Participants

Simona Alomary, NMS class of 2026

Simona Alomary is a rising M1 at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She graduated in 2021 from Rutgers University New Brunswick with a bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Prior to working with the Douglas Lab, Simona was an undergraduate researcher at the Abraira Lab in the W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and experimenting with different recipes in her kitchen.

Matthew Amador, RSDM class of 2025

Juan Cadavid, NJMS class of 2025

Hey everyone! My name is Juan Cadavid and I am currently a second-year medical student at New Jersey Medical School. I received my BA in biology from Rutgers Newark. I am from Colombia but lived most of my life in New Jersey. As of now I’m still undecided on which specialty I want to pursue but cardiology and anesthesia are sparking my interest. On my free time I like spending time with my family and friends.

Naana Kena, NJMS class of 2025

Steven Munoz, NJMS class of 2025

My name is Steven Munoz Acevedo, I am a rising 2nd-yearmedical student at New Jersey Medical School. I did my undergrad at New Jersey Institute of Technology. I am very grateful and happy to be in this year's cohort and ready to develop skills and learn more about research!I am still fairly early in my med school journey and still figuring out what I want to do. I like to play drums and listen to music in my spare time.

Carlos Pareja, NJMS class of 2025

Darling Rojas, RSDM class of 2024

Hi everyone, my name is Darling Rojas. I am a rising third-year dental student at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. I completed my undergraduate studies at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in New Brunswick and majored in Biological Sciences. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Multidisciplinary Summer Research Education Program for Health Professional Trainees this summer and I look forward to broadening my appreciation for the importance of research in clinical dentistry and learning more about the various opportunities in the field. During my free time, I enjoy playing with my dog andgoing to the beach!

Alexandra Sanchez, NJMS class of 2026

Alexandra Sanchez is a first year medical student at New Jersey Medical School. She was born in Manhattan, NY, and received her undergraduate degree from Fordham University at Lincoln Center. Alex worked as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for four years after undergrad, and continued working while pursuing a Master of Science degree at Rutgers School of Biomedical Sciences. At Rutgers Alex discovered a strong interest in translational research, and plans to continue doing research throughout her career as a physician. As the first in her family to work in medicine, Alex understands the importance of mentorship, and is dedicated to continuing mentoring students interested in pursuing careers in science and medicine. In her free time Alex enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching live comedy, going to the beach, walking her dogs, and doing puzzles.

Radha Tummalapenta, RWJMS class of 2025

Anisha Tyagi, RWJMS class of 2025

Hi everyone, my name is Anisha Tyagi and I am from San Diego, California! I received a B.S.in Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University and am currentlyan incoming M2 at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. While I am undecided on which specialty I would like to pursue, I hope theMultidisciplinary Summer Research Education Program for Health Professional Trainees will help solidify my career goals. In my spare time, I love going out, travelling, and spending time with family and friends!

Participants 2021

Sebastian Acevedo, NJMS class of 2024

My name is Sebastian Acevedo, I am a first year medical student at New Jersey Medical School and received my undergraduate degree from Rutgers University New Brunswick. I was born in Colombia and soon immigrated to the USA with my parents and younger sibling. I hope to go into an academic career within medicine and one day mentor future generations of aspiring physicians. When I am not studying I love reading, exercising, taking my dog on long walks and trying out new cooking recipes.

Karla Larios, NJMS class of 2024

Hello everyone! I am Karla Larios, a second-year medical student at New Jersey Medical School. I graduated from Rutgers University—New Brunswick in 2016 with a BA in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Latinx and Caribbean Studies. I am now pursuing a dual MD/MPH degree with an interest in specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. As a Newark native and first-generation medical student, I’m committed to increasing the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine, working with underserved populations, and addressing health disparities through research, education, and service.

Ethan Morrison, NJMS class of 2024

Hello Everyone! My name is Ethan Morrison and I am currently a first-year medical student at New Jersey Medical School. Although I am undecided on which specialty I would like to pursue, I am very interested in providing care to the underserved and being a mentor in my community. Research is a pathway to providing better care as a physician, and I am excited to be a part of the program this summer.

Alexander Orndahl, SHP, PA class of 2023

Alex is pursuing an MS in Physician Assistant at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program. He is originally from Atlanta, GA and received a bachelor of science in Biology of Global Health from Georgetown University in 2016. After graduation he worked as a medical scribe, medical assistant, and clinical allergy specialist and volunteered at a medical clinic in Rivercess County, Liberia. He is interested in basic science and translational research. Outside of the lab, Alex enjoys surfing, snowboarding, running, rock climbing, and hiking with his Labrador retriever, Denali.

Stephanie Perricho, NJMS class of 2024

My name is Stephanie Perricho, a New Jersey native and first year medical student at New Jersey Medical School. Before attending NJMS I studied biochemistry at Rutgers University New Brunswick. Throughout my time as an undergraduate and in medical school thus far I have enjoyed balancing my time between research and clinical interests. After completing my medical degree I hope to remain in the academic medical sphere, conducting translational research and mentoring future generations of clinician scientists.

Victoria Ribeiro, NJMS class of 2024

As a Newark native and a first-year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Victoria Ribeiro is enthusiastic about providing care to underserved populations in her community. Prior to enrolling at NJMS, Victoria conducted asthma and allergy research at Mount Sinai where she found her passion for utilizing research to address growing public health burdens. She hopes to continue strengthening and developing her skills through the Multidisciplinary Summer Research Education Program. As a medical student, Victoria volunteers at Ironbound Initiative, a health clinic in the Ironbound section of Newark and is a member of the NJMS Squared, where she mentors local high school students.

Darling Rojas, RSDM class of 2024

Hi everyone, my name is Darling Rojas! I am a first-year dental student at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. I completed my undergraduate studies at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in New Brunswick and majored in Biological Sciences. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Multidisciplinary Summer Research Education Program for Health Professional Trainees and this summer, I look forward to broadening my appreciation for the importance of research in clinical dentistry and learning more about the various opportunities in the field. During my free time, I enjoy playing with my puppy, binge-watching shows on Netflix, and traveling to my birth country, Costa Rica!

Jacinto Saenz, RWJMS class of 2024

DACA student born in Oaxaca, Mexico but raised in Hoboken, New Jersey. Graduated from Saint Peter's University in 2017 with a major in Biochemistry and minor in Philosophy. Founder of Sonoma Bistro. Outside of medicine and research, I enjoy getting away from the city and camp out in the wilderness.

Bintia Sakho, RWJMS class of 2024

Hello! My name is Bintia Sakho and I’m a rising 2nd year medical school student at RWJMS. I graduated college in May 2020 from Rutgers University with a BA in Biological Sciences. I’m looking forward to participating in this program because it will provide me with greater exposure and skills in the research field which I believe are essential to my medical education and future career.

Halle Sarkodie, NJMS class of 2024

I am a first year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. When I’m not studying, I like to read, write, watch reality TV, hike, and tend to my succulents.