Brain Health Program Team
Program Directors/Principal Investigators
Leah Rubin, PhD, MA, MPH
Johns Hopkins University
BHP, Co-Founder, Co-Director
BHP, Co-Founder, Co-Director
Background: Dr. Leah Rubin is a Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology, and Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Rubin received her BA from Franklin and Marshall University, a MA in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, and a Ph.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Rubin’s work is dedicated to improving the cognitive and mental health of several vulnerable populations, including women and men living with HIV (both nationally and, more recently, internationally), individuals with serious mental illness, long COVID, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. Her broad training background allows her to use an interdisciplinary approach in her research program that incorporates epidemiological, mechanistic (e.g., structural and functional neuroimaging) and intervention science (e.g., pharmacologic challenge studies).
Jennifer Coughlin, MD
University of Texas Southwestern
BHP, Co-Founder, Co-Director
BHP, Co-Founder, Co-Director
Background: Dr. Jennifer Coughlin is a professor of psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. She directs the Molecular Imaging in Psychiatry program and oversees the UTSW site for the Brain Health Program.
Dr. Coughlin’s research focuses on molecular neuroimaging techniques, with focus in the use of positron emission tomography (PET) to study markers of neuroinflammation and receptor systems in the living brain. Her work spans the study of healthy aging, sports-related traumatic brain injury, mood disorders (bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder), psychosis, and dementia. She aims to inform the molecular understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions and identify novel, precision therapies guided by imaging results.
Clinical and Translational Research (CARE) Team
Alba Azola, MD
Co-Director
Ana Ehrenspeck, CRNP
Co-Director
Alison Shearon Bucholz, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Megan Hosein, MD
Psychiatry Faculty
Hometown: New York, NY
University: Johns Hopkins (MD, MPH), Columbia University (BA—Neuroscience and Behavior)
Department: Psychiatry
Career Interests and/or Goals: Interested in the intersection of HIV, mood disorders, and global public health
Fun Fact: I’m teaching myself the cello!
Hometown: New York, NY
University: Johns Hopkins (MD, MPH), Columbia University (BA—Neuroscience and Behavior)
Department: Psychiatry
Career Interests and/or Goals: Interested in the intersection of HIV, mood disorders, and global public health
Fun Fact: I’m teaching myself the cello!
Rebecca Easter, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Hometown: Richmond, VA
University: University of Illinois at Chicago (PhD, MA – Clinical Psychology), College of William and Mary (BA – History, Government)
Department: Neurology
Studies: None
Career Interests and/or Goals: To examine the relationships between sociocultural factors and cognition in mental health, particularly in underserved populations.
Fun Fact: I lived in Korea between college and graduate school!
Hometown: Richmond, VA
University: University of Illinois at Chicago (PhD, MA – Clinical Psychology), College of William and Mary (BA – History, Government)
Department: Neurology
Studies: None
Career Interests and/or Goals: To examine the relationships between sociocultural factors and cognition in mental health, particularly in underserved populations.
Fun Fact: I lived in Korea between college and graduate school!
Julia Denniss, MD
Neurology Resident
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
University: Duke University School of Medicine (Doctor of Medicine, 2024), Johns Hopkins Medicine (Neurology Residency, 2028)
Department: Neurology
Studies: None
Career Interests and/or Goals: To complete my neurology training and pursue a fellowship in neuro-infectious disease, particularly neurovirology.
Fun Fact:I'm a big fan of sci-fi and speculative fiction! My favorite author is China Mieville, but I also love James Tiptree Jr. and Jeff Vandermeer!
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
University: Duke University School of Medicine (Doctor of Medicine, 2024), Johns Hopkins Medicine (Neurology Residency, 2028)
Department: Neurology
Studies: None
Career Interests and/or Goals: To complete my neurology training and pursue a fellowship in neuro-infectious disease, particularly neurovirology.
Fun Fact:I'm a big fan of sci-fi and speculative fiction! My favorite author is China Mieville, but I also love James Tiptree Jr. and Jeff Vandermeer!
Madeline Brooks, PhD Candidate
Undergraduate researcher
Hometown: Newark, DE
University: Thomas Jefferson University
Department: Epidemiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Cognitive health in older adults with HIV
Fun Fact: I love to visit history and art museums!
Hometown: Newark, DE
University: Thomas Jefferson University
Department: Epidemiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Cognitive health in older adults with HIV
Fun Fact: I love to visit history and art museums!
Julie Fang, BS Candidate
Undergraduate researcher
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2027)
Department: Neurology
Studies: BRAIN
Career Interests and/or Goals: Attend medical school and specialize in pediatrics, neurology, or psychiatry.
Fun Fact: I love dancing and especially choreographing contemporary dances!
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2027)
Department: Neurology
Studies: BRAIN
Career Interests and/or Goals: Attend medical school and specialize in pediatrics, neurology, or psychiatry.
Fun Fact: I love dancing and especially choreographing contemporary dances!
Olivia Fox, BS
Research Coordinator
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Department: Neurology
Studies: IMPACT, COC4, BRAIN
Career Interests and/or Goals: In the future, I want to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine with a focus on providing medical care and support for women.
Fun Fact: I was a member of the Varsity Field Hockey team at Hopkins!
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Department: Neurology
Studies: IMPACT, COC4, BRAIN
Career Interests and/or Goals: In the future, I want to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine with a focus on providing medical care and support for women.
Fun Fact: I was a member of the Varsity Field Hockey team at Hopkins!
Sofia Karras, BA
Hometown: Glen Rock, NJ
University: Loyola University Maryland (2024)
Department: Neurology
Studies: COVID
Career interests and/or goals: To get my PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology. I have interests in childhood trauma, various mental health disorders, and relationships!
Fun fact: I was born on my due date!
University: Loyola University Maryland (2024)
Department: Neurology
Studies: COVID
Career interests and/or goals: To get my PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology. I have interests in childhood trauma, various mental health disorders, and relationships!
Fun fact: I was born on my due date!
Cooper Kosinski-Buckhorn, BS Candidate
Undergraduate researcher
Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University
Department: Molecular & Cellular Biology
Studies: BRAIN, CHARTER+
Career Interests and/or Goals: Aspiring to go to Medical School Post Graduation
Fun Fact: I love spicy food, I can go through a bottle of Sriracha each week!
Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University
Department: Molecular & Cellular Biology
Studies: BRAIN, CHARTER+
Career Interests and/or Goals: Aspiring to go to Medical School Post Graduation
Fun Fact: I love spicy food, I can go through a bottle of Sriracha each week!
Holly Schultz, MS
Research Coordinator
Hometown: Kent Island, MD
University: University of Pittsburgh (BS 2022 & MS 2024)
Department: Neurology
Studies: COVID-BBB, COC4
Career Interests and/or Goals: To pursue a PhD in Epidemiology and research the intersections of sleep and chronic health conditions using technological objective measures
Fun Fact: I have a twin!
Hanniel Uwadia, BS
Research Coordinator
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
University: University of California, Los Angeles (2022)
Department: Neurology
Studies: CHARTER PLUS
Career Interests and/or Goals: Pursue PhD in Clinical psychology to research behavior and effects of childhood trauma/adversity in adulthood.
Fun Fact: I love music, and I play the guitar.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
University: University of California, Los Angeles (2022)
Department: Neurology
Studies: CHARTER PLUS
Career Interests and/or Goals: Pursue PhD in Clinical psychology to research behavior and effects of childhood trauma/adversity in adulthood.
Fun Fact: I love music, and I play the guitar.
Alejandra Woolsey, PhD Candidate
Hometown: Newbury, SC
University: Texas Christian University (2021)
Department: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Career Interests and/or goals: Mild Cognitive Impairment and Spanish language neuropsychological testing.
Fun Fact: I named my dog Captain in honor of how much I love the Baltimore Harbor!
University: Texas Christian University (2021)
Department: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Career Interests and/or goals: Mild Cognitive Impairment and Spanish language neuropsychological testing.
Fun Fact: I named my dog Captain in honor of how much I love the Baltimore Harbor!
Ariadni Xydia, BS, MHS
Research Coordinator
Hometown: Athens, Greece
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Department: Neurology
Studies: COC4, BRAIN
Career Interests and/or Goals: In the future I hope to pursue a career in medicine. I am interested in psychiatry, public health, and the intersection between those two fields. I am hoping to help marginalized groups get increased access and become educated on psychiatric treatments.
Fun Fact: I have lived half my life in Greece and the other half in Baltimore!
Hometown: Athens, Greece
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Department: Neurology
Studies: COC4, BRAIN
Career Interests and/or Goals: In the future I hope to pursue a career in medicine. I am interested in psychiatry, public health, and the intersection between those two fields. I am hoping to help marginalized groups get increased access and become educated on psychiatric treatments.
Fun Fact: I have lived half my life in Greece and the other half in Baltimore!
Data Science and Mathematical Modeling (DSMM) Team
Yanxun Xu, PhD
Co-Director
Raha Dastgheyb, PhD
Co-Director
Haoyue Sun
Data Manager
Hometown: Langfang, China
University: Johns Hopkins University (MSE 2022)
Department: Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Career Interests and/or Goals: Providing data management support for our lab to advance research and pursuing a PhD program in AMS in the future
Fun Fact: I’m also a part-time music producer with 1.7 million streams on a Chinese platform for my music.
Hometown: Langfang, China
University: Johns Hopkins University (MSE 2022)
Department: Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Career Interests and/or Goals: Providing data management support for our lab to advance research and pursuing a PhD program in AMS in the future
Fun Fact: I’m also a part-time music producer with 1.7 million streams on a Chinese platform for my music.
Kathryn Fitzgerald, PhD
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2015)
Department: Neurology and Epidemiology
Fun Fact: I love listening to reality TV recap podcasts (even if I don't watch the shows)
University: Johns Hopkins University (2015)
Department: Neurology and Epidemiology
Fun Fact: I love listening to reality TV recap podcasts (even if I don't watch the shows)
Aparna Bhattacharyya, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Hometown: Saugeen Shores, Canada
University: Drexel University (PhD 2022), Western University (BEng 2009, MSc 2012)
Department: Neurology
Career Interests and/or Goals: To develop engineered tissues and organs that can complement and eventually replace preclinical animal models.
Fun Fact: Ocarina of Time is my favorite video game!
Hometown: Saugeen Shores, Canada
University: Drexel University (PhD 2022), Western University (BEng 2009, MSc 2012)
Department: Neurology
Career Interests and/or Goals: To develop engineered tissues and organs that can complement and eventually replace preclinical animal models.
Fun Fact: Ocarina of Time is my favorite video game!
César Higgins Tejera, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Hometown: Barranquilla, Colombia
University: University of Michigan (PhD 2023)
Department: Epidemiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: My research interest is to explore the biological pathways linking socioeconomic health determinants to neuropsychiatric diseases employing causal inference techniques and omics data. My goal is to become an independent research scientist at an R1 institution in the US.
Fun Fact: I named my cat after a famous philosopher!
Hometown: Barranquilla, Colombia
University: University of Michigan (PhD 2023)
Department: Epidemiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: My research interest is to explore the biological pathways linking socioeconomic health determinants to neuropsychiatric diseases employing causal inference techniques and omics data. My goal is to become an independent research scientist at an R1 institution in the US.
Fun Fact: I named my cat after a famous philosopher!
Lang Lang
Hometown: Beijing, China
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Department: Applied Math & Statistics
Career Interests and/or Goals: To pursue a PhD program in Stat/Biostat and pursue a career as Biostatistician.
Fun Fact: A world-class Chinese pianist is also called Lang Lang.
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Department: Applied Math & Statistics
Career Interests and/or Goals: To pursue a PhD program in Stat/Biostat and pursue a career as Biostatistician.
Fun Fact: A world-class Chinese pianist is also called Lang Lang.
K Ridgeway, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Hometown: Seattle, WA
University: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (PhD, MSPH: International Health), Duke University (BA: Global Health self-designed)
Department: Neurology
Career Interests and/or Goals: My background and training is in the social and behavioral sciences and implementation research, with a topical focus on behavior change interventions for populations most affected by HIV globally. I have a particular interest in the intersection of mental health and cognition among young people living with HIV. I ultimately hope to build a portfolio of academic research that examines measurement issues, cognitive and developmental factors, and HIV-related outcomes among this priority population.
Fun Fact: When I was a little kid, I (briefly but memorably) wanted to be a monster truck driver when I grew up!
Hometown: Seattle, WA
University: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (PhD, MSPH: International Health), Duke University (BA: Global Health self-designed)
Department: Neurology
Career Interests and/or Goals: My background and training is in the social and behavioral sciences and implementation research, with a topical focus on behavior change interventions for populations most affected by HIV globally. I have a particular interest in the intersection of mental health and cognition among young people living with HIV. I ultimately hope to build a portfolio of academic research that examines measurement issues, cognitive and developmental factors, and HIV-related outcomes among this priority population.
Fun Fact: When I was a little kid, I (briefly but memorably) wanted to be a monster truck driver when I grew up!
Avery Ye, BS Candidate
Undergraduate researcher
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2027)
Department: Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science
Career Interests and/or Goals: To pursue a Master's in Biomedical Engineering and a career in Bioinformatics
Fun Fact: I love skateboarding!
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2027)
Department: Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science
Career Interests and/or Goals: To pursue a Master's in Biomedical Engineering and a career in Bioinformatics
Fun Fact: I love skateboarding!
Eero Korpela, PhD Candidate
Hometown: Westfield, NJ
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2028)
Department: Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Career Interests and/or Goals: To complete my PhD program and go into industry to develop novel precision medicine tools for clinicians.
Fun fact: I have five brothers and all of our names start with the letter E!
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2028)
Department: Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Career Interests and/or Goals: To complete my PhD program and go into industry to develop novel precision medicine tools for clinicians.
Fun fact: I have five brothers and all of our names start with the letter E!
Molecular and Translational Immunology (MTI) Team
Rebecca Veenhuis, PhD
Director
Edna Ferreria, PhD Candidate
Hometown: Maputo, Mozambique
University: Goucher College (2018)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: I am working on my PhD and I hope to pursue a career in industry.
Fun Fact: I have two kittens named Jinx and Ekko who are sisters! Their names are inspired from the Netflix show Arcane.
University: Goucher College (2018)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: I am working on my PhD and I hope to pursue a career in industry.
Fun Fact: I have two kittens named Jinx and Ekko who are sisters! Their names are inspired from the Netflix show Arcane.
Katherine Haas, BS
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
University: St. Mary's College of MD (2022)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Getting my masters one day, but right now I am figuring out what I like to do within the medical field.
Fun Fact: I love to read steampunk Victorian murder mysteries.
University: St. Mary's College of MD (2022)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Getting my masters one day, but right now I am figuring out what I like to do within the medical field.
Fun Fact: I love to read steampunk Victorian murder mysteries.
Hayley Romero, BS
Hometown: Joppa, MD
University: St. Mary's College of Maryland (2022)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Continuing to develop technical including mastery of research methodologies, data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Fun Fact: I have a pet axolotl that I've raised since it was an embryo!
University: St. Mary's College of Maryland (2022)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Continuing to develop technical including mastery of research methodologies, data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
Fun Fact: I have a pet axolotl that I've raised since it was an embryo!
Erin Shirk, MS
University: Penn State, Johns Hopkins University
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Immunology and flow cytometry
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Immunology and flow cytometry
Ruoyu Wang, PhD Candidate
Hometown: Changshu, China
University: University of Toronto (2023)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Pursue a career in medicine and research
Fun Fact: I’ve lived in 3 different countries!
University: University of Toronto (2023)
Department: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interests and/or Goals: Pursue a career in medicine and research
Fun Fact: I’ve lived in 3 different countries!
Mary-Elizabeth Zipparo, PhD Candidate
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
University: Allegheny College (2020)
Dept: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interest and/or Goals: Over the next few years I hope to complete my PhD and explore different career options!
Fun Fact: I currently have a guinea pig named Podrick and a cat named Archie!
University: Allegheny College (2020)
Dept: Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
Career Interest and/or Goals: Over the next few years I hope to complete my PhD and explore different career options!
Fun Fact: I currently have a guinea pig named Podrick and a cat named Archie!
Computational Neuroimaging Team
Arnold Bakker, PhD
Director
Kylie Alm, PhD
Research Associate
Gregory Wade
Senior Analyst
Carrie Wagandt
Research Manager
Mentees
Lindsay McAlpine, MD
Hometown: Berkeley, CA
University: Yale University School of Medicine
Department: Neurology
Studies: Find out more.
Career Interests and/or Goals: Long COVID neurologic disease
Fun Fact: I love to ride bikes! I do a lot of road riding and just started mountain biking.
University: Yale University School of Medicine
Department: Neurology
Studies: Find out more.
Career Interests and/or Goals: Long COVID neurologic disease
Fun Fact: I love to ride bikes! I do a lot of road riding and just started mountain biking.
Nicole Perez, PhD
Hometown: Gainesville, FL
University: University of Florida (Bachelor [2010] and Masters [2014] of Science in Nursing); New York University (PhD in Nursing [2021])
Department: NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Career Interests and/or Goals: To build a career as a nurse scientist and a program of research that advances precision mental health and mental health equity. I am passionate about uncovering the biological and social underpinnings of depression across diverse populations of women living with chronic conditions (e.g. HIV and type 2 diabetes). My interdisciplinary scholarship integrates precision health (e.g. epigenetic, gut microbiome) and advanced statistical approaches to disentangle depression to develop strategies to improve clinical identification for populations most at risk.
Fun Fact: I have strong opinions on the preparation of popcorn... and many other foods!
University: University of Florida (Bachelor [2010] and Masters [2014] of Science in Nursing); New York University (PhD in Nursing [2021])
Department: NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Career Interests and/or Goals: To build a career as a nurse scientist and a program of research that advances precision mental health and mental health equity. I am passionate about uncovering the biological and social underpinnings of depression across diverse populations of women living with chronic conditions (e.g. HIV and type 2 diabetes). My interdisciplinary scholarship integrates precision health (e.g. epigenetic, gut microbiome) and advanced statistical approaches to disentangle depression to develop strategies to improve clinical identification for populations most at risk.
Fun Fact: I have strong opinions on the preparation of popcorn... and many other foods!
Patricia Riggs
Hometown: Denver, CO
University: University of California San Diego
Department: Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health
Career Interests and/or Goals: My primary research interest is how viruses and host immune responses can impact brain health.
Fun Fact: I love learning about new plants (especially succulents!) and gardening.
University: University of California San Diego
Department: Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health
Career Interests and/or Goals: My primary research interest is how viruses and host immune responses can impact brain health.
Fun Fact: I love learning about new plants (especially succulents!) and gardening.
Hannah Stadtler
Hometown: Spotsylvania, VA
University: Davidson College, 2018 (BS), Current MD/PhD Student at VCU (expected 2028)
Department: Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, VCU
Studies: Dr. Gretchen Neigh's Student, Glucocorticoid Biology in Women with HIV
Career Interests and/or Goals: Career in Family Medicine focused on leveraging research to improve patients' quality of life
Fun Fact: My husband and I like to keep our household busy- we have two dogs, three cats, and identical twin 9 month olds!
University: Davidson College, 2018 (BS), Current MD/PhD Student at VCU (expected 2028)
Department: Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, VCU
Studies: Dr. Gretchen Neigh's Student, Glucocorticoid Biology in Women with HIV
Career Interests and/or Goals: Career in Family Medicine focused on leveraging research to improve patients' quality of life
Fun Fact: My husband and I like to keep our household busy- we have two dogs, three cats, and identical twin 9 month olds!
Moka Yoo-Jeong, PhD, NP-C, RN, OCN
Assistant Professor, Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences
Collaborators
Researchers
Alumni
Ekema Anjorin, MBChB, EMBA
Hometown: Limbé, Cameroon
University: Quantic School of Business (MBA- 2022), Obafemi Awolowo University (MD- 1993)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins Department of Pediatrics
Fun Fact: I love dancing!
University: Quantic School of Business (MBA- 2022), Obafemi Awolowo University (MD- 1993)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins Department of Pediatrics
Fun Fact: I love dancing!
Sam Bronckers, BS
Hometown: Blaricum, The Netherlands
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MD program
Fun Fact: I am a practice player/coach for the Hopkins field hockey team and used to play with Olivia!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MD program
Fun Fact: I am a practice player/coach for the Hopkins field hockey team and used to play with Olivia!
Jason Creighton
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
University: Gettysburg College (2001)
Fun Fact: I play golf.
University: Gettysburg College (2001)
Fun Fact: I play golf.
Akaia Davis
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MHS in Mental Health program
Fun Fact: I enjoy reading murder mystery novels.
Christina Della Penna, BS
Hometown: Carlsbad, CA
University: University of Maryland (2023)
Next step after BHP: Applying to Medical School
Fun Fact: I am a yoga teacher! I love yoga and overall wellness of the mind and body through meditation and exercise.
University: University of Maryland (2023)
Next step after BHP: Applying to Medical School
Fun Fact: I am a yoga teacher! I love yoga and overall wellness of the mind and body through meditation and exercise.
Jordin Dixson, BS
Hometown: Waldorf, MD
University: Stevenson University
Next step after BHP: University of Pittsburgh, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program (PhD)
Fun Fact: I was born in Hawaii!
University: Stevenson University
Next step after BHP: University of Pittsburgh, Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program (PhD)
Fun Fact: I was born in Hawaii!
Rebecca Essien
Hometown: Frisco, TX
University: University of North Texas (2024)
Fun Fact: I am half Nigerian half German!
Oluwatoyosi Fowowe
Hometown: Queens, NY
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2026)
Fun Fact: I lived in Nigeria for 12 years and fluent in Yoruba!
Erika Guo, BA
Hometown: Timonium, MD
University: Wellesley College (2023)
Next step after BHP: University of Miami, MD program
Fun Fact: I have perfect pitch!
University: Wellesley College (2023)
Next step after BHP: University of Miami, MD program
Fun Fact: I have perfect pitch!
Thordar Han, BS
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
University: University of Southern California (2024)
Next steps after BHP: Vanderbilt University, MD Program
Fun Fact: I’m learning how to play the guitar!
University: University of Southern California (2024)
Next steps after BHP: Vanderbilt University, MD Program
Fun Fact: I’m learning how to play the guitar!
Courtney Harrington
Hometown: Chicago, IL
University: Johns Hopkins University (2021)
Next step after BHP University of Cincinnati, MD program
Fun Fact: I have a twin brother, Conor, who is a biochemist!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2021)
Next step after BHP University of Cincinnati, MD program
Fun Fact: I have a twin brother, Conor, who is a biochemist!
Hanaa Ibrahim, BA
Hometown: Gaza, Palestine
University: Kenyon College (2021)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, Bayview
Fun Fact: In addition to loving research/science I am also a poet!
University: Kenyon College (2021)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, Bayview
Fun Fact: In addition to loving research/science I am also a poet!
Divya Inaganti
Hometown: Dallas, TX
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Fun Fact: I have been scuba diving, and want to sky dive next!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Fun Fact: I have been scuba diving, and want to sky dive next!
Katelyn Jenkins, BS
Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
University: College of William & Mary (2021)
Next Step after BHP: University of Maryland- College Park, MPS in Clinical Psychological Science program
Fun Fact: I love musicals & plays, so I catch as many as I can at the Hippodrome!
Wei Jin
Hometown: Wuhu, China
University: Johns Hopkins University (PhD in Statistics 2022)
Next step after BHP: Boston University School of Public Health, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics
Fun Fact: Baltimore is the place where I have spent the most time outside of my hometown.
Sarah Kanner
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Georgetown University, MD program
Fun Fact: I am scuba certified and also have the same name as the character from The Terminator! I have also run the Baltimore Marathon!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Georgetown University, MD program
Fun Fact: I am scuba certified and also have the same name as the character from The Terminator! I have also run the Baltimore Marathon!
Asante Kamkwalala, PhD
Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
Universities: Emory (BS, 2009), Vanderbilt (PhD, 2019)
Currently Working: Johns Hopkins University, Neurology & Neuroimmunology
Fun Fact: I love plants!
Universities: Emory (BS, 2009), Vanderbilt (PhD, 2019)
Currently Working: Johns Hopkins University, Neurology & Neuroimmunology
Fun Fact: I love plants!
Arianna Konstantopoulos
Hometown: Boulder, CO
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Next step after BHP: University of California Los Angeles, MD program
Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen of the United States and Greece!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Next step after BHP: University of California Los Angeles, MD program
Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen of the United States and Greece!
Hannah Lee
Hometown: Rockville, MD
University: Case Western Reserve University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Rutgers University, PsyD program.
University: Case Western Reserve University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Rutgers University, PsyD program.
Sophie Liu
Hometown: Boston, MA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Fun Fact: I've met President Biden in person before!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Fun Fact: I've met President Biden in person before!
Emily Lu, BS
Hometown: Austin, TX
University: Johns Hopkins University (2024)
Next steps after BHP: Yale University, MD Program
Fun Fact: I was a ballet dancer for 10 years!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2024)
Next steps after BHP: Yale University, MD Program
Fun Fact: I was a ballet dancer for 10 years!
Wenxuan Lu
Hometown: Nanjing, China
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, PhD in Biostatistics program
Fun Fact: I found figure skating to be my biggest hobby during the pandemic!
Abigail Matthews
Gabriela Molestina
Hometown: Bristow, VA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MS in Public Health program
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MS in Public Health program
Jenna Monteleone, BS
Hometown: Houston, TX
University: Texas Christian University (2024)
Next step after BHP: Optometry administrator
Fun Fact: I have two middle names (Marie and Darsey)!
Ava Neijna
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
University: Dartmouth College (2023)
Fun Fact: I am running the NYC Marathon in November!
University: Dartmouth College (2023)
Fun Fact: I am running the NYC Marathon in November!
Riley O'Toole
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Universities: Johns Hopkins University (BA 2021), Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (MHS 2022)
Next step after BHP: Cleavland Clinic, MD program
Fun Fact: I started as a research assistant in 2018 with Dr. Rubin before leaving in 2023!
Universities: Johns Hopkins University (BA 2021), Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (MHS 2022)
Next step after BHP: Cleavland Clinic, MD program
Fun Fact: I started as a research assistant in 2018 with Dr. Rubin before leaving in 2023!
Hannah Parker, BA
Hometown: Richmond, VA
University: University of Richmond (2023)
Next step after BHP: Virginia Commonwealth University, MD Program
Fun Fact: I love making my own bread!
University: University of Richmond (2023)
Next step after BHP: Virginia Commonwealth University, MD Program
Fun Fact: I love making my own bread!
Juhi Patel, BA
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MS in Public Health program
Fun Fact: I am learning how to do film photography!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University, MS in Public Health program
Fun Fact: I am learning how to do film photography!
Noel Pi, BA
Hometown: Marlboro, NJ
University: Case Western Reserve University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate Program
Fun Fact: I play piano and am a die hard Nikola Jokic fan!
University: Case Western Reserve University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate Program
Fun Fact: I play piano and am a die hard Nikola Jokic fan!
Daisheau Player
Next step after BHP: Stanford University, MD program
Lily Pohlenz, BS
Hometown: Bel Air, MD
Universities: St. Mary's College of Maryland
Next step after BHP: Graduate school (PhD in Medical Sciences) at the University of South Florida
Fun Fact: I've hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim.
Universities: St. Mary's College of Maryland
Next step after BHP: Graduate school (PhD in Medical Sciences) at the University of South Florida
Fun Fact: I've hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim.
Riley Ricci, BA
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
University: Christian Brothers University (2024)
Next step after BHP: University of Pennsylvania, Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate Program
Fun Fact: I have an orange kitten named Olive!
University: Christian Brothers University (2024)
Next step after BHP: University of Pennsylvania, Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate Program
Fun Fact: I have an orange kitten named Olive!
Chantal Riggs
Hometown: Olympia, WA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Fun Fact: I played on the women's soccer team at Johns Hopkins during undergrad!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Fun Fact: I played on the women's soccer team at Johns Hopkins during undergrad!
Skylar Rucci
Hometown: Sewell, NJ
University: Rutgers University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Miami University, PhD in Clinical Psychology program
Fun Fact: I’m a triplet!
University: Rutgers University (2023)
Next step after BHP: Miami University, PhD in Clinical Psychology program
Fun Fact: I’m a triplet!
Megha Salvi
University: Johns Hopkins University (2026)
Michelle Santangelo
Isabel Santiuste
Hometown: New York, NY
University: Yale University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Duke University, MD program
Fun Fact: I love to roller-skate!
University: Yale University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Duke University, MD program
Fun Fact: I love to roller-skate!
Eran Shorer, MBChB, MSc
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Universities: University of Cape Town (MSc in Computational Neuroscience (2021); Medical Doctor (2020) and BSc(Med) Neurophysiology (2017)
Next step after BHP: Mount Sinai West, Postgraduate Neurology Resident
Fun Fact: I have a Maltese named QT – referencing both “Cutie” and the period of heart contraction and relaxation on an electrocardiogram.
Universities: University of Cape Town (MSc in Computational Neuroscience (2021); Medical Doctor (2020) and BSc(Med) Neurophysiology (2017)
Next step after BHP: Mount Sinai West, Postgraduate Neurology Resident
Fun Fact: I have a Maltese named QT – referencing both “Cutie” and the period of heart contraction and relaxation on an electrocardiogram.
Yacine Si
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Fun Fact: I spent the majority of my life outside of the United States and was raised in eight countries on four continents namely Senegal, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Jordan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, The United Kingdom, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
University: Johns Hopkins University (2023)
Fun Fact: I spent the majority of my life outside of the United States and was raised in eight countries on four continents namely Senegal, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Jordan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, The United Kingdom, Canada, and Saudi Arabia.
Lott (Quint) Steffey, BA
Hometown: San Clemente, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University (anticipated 2025)
Fun Fact: I started playing water polo 10 years ago and I am still playing for JHU!
University: Johns Hopkins University (anticipated 2025)
Fun Fact: I started playing water polo 10 years ago and I am still playing for JHU!
Shannon Sweeney
Hometown: Plainfield, CT
University: Wesleyan University (2021)
Next step after BHP: Uniformed Services University, MD program
University: Wesleyan University (2021)
Next step after BHP: Uniformed Services University, MD program
Natalie Smith
Hometown: Los Altos Hills, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2026)
Next step after BHP: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2026)
Fun Fact: I play soccer at Johns Hopkins and love doing triathlons!
Zoe Taswell
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
University: University of Michigan (2022)
Next step after BHP: City College of New York, PhD in Clinical Psychology program
Fun Fact: I love hiking, backpacking, and being in the outdoors!
University: University of Michigan (2022)
Next step after BHP: City College of New York, PhD in Clinical Psychology program
Fun Fact: I love hiking, backpacking, and being in the outdoors!
Cykyra Thomas
Hometown: Rocky Hill, CT
University: Dickinson College (2021)
Next step after BHP: Vanderbilt University, DDS program
University: Dickinson College (2021)
Next step after BHP: Vanderbilt University, DDS program
Izzy Thompson
Hometown: Dallas, TX
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Fun Fact: I've met President Obama's dogs!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Fun Fact: I've met President Obama's dogs!
Andre Vu
Hometown: Stanton, CA
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Stanford University, MD program
Fun Fact: I broke a couch on my first day at Hopkins!
University: Johns Hopkins University (2022)
Next step after BHP: Stanford University, MD program
Fun Fact: I broke a couch on my first day at Hopkins!
Jonathan Ye, MS
Hometown: Poolesville, MD
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2025)
Next step after BHP: Technical Solutions Engineer at Epic in Wisconsin
Fun Fact: I do not know how to unicycle!
University: Johns Hopkins University (Anticipated 2025)
Next step after BHP: Technical Solutions Engineer at Epic in Wisconsin
Fun Fact: I do not know how to unicycle!
