Roshni Rameshkumar
President
Roshni is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and will graduate in 2026 with a major in Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Spanish and Business Analytics. She is on the pre-medicine track and is involved with many organizations on campus, such as Clinic Vols, Alpha Omega Epsilon for women in STEM, and she is a member of a neurobiology/psychology lab on campus. In her free time, she likes to spend time with friends, watch movies, and go on walks. She is so excited to be able to spearhead the formation of Hands to Hearts Knoxville and can’t wait to continue the great efforts of the Memphis branch and to help raise awareness and support for the children impacted by
heart afflictions.
Aastha Bhatt
Vice President
Aastha Bhatt is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating in 2026 with a major in Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She aspires to pursue a career in medicine. On campus, Aastha is actively involved in several organizations, including Leading Women of Tomorrow (LWT), Clinic Vols, and Remote Area Medical (RAM). She also
works as a biology tutor for college students. Outside of academics, she enjoys watching movies, grabbing coffee with friends, and journaling. Aastha is excited to be part of H2H and to help expand its presence in the Knoxville community. She was drawn to this initiative because of its mission to foster empathy and kindness—values she is passionate about carrying into her personal and professional journey.
Grant Trivette
Secretary
Grant is a Senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and plans to graduate in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Biomolecular Engineering May of 2026. After obtaining his bachelors, he intends to earn a graduate degree in Biotechnology. Grant works as a Supplemental Instructor for the Biology department at UTK, and also interns at BioPet labs. In his free time, he likes to rock climb, swim, and read. Grant is extremely excited to take part in H2H and make a positive impact on the community.
Apeksha Sawarkar
Treasurer
Apeksha Sawarkar is a senior at the University of Tennessee majoring in biochemistry and cellular biology with a minor in political science. She is on the pre-veterinary track and is involved in many campus organizations to reach that
goal. This includes the Pre-Veterinary Association, Alpha Sigma Kappa for Women in Technical Studies, and shadowing with UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Outside of class, she is a first degree black belt in Taekwondo, a member of the Classics Honors Society for Latin and Greek Studies, and is a veterinary assistant at her local Humane Society. Through her experiences in shelter medicine, Apeksha is well versed in practicing medicine under financial constraints and feel passionate about raising money through Hands2Hearts to advance efforts towards reducing rates of congenital heart disease.
Aarshitha Chandran
Historian
Aarshitha Chandran is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and will graduate in 2028. She is pursuing her interests in law and life sciences with a major in political science with a concentration in law and courts and a minor in biology. On campus, she is currently the co-captain of the dance team UT Tashan and plans to join many more clubs and organizations. After college, she plans to attend law school to become an attorney. In her free time,
she likes spending time with friends, shopping, and listening to music. Aarshitha is excited to be a part of Hands to Hearts and hopes to raise awareness and support for children with congenital heart defects.
Mariam Ceesay
Recruitment
Mariam is a junior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and will graduate in 2027 with a major in Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology. She is a member of the executive board of the Knoxville chapter of Hands to Hearts.
Mariam is an enthusiastic undergraduate research assistant. She spends her free time studying Japanese and doing art via a variety of mediums and intends to continue her pursuit of knowledge through an Md/Phd program post graduation.
Mariam is pleased to be a part of the working effort to make a difference in the lives of those with congenital heart disease.
Hands to Hearts 