Our Origin Story...
Peach began as a passion project dreamt up by the Executive Director of Governance and Executive Director of Administration, Tessa Aguilar and Sharon Kim. This project began as a way to combat the academic disparities in social science research compared to other fields of study as well as the inaccessible and often elitist nature of research publishing.
At Peach, we are youth-oriented, and aim to help emerging scholars—especially students of color, first-generation college students, and individuals from under-resourced academic environments—who often lack access to interdisciplinary educational opportunities or civic-oriented learning platforms.
Why "Peach"?
Our name is symbolic of the growth we want to facilitate within students and the larger world of social science research. Academic research isn’t a one-time, one-dimensional occurrence, but a long-time effort with enduring and resounding results. We hope that every stone we cultivate can bloom into beautiful, fruitful discovery for years to come.
Meet the Team
Executive Director
of Governance
Tessa Aguilar
Tessa Aguilar is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Political Science. She is a current Boren Fellow in South Korea, studying Korean language and regional affairs as part of her broader focus on international political dynamics and the use of soft power through entertainment and media. In her free time, Tessa enjoys swing dancing, learning new languages, and binging Netflix at unhealthy hours of the day.
Executive Director
of Administration
Sharon Kim
Sharon Kim is a 4th-year undergraduate studying psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Starting early 2026, she will be enrolled in aviation school to become a pilot. She’s a creative at heart, sharing digital art on social media and managing a small business because she loves money!
Executive Director
of Finance
Kyle Kang
Kyle Kang is a graduate of Emory University, where he earned a B.A. in Economics. He has a wide range of experience working in Sales, Marketing, and Finance. When he’s not updating the excel spreadsheet or making sure Peach isn’t bankrupt, you can find him eating breakfast foods at non-breakfast hours, playing golf, or taking photos of cars he doesn’t own.
Research Lead
Erika Ky
Erika Ky is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, where she earned her B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology, Justice, and Society with minors in Politics and Legal Studies. She has broad experience in nonprofit work, from food banks to youth education, and intends to continue her career in the nonprofit field. Outside of her academics, Erika enjoys spending time at the gym, going to music festivals, and finding a purpose within her community through nonprofits!
Operations Lead
Katherine Llave
Katherine Llave is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, with a B.A. in English and Literary Journalism. She is an experienced writer and editor for literary journals and online publications, and has experience working in fundraising development. In her free time, she likes volunteering at the library and feeding her matcha and concert addictions.
Media Lead
Robert Villanueva
Robert Villanueva is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside, with a B.A. in Art. He has over 6 years of hands-on experience in graphic design and photography. When he’s not designing or taking pictures, he can be found tending to his home garden, thrifting for new finds, or spending time with his dog, Apollo. Someone has to keep Peach looking stylish, y’know?
Outreach Lead
Asa Asad
Asa Asad is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, where he studied Neuroscience with a minor in Logic, Argumentation, & Writing. He currently works as a lab technician at UIC’s College of Medicine, contributing to academic research while maintaining an impressive collection of meticulously labeled spreadsheets. His broader work spans mentorship research, digital humanities, and public-facing scholarship, and he is the creator of Afterimages, an umbrella of creative projects that explore emotional residue, place, and collective memory. Outside of work, Asa writes fiction, builds experimental digital spaces, and continues to insist that emails are an art form, one he practices with intention, precision, and entirely too many drafts.
Advisor
Dr. Aaron Hagedorn
Aaron Hagedorn is an Associate Professor of Instruction at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California. He holds a Ph.D. in Gerontology and Masters in Gerontology and Health Care Administration. His professional experience includes a former administrative appointment in Social Work as the Assistant Dean of Research and Faculty Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, and a faculty member at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. His interests include training skills for careers in gerontology and healthcare, technology design to support those aging with disabilities, regulatory issues affecting long term care providers, and global health and evidence-based programs to support those with chronic disease around the world.
