MD/PhD Program
College
- Center City Campus
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Degree Earned
- Doctorate
Program Length
8 years
Leadership
1020 Locust Street
Jefferson Alumni Hall, 368
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5244
Leadership
233 South 10th Street
Bluemle Life Sciences Building, 221A
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Program Information
Meet Our Current Students
Usman Baqai
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Ursinus College, BS, 2017 | |
| Year | MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 3, SKMC 4 |
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| Mentor | Andrew Aplin, PhD | |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine | |
| Research Interests | I am interested in translational cancer biology research. I like to understand molecular mechanisms of cancer that will help modulate future cancer therapies. |
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| Hobbies/Interests | Outside of science I like to read science-fiction/fantasy books and play pick-up sports (give me any ball and I’ll chase after it). I also enjoy adventure trips with family and friends (hiking, camping, skiing, etc.). | |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I am a big fan of escape rooms and there are tons of new places in Philadelphia I have yet to explore. My favorite aspect of Philadelphia is being able to go to any corner of the street and finding a halal cart. | |
| Honors/Awards |
Outstanding Research Student in Biology Award, Ursinus College, 2017 Medical Student Award from the Melanoma Research Foundation, February 2020 |
Weelic Chong
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Oberlin College, BA, 2015 | |
| Year | MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 3, SKMC 4 | |
| Mentor | Hushan Yang, PhD | |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine | |
| Research Interests | My current research interest pertains to non-invasive liquid biopsies such as circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells, especially using next-generation sequencing to identify biomarkers that may aid prognosis and therapeutic selection. |
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| Hobbies/Interests | I like cooking, cycling and playing the guitar to my young daughter. | |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I love watching the pups at the doggie park along the Schuylkill River Trail (it’s pronounced SKOOL-kul). | |
| Honors/Awards | Elected into Phi Beta Kappa. May 2015 Awarded 1st place in the Sigma Xi Student Presentation Showcase 2015 (Undergraduate Division). Mar 2015 Elected into Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Mar 2015 Awarded the Robert Rich Grant from Oberlin College Robert Rich Foundation for outstanding research in the natural sciences. Mar 2015 Awarded the Pfizer-SOT Award to attend the Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting held in San Diego, CA (Mar 21 – Mar 26, 2015). Dec 2014 |
| Undergrad | University of California, Berkeley, BA, 2015 | |
| Year | MD/PhD 7, JeffMD Phase 3, SKMC 4 | |
| Mentor | Matthew Dalva, PhD | |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience | |
| Research Interests |
I’m primarily interested in neuroscience. I enjoy learning about the dynamics of synapses and neural circuits in different neurological states. Specifically, I want to study more about the neural circuit level basis for behavioral dysfunction exhibited in neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative diseases such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Alzheimer’s Disease. |
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| Hobbies/Interests | I like to spend my time mostly outdoors which usually includes hiking, camping, or whatever activity I can do in nature. Sometimes when the Philly weather isn’t as nice to me, I’ll read a book, watch a movie, or play Settlers of Catan. | |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
My opinion is that Philly is best known for its parks and its food. Favorite park: Wissahickon Valley. Favorite food: cheesesteaks from Ishkabibble’s. | |
| Honors/Awards | I.L. Chaikoff Memorial Award (Berkeley) |
Selin Isguven
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Yale College, BS, 2015 | |
| Year | MD/PhD 7, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
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| Mentor | Noreen Hickok, PhD / Flemming Forsberg, PhD |
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| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine | |
| Research Interests |
Past experience: Computational analysis, glucose metabolism, endocrinology; Clinical research, acute kidney injury, acute interstitial nephritis, nephrology Thesis research: Infection control, antibiotic prophylaxis, biomaterials, therapeutic ultrasound |
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| Hobbies/Interests | Art and art history, traveling, photography. | |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I love trying new food (or revisiting old favorites) and going to art galleries or other cultural places. One of my favorites has been the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival so far, which I believe is the largest one in the country! | |
| Honors/Awards | Phase-1 Dean’s Student Research Prize (2019) |
Tyler Alexander
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Swarthmore College, BA, 2017 |
| Year | MD/PhD 7, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
| Mentor | Manuel Covarrubias, MD, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests |
I am highly interested in neuroscience, biophysics, and mathematics. In particular, I enjoy exploring computational and electrophysiologic questions with translational applications. I am particularly excited by the interdisciplinary aspects of the field and its intersection with physics, mathematics, and philosophy. |
| Anticipated Residency | Neurosurgery |
| Hobbies/Interests | I enjoy running long distances and playing blues and jazz guitar. I am an avid reader and love to look at the stars with my telescope. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Run along the Schuylkill River trail, read a book in Rittenhouse Square. |
| Honors/Awards |
PhD Award for Excellence in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (TJU, 2020) Excellence in Social Impact Award (University of Pennsylvania, 2018) |
Rachel Cain
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Penn State Premedical/Medical Accelerated Program, 2018 |
| Year | MD/PhD 7, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
| Mentor | Matthew Dalva, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | Neuroscience, neurosurgery, synaptic biology |
| Anticipated Residency | N/A |
| Hobbies/Interests | N/A |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
N/A |
| Honors/Awards |
SKMC Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F30) SKMC Dean’s Student Research Award (2020) Hobart Amory Hare Society Member (2020-present) Pennsylvania State University Euroscholar Scholarship Award (2018) Evan Pugh Senior Scholar Award (2017) Dean’s List (2015, 2016, 2017) Mark and Sharon Robb Research Award (2017) Pre-Medicine Scholarship (2016, 2017) Ruth E.Duffy Pre-Medicine Endowment (2016, 2017) |
Signe Caksa
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Brown University, BSc, 2016 |
| Year | MD/PhD 7, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
| Mentor | Andrew Aplin, PhD |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine |
| Research Interests | I am interested in translational research in cancer biology, with an emphasis on cell signaling and cancer genetics |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Reading, writing, and taking photographs. I also enjoy hiking, running, being outdoors, and traveling. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Checking out the Rodin Museum and Barnes Foundation, grabbing coffee in Rittenhouse and going for a walk around Graduate Hospital, hiking in Wissahickon Valley Park, eating pizza in Fishtown. |
| Honors/Awards |
Women in Cancer Research Scholar Award (American Association for Cancer Research, 2023) Medical Student Award (Melanoma Research Foundation, 2021) Hobart Amory Hare Medical Honor Society (Thomas Jefferson University, 2020) James B. Erdmann Student Award for Excellence in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (Thomas Jefferson University, 2020) Inducted to Sigma Xi: The Scientific Honor Society (Brown University, 2016) Karen T. Romer Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award (Brown University, 2015) BrownConnect LINK Award (Brown University, 2014) |
Lara Cheslow
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Rutgers University, BA, 2014 | |
| Year | MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
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| Mentor | Scott Waldman, MD, PhD | |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience | |
| Research Interests | I’m interested in studying neurodegenerative diseases and have spent just under four years researching the potential of ketamine to treat depression and the possibility of endogenous factors in the brain to treat multiple sclerosis. Learning new techniques is exciting and rewarding, but I appreciate being trained on how to approach new scientific problems. |
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| Hobbies/Interests | As soon as I save enough money, I spend it on traveling somewhere new and I tend to contract food poisoning at least once every trip. I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending a good amount of time drinking coffee with my family and alcohol with my friends. | |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
One of my routine activities in Philly is Muay Thai, which I practice a few times a week in Philly. No official fighting yet, though. I also love browsing the Italian market for the deal of the day (like a bucket of tangerines for $1), and when money is decent, I splurge on the best cappuccinos in the city at Function Coffee Labs. | |
| Honors/Awards | Graduated magna cum laude from Rutgers |
Colleen Isabelle
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Wellesley College, BA, 2013 | |
| Year | MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
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| Mentor | Anjali Mishra, PhD | |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine | |
| Research Interests | I am conducting my graduate research in the lab of Dr. Anjali Mishra in the Department of Medical Oncology. My current work is investigating novel targets for therapeutic intervention in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. My research interests span the fields of dermatology, hematology, and immunology. |
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| Hobbies/Interests | At Jefferson, I was on the elected board of the Jefferson Physician Scientist Association for three years and am active in volunteering with the intensive care nursery cuddling program in the hospital. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring restaurants in Philly (especially Dim Sum) and spending time outdoors. | |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Spruce St. Harbor Park is a great place to go during the summer for music, food, and fun. The Schuylkill River Trail is also a lovely place to walk and ride bikes. | |
| Honors/Awards | Hobart Amory Hare Medical Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Wellesley College Durant Scholar, The Klein Prize in Neuroscience 2013 at Wellesley College |
Saul Kushinsky
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Massachusetts Amherst, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2014 |
| Year | MD/PhD 9, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3 |
| Mentor | Christine Eischen, PhD |
| PhD Program | Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis |
| Research Interests | I am focusing on understanding the contributions of the DNA replication stress response to hematopoiesis and the effects of different replication stressors on developing hematopoietic cells. |
| Anticipated Residency | Internal Medicine followed by a fellowship in Hematology & Oncology |
| Hobbies/Interests | Hosting/attending potlucks, board games, reading/watching science fiction/fantasy and anime, spending time with the Jewish community |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Spruce Street Harbor, Schuylkill river trail and dog park |
| Honors/Awards |
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, F30 Fellowship (2020) Abstract Achievement Award – 62nd Annual ASH Conference (2020) Thomas Jefferson University Dean’s Student Collaborator Award (2016) Northeast Undergraduate Research and Development Symposium Best Poster Presentation (2014) Elected into Phi Beta Kappa (2013) Commonwealth Honors College Research Grant, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2013) C.D. Youngren Research Scholarship, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2013) Scientific Research Assistant Fellowship, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2011) Eagle Scout Award, Boy Scouts of America (2009) |
Debotri Chatterjee
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Cornell University, BA, 2017 |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor | Richard Smeyne, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | I'm currently interested in neuroscience, specifically the molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Baking/cooking, reading, watching soccer and cricket, learning new languages. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I have much more exploring to do, but so far, I'm enjoying exploring the varied food options and the arts and music scene here! |
| Honors/Awards |
Tata Scholarship (Cornell University, 2013-2017) Von Stade Fellowship (CSHL, 2016) Burroughs Wellcome Fellowship (CSHL, 2016) |
David Jaffe
[email protected]
| Undergrad | UC Davis, BS, 2018 |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor | Angelo Lepore, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | I have a love for molecular neuroscience, especially receptor biology. Working with Dr. Tian in undergraduate, I learned how to create receptor-based, protein sensors for imaging. I hope to apply this knowledge in a more clinical fashion as my career continues. |
| Anticipated Residency | N/A |
| Hobbies/Interests | It's a cliche, I know, but I really love eating. I usually cook, but there's only so much I can make. Thankfully, Philadelphia delivers a plethora of cuisine. I also love simply walking around the city and rock climbing at our local gym. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Washington square is one of my favorite parks to just sit down and relax. South St. is always bustling with life and has some truly fantastic restaurants. Lastly it would be unfair to not recommend reading market to find great food and cooking ingredients. |
| Honors/Awards | N/A |
Phuong Le
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Colby College, ME, Class of 2017 |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor | Sue Menko, PhD |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine |
| Research Interests | Cancer immunobiology and tumor microenvironment |
| Anticipated Residency | Maybe Pediatric Hem/Onc or Pathology |
| Hobbies/Interests | Biking, hiking, handicrafts, baking |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Riding along Schuylkill river is my jam! |
| Honors/Awards |
Phi Beta Kappa American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Travel Award (2017) Biddle Fund Award for International Research (2015) Charles A. Dana Scholar (2014) Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas Summer Scholar (2013, 2014) |
Genevieve Lewis
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Barnard College of Columbia University |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor | Emad Alnemri, PhD |
| PhD Program | Biochemistry, Structural, & Molecular Biology |
| Research Interests | Innate immunity |
| Anticipated Residency | Internal Medicine |
| Hobbies/Interests | Painting, Biking, Walking |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Wissahickon, Schuykill trail, Art Museum |
| Honors/Awards | Mrs. Doris Schloss Rosenthal ’35 Mathematics and Science Award |
Adam Marc
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Johns Hopkins University, BA, 2016 |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor(s) | Chang-Gyu Hahn, MD, PhD & Karin Borgmann-Winter, MD, MS |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | Neuropsychiatry, Schizophrenia, Synaptic Biology, Proteomics |
| Anticipated Residency | N/A |
| Hobbies/Interests | Bouldering, Cooking, Walking/taking my dog to the dog park |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Philly sports, Tehina shakes from Goldie, Trying new restaurants |
| Honors/Awards | N/A |
Samantha Thomas
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, BA, 2013 |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor | Angelo Lepore, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | Promoting circuit-specific synaptic re-connectivity after spinal cord injury |
| Anticipated Residency | N/A |
| Hobbies/Interests | Travel, hiking, camping, cooking, video games |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Philadelphia has a surprisingly big park system, and I like to walk the trails, especially around the Schuylkill River |
| Honors/Awards | Undergraduate: Division of Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2010) Division of Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2011) |
Yanki Yarman
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Columbia University, BA, 2016 |
| Year | MD/PhD 6, JCLS 4 |
| Mentor | Peisong Ma, PhD |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine |
| Research Interests | Previously, I researched the genetic causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder, pachygyria, and meningiomas for two years using whole exome sequencing, gene editing, molecular and biochemical analytical techniques, and data prioritization methods to arrive at genetic discoveries. My current research focuses on the regulation of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling in platelets to better address the genetic determinants of stroke and venous thromboembolism with alternative therapies. |
| Anticipated Residency | N/A |
| Hobbies/Interests | I like listening to live music, especially R&B and alternative rock, dancing, reading, and traveling. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
N/A |
| Honors/Awards |
Inducted to Sigma Xi (2023) American Society of Hematology (ASH) Abstract Achievement Award (2022) Guest speaker at ASH Poster Walk on “Platelets from Bench to Bedside”: Chosen for abstract titled “A Common Variant in GRK5 Reveals a PAR1-Specific Mechanism for Its Regulation of Platelet Function” (2022) |
Miao Cao
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Wisconsin-Madison, BS, 2020 |
| Year | MD/PhD 5, JCLS 3 |
| Mentor | Adam Snook, PhD |
| PhD Program | Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis |
| Research Interests | Cancer biology, CAR-T Cell Therapy |
| Anticipated Residency | N/A |
| Hobbies/Interests | Longboarding, ballet, and hiking. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I love going to Broadway shows and Philadelphia Orchestra concerts. Chinatown is a great place to explore as well. |
| Honors/Awards |
Undergraduate: 2019 CPRIT-CURE Summer Undergraduate Program, MDA Cancer Center 2019-2020 Hilldale Undergraduate Research Fellowship, UW-Madison 2019-2020 Anna L. Rowe Scholarship, CALS, UW-Madison 2018-2019 Sophomore Research Fellowship, UW-Madison 2018 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Mayo Clinic 2017-2018 Dorothy Strong Scholarship, CALS, UW-Madison |
Siddharth Karthikeyan
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Penn State, Penn State Premedical/Medical Accelerated Program (PMM), 2020 |
| Year | MD/PhD 5, JCLS 3 |
| Mentor | Le Ma, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | My previous research examined how copy number variants (CNVs), which are genomic deletions and duplications typically spanning multiple genes, affect gene dosage in patients and contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. I am interested in further pursuing neuroscience research, especially in the context of translational work, but I’m certainly open to exploring other exciting disciplines like immunology and cancer biology. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | I'm passionate about soccer, and you'll find me either playing it or watching it whenever possible. My other hobbies include reading about US history and staying informed about/discussing current events. I also like to think I have a green thumb and love growing everything from succulents to orchids to carnivorous plants! |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I still have much to explore, but I enjoy the food scene here, especially at the Reading Terminal Market. I also love visiting historical sites and museums and running near the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. |
| Honors/Awards |
Ruth E. Duffy Pre-Medicine Endowment (2019) Eberly College of Science Ovadia Scholarship (2019) President Sparks Award (2019) Rodney A. Erickson Discovery Grant (2019) Evan Pugh Senior Scholar Award (2020) |
Elizabeth Magno
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Cornell University, BA, 2017 |
| Year | MD/PhD 5, JCLS 3 |
| Mentor | Karen Bussard, PhD |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine |
| Research Interests | I have previously studied chemoresistance in ovarian cancers, and I would like to continue in women’s health research during my MD/PhD. I am interested in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers and infertility. |
| Anticipated Residency | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Hobbies/Interests | I love baking, reading, and writing poetry. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and seeing live music with friends! |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Philly has fantastic museums! Some of my favorites are the Barnes Foundation, one of the world’s largest impressionist collections, and the Mutter Museum, which documents medical history through specimens and medical tools. I love the collection of over 2,000 swallowed objects removed by one surgeon! |
| Honors/Awards | Undergraduate: Society of American Naturalists Ruth Patrick Student Poster Award |
Andrea Berghella
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Brown University, BSc, 2020 |
| Year | MD/PhD 4, JCLS 2 |
| Mentor | Elena Blanco-Suarez, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests |
My main research interests are in neuroscience--I have always been fascinated by how changes at the synaptic or circuit level can lead to behavioral change or disease. Through my research I want to better understand the systems underlying neural plasticity, and work to harness this understanding to improve clinical outcomes. Most recently I have been interested in investigating the potential mechanisms of psychedelic compounds and how they may play a therapeutic role in the context of psychiatric disorders and beyond. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | I am a fan of the NBA and love to play pick-up basketball. I’ve also recently been getting back into soccer. Outside of sports, I love to travel and explore new places, especially those rich in natural beauty. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I love trying new places to eat--Philadelphia has a wonderful restaurant scene. |
| Honors/Awards |
Hobart Amory Hare Honor Society (Thomas Jefferson University, 2023) SKMC Dean’s Student Research Award (Thomas Jefferson University, 2023) Inducted into Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Honor Society (2020)
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Gavin Bond
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Pennsylvania |
| Year | MD/PhD 4, JCLS 2 |
| Mentor | Christine Eischen, PhD |
| PhD Program | Genetics, Genomics, & Cancer Biology |
| Research Interests | Cancer Biology |
| Anticipated Residency | Internal Medicine |
| Hobbies/Interests | Jogging, lifting, snowboarding, exploring Philly, cat owner |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Jogging around the Schuylkill River trail, trying out new restaurants. |
| Honors/Awards |
Nikolas Kinney
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Georgetown University |
| Year | MD/PhD 4, JCLS 2 |
| Mentor | Hristelina Illieva, PhD, MD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | I am interested in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically identifying novel methods of diagnosing pre-symptomatic disease and non-pharmacologic methods of slowing disease progression based on cognitive reserve theory. |
| Anticipated Residency | Neurology |
| Hobbies/Interests |
I like to play/watch sports, especially basketball, soccer, and hockey. I play guitar and piano and dabble on the drum set. Recently, I’ve spent way too much time playing online chess. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I love to go to baseball games at Citizens Bank Park – I also like Spruce St. Harbor park both in the summer for the food trucks and arcade games and the winter for the ice rink and hot chocolate. |
| Honors/Awards |
Hobart Amory Hare Honor Society (Thomas Jefferson University, 2023) Georgetown University Dean’s List: Fall 2015 Georgetown University Medical Center Biotechnology – Highest Academic Merit Georgetown University Medical Center Biotechnology – Best Capstone Project |
Thomas Kuret
[email protected]
| Undergrad | UC San Diego |
| Year | MD/PhD 4, JCLS 2 |
| Mentor | Scott Waldman, MD, PhD |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | Neurodevelopment, Stem Cell Biology, Synaptogenesis |
| Anticipated Residency | Neurology |
| Hobbies/Interests | Making ice cream |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Explore new food in Reading Terminal Market! |
| Honors/Awards | Fellowship, Ledell Family Research Fellowship for Science and Engineering, UC San Diego |
Jacob Myers
| Undergrad | University of Scranton |
| Year | MD/PhD 4, JCLS 2 |
| Mentor | Matthias Schnell, PhD |
| PhD Program | Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis |
| Research Interests | I'm interested in all things protein, with a specific focus on vaccine design and virology. I love coming to understand how small fractions of a protein's overall structure impact its function and developing ways to exploit that knowledge. |
| Anticipated Residency | Internal Medicine |
| Hobbies/Interests | Beyond research, I love spending time outside enjoying nature, fishing, and spending time with my wife and family. I also love music, and occasionally sing with a local church choir. Otherwise, I spend a lot of my free time playing videogames. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
There are tons of restaurants within walking distance that I frequent. The park system in Philly is great with tons of woods and streams that are fairly easy to get to. As a Phillies fan, I'm also thrilled to be just 20 minutes from the stadium complex. |
| Honors/Awards |
Hobart Amory Hare Honor Society (Thomas Jefferson University, 2023) SPRING Award (Thomas Jefferson University, 2023) Jefferson AOA Oral Presentation Award (2023) Excellence in Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Scranton (2021) Presidential Scholarship at the University of Scranton (2017) |
Robert (Brian) Akins
[email protected]
| Undergrad |
University of Pennsylvania |
| Year | MD/PhD 3, JCLS 1 |
| Mentor | Anjali Mishra, PhD/ Christine Eischen, PhD (Co-Mentor) |
| PhD Program | Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine |
| Research Interests | I’m interested in combining computational advances and foundational biology to identify and develop new cancer treatments. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | My favorite pastimes are singing, hiking, and complaining about Philadelphia sports teams. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
I love Philadelphia’s music scene, and you can often find me at one of the great concert venues around the city—or at karaoke with my friends. |
| Honors/Awards |
Undergrad: Graduated summa cum laude with Distinction in Biochemistry (2021) Roy and Diana Vagelos Scholar in the Molecular Life Sciences (2021) Penn Biochemistry Hydra Prize for excellence in scientific writing (2021) |
Hyun Hwan (Phillip) An
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Grinnell College |
| Year | MD/PhD 3, JCLS 1 |
| Mentor | Christine Eischen, PhD |
| PhD Program | Genetics, Genomics, and Cancer Biology |
| Research Interests | Overcoming resistance mechanisms and testing novel therapeutics in cancer. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Reading, writing, volleyball, soccer. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Finding cozy cafes to read at! I also enjoy playing pick-up volleyball games at Jefferson and at Chinatown. |
| Honors/Awards |
Phi Beta Kappa (2018) Graduated summa cum laude with Distinction in Biochemistry and Economics (2019) |
Geethanjali Annamalai
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Pennsylvania |
| Year | MD/PhD 3, JCLS 1 |
| Mentor | Andrew Aplin, PhD |
| PhD Program | Genetics, Genomics, and Cancer Biology |
| Research Interests | I am interested in cancer genetics and biology and hope to explore this field's translational aspects during my MD/PhD training. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Dancing, swimming, and cooking new foods! I also love hiking and going to the beach with my family. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Running slowly on the Schuylkill River Trail, exploring the Italian Market, and trying new restaurants! |
| Honors/Awards |
Graduated summa cum laude with Distinction in Biochemistry (2022) Roy and Diana Vagelos Scholar in the Molecular Life Sciences (2022) |
Anne Kennedy
[email protected]
| Undergrad | |
| Year | MD/PhD 3, JCLS 1 |
| Mentor | Elda Grabocka, PhD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | TBD |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | TBD |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
TBD |
| Honors/Awards | TBD |
Linh Phuong Nguyen
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Dickinson College |
| Year | MD/PhD 3, JCLS 1 |
| Mentor | Manuel Covarrubias, MD, PhD/ Angelo Lepore, PhD (Co-Mentor) |
| PhD Program | Neuroscience |
| Research Interests | I am interested in Neuroscience and molecular biology, specifically neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathic pain. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Aerial silks, traveling, spending time outdoors |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Try new restaurants and cafes, Rittenhouse Square farmer’s market, and have a picnic or enjoy a sunny day in Rittenhouse Square Park or Washington Square Park! |
| Honors/Awards |
Undergrad: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dickinson College (2020) |
Gil Berreby
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Johns Hopkins University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
| Year | MD/PhD 2, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 2 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | Cancer therapy, Immunotherapy |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Cooking/Baking |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Trying new restaurants |
| Honors/Awards | TBD |
Andrea Feci
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Boise State University, BS, 2023 |
| Year | MD/PhD 2, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 2 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | Molecular Biology of Cancer, Cancer Pharmacology |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Skiing, Hiking, Running, Road Tripping, Food, Traveling |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Walking along the waterfront, hiking at Wissahickon, and trying new restaurants |
| Honors/Awards |
Undergraduate: INBRE Summer Research Fellowship (2022) INBRE Summer Research Fellowship (2021) HERC Research Fellowship (2021) |
Karan Shah
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Arizona State University |
| Year | MD/PhD 2, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 2 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | My background is in studying the interplay between biomolecular structure and function of membrane proteins involved in sensory physiology with a focus on understanding and leveraging biophysical properties for therapeutic potential. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | I like to spend time outdoors, running, hiking, etc., and playing pick-up most sports. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Having just moved here, I’ve been working on trying various restaurants and places to be in nature. |
| Honors/Awards | TBD |
Zhengyang (Kevin) Sun
[email protected]
| Undergrad | UCLA, BS/BA, 2021 |
| Year | MD/PhD 2, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 2 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests |
Cancer Immunology, Cancer Biology |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | MMA/martial arts, guitar, running, listening to music |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Favorite place: Chinatown (for food) Favorite place: Schuylkill River Trail |
| Honors/Awards | TBD |
Sharanya Suresh
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Southern California |
| Year | MD/PhD 2, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 2 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | I am currently interested in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease and hope to get involved in translational research. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Reading, cooking, and traveling |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, going to flea markets, and exploring food in the city |
| Honors/Awards | TBD |
Adrian Altieri
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Pennsylvania |
| Year | MD/PhD 1, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 1 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | Cancer Immunology |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Cycling, Cooking, Baking, Basketball |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Walking along the Delaware River Trail, browsing street markets in Rittenhouse and South Philly |
| Honors/Awards |
N/A |
Chaitanya Karimanasseri
[email protected]
| Undergrad | University of Pennsylvania, Bioengineering |
| Year | MD/PhD 1, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 1 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | Computational and systems biology, tissue engineering, drug delivery |
| Anticipated Residency | Surgery |
| Hobbies/Interests | Volunteering at worship centers; History enthusiast (especially American history and history of Medicine); Hiking outdoors |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mutter Museum, Wissahickon Valley Park, Morris Arboretum |
| Honors/Awards | Undergrad: Bioengineering Student Leadership Award; Rachleff Scholar; Tau Beta Pi |
Caroline Markmann
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Villanova University |
| Year | MD/PhD 1, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 1 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | Immunology, immunotherapy, translational research |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Running, baking, gardening, board games, hiking, & anything outdoors! |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Reading in Rittenhouse Square, running the Schuylkill River Trail, and trying new coffee shops and restaurants |
| Honors/Awards | Undergrad: American Association of Immunologists - Trainee Abstract Award (2022); Tri-Beta Rho Epsilon Chapter - National Biological Honors Society (2021) |
Mattan Orbach
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Drexel University School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, BS/MS |
| Year | MD/PhD 1, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 1 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | biomechanics, mechanobiology, mechano-transduction, multiscale modeling, orthopedics, spine, skeletal deformity, bone remodeling, injury prevention, skeletal development, and biomimetic materials |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | Guitarist and Car Fanatic. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
Schuylkill River Trail and Rittenhouse Square Park |
| Honors/Awards | Undergrad: Graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors; Students Tackling Advanced Research (STAR) Scholarship 2018 |
Oluwatobiloba (Tobi) Taylor
[email protected]
| Undergrad | Geneva College |
| Year | MD/PhD 1, JeffMD Phase 1, SKMC 1 |
| Mentor | TBD |
| PhD Program | TBD |
| Research Interests | I am interested in immunology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. I have had experience studying the human microbiome and how different microbial compartments may contribute to various diseases. |
| Anticipated Residency | TBD |
| Hobbies/Interests | I enjoy crocheting, kickboxing, dancing, and baking. |
| Favorite Places/Things to Do in Philadelphia |
My favorite things to do in Philadelphia are running and exploring different neighborhoods in Philadelphia. |
| Honors/Awards | Undergrad: Both feet award (2018); Graduated summa cum laude with distinction in Biochemistry (2021); Metheny field prize winner (2021) |