatt is actively involved in UGA Hockey and several business and finance organizations on campus, where he enjoys collaborating with motivated, interdisciplinary teams. He is passionate about building ventures, learning from industry leaders, and pursuing opportunities in finance, private equity, venture capital, and early-stage startups. In his free time, he enjoys training and traveling.
Edee Moorman
Finance
Edee is a second-year student from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a Finance major with a minor in Nutritional Sciences. She is the current Sisterhood Director in her sorority Chi Omega, serves as the Head of Marketing for Women in Finance, and is involved with Delta Sigma Pi, and the UGA Mentorship Program. Edee is also a student assistant at the UGA Special Collections Library and works as a server for Onward Reserve’s bourbon cellar. In her personal time, Edee enjoys being outdoors, long-distance running, needlepoint, and spending time with loved ones.
William Ogle
Finance
Will is a second-year student from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Finance and a member of the Morehead Honors College. He serves as a Student Government Senator representing the Terry College of Business and was selected for both the Magellan and Kennedy cohorts. Will is also a member of the Emerging Greek Leaders program and is currently conducting research through UGA’s CURO program on how students best learn financial literacy. He also works as an NIL manager and is an Eagle Scout. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, watching football, and hunting and fishing.
Darsh Patel
Regenerative Bioscience & Biotechnology
Darsh is third-year student from Atlanta, majoring in Regenerative Bioscience, Economics, and Applied Biotechnology, with a passion for biotech startups, healthcare strategy, and medical entrepreneurship with the aims to pursue an MD/MBA. He is involved with the Morehead Honors College, Medical Business Association, ILA Fellows Program, and CURO Summer Fellowship. He also conducts research in the Stice lab, focused on neural stem cell engineering, and is a startup strategy analyst for Pulse, a health-tech startup. Outside of academics, he is part of a fusion dance team and loves to travel.
Sarvesh Prabhu
Finance and Data Science
Sarvesh is a rising sophomore majoring in Finance & Data Science, passionate about the intersection of financial engineering and entrepreneurship for the benefit of the sustainability investments market. Outside of running his two startups, AstraCell and Melodi AI, Sarvesh is currently a member of Terry’s Kennedy Program, and has joined LexisNexis Risk Solutions as a Technology M&A Analyst Intern. Outside of his professional and UGA involvement, you’ll find him listening to his vinyl record collection and spending time outside with friends.
Aashna Raj
Finance
Aashna, a student born and raised in Johns Creek, Georgia, is passionate about management, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector. Driven by a commitment to empathy and servant leadership, she aspires to create meaningful impact in everything she does. On campus, she currently serves as the Director of Finance for UGA HEROs, supporting children impacted by HIV/AIDS, and as an associate on Kickstart, UGA’s student-managed venture capital fund. She also enjoys puzzles, discovering new music, and exploring different cultures in her free time.
Brooke Richards
Mechanical Engineering
Brooke is from Woodstock, Georgia and is studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Design & Media. She is passionate about the intersection of innovative technology and immersive experiences, driven by curiosity and a desire to inspire others. Brooke combines technical problem-solving with creativity and is an avid learner, always in pursuit of knowledge. Outside of school, she is a photographer for The Red & Black, an equestrian competitor on the UGA Eventing Team, and works as a freelance graphic designer. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and playing instruments.
Emma Richardson
Advertising and Social Entrepreneurship
Emma is an Honors student from Alpharetta, Georgia, majoring in Advertising and Social Entrepreneurship with a minor in Business. She serves as the Agency Manager at EXTRA Creative Agency and works as an event coordinator at 255 Milledge, focusing on client execution. Emma is also involved in the Wesley Foundation as a discipler and is a barista at Sunroof Coffee. She also runs her own needlepoint business and enjoys the beach. She is especially interested in creative strategy and plans to explore entrepreneurial pathways as she works to launch her own company in the creative industry.
Ryan Salinger
Management Information Systems
Originally from San Diego, CA, Ryan Salinger is a Management Information Systems student at the University of Georgia with experience in marketing, digital strategy, and consulting across different cultural contexts. He has worked with small businesses in Belize on projects involving market research, user experience, and practical growth strategies, and he has studied innovation and business culture in Scandinavia. At UGA, Ryan serves as the Chief Program Preparation Officer for Empowered Consulting and has additional experience in SEO, UX design, and sales development. Outside of school and the workplace, he enjoys golfing, surfing, and weightlifting.
Anish Sambrani
Finance
Anish Sambrani is a second-year student from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing Finance at the University of Georgia. With an interest in financial markets and banking, Anish has previously worked at a buy-side firm focused on the software and business services sectors and most recently in State Farm’s Corporate Finance group this past summer. On campus, he is a member of the Morehead Honors Program, Atlas Society, and Apollo Society, where he continues to strengthen his knowledge of business and investing. Beyond academics, Anish is a cinematographer and editor for music and media productions and enjoys following the English Premier League and PC building.
Bradley Smith
Real Estate and Supply Chain Management
Bradley is a third-year student from Newnan, GA. Passionate about bringing people together and staying organized, she is pursuing degrees in Real Estate and Supply Chain Management. Her enthusiasm for new challenges led her to also earn a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. On campus, she is involved with the Society of Entrepreneurs and Women in Business. Outside the classroom, you can find her traveling, trying new foods, and attending Georgia Football games. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, exercising, spending time outdoors, attending her church, and sharing quality time with friends and family.
