Meet Our Current Students

MD/PhD Program

College

Center City Campus
Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Degree Earned

Doctorate

Program Length

8 years

Program Type

On Campus

Prerequisites

Baccalaureate degree
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Leadership

Scott A. Waldman, MD, PhD, FCP

Director, MD/PhD Program

1020 Locust Street
Jefferson Alumni Hall, 368
Philadelphia, PA 19107-5244

[email protected]

215-955-6086

Leadership

Manuel Covarrubias, MD, PhD

Director, MD/PhD Program

233 South 10th Street
Bluemle Life Sciences Building, 221A
Philadelphia, PA 19107

[email protected]

215-503-4341

Program Information

Danielle Park

Administrative Director

[email protected]

215-503-0164

Sidney Kimmel Medical College Alumni

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Meet Our Current Students

Usman Baqai
[email protected]

Undergrad		Ursinus College, BS, 2017
Year		MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 3, SKMC 4
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.
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

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.
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.
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)

Undergrad		Yale College, BS, 2015
Year		MD/PhD 7, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3
Mentor		Noreen Hickok, PhD / Flemming Forsberg, PhD
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
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)

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) Honors in NPLD Practicum (University of Pennsylvania, 2018) Philadelphia Social Innovation Award (Finalist, 2017) Anti-Poverty Solutions Summit (Winner, 2016) Foundation Grant Recipient (Swarthmore College, 2014) Lang Opportunity Scholarship (Swarthmore College, 2013-2017)

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)

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)

Undergrad		Rutgers University, BA, 2014
Year		MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3
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.
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

Undergrad		Wellesley College, BA, 2013
Year		MD/PhD 8, JeffMD Phase 2, SKMC 3
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.
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

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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) Karen T. Romer Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award (Brown University, 2018)

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

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

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

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)

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)

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)

College

Degree Earned

Program Length

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Prerequisites

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Leadership

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Meet Our Current Students

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)