Uzma Issa (l) and Srija Vem
Neuroscience concentrators Uzma Issa (‘25) and Srija Vem (‘25) have been elected as First and Second Class Marshals respectively. The two will lead the 2025 Class Committee, which is tasked with planning events during the run-up to graduation, organizing the class gift, and collaborating after graduation to arrange alumni events.
Alvira Tyagi
Joining them on the 2025 Class Committee is Neuroscience and Government concentrator Alvira Tyagi (‘25), who has been appointed as one of six Harvard College Fund Marshals.
“We are extremely proud to see three of our most talented and energetic seniors recognized as Marshals,” says Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience Ryan Draft.
“Alvira, Srija, and Uzma have been impactful members of our Neuroscience community – not only in the class and lab, but also in helping create and celebrate at our concentration social events. I am delighted to see them lead the celebration for the Class of 25.”
“I have always loved planning events for my friends,” says Issa. “As I learned in my Science of
Happiness class, social interactions increase dopamine levels (neuro fact haha) so I like to prioritize talking with others. I wanted to plan many events throughout the year to allow all seniors the chance to participate in fun events, make new friends, strengthen old friendships, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
“I’m most looking forward to making senior year as legendary as it can possibly be!!!” says Vem. “The class committee is a lovely group committed to making this year memorable, and I am excited to work with everyone to make our vision for senior year come to life. We’ve already had so many ideas and are looking forward to hearing from our friends to ensure we make as many memories as we can!”
As a Harvard College Fund Marshal, Tyagi will be helping to coordinate the Class of ‘25 gift. “I applied for the Harvard College Fund Marshal role because Harvard has always been more than just a university to me—it has been a community and a home,” she says. “Recognizing how deeply Harvard resonates with so many, I’ve always valued the importance of fostering robust alumni connections, as they form a powerful network of support and mentorship for both students and graduates. Serving as a Class Marshal allows me to contribute directly to sustaining Harvard’s legacy of growth and collaboration. I also view this role as a meaningful opportunity to help ensure that Harvard remains accessible and vibrant for the generations of students to come.”
Tyagi adds that bringing together classmates, including those who haven’t met before, is one of her main goals as a Class Marshal. “Organizing fun and meaningful events is a great way to help build a sense of community among seniors, giving us all a chance to bond over shared experiences before we graduate,” she says. “I’m looking forward to creating moments where everyone feels included and part of something bigger, regardless of how well we knew each other before. I also hope to encourage a deeper culture of giving back. I believe that by fostering a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy, we can make a lasting impact and help ensure future students have the same incredible opportunities we’ve enjoyed.”
The enthusiastic 2025 Class Committee is already brainstorming. Events in the works include a campus-wide scavenger hunt, dinners celebrating the graduating seniors, and many more.
Issa and Vem hail from the same town in Alabama and have known each other since fifth grade tennis lessons. “It’s such a coincidence that Srija is the one person I knew before coming to Harvard and now I’ll be working most closely with her my senior year,” says Issa. “It feels nice to have a piece of home by my side for this role.”
All three Neuroscience class marshals expressed gratitude to their friends and family, as well as the broader Harvard community. “I’d like to thank my family, friends, and mentors—whether they be in Hoover, Alabama, Hyderabad, India, or Cambridge, Massachusetts (or beyond!)—for showing me the importance of community!” Vem says. “Being surrounded by so much love has only driven me to want to share it with as many people, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to do so!”
She adds, “I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Neuroscience/MCB/Science community and some of my incredible mentors over the years—Neha Karlupia, Dr. Jeff Lichtman, Dr. Ryan Draft, Dr. Steve Hyman, and many others—who have shaped my experience and made it truly enriching. Each class has ignited my passion for learning, and I’m thankful for the support of my concentration community and beyond. With each lecture, I find myself even more excited than before, and I know this enthusiasm will carry me into the future.”
Tyagi adds, “I owe a huge thank you to the Neuroscience concentration, a community that has supported me ever since my freshman year. I am truly thankful for the mentorship I’ve received, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the invaluable experiences I’ve had. I am looking forward to making the most out of my senior year and remaining time as a Neuroscience concentrator, creating memories that I’ll cherish long after I leave Harvard.”
