Ivy began her JD in 2024 after completing a Biomedical Science degree at the University of Auckland. Her interest in law is shaped by a longstanding fascination with emerging technologies in science and medicine, particularly AI, biotechnology, and innovations transforming modern industries. Before law school, Ivy participated in biomedical research exploring how neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation may impact diabetes, which strengthened her interest in the intersection of scientific innovation, commercialisation, and law. Alongside her studies, she has gained experience across public interest and government sectors through JobWatch’s Employment Law Clinic and a legal and policy internship at the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

After serving as SATLA’s Communications Director in 2025, Ivy is excited to lead SATLA as President in its 10th anniversary year. She hopes to expand SATLA’s professional connections and create more opportunities for students to explore careers across law, science, technology, and innovation.

Amanda commenced the JD program in 2024, following completion of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at Monash University. She previously worked as a Clinical Trials Coordinator, contributing to research on novel psychiatric pharmaceutical treatments for individuals with schizophrenia. Through this work, she developed a strong interest in the legal and regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceuticals, particularly the role of intellectual property in the development and commercialisation of new treatments.

As SATLA’s 2026 Vice President, Amanda is committed to building on the organisation’s work over the past decade by ensuring the committee continues to foster a strong community of students interested in the intersection of STEM and law.

Before entering the JD program in 2025, Andrew graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Economics and Finance, and a Diploma in Computing which he had completed concurrently. Having worked across mortgage lending and tech consulting, Andrew has developed a keen interest in the intersection of law and technology, particularly in intellectual property and the evolving legal frameworks for governing technological advancements.

Since joining SATLA in 2025 as a First Year Events Representative, Andrew is eager to continue his involvement as Sponsorship Director in 2026. In this role, he looks forward to fostering meaningful industry partnerships, expanding opportunities for students, and supporting initiatives that engage those interested in the law’s expanding role in science and technology.

Prior to commencing the JD in 2025, Natalie completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience, and developed an interest in how law intersects with STEM to have far-reaching impacts in society, particularly in the field of health and IP. This was strengthened by a recent internship at a medical research facility, where she saw how medical innovation could be aided by a keen understanding of public policy and legal frameworks. She also observed the increasingly pervasive role technology, especially AI, was playing in the field of law, and is intrigued about how the industry will change and adapt. After a rewarding year as a first-year events representative, Natalie now looks forward to stepping up into the role of an Events Director to continue facilitating events for like-minded peers.

Shiraz completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine in 2023 at the University of Melbourne. Majoring in pathology, she had the opportunity to intern at the Murdoch Children’s Research institute where she was introduced to policy. Shiraz joined the JD with the goal of discovering how her science background can integrate with her law degree. Throughout her law degree thus far she has explored data & privacy, intellectual property and commercial litigation. As the Events Director, Shiraz is super excited to design exciting events that allow students to explore the intersection between science and law!

Chris began the JD in 2025 after completing his undergraduate degree at New York University, where he studied Economics and Philosophy with a joint minor in Computer Science and Mathematics. He developed an interest in the relationship between science and law through his combined background in philosophy and computer science. His Philosophy of Mind course, in particular, explored questions of consciousness, personhood, and machine intelligence, shaping his interest in the legal and ethical implications of emerging technologies. Now serving as Communications Director at SATLA in 2026, he builds on his experience as a First-Year Communications Representative in 2025, leading initiatives that connect students interested in law, technology, and the sciences.

Nityaa completed a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience before commencing the JD, motivated by a growing interest in the legal and regulatory frameworks that underpin healthcare and biomedical innovation. Her scientific background has shaped her curiosity about how law can influence patient rights, clinical practice, and the development and accessibility of new medical technologies.

Alongside her studies, Nityaa has explored initiatives that connect students with industry and research, developing strong communication and leadership skills. She is particularly interested in areas such as clinical trials, digital health, and the ethical and legal challenges arising from advances in health and technology.

Through her involvement in SATLA as a Communications Director, she hopes to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and create opportunities for students to engage with the evolving relationship between law, medicine, and technology.

Before commencing the JD program, Ashqkein completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Neuroscience. She also undertook an Honours year, researching potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease. Ashqkein currently works as a Research Administration Assistant for the Neurointervention Department, at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. 

Throughout her life, Ashqkein has always had an interest in the ways that law and science intersect - whether that encompasses policy reform, law in healthcare, or the evolving realm of IP law and artificial intelligence. As Treasurer, Ashqkein is keen to support SATLA’s initiatives through careful financial planning and oversight, while working closely with the committee to ensure the association’s goals for 2026 are delivered effectively and sustainably.

Jalina began her JD in 2026 after completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Media and Communications. While she had always intended to pursue law, her undergraduate studies shaped the areas of law she became most interested in. Although she initially began with an interest in Criminology, her media subjects sparked a strong interest in the intersection of media and law, particularly intellectual property. That interest also developed into a broader curiosity about the relationship between law and emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence and privacy.

As a First Year Communications Representative at SATLA, Jalina is excited to connect students with shared interests and experiences and to help foster a space that supports engagement, collaboration, and opportunity within the law, science and technology community.

Juliana graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Science specialising in medicinal chemistry, prior to commencing the JD programme in 2026. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in the intersection between science and law. Specifically, how legal frameworks and patent law, regulate and support innovation in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.

Juliana hopes to integrate her background in science with her legal studies and pursue opportunities in intellectual property law in the future. As a part of SATLA, Juliana is excited to support student engagement and contribute to a community that is passionate about the intersection of science, law and technology.

Prior to commencing the JD, Sofia completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Human Physiology at the University of Melbourne. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in the intersection between science, innovation, and real-world impact, ultimately inspiring her transition into law. Sofia is particularly interested in intellectual property law and advocacy in the medical field.

Wanting to engage with like-minded peers and contribute to a community passionate about innovation, Sofia joined SATLA as a First Year Events Representative. She is especially excited to be involved in initiatives that bridge disciplines to create opportunities for collaboration, as well as encouraging students to participate in this ever-evolving area of legal practice.

Before the JD, Wilton completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, then an Honours year in Medicine at the University of Melbourne. In honours, he researched potential treatments for individuals at high risk for psychosis using machine learning techniques. Since then, Wilton has transition to the JD to learn about the law and how it presents itself across various fields of study. Maintaining his experience and interest from previous studies, Wilton has developed a particular passion for intellectual property and copyright law. He hopes to gain a better understanding of their relevance in medical research and industry.

Joining the 2026 Events Committee, Wilton is excited to organise and host events for MLS students from varying backgrounds, introducing them to SATLA and one of many growing fields in law.