Elena Lopez

Elena Lopez, an alumna of the AISS Class of 2021, now serves as the organization’s Program Manager. Working closely with the Executive Director, she helps design curriculum and evaluate scholars’ progress throughout the intensive two-year program. Elena recently graduated early from UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, concentrating in Medicine and Science. Her AISS journey helped her build the confidence to step into leadership roles—skills she now passes on to the next generation of scholars.

Driven by a passion for healthcare, Elena aspires to attend chiropractic school and open her own clinic, where she hopes to promote healing through holistic medicine. In her current role, she leads scholar development, conducts alumni outreach, supports program research, and mentors students in a wide range of areas, including professional skills, STEM career awareness, college readiness, team building, and leadership.