TAM Youth Advisory Board

My Name is Alex Mithun, and I am currently a Sophomore in highschool in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My favorite social media platforms are Instagram, Tik Tok, and Snapchat. There is a wide variety to these apps in terms of what you can view/post and how you can communicate with friends. I am a student athlete and believe strongly in using my voice and leadership to promote positive messaging in social media for young people. There is great value in collaboration, and the TAM community has a strong platform with which to share knowledge, messaging and optimism to youth across the nation.

My name is Jaylene Le and I am currently a junior in high school in Warwick, Rhode Island. My favorite social media platform is Instagram because I am able to conveniently interact with my friends and see multiple perspectives on current issues. My hobbies include listening to music, video games, fashion, and makeup. I hope to share my personal experiences as well as my interactions with others as a TAM youth advisor and contribute to the ongoing research regarding adolescence mental health.

My name is Jean-Luc and I am a high school sophomore. I often use the social media platform YouTube for academia and entertainment. I enjoy learning about technology and biology as well as playing cello. I am looking forward to engage in discussions and contribute to this emerging field.

Shreya K. is a high school student from the Bay Area, CA, known for her strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, and dedication to making a positive impact in her community. Passionate about health and well-being, Shreya actively engages in spreading awareness on various health-related topics, particularly those affecting youth. She is deeply involved in local health boards, collaborating with community leaders and organizations to address pressing issues such as mental health, substance use, and the overall wellness of young people.In addition to her academic pursuits, Shreya enjoys spending her free time outdoors, walking her dog, watching sunsets, and curating Pinterest boards, finding creative ways to express herself. As a member of the TAM Youth Advisory Board, Shreya is excited to use her voice to help guide important conversations for youth well-being. She looks forward to contributing to initiatives that help empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and to continue fostering change in her community.

My name is Shreya R., and I am currently a Sophomore in High School in New Jersey, where I participate in multiple activities such as our Women in STEM club, and our Village Mentors club. Outside of school, I tutor and intern with some youth led organizations. My favorite social media apps up to date are TikTok and Instagram, because I am able to reach so many peers with just a click on a button. It has helped grow my networking abilities and has provided me with the knowledge and opportunity to be working with the TAM YAB. I am super excited to be able to share my insight and collaborate with peers on projects that will contribute to our knowledge on the topic of Mental Health and Technology.

Sonja is a sophomore in high school from Westchester, NY. Her favorite social media app is Pinterest, where she enjoys finding inspiration for fashion and art. Sonja's STEM interests revolve around biology and medicine, researching neurological disorders in her school's science research program. As part of the TAM YAB, she looks forward to using her knowledge of neuroscience and mental health to contribute unique perspectives on both technology's positive and negative impacts on youth. She is excited to learn from researchers and work with like-minded peers. Sonja hopes to pursue medicine in college, but in the meantime, she enjoys listening to music, volunteering at her local hospital, and playing volleyball.

My name is Zara Dawodu and I’m a junior in high school in Pennsylvania. My favorite social media app is Pinterest. I love being able to source creativity from the app. I am President of my school’s National STEM Honors Society and Secretary of my School’s Beyond the Bubble club, our cultural awareness club. I’m super passionate about science, art and learning about different places. My interests in STEM and people encouraged my interest in joining the TAM Youth Advisory board, where I am so excited to contribute to discussions about youth’s mental health and technology.

Elijah is a junior at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin. While he regularly connects with friends and creative content through Snapchat, YouTube and other platforms, Elijah is passionate about escaping social media. Elijah’s experiences, first as a camper and then as an assistant counselor, in wilderness leadership training have proved formative in Elijah’s engagement with nature, friends, spirituality and technology. He enjoys researching and debating health policy, serving in veterans and food security charities, and competing as a student athlete. He is honored to join the TAM Youth Advisory Board to share his experiences and learn from a diverse group of thoughtful student leaders.

Hi! I am Lyla Smith, a junior engineering student at North Point High School in Waldorf, Maryland. My favorite social media platforms are Pretendo News and Game Jolt, which are community-driven gaming platforms that offer shared gaming experiences. I am passionate about STEM and youth mental health, and I strive to combine my academic interests with advocacy to create supportive environments for my peers. I serve as Treasurer and Secretary of Eagle Minds Matter, supporting initiatives that promote resilience and student connection. I also serve on the Charles County NAACP Youth Council and chair the Teen We Are One Committee for the Southern Maryland Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., advancing inclusivity and empowerment for youth. I have participated in STEM programs including GEMS at Walter Reed, Vex Robotics, West Point STEM Camp, and St. Mary’s College Solar Cell STEM Camp. I am excited to use my skills in research, leadership, and advocacy to help my peers feel supported, inspired, and empowered to thrive.

I am Ornela Sifa, a senior at John Hay Cleveland School of Science and Medicine. I'm a bit of a quiet one online, but I love learning and exploring YouTube for school and fun. I'm fascinated by different cultures and can't get enough of biology - it's my favorite subject! As a TAM youth advisor, I'm excited to share my experiences and help with research on adolescent mental health. I'm looking forward to connecting and making a difference!

My name is Raneem Eberlein, and I'm currently a Junior at Middleton High School in Wisconsin! I recently moved to Madison from Baltimore, where I completed my first two years of high school. I've been an active participant in multiple clubs including Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, and Model Congress. Currently, I am taking advantage of the Youth Apprenticeship Program offered at my highschool and working to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I have held a few jobs including working at my school's extended day program as well as working as a summer sports camp counselor. In addition, I am involved in a few volunteer programs focused on tutoring and mentoring younger students. As far as social media, I most enjoy TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. I really enjoy being able to communicate with friends and cousins in different states. I also like being able to engage with various content that I relate to. At the same time, I strongly believe in a healthy balance that prioritizes mental health and minimizes the negative effects of social media. As such, I represented my school during discussions about cell phone policy in front of the Maryland State Senate. I believe that discussions and collaborations are a really productive way to study the effects of social media. I'm grateful to be a part of the TAM Youth Advisory Board to share my experiences and thoughts!

I’m a sophomore in New York with strong interests in math and business. I’m active in my school’s Model UN, Wall Street Investors, and DECA clubs. Sports have shaped my leadership, resilience, and work ethic. I play varsity tennis and regularly compete in USTA tournaments, and I also enjoy golfing with my dad and brother. Giving back to my community is very important to me, especially through working with children. I serve as the program director of a local chapter of ACEing Autism, helping children with autism build social connections and confidence through sports. I also tutor middle school students in math and volunteer as an assistant teacher at my synagogue’s Hebrew school. For the past year, I’ve served as a Youth Advisory Board member of Media Power Youth, a nonprofit that encourages healthy media habits among kids, teens, and their families and communities. As a TAM youth advisor, I’m grateful for the opportunity to advise researchers and organizations on youth perspectives and responsible media use.

Sananda is a junior in highschool in South Lyon, Michigan. She enjoys volunteering and advocacy work alongside others in organizations such as UNICEF, Key Club, and National Honor Society. She has experience in shaping youth policy, furthering her interest in technology and the role it plays in adolescent lives. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and travelling to new places. She is eager to contribute to the TAM Youth Advisory board and share her experience with technology that will aid in important conversation, research, and implementation.