Participants
Mark Ibrahim
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine - Class of 2025
Introduction-
I am a passionate fourth year dental student at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, with a strong
interest in periodontics—a specialty dedicated to the care and health of the supporting bone and
gingival structures of the teeth. My academic journey has provided me with a robust foundation
in dental sciences, and I am eager to deepen my expertise in both the surgical and non-invasive
approaches that periodontics encompasses, all grounded in evidence-based research. My
fascination with research has been a driving force behind my commitment to this field, as I am
drawn to its dynamic nature and potential to make a profound impact on patient care. Outside of
my studies, I cherish spending quality time with family around a cozy bonfire, enjoying game
nights with friends, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen alongside my wife. These
moments keep me grounded and inspired as I pursue my professional aspirations.
Snippet of research-
Cancer cells interact with the unique environment of stem cell tissues through intracellular
communication. One such method of information is the transfer through the use of gap junctions,
a form of cell contact . In gap junctions, connexin proteins form large transmembrane proteins
responsible for Gap Junction Intracellular communication (GJIC). Our hypothesis is that AML
cells communicate with dpMSCs via GJIC. This study further hypothesizes that the AML stem
cells are the preferred subset to establish GJIC with dpMSCs. The Specific Aim in this research
assess GJIC with different subsets of AML cells. I performed western blot assays for different
connexins. GJIC will be assessed by dye transfer using heterogeneous AMLs and different
subsets of AML cells. The latter will be selected by sorting AML cells that are stably infected
with a lentivirus containing tanden repeats of Sox2 and Oct4a upstream of green fluorescence
protein (GFP). Depending on the identified connexin in the western blot, the involved molecule
will be evaluated by knockdown with the specific shRNA. My Aim was to identify how AML
cells communicate with dpMSCs and also identify the involved connexins.
Jenny Hung
Hello everyone! My name is Jenny Hung and I am a rising M2 at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. I grew up in central NJ and graduated from Boston University January 2021. I am currently interested in Women’s Health and gynecological oncology – thus, I am exploring these fields through research this summer. In my free time, I volunteer as an EMT for my neighborhood and enjoy working out.
Ahna Donahue
Ahna J. Donahue, SHP, PA class of 2026
Hello everyone! My name is Ahna Donahue and I’m pursuing an MS in Physician Assistant at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program. A South Jersey native, I received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Rowan University. After graduation, I worked in clinical research at a local cancer center and obtained a research fellowship at a local orthopaedic institute. Outside of the lab, I enjoy watching the Philadelphia Phillies, spending time with my dog, Max, and taking long drives to anywhere with the top off my Jeep.
Kwame Amonu
Hello! My name is Kwame Amonu, and I am from Blackwood, NJ. I received my BA in Biology from the University of Rochester, where I worked as a research associate in the emergency department. That opportunity was crucial in developing my passion for conducting meaningful research. During my gap year, I worked as a Peer Recovery Specialist at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. I am now a rising 2nd-year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, interested in a career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As a proud first-generation Ghanaian American and medical student, I am committed to using my experiences to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine. My hobbies include watching and playing football (soccer) and basketball.
Reema Akash
Hi everyone, my name is Reema Akash! I am a first-year dental student at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. I was born and raised in Syria and came to the United States in 2014. I completed my undergraduate studies at Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences in Newark, majoring in biology and minoring in fine arts. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the R25 Summer Research Program. Engaging in this program allows me to explore various research methodologies and their applications in improving patient care. It also provides a platform to collaborate with experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience, and develop skills that are crucial for my future career as a dental practitioner.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and traveling whenever possible. I am a plant enthusiast and love the beach and ocean.
Uchenna Uwaoma
Hey, my name is Uchenna Uwaoma and I am a second year PA student at the Rutgers PA program. I'm extremely excited and interested in a career in Clinical Research as a Physician Assistant. I enjoy working out, eating in new places and spending time with friends and family.
Benjamin Herrera
Hello everyone. My name is Benjamin Herrera and I am a rising first-year medical student at NJMS. I received my B.A in Biological Sciences from Baruch College. As an autism sibling, I am interested in pursuing psychiatry and focusing on working with individuals with autism and their families. My hobbies include running, swimming, and listening to music.
Grace Herrera
Hi everyone, my name is Grace Herrera. I am an entering first-year medical student at New Jersey Medical School. I completed my undergraduate studies at Pennsylvania State University in Civil Engineering. I was an engineer for five years before switching my career to medicine. I am honored to be a part of the Multidisciplinary Summer Research Education Program for Health Professional Trainees this summer and look forward to broadening my understanding and experience in clinical research. During my free time, I enjoy playing golf, going to the beach and hanging with my friends!
Edwin Ramirez
My name is Edwin Ramirez and I am a rising M1 at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. I graduated from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. Before working in Dr. Fraidenraich’s Lab, I was an undergraduate researcher for a Biochemistry Lab that worked with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. I’m looking forward to starting medical school this fall, and I’m undecided on which specialty I want to pursue but I have considered Urology and Endocrinology. In my free time, I like to spend it with family, and friends, and watching my favorite sports team play, the New York Knicks!
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.
