SMAHRT Health Behaviors Youth Advisory Board

My name is Armaan and I am a senior in high school. I enjoy playing tennis for my school and basketball in my spare time. I joined SMAHRT to research the War in Ukraine and its effects of teen and adult social media outlets' Twitter posts. While on the Youth Advisory Board, I have learned about the importance of youth voices in research relating to social media and how they may impact ongoing research projects. I hope to keep learning more about the overall process of research, especially at the intersection of teen social media use.

My name is Emily and I am currently a junior at DC Everest High School, where I enjoy swimming and helping run our FBLA and NHS clubs! I joined the SMAHRT YAB program after doing SMAHRT’s SRS program, where I saw for myself the detrimental effects of social media on mental health and how easily hate for others can spread. I hope to learn about the overall processes of research and how it can aid awareness of mental health issues derived from social media.

My name is Ethan B. and I’m a senior at Middleton High School. You can find me grinding tennis matches, playing the piano, and playing violin in the orchestra. I like challenging myself with new concepts and ideas and enjoy socializing with others. My experience working with SMAHRT to conduct a content analysis on Reddit posts regarding reactions to SAT scores inspired me to join the YAB. I am excited to learn more about the intriguing research at SMAHRT, work with other YAB members to provide feedback, and get a further glimpse into the fascinating world of research.

My name is Grant, and I am a sophomore at Madison West High School, where I especially enjoy math and history classes. I also play tennis and run cross country while participating in Science Olympiad, DECA, Student Senate and our school's Green Club. This year, I applied to the SMAHRT YAB because I am interested in how social media affects my school community, so I am very excited to be involved in SMAHRT's research.

My name is Joey. I am a sophomore at Madison West High School, where my favorite subject is European History, and I enjoy debate, music, and tennis. I first became interested in research when I joined SMAHRT and studied problematic internet use and social connectedness. SMAHRT was instrumental to my exploration of research and health care. It led me to participate in the Youth Governance Program, serving on the Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee.

My name is Johana, and I am a junior at Waunakee High School, where I participate in all different kinds of clubs like MSAN (Multicultural Student Achievement Network), Los Sonadores (A group of Hispanic high schoolers where we like to embrace our culture.), Freshman mentors, and Future Educators Club. While being and spending a lot of my time being a part of these clubs, I have found my love for advocating for human equality. I would also like to include that I manage my school's girl's hockey team, this sport has become a big part of my life and I enjoy it. I am very excited about being a part of SMAHRT and I can't wait for what is to come.

My name is Lilly and I am a freshman at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wisconsin. I am a three sport athlete and really enjoy playing basketball. I am also involved in Freshman Class Council and Key Club at Edgewood. After high school I am interested in studying sports medicine. I am looking forward to getting more involved with SMAHRT. As it is my first year with SMAHRT I am excited to see where it takes me.

Hi! My name is Princy P. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan. the SMARHT YAB program has been essential in increasing my curiosity of mental health research and helped me to dive deeper into my experiences as a teenager with social media as well as dive deeper on solutions on how to address mental health. Outside of SMARHT, my hobbies include dancing and playing the violin.

My name is Punitha. I am a sophomore at Middleton High School. My favorite class in school is biotechnology. I am a runner on the cross country and track team at Middleton. I participate in Speech and Debate, Deca, Hosa, FBLA, Student Council, Key Club, and Green Team. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, dancing, traveling, and playing my violin. I speak multiple languages, Telugu, English, and I am currently learning Spanish. My future career plan is to become a heart surgeon or go into the research field. I applied for the Youth Advisory Board because I want to learn more about research and healthcare. With the help of the Youth Advisory Board I hope to learn more about the effects of social media on young adults and gain fundamental research skills.

Hi! My name is Suha M., and I’m a senior at Brookfield Central High School. In school, I’m involved in our Red Cross Club, HOSA, and theater. Outside of school, I volunteer at the Milwaukee VA and research public health and health equity. I’m excited to be part of the SMAHRT YAB for my second year!

My name is Zach and I'm a junior at West High School. In my free time I love being outside and competing in cross country, track and alpine ski races for the West High teams. At school I'm involved in the Student Council and DECA where I plan school dances, organize events for the student body, and compete internationally in business law. I was drawn to the SMAHRT YAB by my interests in research and data analysis as well as my involvement in youth mental health projects at West High.