MD program graduate Lisa Ho, wearing commencement robe and cap, smiles while being hooded.
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Class of 2023 Graduates
Graduate School
Graduate school
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
John J. Biskupski, BA, Central Connecticut University
Capstone Experience: Asymmetrical Warfare threats by the People’s Republic of China targeting the United States and the implications to Public Health
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDAbigail Cunning, BA, Rosemont College
Capstone Experience: Noncommunicable Diseases: A Threat to Public Health Preparedness
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDLindsay D. Dally, BS, Troy University
Capstone Experience: Systemic Review of the Technological Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Social Media to Support Emergency Responders for Pediatric Patients
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDLindsay English, BS, Waynesburg University
Capstone Experience: Protecting Healthcare Networks from Cybersecurity Threats
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDJason Heller, BS, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Capstone Experience: Systemic Review: Department of Veteran Affairs Homeless Programs
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDAlexandra Kowsh, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination in Latinx Communities in Rural Pennsylvania: A Study through Penn State Outreach & the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDJasmine N. Lee-Hall, BS, Fort Hayes State University
Capstone Experience: Veterans & PTSD: Fighting the Internal War Post Service
Adviser: Gavin Macgregor-Skinner BVSc, MSc, MPH, MRCVSGraciella Souza McBrearty, BA, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Systematic Review of How effective were the Mitigations in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic for most states in the United States.
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDMarni E. Russell, BS, Grand Canyon University
Capstone Experience: Extreme Heat – The Effect on the Population and Proposed Solutions
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDMelissa Serrano Burns, BS, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
Capstone Experience: The COVID 19 Pandemic’s Effect on the Biological Drug Development Timeline and the Implications for Future Biological Drugs
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDStephanie A. Slagle, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: A Systemic Review of the Policies and Procedures of Disease Prevention and Emergency Preparedness in Early Care Settings in Pennsylvania
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMDJeffrey David Toony, BFA, Webster University
Capstone Experience: XR/VR/AR and the gamification of efficient emergency management training and planning
Adviser: Jennifer Osetek, MHS, PhDMaster of Public Health
Miewan Ahmed, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Needs Assessment of Behavioral and Mental Health Providers Serving Local Refugee and Immigrant Communities
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESChristopher Almeda, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Assessing and Strengthening the Emotional Intelligence of Future Generations
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESVictoria Baumert, BA, Albright College
Capstone Experience: Why do Parents Not Vaccinate Their Children For HPV?: Observing Trends in Responses from HPV Vaccine-Hesitant Parents
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESHalle Becker, BS, Messiah University
Capstone Experience: Healthcare in the Home – How to meet the Healthcare Needs of Sex Trafficked Survivors in a Long-term Care Home Setting
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESEunita Chandarat, BS, West Chester University
Capstone Experience: The Association between Levels of Relational Intimacy, among Older Adults and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Incidence in Pennsylvania and Surrounding States
Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, CRNP, MPHNicholas Dennis, BA, Millersville University
Capstone Experience: Rates of falls and fall-related injuries in renters versus homeowners over 65 years old
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESRebecca Derbes-Bobersky, BS, Lebanon Valley College
Capstone Experience: Sustaining Basic Hygiene and Non-Food Supplies within Penn State Community Food Pantries
Adviser: Kathleen Sturgeon, PhDKaedryn A. DiGuglielmo, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Addressing Root Causes of Food Insecurity in Lebanon County
Adviser: Laura Carrel, PhDShalinie Dowlatram, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: The Pain of Gun Violence: Pilot Study and Grant Application for Assessing the Long-term Health Outcomes for Survivors of Gun Violence
Adviser: Jane Schubart, MBA, MS, PhDKaitlyn Marie Durant, BS, West Chester University
Capstone Experience: Diabetes Prevention Among Mifflin County, Pennsylvania Youth
Adviser: Betsy Aumiller, D.EdElizabeth Easterling, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Grant Proposal: Addressing Health Literacy in Older Adults Living in Juniata County, Pennsylvania
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESRiley Anne Eisler, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Outcomes Associated with the use of Prescription Stimulants in Obesity Treatment: A Systematic Review
Adviser: Melissa Butt, DrPHKate Ferguson, BS, Wittenberg University
Capstone Experience: Exploring Connections between Allied Health Professionals and Non-clinical Staff Education, Preparedness, and Comfort while Caring for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESVenus R. Grella, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Predictors for Emergency Department Utilization Among those with Autism Spectrum Disorder 0 to 21 Years Old
Adviser: Vonn Walter, PhDDung (Young) Ho, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: What is the Relationship between Prenatal Sleep Disorders and Postpartum Anxiety in Mothers during COVID in the US?
Adviser: Kristin Sznajder, PhDTaylor Keckler, BS, Messiah College
Capstone Experience: Evaluating the impact of the Lebanon Bicycle Recycle on the physical health and habits of community members in Lebanon, PA.
Adviser: Michelle, LaClair, MPH, CHESElysse Mellott, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: The Revision and Reimplementation of the School Immunization Catch Up Program in Pennsylvania
Adviser: Michelle, LaClair, MPH, CHESJordan Sellers, BA, Franklin & Marshall College
Capstone Experience: National Comparison of Veterans and Non-Veterans Medical Center Patient Satisfaction Ratings: An HCAHPS Survey Data Analysis
Adviser: Michelle, LaClair, MPH, CHESJocelyn Simmers, BSW, California University of Pennsylvania
Capstone Experience: Social Determinants of Health in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESJoelle Williamson, BS, Messiah College
Capstone Experience: TTR Amyloidosis Education and Outreach Program
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESAlice Zhang, BS, Duke University
Capstone Experience: Not just for Snacks: Vending Machines as an Innovative Method for Overdose Prevention
Adviser: Aleksandra Zgierska, MD, PhDIntegrated Undergraduate Accelerated Master Of Public Health
Laura Bockoff, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Pain Disorders
Adviser: Carolyn Bernstein, MDOlivia Jeannette Bognanni, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: A Review of Effective Communication Strategies for Health Promotion During Emerging Infectious Diseases; from a Global Health Perspective
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESErin E. Cavanaugh, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal care utilization among pregnant women in central Pennsylvania
Adviser: Wenke Hwang, PhDDana Doyle, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Stories to Prevent (StoP) Covid-19 among Expecting and Postpartum Mothers
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESJuliette Entenman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Social Determinants Associated with Opioid Use Behaviors in Rural/Urban American Adults
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESMonioluwa Evelyn Erinle, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Targeting Comorbid Depression Within Adolescents Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESOlivia R. Filandro, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Do Student Athletes Receive Adequate Follow-up Care Post Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)?
Adviser: Wenke Hwang, PhDVictoria Francois, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: An Evaluation Plan for Penn State College of Medicine Diversity Pathway Programs
Adviser: Inginia Genao, MDBritney Goldsman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Total Drug Spending for High-Cost, High-Need Adults in the United States From 2011-2020
Adviser: Wenke Hwang, PhDAlexandra Harvey, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Systematic Review of Internalized Weight Bias among Adolescents
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESAshley Regina Hibbs, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Impact of SES & Healthcare Accessibility on HIV Prevention Efforts in Substance Abuse Facilities in the Rural US
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESRachel Jacobs, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Mixed Methods Research: Qualitative Analysis of Challenges Faced by People with Immunosuppression due to Lupus during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESGavin Kerr, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Knowledge of Emergency Medical Services by Physicians Directly in Contact with the Emergency Service System
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESJenny Lee, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Implementation Plan to Improve the Internship Program at SimiTree Healthcare Consulting
Adviser: Donalee Unal, MDNoah Fredrick Morando, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Mental Health in Young Adults Following the COVID-19 Pandemic Intervention
Adviser: Cindy ReedSydney Neuman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Is the Urinalysis Necessary in Adult Patients with Abdominal Pain and No Urinary Symptoms: A Retrospective Chart Review
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHESMadison Pennie, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Corporate & Nongovernmental Donation Partnerships in Disaster: A Case Study Analysis
Adviser: Damian Morales, MPHSkylar Pulver, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Association Between Self-reported STI Symptoms and Stillbirth in Sub-Saharan Africa using Nationally Representative Surveys
Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, MPH, CRNPLyndsay Stakem, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Identifying Challenges and Addressing Opportunities for Improved Care for Maternal and Child Health in Uganda
Adviser: Julie Lentes, MPHKathryn Van Scyoc, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Global Health Burden of Burn Pits on U.S. Military Personnel
Adviser: Julie Lentes, MPHJason Haoxu Wang, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Young Adults’ Body Satisfaction: From Childhood Obesity to Current and Future Behavior
Adviser: Melissa Bopp, PhDMaster of Science
Alana Artura Benn, BS, Howard University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Thesis: Testing Chandelier Cell Abnormalities in the 16P11.2 Microdeletion Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Adviser: Anirban Paul, PhD
Continued Education: Neuroscience PhD Program, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.Sarah Carey, BS, State University of New York at Fredonia
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Thesis: Implicating CXCL10 and CXCL13 Signaling in T Cell Trafficking to the CNS during Polyomavirus Infection
Adviser: Aron Lukacher, MD, PhD
Employment: Allegheny Health Network, PittsburghCaroline Chang, BS, DVM, North Carolina State University
Major: Laboratory Animal Medicine
Thesis: The Role of Glutathione Peroxidase 3 in Ovarian Cancer
Adviser: Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAMJack Cimino, BS, Dickinson College
Major: Neuroscience
Thesis: Agonist-induced D1 Receptor Mediation of Spatial and Temporal Working Memory
Adviser: Yang Yang, PhD
Continued Education: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NYRachel L. Griffin, BS, DVM, Michigan State University
Major: Laboratory Animal Medicine
Thesis: Transcription Factor SOX2 as an Indicator of Progression in Early-Stage Bladder Cancer
Adviser: Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM
Employment: Michigan State UniversityKristina Rogers, BS, University of Pittsburgh
Major: Anatomy
Thesis: Does Smoking Buffer against Stress-induced Reduction in Cognitive Performance?
Adviser: Andrea Hobkirk, PhDAshley N. Varley, BS, DVM, Delaware Valley College & Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Major: Laboratory Animal Medicine
Thesis: Neurodevelopmental Changes of the Brain-gut Acid in the Valproic Acid Induced Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)
Adviser: Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAMDoctor of Public Health
Tarek B. Eshak, MD, Cairo University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Retention in Care Among People Living with HIV: The Syndemic Effect of Substance Abuse, Depression, and Diabetes and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dissertation Adviser: Kristin Sznajder, PhD
Postdoctoral training: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.Eileen S. Flores, BA, Barnard College, Columbia University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors Among Hispanics in the Pennsylvania State Cancer Institute Catchment Area: A Mixed Method Study
Dissertation Adviser: Shelley Bluethmann, PhDKyungha Kim, BE, Handong Global University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: “The Opioid Epidemic Among Pregnant Women: Treatments For Opioid Use Disorder And Their Association with Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes”
Dissertation Adviser: Douglas Leslie, PhD Postdoctoral training: University of Maryland, BaltimoreSavanna Gates Ledford, BS, MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Johns Hopkins University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: COVID-19 and Cancer in Pennsylvania: Behaviors, Advocacy, and Mortality
Dissertation Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Postdoctoral training: Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Fellowship, Little Rock, Ar.Douwné Müller, BS, Shippensburg University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Hepatitis B Vaccination Barriers among Adults, aged 19 to 59, with Diagnosed Diabetes
Dissertation Adviser: Jessica Yingst, DrPHCheryl Richardson, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Exploring the role of healthcare staff education and experience on comfort level when providing care to individuals with intellectual disabilities
Dissertation Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, CRNP
Postdoctoral Employment: Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.Sangeeta Gopal Saxena, MBBS, Delhi University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Promoting Equity among International Medical Graduates
Dissertation Adviser: Kristin Sznajder, PhD
Postdoctoral Employment: Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C.Doctor of Philosophy
Radha Dhingra, MD, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital
Major: Epidemiology
Dissertation: Understanding the Bi-directional Relationship Between Mental Illness and Cardiovascular Disease
Dissertation Adviser: Duanping Liao, MD, PhDAshna Dhoonmoon, BS, BA, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Modulation of the Replication Stress Response by the mono-ADP-Ribosyltransferase PARP1
Dissertation Adviser: George-Lucian Moldovan, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.Adam J. Fike, BA, Arcadia University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Transcriptional Regulation of B Cell Responses in Protection and Autoimmunity
Dissertation Adviser: Ziaur Rahman, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Bristol Meyers Squibb, Princeton, N.J.Rebecca Fleeman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Conveyed by Apolipoprotein E ε4: Immunometabolism and the Brain-Body Connection
Dissertation Adviser: Elizabeth Proctor, PhD Postdoctorate Employment: Teva Pharmaceuticals IndustriesChenqi Fu, BS, Fudan University
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Bayesian Predictive Hypothesis Testing and Model Averaging
Dissertation Adviser: Shouhao Zhou, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CAZhuangzhuang Geng, BS, China Pharmaceutical University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Regulatory Function of AUTS2 on Vital Signaling Pathways during Brain Development
Dissertation Adviser: Zhonghua Gao, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PhiladelphiaNour Hawila, BS, American University of Beirut
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Confidence Intervals for Noninferiority Testing, Bayesian joint Modeling of Interrater and Intrarater Reliability, Topics in Biostatistical Modeling and Statistics Education
Dissertation Adviser: Arthur Berg, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Bristol Myers SquibbIan R. Hayman, BS, The University of Idaho
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Initial Infection and Intercellular Spread of Epstein-Barr Virus in Stratified Epithelium
Dissertation Adviser: Clare Sample, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, SeattleChristine Hehnly, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Infections from Paenibacillus Thiaminolyticus with a Type IV Pilus causes Neonatal Sepsis and Subsequent Infant Postinfectious Hydrocephalus in Uganda
Dissertation Adviser: James Broach, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Boston Children’s Hospital, BostonXupeng Hong, BAGR, Shanghai Ocean University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Determinants of HBV Host Tropism and Roles of HBV Precore/Core Proteins
Dissertation Adviser: Jianming Hu, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: The Rockefeller University, New YorkRyan Hylton, BS, Washington State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Cofilactin Bundling in Neurodevelopment and Degeneration
Dissertation Adviser: Matthew Swulius, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, GermanyBrandon LaFever, BS, Rochester Institute of Technology
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: Effects of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Nasal Inflammation on the Olfactory Neural Circuit
Dissertation Adviser: Fumiaki Imamura, PhD
Postdoctorate Education: Emergency Medical Technician and Physician AssistantMenglu Liang, BM, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Modeling and Dynamic Prediction for Recurrent Time-to-event Data with Competing Risks
Dissertation Adviser: Ming Wang, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: University of Maryland, College Park, Md.Wenxue Lin, BS, Dalian Medical University
Major: Epidemiology
Dissertation: Effect of Menthol Flavor in Cigarettes on Addiction and Toxicant Exposure
Dissertation Adviser: Joshua E. Muscat, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Temple University, PhiladelphiaXiaoming Liu, BA, Rutgers University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-GD2 Immunotherapy in Neuroblastoma
Dissertation Adviser: Hong-Gang Wang, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Sonata Therapeutics, Watertown, Ma.Barbara Manfredi, BS, MS, University of Parma
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Effects of Schweinfurthin Analogue 5’-Methylschweinfurthin G in Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines
Dissertation Adviser: Raymond Hohl, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Oakland University, Mich.Greer McKendrick, BS, College of Charleston
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: Pharmacological and Neurocircuit Regulation of Opioid-Context Associations
Dissertation Adviser: Nicholas Graziane, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Johns Hopkins, BaltimoreDarren Mehay, BA, Indiana University
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Angiotensin-(1-7) and Neural Mechanisms Controlling Energy Balance
Dissertation Adviser: Amy C. Arnold, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, PhiladelphiaAsvelt J. Nduwumwami, BA, Williams College
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Regulatory Role of Sphingolipid Metabolites in Immunogenic Cancer Cell Death
Dissertation Adviser: Jong Yun, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: MD Anderson Cancer Center, TexasMary Piscura, BS, The Ohio State University
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Mechanisms and Efficacy of Non-Opioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain in Mice
Dissertation Adviser: Daniel Morgan, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, Ala.David Rasicci, BS, University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Cardiac Myosin Dysfunction in Genetic Cardiomyopathies and Ischemic Heart Failure
Dissertation Adviser: Christopher Yengo, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, W. Va.Anna Livvia Ricci, BS, University of Utah
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Association of Synchronized Oscillations of Sleep with Brain Maturation and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Dissertation Adviser: Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt.Tanay Thakar, B.Tech, University of Pune, India
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Assessing the Role of Gap Avoidance Mechanisms and Nucleosome Assembly Pathways as Guardians of DNA Replication Fork Stability
Dissertation Adviser: George Lucian Moldovan, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New YorkJoshua Walston, BA, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Epstein-Barr virus Glycoproteins BDLF2 and BMRF2 are Important for Efficient Infection and Spread in Oral Epithelia
Dissertation Adviser: Clare E. Sample, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PittsburghXi Wang, BS, Nankai University, China
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Analysis of Crossover Designs with Nonignorable Dropout Dissertation
Adviser: Vernon M. Chinchilli, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: MicrosoftXingyan Wang, BS, Peking University, China
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Statistical Methods for Aggregating Trans-Ancestry Genome Wide Association Summary Statistics & Its Applications to Nicotine & Alcohol Addiction Phenotypes
Dissertation Adviser: Dajiang J. Liu, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.Natalie Yoshioka, BA, University of Maryland
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2: A Novel Regulator of Postnatal Skeletal Development
Dissertation Adviser: Fadia Kamal, PharmD, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima, Wash.Li Zhang, BE, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Major: Epidemiology
Dissertation: Studies of Berries and Health
Dissertation Adviser: Joshua Muscat, PhD and John Richie, PhDMi Zhou, MD, China Medical University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Accumulation of Misfolded Proteins in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) impairs the Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Cargo and the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)
Dissertation Adviser: Jeffrey Sundstrom, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.Doctor of Medicine/Master of Public Health
Benjamin Alexander Jonik, BS, Duquesne University
Capstone Experience: Demographic Relationships to Patient-Provider Trust and Their Impact on COVID-19 Pandemic Behaviors
Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, MPH, NP
Residency: Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaAbigail Washington, BA, Wheaton College
Capstone Experience: Association of Sarcoidosis Prevalence and Air Pollution
Adviser: Matthew Helm, MD and Melissa Butt, DrPH
Residency: Internal Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical CenterHolly Wisnouski, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: A Meta-Analysis Characterizing the Spatiotemporal Prevalence of Lassa Fever
Adviser: Paddy Ssentongo, PhD
Residency: Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy
Daniel J. Goetschius, BS, MSc, Grove City College; Dublin City University
Major: Molecular Cellular and Integrative Biosciences
Dissertation: Icosahedral Subparticle Extraction & Correlated Classification: Characterizing Heterogeneities in Icosahedral Viruses
Dissertation Adviser: Susan Hafenstein, PhD
Residency: Internal Medicine, UPMC Medical Education, PittsburghWilliam Davis Haselden, Jr., BS, University of Alabama – Birmingham
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Nitric Oxide Diffusion and Degradation Drive Emergent Cerebrovascular Dynamics
Dissertation Adviser: Patrick Drew, PhD
Residency: Neurological Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IowaMartin T. Johnson, BS, Drexel University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Calcium Signaling Pathways in Smooth Muscle Remodeling During Hypertension and Asthma
Dissertation Adviser: Mohamed Trebak, PhD
Residency: Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.Spencer R. Katz, BS, Yale University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Silver Linings: Applications of Silver Staining for Micro-CT-based Computational Phenomics
Dissertation Adviser: Keith Cheng, MD, PhD
Residency: Pediatrics/Medical Genetics, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OhioMallory Peterson, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Engineering, Science and Mathematics
Dissertation: Leveraging Neural Imaging for the Management of Hydrocephalus
Dissertation Adviser: Steven J. Schiff, MD, PhD
Residency: Neurological Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.Carson A. Wills, BS, Haverford College
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Mechanisms of Small Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Chemotherapy-Induced Metastasis
Dissertation Adviser: Hong-Gang Wang, PhD
Residency: Internal Medicine, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaPatricia P. Yee, BS, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: The Roles of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils in Glioblastoma Necrosis and Progression
Dissertation Adviser: Wei Li, PhD
Residency: Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.Physician Assistant Program
Physician assistant program
Alison Bean – University of New Hampshire, BS
Clinical Plans: Outpatient Internal Medicine, Charles River Medical Associates, Framingham, Mass.Kiersten Betz – Pennsylvania College of Technology, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Family Practice Center, Boiling Springs, Pa.Joshua Blanchard – Brigham Young University – Idaho, BS Andrew Britton – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Urgent Care, Penn Medicine Lancaster General, Lancaster, Pa.Karan Dhungel – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency MedicineJulia Frye – The Ohio State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Dermatology, Chicago, Ill.Joshua Kilic – Florida State University, BA
Clinical Plans: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hershey, Pa.Khanh Le – University of North Carolina, BA
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, N.C.Carissa Lee – University of California-Los Angeles, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency MedicineSarah Lombel – Bucknell University, BS
Clinical Plans: Family and Community Medicine, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.Antonio Lopez-de-Alda – University of Texas at Dallas, BS, MS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Austin, TexasRachel Mack – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Neurosurgery, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre, Pa.Grace Maples – University of Wisconsin, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, North Olympic Healthcare Network, Port Angeles, Wash.Catherine Meyerhoff – University of Michigan, BS
Clinical Plans: Women’s HealthBryan Mullen – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Outpatient Neurology, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.Jessica Nussbaum – New York University, BA
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Edwardsville, Ill.Ryan Parrish – Lafayette College, BA Casey Reid – University of Maryland, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview, Baltimore, Md.Stefanie Sciacca – Ramapo College of New Jersey, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, N.J.Andru Smith – University of South Florida, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, UPMC, York, Pa.Jason Summerlin – University of Central Florida, BA
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Yakima Valley Farm Worker’s Clinic, Salem, Ore.Steven Swenson – University of Utah, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, UtahAlexander Tish – Michigan State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Family MedicineMadison Travor – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Pediatrics, Hershey, Pa.Dominick Tumacder – Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, BS
Clinical Plans: Neurology Critical Care, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md.Annie Wayne – University of California-Davis, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, Queen of the Valley Hospital, West Covina, Calif.Eli Weiner – Cornell University, BS
Clinical Plans: Neurology, UW Health, Madison, Wis.Sarah Yeung – Lehigh University, BS
Clinical Plans: PediatricsMD Program
MD program
Devon R. Ackerman – East Stroudsburg University, BS
Residency: Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio: Obstetrics and GynecologyRawan Alhau – Rutgers University, basketball
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: PsychiatryCarolina Inmaculada Alvarez – Vassar College, BA
Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.: Surgery-GeneralKilash Anthraper – Shippensburg University, BS; Millersville University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: AnesthesiologyJane-Frances Chiemezie Aruma – Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill.: AnesthesiologyShavini Himansi Athukorala – New York University, BA; Rutgers University, MBS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: OphthalmologyThomas Martin Barrett – Muhlenberg College, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: PediatricsGary Steven Beemer – University of Florida, BS, MS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Orthopaedic SurgeryDaniel Julius Berger – California Polytechnic State University, BS
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Va.: Internal Medicine/Emergency MedicineMakenna N. Brezitski – Wake Forest University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family MedicineDavid Lee Brinton – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: AnesthesiologyJustin Brooke – University of Missouri, BS
Residency: Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colo.: Emergency MedicineParker Richard Burrows – Weber State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: AnesthesiologyCatherine Marie Caldwell – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Ky.: Neurological SurgeryOlivia C. Calisi – Boston University, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Winston- Salem, N.C.: Surgery-GeneralKathryn Mackenzie Carlisle – Boston College, BA, BA
Residency: Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pa.: Obstetrics and GynecologyMichael Charles Carter – Brigham Young University, BS
Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.: Emergency MedicineKimberly Ho-Yun Chan – University of Michigan, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: OtolaryngologyJoshua Chen – Temple University, BA
Residency: Inspira Health Network, Mullica Hill, N.J.: Transitional YearMckenzee Chiam – Villanova University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: PsychiatryBrian Joseph Chin – Washington University, BA; The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law School, JD
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal MedicineShara Chopra – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, BA
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: DermatologyJacob Colello – Liberty University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine/PediatricsAndrew Scott Cross – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa.: Orthopaedic SurgeryNicholas Jospeh D’Alonzo – The University of Scranton, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Surgery-GeneralYongwook Dan – Northwestern University, BA
Residency: ISMMS Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, N.Y.: AnesthesiologyJoseph Dao – Georgetown University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.: Surgery-PreliminaryMatthew Carl Darok – Messiah University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine/PediatricsDenali Helen Davis – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education Pittsburgh, Pa.: AnesthesiologyKunal Debroy – College of William and Mary, BS
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein, Bronx, N.Y.: NeurologyAnne Elizabeth Fenton Dimmock – Franklin and Marshall College, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal MedicineMartha Dresley Doxsey – University of Massachusetts, BS
Residency: Tufts Medical Center-MA, Boston, Mass.: Obstetrics and GynecologyElizabeth U. Drda – Lebanon Valley College, BS
Residency: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Ariz.: PediatricsAmanda Blaine Dubbs – Millersville University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family MedicineJulia Dunbar – University of Notre Dame, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Emergency MedicineGarrett Victor Dunn – Washington and Jefferson College, BA
Residency: University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio: AnesthesiologyBrandon Eden – Muhlenberg College, BS
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.: AnesthesiologyKodi Endres – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: AnesthesiologyAlana Ebbitt Ernharth – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: AnesthesiologyHannah Marie Herbert Faeben – Virginia Commonwealth University, BS
Residency: Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, N.C.: Family MedicineNoa Fatimah Farou – The University of Texas at Austin, BSA
Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, S.C.: Obstetrics and GynecologyZachary Robert Foster – Brigham Young University, BS
Residency: University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, N.C.: AnesthesiologyMadelaine Fritsche – James Madison University, BS, BS
Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.: DermatologyRandy Enrique Galan – University of Utah, BS
Residency: UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, Calif.: Family MedicineSage Gee – University of Nevada, BS
Residency: University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nev.: PsychiatryAria Ghahramani – Franklin and Marshall College, BA
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: PsychiatrySarah Gabrielle Gillespie – University of Virginia, BA
Residency: Christiana Care, Newark, Del.: Internal Medicine/Emergency MedicineDaniel James Goetschius – Grove City College, BS; Westminster Theological Seminary, MAR; Dublin City University, MSc; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Internal MedicineStephanie Golub – University of Maryland, College Park, BS; The Johns Hopkins University, MS
Residency: Maine Medical Center Portland, Maine: Family MedicineMarina Laura Gonzalez – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.: Internal MedicinePaul Jacob Gottshall – Marquette University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: Internal MedicineNeha Gupta – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: George Washington University, Washington D.C.: Emergency MedicineGiang I. Ha – University of California, Berkeley, BS, MTM
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein, Bronx, N.Y.: Internal MedicineWilliam Haselden – University of Alabama, BS, BSE; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PhD
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa: Neurological Surgery
(Graduated December 2022)Steven James Hatten Jr. – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.: Internal MedicineStephanie Julia Hawkins – Ursinus College, BS
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Internal MedicineSarah Marie Hershberger – Marian University, BS, BA
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein, Bronx, N.Y.: Family MedicineRyan Higgins – Seattle Pacific University, BS
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.: OtolaryngologyLisa Ho – Stony Brook University, BS
Residency: Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass.: Radiology- DiagnosticDon Hoang – Wright State University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Maria S. Holstrom Mercader – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.: Emergency MedicineTravis Hoover – Messiah University, BS
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.: Radiation OncologyNonyelum Victoria Ibik – Lincoln University, BS
Residency: Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas: Transitional YearRaisha Haleema Ismail – Williams College, BA
Residency: University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vt.; Internal MedicineDiane Haeji Jang – Dartmouth College, BA
Residency: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Wash.: Surgery-PreliminaryKimberly Ellen Jayne – Trevecca Nazarene University, BS
Residency: Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa.: Family MedicineMartin Thomas Johnson – Drexel University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.: Internal MedicineBenjamin Alexander Jonik – Duquesne University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: AnesthesiologyKatherine Julian – The Ohio State University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Col.: Internal MedicineAlma Jusufagic – University of California, Los Angeles, BS, MPH
Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.: Obstetrics and GynecologyJennifer Ann Kane – Elon University, BA
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: UrologySpencer Ridgway Katz – Yale University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PhD
Residency: Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio: Pediatrics/Medical GeneticsNoor Kawmi – Assumption University, BA
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: AnesthesiologyCharles Jerome Keith – United States Military Academy, BS
Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.: Radiology-DiagnosticSteven King – The College of New Jersey, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Internal MedicineKelly Marie Kons- University of Wisconsin, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.: Obstetrics and GynecologyBronson Ross Kunzler – Utah State University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Internal MedicineShelby Alexis Labe – Trinity College, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: AnesthesiologyMakayla Beatrice Lagerman – Bucknell University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family MedicineMichael Elden Larsen – University of Utah, BS
Residency: University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah: Pediatrics/Medical GeneticsCharles Chansoo Lee – Cornell University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Plastic Surgery (Integrated)Morgan Elizabeth Lehman – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston- Salem, N.C.: Internal MedicineBrooke Pero Lichak – Lehigh University, BS
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.: PediatricsChristine Lin – Cornell University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Radiology-DiagnosticJeffrey Lorenz – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: OtolaryngologyVictoria Elaine Malone – Lebanon Valley College, BS
Residency: Wellspan Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon, Pa.: Family MedicineBrandon Martinazzi- Juniata College, BS
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.: Orthopaedic SurgeryCarly M. Maucione- Rutgers University, BA
Residency: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.: Pathology-Anatomic and ClinicalElise M. McNulty – Princeton University, BS; The Johns Hopkins University, MHS
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: PediatricsRea Mittal – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Childrens National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.: Child NeurologyPuneet Modgil – The Ohio State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal MedicineRebecca Ann Morgis – Albright College, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.: PediatricsDrew Dalton Mullins – Swarthmore College, BA
Residency: UPMC St. Margaret, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Family MedicineFrederick Mun – Carnegie Mellon University, BA, BS
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Orthopaedic SurgeryLeah Musser – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: NeurologyZakary S. Newberry – University of Maryland, Baltimore County, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family MedicineUyen Phuong Nguyen – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.: Surgery-GeneralRobert H. Nordell, IV – University of Iowa, BS
Residency: Tower Health/Reading Hospital, West Reading, Pa.: Emergency MedicineWendy Osei-Bonsu – College of Saint Benedict, BA
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.: NeurologyMegha Patel – McGill University, BS; McMaster University, MSGH
Residency: Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.: PediatricsRutu R. Patel – The College of New Jersey, BS
Residency: Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, N.J.: PsychiatryJordan Elise Pearson – Houghton College, BS
Residency: University of Rochester/Strong Memorial, Rochester, N.Y.: AnesthesiologyLindsey Peck – Duke University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: St. Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, Pa.: Obstetrics and GynecologyMallory R. Peterson – The Pennsylvania State University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, Pa.: Neurological SurgeryBlaine Michael Prichard – The Pennsylvania State University, BS; University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, N.Y.: Family MedicineOlga Prokunina – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BS
Residency: Brown University /Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I.: PsychiatryAnna Marie Ptasinski – Lafayette College, BS
Residency: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Orthopaedic SurgeryMuhammed A. Rahim – Rutgers University, BA
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Internal MedicineRoberto Ramirez-Rivera – The Johns Hopkins University, BS
Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.: Family MedicineNina Razavi – Saint Louis University, BS
Residency: Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine: Obstetrics and GynecologyAlyson Rich – University of Michigan, BS
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: NeurologyMonica Rizk – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BS, BA
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Medicine-PreliminaryMeghan E. Robbins – Boston University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford, Conn.Catherine Marie Roberts – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: UPMC Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pa.: Obstetrics and GynecologySavreen Kaur Saran – University of California, Berkeley, BA
Residency: UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, Calif.: Family MedicineAlyssa R. Scott – Muhlenberg College, BS; University of North Carolina, MPH
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.: Internal MedicineStephen Petros Sekoulopoulos – Valparaiso University, BS, BA; Indiana University School of Medicine, MS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: UrologyMariam A. Shalaby – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: ISMMS Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, N.Y.: PsychiatryRebecca Claire Smith – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, BS
Residency: Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine: PsychiatryNatasha Sood – University of Pittsburgh, BS; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, MPH; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass.: AnesthesiologyLilly Su – The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Stanford Health Care, Stanford, Calif.: PediatricsHaorui Sun – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: New York Presbytery Hospital – Columbia University Medical Center, New York, N.Y.: Family MedicineCyril “Simo” Tankam – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Medical degree awarded posthumouslyMorris Kobina Taylor – Messiah University, BSc
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family MedicineAmy Thompson – United States Military Academy, BS
Residency: William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas: Orthopaedic SurgeryGarrett Thompson – University of New Hampshire, BS; University of Sheffield, MPH
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Emergency MedicineAlyssa Wang Tuan – University of Florida, BS, BS, MPH
Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.: Internal MedicineJacqueline Tucker – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, MEd
Residency: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minn.: OtolaryngologyValerie Jeanette Urban – Connecticut College, BA
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: PediatricsBaadal Ajay Vachhani – Muhlenberg College, BS
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston- Salem, N.C.: PsychiatryJohn Walsh – Miami University, BS, BS
Residency: Ohio Health-Grant Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio: Family MedicineMelody Wang – University of California, Los Angeles, BS
Residency: Kaiser Permanente-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.: Family MedicineAbigail Washington – Wheaton College, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: DermatologyBenjamin W. Watt – Saint Vincent College, BS
Residency: Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago, Ill.: Family MedicineSarah Rebecca Weber – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: OphthalmologyCarson Alice Wills – Haverford College, BS; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PhD
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: Internal MedicineHolly Nicole Wisnousky – Coe College, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Emergency MedicineLisa Marie Witmer – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal MedicineAshley Wong – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, MEd
Residency: George Washington University, Washington D.C.: Internal MedicineMegan Lynn Wood – Iona University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Stony Brook Teaching Hospital, Stony Brook, N.Y.: Obstetrics and GynecologyEmma Wu – University of California, San Diego, BS, MS
Residency: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.: AnesthesiologyAkshata Yalvigi
Residency: Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.: Obstetrics and GynecologyJay William Yang – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa.: Radiology-DiagnosticHabib Yazgi – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal MedicinePatricia Pei Hsuan Yee – University of Michigan, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Neurological SurgeryLisa Renae Yoder – Allegheny College, BS
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: AnesthesiologyZeva Michal Young – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo.: PediatricsZahra Zhu – New York University, BA
Residency: New York Presbytery Hospital – Columbia University Medical Center, New York, N.Y.: Child NeurologyMonica Marie Zukowski – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Surgery-General
Graduate school
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
John J. Biskupski, BA, Central Connecticut University
Capstone Experience: Asymmetrical Warfare threats by the People’s Republic of China targeting the United States and the implications to Public Health
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Abigail Cunning, BA, Rosemont College
Capstone Experience: Noncommunicable Diseases: A Threat to Public Health Preparedness
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Lindsay D. Dally, BS, Troy University
Capstone Experience: Systemic Review of the Technological Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Social Media to Support Emergency Responders for Pediatric Patients
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Lindsay English, BS, Waynesburg University
Capstone Experience: Protecting Healthcare Networks from Cybersecurity Threats
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Jason Heller, BS, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Capstone Experience: Systemic Review: Department of Veteran Affairs Homeless Programs
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Alexandra Kowsh, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Promoting COVID-19 Vaccination in Latinx Communities in Rural Pennsylvania: A Study through Penn State Outreach & the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Jasmine N. Lee-Hall, BS, Fort Hayes State University
Capstone Experience: Veterans & PTSD: Fighting the Internal War Post Service
Adviser: Gavin Macgregor-Skinner BVSc, MSc, MPH, MRCVS
Graciella Souza McBrearty, BA, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Systematic Review of How effective were the Mitigations in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic for most states in the United States.
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Marni E. Russell, BS, Grand Canyon University
Capstone Experience: Extreme Heat – The Effect on the Population and Proposed Solutions
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Melissa Serrano Burns, BS, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
Capstone Experience: The COVID 19 Pandemic’s Effect on the Biological Drug Development Timeline and the Implications for Future Biological Drugs
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Stephanie A. Slagle, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: A Systemic Review of the Policies and Procedures of Disease Prevention and Emergency Preparedness in Early Care Settings in Pennsylvania
Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Jeffrey David Toony, BFA, Webster University
Capstone Experience: XR/VR/AR and the gamification of efficient emergency management training and planning
Adviser: Jennifer Osetek, MHS, PhD
Master of Public Health
Miewan Ahmed, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Needs Assessment of Behavioral and Mental Health Providers Serving Local Refugee and Immigrant Communities
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Christopher Almeda, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Assessing and Strengthening the Emotional Intelligence of Future Generations
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Victoria Baumert, BA, Albright College
Capstone Experience: Why do Parents Not Vaccinate Their Children For HPV?: Observing Trends in Responses from HPV Vaccine-Hesitant Parents
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Halle Becker, BS, Messiah University
Capstone Experience: Healthcare in the Home – How to meet the Healthcare Needs of Sex Trafficked Survivors in a Long-term Care Home Setting
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Eunita Chandarat, BS, West Chester University
Capstone Experience: The Association between Levels of Relational Intimacy, among Older Adults and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Incidence in Pennsylvania and Surrounding States
Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, CRNP, MPH
Nicholas Dennis, BA, Millersville University
Capstone Experience: Rates of falls and fall-related injuries in renters versus homeowners over 65 years old
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Rebecca Derbes-Bobersky, BS, Lebanon Valley College
Capstone Experience: Sustaining Basic Hygiene and Non-Food Supplies within Penn State Community Food Pantries
Adviser: Kathleen Sturgeon, PhD
Kaedryn A. DiGuglielmo, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Addressing Root Causes of Food Insecurity in Lebanon County
Adviser: Laura Carrel, PhD
Shalinie Dowlatram, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: The Pain of Gun Violence: Pilot Study and Grant Application for Assessing the Long-term Health Outcomes for Survivors of Gun Violence
Adviser: Jane Schubart, MBA, MS, PhD
Kaitlyn Marie Durant, BS, West Chester University
Capstone Experience: Diabetes Prevention Among Mifflin County, Pennsylvania Youth
Adviser: Betsy Aumiller, D.Ed
Elizabeth Easterling, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Grant Proposal: Addressing Health Literacy in Older Adults Living in Juniata County, Pennsylvania
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Riley Anne Eisler, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Outcomes Associated with the use of Prescription Stimulants in Obesity Treatment: A Systematic Review
Adviser: Melissa Butt, DrPH
Kate Ferguson, BS, Wittenberg University
Capstone Experience: Exploring Connections between Allied Health Professionals and Non-clinical Staff Education, Preparedness, and Comfort while Caring for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Venus R. Grella, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Predictors for Emergency Department Utilization Among those with Autism Spectrum Disorder 0 to 21 Years Old
Adviser: Vonn Walter, PhD
Dung (Young) Ho, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: What is the Relationship between Prenatal Sleep Disorders and Postpartum Anxiety in Mothers during COVID in the US?
Adviser: Kristin Sznajder, PhD
Taylor Keckler, BS, Messiah College
Capstone Experience: Evaluating the impact of the Lebanon Bicycle Recycle on the physical health and habits of community members in Lebanon, PA.
Adviser: Michelle, LaClair, MPH, CHES
Elysse Mellott, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: The Revision and Reimplementation of the School Immunization Catch Up Program in Pennsylvania
Adviser: Michelle, LaClair, MPH, CHES
Jordan Sellers, BA, Franklin & Marshall College
Capstone Experience: National Comparison of Veterans and Non-Veterans Medical Center Patient Satisfaction Ratings: An HCAHPS Survey Data Analysis
Adviser: Michelle, LaClair, MPH, CHES
Jocelyn Simmers, BSW, California University of Pennsylvania
Capstone Experience: Social Determinants of Health in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Joelle Williamson, BS, Messiah College
Capstone Experience: TTR Amyloidosis Education and Outreach Program
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Alice Zhang, BS, Duke University
Capstone Experience: Not just for Snacks: Vending Machines as an Innovative Method for Overdose Prevention
Adviser: Aleksandra Zgierska, MD, PhD
Integrated Undergraduate Accelerated Master Of Public Health
Laura Bockoff, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Pain Disorders
Adviser: Carolyn Bernstein, MD
Olivia Jeannette Bognanni, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: A Review of Effective Communication Strategies for Health Promotion During Emerging Infectious Diseases; from a Global Health Perspective
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Erin E. Cavanaugh, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on prenatal care utilization among pregnant women in central Pennsylvania
Adviser: Wenke Hwang, PhD
Dana Doyle, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Stories to Prevent (StoP) Covid-19 among Expecting and Postpartum Mothers
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Juliette Entenman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Social Determinants Associated with Opioid Use Behaviors in Rural/Urban American Adults
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Monioluwa Evelyn Erinle, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Targeting Comorbid Depression Within Adolescents Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Olivia R. Filandro, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Do Student Athletes Receive Adequate Follow-up Care Post Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)?
Adviser: Wenke Hwang, PhD
Victoria Francois, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: An Evaluation Plan for Penn State College of Medicine Diversity Pathway Programs
Adviser: Inginia Genao, MD
Britney Goldsman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Total Drug Spending for High-Cost, High-Need Adults in the United States From 2011-2020
Adviser: Wenke Hwang, PhD
Alexandra Harvey, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Systematic Review of Internalized Weight Bias among Adolescents
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Ashley Regina Hibbs, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Impact of SES & Healthcare Accessibility on HIV Prevention Efforts in Substance Abuse Facilities in the Rural US
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Rachel Jacobs, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Mixed Methods Research: Qualitative Analysis of Challenges Faced by People with Immunosuppression due to Lupus during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Gavin Kerr, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Knowledge of Emergency Medical Services by Physicians Directly in Contact with the Emergency Service System
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Jenny Lee, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Implementation Plan to Improve the Internship Program at SimiTree Healthcare Consulting
Adviser: Donalee Unal, MD
Noah Fredrick Morando, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Mental Health in Young Adults Following the COVID-19 Pandemic Intervention
Adviser: Cindy Reed
Sydney Neuman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Is the Urinalysis Necessary in Adult Patients with Abdominal Pain and No Urinary Symptoms: A Retrospective Chart Review
Adviser: Michelle LaClair, MPH, CHES
Madison Pennie, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Corporate & Nongovernmental Donation Partnerships in Disaster: A Case Study Analysis
Adviser: Damian Morales, MPH
Skylar Pulver, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Association Between Self-reported STI Symptoms and Stillbirth in Sub-Saharan Africa using Nationally Representative Surveys
Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, MPH, CRNP
Lyndsay Stakem, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Identifying Challenges and Addressing Opportunities for Improved Care for Maternal and Child Health in Uganda
Adviser: Julie Lentes, MPH
Kathryn Van Scyoc, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Global Health Burden of Burn Pits on U.S. Military Personnel
Adviser: Julie Lentes, MPH
Jason Haoxu Wang, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: Young Adults’ Body Satisfaction: From Childhood Obesity to Current and Future Behavior
Adviser: Melissa Bopp, PhD
Master of Science
Alana Artura Benn, BS, Howard University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Thesis: Testing Chandelier Cell Abnormalities in the 16P11.2 Microdeletion Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Adviser: Anirban Paul, PhD
Continued Education: Neuroscience PhD Program, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.
Sarah Carey, BS, State University of New York at Fredonia
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Thesis: Implicating CXCL10 and CXCL13 Signaling in T Cell Trafficking to the CNS during Polyomavirus Infection
Adviser: Aron Lukacher, MD, PhD
Employment: Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
Caroline Chang, BS, DVM, North Carolina State University
Major: Laboratory Animal Medicine
Thesis: The Role of Glutathione Peroxidase 3 in Ovarian Cancer
Adviser: Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM
Jack Cimino, BS, Dickinson College
Major: Neuroscience
Thesis: Agonist-induced D1 Receptor Mediation of Spatial and Temporal Working Memory
Adviser: Yang Yang, PhD
Continued Education: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Rachel L. Griffin, BS, DVM, Michigan State University
Major: Laboratory Animal Medicine
Thesis: Transcription Factor SOX2 as an Indicator of Progression in Early-Stage Bladder Cancer
Adviser: Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM
Employment: Michigan State University
Kristina Rogers, BS, University of Pittsburgh
Major: Anatomy
Thesis: Does Smoking Buffer against Stress-induced Reduction in Cognitive Performance?
Adviser: Andrea Hobkirk, PhD
Ashley N. Varley, BS, DVM, Delaware Valley College & Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Major: Laboratory Animal Medicine
Thesis: Neurodevelopmental Changes of the Brain-gut Acid in the Valproic Acid Induced Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)
Adviser: Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM
Doctor of Public Health
Tarek B. Eshak, MD, Cairo University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Retention in Care Among People Living with HIV: The Syndemic Effect of Substance Abuse, Depression, and Diabetes and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dissertation Adviser: Kristin Sznajder, PhD
Postdoctoral training: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.
Eileen S. Flores, BA, Barnard College, Columbia University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Skin Cancer Prevention Behaviors Among Hispanics in the Pennsylvania State Cancer Institute Catchment Area: A Mixed Method Study
Dissertation Adviser: Shelley Bluethmann, PhD
Kyungha Kim, BE, Handong Global University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: “The Opioid Epidemic Among Pregnant Women: Treatments For Opioid Use Disorder And Their Association with Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes”
Dissertation Adviser: Douglas Leslie, PhD Postdoctoral training: University of Maryland, Baltimore
Savanna Gates Ledford, BS, MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Johns Hopkins University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: COVID-19 and Cancer in Pennsylvania: Behaviors, Advocacy, and Mortality
Dissertation Adviser: Eugene Lengerich, VMD
Postdoctoral training: Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Fellowship, Little Rock, Ar.
Douwné Müller, BS, Shippensburg University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Hepatitis B Vaccination Barriers among Adults, aged 19 to 59, with Diagnosed Diabetes
Dissertation Adviser: Jessica Yingst, DrPH
Cheryl Richardson, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Exploring the role of healthcare staff education and experience on comfort level when providing care to individuals with intellectual disabilities
Dissertation Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, CRNP
Postdoctoral Employment: Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.
Sangeeta Gopal Saxena, MBBS, Delhi University
Major: Public Health
Dissertation: Promoting Equity among International Medical Graduates
Dissertation Adviser: Kristin Sznajder, PhD
Postdoctoral Employment: Coastal Carolina University, Conway, S.C.
Doctor of Philosophy
Radha Dhingra, MD, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital
Major: Epidemiology
Dissertation: Understanding the Bi-directional Relationship Between Mental Illness and Cardiovascular Disease
Dissertation Adviser: Duanping Liao, MD, PhD
Ashna Dhoonmoon, BS, BA, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Modulation of the Replication Stress Response by the mono-ADP-Ribosyltransferase PARP1
Dissertation Adviser: George-Lucian Moldovan, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.
Adam J. Fike, BA, Arcadia University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Transcriptional Regulation of B Cell Responses in Protection and Autoimmunity
Dissertation Adviser: Ziaur Rahman, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Bristol Meyers Squibb, Princeton, N.J.
Rebecca Fleeman, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Conveyed by Apolipoprotein E ε4: Immunometabolism and the Brain-Body Connection
Dissertation Adviser: Elizabeth Proctor, PhD Postdoctorate Employment: Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries
Chenqi Fu, BS, Fudan University
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Bayesian Predictive Hypothesis Testing and Model Averaging
Dissertation Adviser: Shouhao Zhou, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA
Zhuangzhuang Geng, BS, China Pharmaceutical University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Regulatory Function of AUTS2 on Vital Signaling Pathways during Brain Development
Dissertation Adviser: Zhonghua Gao, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
Nour Hawila, BS, American University of Beirut
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Confidence Intervals for Noninferiority Testing, Bayesian joint Modeling of Interrater and Intrarater Reliability, Topics in Biostatistical Modeling and Statistics Education
Dissertation Adviser: Arthur Berg, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Bristol Myers Squibb
Ian R. Hayman, BS, The University of Idaho
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Initial Infection and Intercellular Spread of Epstein-Barr Virus in Stratified Epithelium
Dissertation Adviser: Clare Sample, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle
Christine Hehnly, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Infections from Paenibacillus Thiaminolyticus with a Type IV Pilus causes Neonatal Sepsis and Subsequent Infant Postinfectious Hydrocephalus in Uganda
Dissertation Adviser: James Broach, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston
Xupeng Hong, BAGR, Shanghai Ocean University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Determinants of HBV Host Tropism and Roles of HBV Precore/Core Proteins
Dissertation Adviser: Jianming Hu, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: The Rockefeller University, New York
Ryan Hylton, BS, Washington State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Cofilactin Bundling in Neurodevelopment and Degeneration
Dissertation Adviser: Matthew Swulius, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
Brandon LaFever, BS, Rochester Institute of Technology
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: Effects of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Nasal Inflammation on the Olfactory Neural Circuit
Dissertation Adviser: Fumiaki Imamura, PhD
Postdoctorate Education: Emergency Medical Technician and Physician Assistant
Menglu Liang, BM, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Modeling and Dynamic Prediction for Recurrent Time-to-event Data with Competing Risks
Dissertation Adviser: Ming Wang, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: University of Maryland, College Park, Md.
Wenxue Lin, BS, Dalian Medical University
Major: Epidemiology
Dissertation: Effect of Menthol Flavor in Cigarettes on Addiction and Toxicant Exposure
Dissertation Adviser: Joshua E. Muscat, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Temple University, Philadelphia
Xiaoming Liu, BA, Rutgers University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-GD2 Immunotherapy in Neuroblastoma
Dissertation Adviser: Hong-Gang Wang, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Sonata Therapeutics, Watertown, Ma.
Barbara Manfredi, BS, MS, University of Parma
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Effects of Schweinfurthin Analogue 5’-Methylschweinfurthin G in Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines
Dissertation Adviser: Raymond Hohl, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Oakland University, Mich.
Greer McKendrick, BS, College of Charleston
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: Pharmacological and Neurocircuit Regulation of Opioid-Context Associations
Dissertation Adviser: Nicholas Graziane, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Johns Hopkins, Baltimore
Darren Mehay, BA, Indiana University
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Angiotensin-(1-7) and Neural Mechanisms Controlling Energy Balance
Dissertation Adviser: Amy C. Arnold, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Asvelt J. Nduwumwami, BA, Williams College
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Regulatory Role of Sphingolipid Metabolites in Immunogenic Cancer Cell Death
Dissertation Adviser: Jong Yun, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas
Mary Piscura, BS, The Ohio State University
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Mechanisms and Efficacy of Non-Opioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain in Mice
Dissertation Adviser: Daniel Morgan, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, Ala.
David Rasicci, BS, University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Cardiac Myosin Dysfunction in Genetic Cardiomyopathies and Ischemic Heart Failure
Dissertation Adviser: Christopher Yengo, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, W. Va.
Anna Livvia Ricci, BS, University of Utah
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: Association of Synchronized Oscillations of Sleep with Brain Maturation and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Dissertation Adviser: Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, Vt.
Tanay Thakar, B.Tech, University of Pune, India
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Assessing the Role of Gap Avoidance Mechanisms and Nucleosome Assembly Pathways as Guardians of DNA Replication Fork Stability
Dissertation Adviser: George Lucian Moldovan, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York
Joshua Walston, BA, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Epstein-Barr virus Glycoproteins BDLF2 and BMRF2 are Important for Efficient Infection and Spread in Oral Epithelia
Dissertation Adviser: Clare E. Sample, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh
Xi Wang, BS, Nankai University, China
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Analysis of Crossover Designs with Nonignorable Dropout Dissertation
Adviser: Vernon M. Chinchilli, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Microsoft
Xingyan Wang, BS, Peking University, China
Major: Biostatistics
Dissertation: Statistical Methods for Aggregating Trans-Ancestry Genome Wide Association Summary Statistics & Its Applications to Nicotine & Alcohol Addiction Phenotypes
Dissertation Adviser: Dajiang J. Liu, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.
Natalie Yoshioka, BA, University of Maryland
Major: Anatomy
Dissertation: G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2: A Novel Regulator of Postnatal Skeletal Development
Dissertation Adviser: Fadia Kamal, PharmD, PhD
Postdoctorate Employment: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima, Wash.
Li Zhang, BE, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Major: Epidemiology
Dissertation: Studies of Berries and Health
Dissertation Adviser: Joshua Muscat, PhD and John Richie, PhD
Mi Zhou, MD, China Medical University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Accumulation of Misfolded Proteins in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) impairs the Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Cargo and the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)
Dissertation Adviser: Jeffrey Sundstrom, MD, PhD
Postdoctorate Training: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.
Doctor of Medicine/Master of Public Health
Benjamin Alexander Jonik, BS, Duquesne University
Capstone Experience: Demographic Relationships to Patient-Provider Trust and Their Impact on COVID-19 Pandemic Behaviors
Adviser: Casey Pinto, PhD, MPH, NP
Residency: Anesthesiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Abigail Washington, BA, Wheaton College
Capstone Experience: Association of Sarcoidosis Prevalence and Air Pollution
Adviser: Matthew Helm, MD and Melissa Butt, DrPH
Residency: Internal Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Holly Wisnouski, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Capstone Experience: A Meta-Analysis Characterizing the Spatiotemporal Prevalence of Lassa Fever
Adviser: Paddy Ssentongo, PhD
Residency: Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy
Daniel J. Goetschius, BS, MSc, Grove City College; Dublin City University
Major: Molecular Cellular and Integrative Biosciences
Dissertation: Icosahedral Subparticle Extraction & Correlated Classification: Characterizing Heterogeneities in Icosahedral Viruses
Dissertation Adviser: Susan Hafenstein, PhD
Residency: Internal Medicine, UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh
William Davis Haselden, Jr., BS, University of Alabama – Birmingham
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Nitric Oxide Diffusion and Degradation Drive Emergent Cerebrovascular Dynamics
Dissertation Adviser: Patrick Drew, PhD
Residency: Neurological Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
Martin T. Johnson, BS, Drexel University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Calcium Signaling Pathways in Smooth Muscle Remodeling During Hypertension and Asthma
Dissertation Adviser: Mohamed Trebak, PhD
Residency: Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.
Spencer R. Katz, BS, Yale University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Silver Linings: Applications of Silver Staining for Micro-CT-based Computational Phenomics
Dissertation Adviser: Keith Cheng, MD, PhD
Residency: Pediatrics/Medical Genetics, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Mallory Peterson, BS, The Pennsylvania State University
Major: Engineering, Science and Mathematics
Dissertation: Leveraging Neural Imaging for the Management of Hydrocephalus
Dissertation Adviser: Steven J. Schiff, MD, PhD
Residency: Neurological Surgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.
Carson A. Wills, BS, Haverford College
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dissertation: Mechanisms of Small Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Chemotherapy-Induced Metastasis
Dissertation Adviser: Hong-Gang Wang, PhD
Residency: Internal Medicine, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Patricia P. Yee, BS, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Major: Neuroscience
Dissertation: The Roles of Tumor-Associated Neutrophils in Glioblastoma Necrosis and Progression
Dissertation Adviser: Wei Li, PhD
Residency: Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Physician assistant program
Alison Bean – University of New Hampshire, BS
Clinical Plans: Outpatient Internal Medicine, Charles River Medical Associates, Framingham, Mass.
Kiersten Betz – Pennsylvania College of Technology, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Family Practice Center, Boiling Springs, Pa.
Joshua Blanchard – Brigham Young University – Idaho, BS Andrew Britton – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Urgent Care, Penn Medicine Lancaster General, Lancaster, Pa.
Karan Dhungel – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine
Julia Frye – The Ohio State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Dermatology, Chicago, Ill.
Joshua Kilic – Florida State University, BA
Clinical Plans: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hershey, Pa.
Khanh Le – University of North Carolina, BA
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, N.C.
Carissa Lee – University of California-Los Angeles, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine
Sarah Lombel – Bucknell University, BS
Clinical Plans: Family and Community Medicine, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.
Antonio Lopez-de-Alda – University of Texas at Dallas, BS, MS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Austin, Texas
Rachel Mack – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Neurosurgery, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes Barre, Pa.
Grace Maples – University of Wisconsin, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, North Olympic Healthcare Network, Port Angeles, Wash.
Catherine Meyerhoff – University of Michigan, BS
Clinical Plans: Women’s Health
Bryan Mullen – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Outpatient Neurology, Penn State Health, Hershey, Pa.
Jessica Nussbaum – New York University, BA
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Edwardsville, Ill.
Ryan Parrish – Lafayette College, BA Casey Reid – University of Maryland, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview, Baltimore, Md.
Stefanie Sciacca – Ramapo College of New Jersey, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, N.J.
Andru Smith – University of South Florida, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, UPMC, York, Pa.
Jason Summerlin – University of Central Florida, BA
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Yakima Valley Farm Worker’s Clinic, Salem, Ore.
Steven Swenson – University of Utah, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine, Utah
Alexander Tish – Michigan State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Family Medicine
Madison Travor – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Clinical Plans: Pediatrics, Hershey, Pa.
Dominick Tumacder – Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, BS
Clinical Plans: Neurology Critical Care, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md.
Annie Wayne – University of California-Davis, BS
Clinical Plans: Emergency Medicine, Queen of the Valley Hospital, West Covina, Calif.
Eli Weiner – Cornell University, BS
Clinical Plans: Neurology, UW Health, Madison, Wis.
Sarah Yeung – Lehigh University, BS
Clinical Plans: Pediatrics
MD program
Devon R. Ackerman – East Stroudsburg University, BS
Residency: Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Rawan Alhau – Rutgers University, basketball
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Psychiatry
Carolina Inmaculada Alvarez – Vassar College, BA
Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.: Surgery-General
Kilash Anthraper – Shippensburg University, BS; Millersville University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Jane-Frances Chiemezie Aruma – Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill.: Anesthesiology
Shavini Himansi Athukorala – New York University, BA; Rutgers University, MBS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Ophthalmology
Thomas Martin Barrett – Muhlenberg College, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Pediatrics
Gary Steven Beemer – University of Florida, BS, MS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Orthopaedic Surgery
Daniel Julius Berger – California Polytechnic State University, BS
Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Va.: Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine
Makenna N. Brezitski – Wake Forest University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family Medicine
David Lee Brinton – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Justin Brooke – University of Missouri, BS
Residency: Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colo.: Emergency Medicine
Parker Richard Burrows – Weber State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Catherine Marie Caldwell – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Ky.: Neurological Surgery
Olivia C. Calisi – Boston University, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Winston- Salem, N.C.: Surgery-General
Kathryn Mackenzie Carlisle – Boston College, BA, BA
Residency: Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pa.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Michael Charles Carter – Brigham Young University, BS
Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.: Emergency Medicine
Kimberly Ho-Yun Chan – University of Michigan, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Otolaryngology
Joshua Chen – Temple University, BA
Residency: Inspira Health Network, Mullica Hill, N.J.: Transitional Year
Mckenzee Chiam – Villanova University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Psychiatry
Brian Joseph Chin – Washington University, BA; The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson Law School, JD
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Shara Chopra – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, BA
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Dermatology
Jacob Colello – Liberty University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
Andrew Scott Cross – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa.: Orthopaedic Surgery
Nicholas Jospeh D’Alonzo – The University of Scranton, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Surgery-General
Yongwook Dan – Northwestern University, BA
Residency: ISMMS Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, N.Y.: Anesthesiology
Joseph Dao – Georgetown University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.: Surgery-Preliminary
Matthew Carl Darok – Messiah University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
Denali Helen Davis – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education Pittsburgh, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Kunal Debroy – College of William and Mary, BS
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein, Bronx, N.Y.: Neurology
Anne Elizabeth Fenton Dimmock – Franklin and Marshall College, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Martha Dresley Doxsey – University of Massachusetts, BS
Residency: Tufts Medical Center-MA, Boston, Mass.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Elizabeth U. Drda – Lebanon Valley College, BS
Residency: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Ariz.: Pediatrics
Amanda Blaine Dubbs – Millersville University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family Medicine
Julia Dunbar – University of Notre Dame, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Emergency Medicine
Garrett Victor Dunn – Washington and Jefferson College, BA
Residency: University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio: Anesthesiology
Brandon Eden – Muhlenberg College, BS
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.: Anesthesiology
Kodi Endres – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Alana Ebbitt Ernharth – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Hannah Marie Herbert Faeben – Virginia Commonwealth University, BS
Residency: Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, N.C.: Family Medicine
Noa Fatimah Farou – The University of Texas at Austin, BSA
Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, S.C.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Zachary Robert Foster – Brigham Young University, BS
Residency: University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, N.C.: Anesthesiology
Madelaine Fritsche – James Madison University, BS, BS
Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.: Dermatology
Randy Enrique Galan – University of Utah, BS
Residency: UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, Calif.: Family Medicine
Sage Gee – University of Nevada, BS
Residency: University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nev.: Psychiatry
Aria Ghahramani – Franklin and Marshall College, BA
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Psychiatry
Sarah Gabrielle Gillespie – University of Virginia, BA
Residency: Christiana Care, Newark, Del.: Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine
Daniel James Goetschius – Grove City College, BS; Westminster Theological Seminary, MAR; Dublin City University, MSc; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Stephanie Golub – University of Maryland, College Park, BS; The Johns Hopkins University, MS
Residency: Maine Medical Center Portland, Maine: Family Medicine
Marina Laura Gonzalez – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Paul Jacob Gottshall – Marquette University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: Internal Medicine
Neha Gupta – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: George Washington University, Washington D.C.: Emergency Medicine
Giang I. Ha – University of California, Berkeley, BS, MTM
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein, Bronx, N.Y.: Internal Medicine
William Haselden – University of Alabama, BS, BSE; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PhD
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa: Neurological Surgery
(Graduated December 2022)
Steven James Hatten Jr. – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.: Internal Medicine
Stephanie Julia Hawkins – Ursinus College, BS
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Internal Medicine
Sarah Marie Hershberger – Marian University, BS, BA
Residency: Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein, Bronx, N.Y.: Family Medicine
Ryan Higgins – Seattle Pacific University, BS
Residency: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.: Otolaryngology
Lisa Ho – Stony Brook University, BS
Residency: Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass.: Radiology- Diagnostic
Don Hoang – Wright State University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Maria S. Holstrom Mercader – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.: Emergency Medicine
Travis Hoover – Messiah University, BS
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.: Radiation Oncology
Nonyelum Victoria Ibik – Lincoln University, BS
Residency: Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas: Transitional Year
Raisha Haleema Ismail – Williams College, BA
Residency: University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vt.; Internal Medicine
Diane Haeji Jang – Dartmouth College, BA
Residency: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, Wash.: Surgery-Preliminary
Kimberly Ellen Jayne – Trevecca Nazarene University, BS
Residency: Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa.: Family Medicine
Martin Thomas Johnson – Drexel University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga.: Internal Medicine
Benjamin Alexander Jonik – Duquesne University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Katherine Julian – The Ohio State University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Col.: Internal Medicine
Alma Jusufagic – University of California, Los Angeles, BS, MPH
Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jennifer Ann Kane – Elon University, BA
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Urology
Spencer Ridgway Katz – Yale University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PhD
Residency: Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio: Pediatrics/Medical Genetics
Noor Kawmi – Assumption University, BA
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Charles Jerome Keith – United States Military Academy, BS
Residency: Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.: Radiology-Diagnostic
Steven King – The College of New Jersey, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Internal Medicine
Kelly Marie Kons- University of Wisconsin, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Bronson Ross Kunzler – Utah State University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Shelby Alexis Labe – Trinity College, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: Anesthesiology
Makayla Beatrice Lagerman – Bucknell University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family Medicine
Michael Elden Larsen – University of Utah, BS
Residency: University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah: Pediatrics/Medical Genetics
Charles Chansoo Lee – Cornell University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Plastic Surgery (Integrated)
Morgan Elizabeth Lehman – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston- Salem, N.C.: Internal Medicine
Brooke Pero Lichak – Lehigh University, BS
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.: Pediatrics
Christine Lin – Cornell University, BS
Residency: UPMC Medical Education, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Radiology-Diagnostic
Jeffrey Lorenz – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Otolaryngology
Victoria Elaine Malone – Lebanon Valley College, BS
Residency: Wellspan Health Good Samaritan Hospital, Lebanon, Pa.: Family Medicine
Brandon Martinazzi- Juniata College, BS
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.: Orthopaedic Surgery
Carly M. Maucione- Rutgers University, BA
Residency: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.: Pathology-Anatomic and Clinical
Elise M. McNulty – Princeton University, BS; The Johns Hopkins University, MHS
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Pediatrics
Rea Mittal – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Childrens National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.: Child Neurology
Puneet Modgil – The Ohio State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Rebecca Ann Morgis – Albright College, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.: Pediatrics
Drew Dalton Mullins – Swarthmore College, BA
Residency: UPMC St. Margaret, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Family Medicine
Frederick Mun – Carnegie Mellon University, BA, BS
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Orthopaedic Surgery
Leah Musser – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: Neurology
Zakary S. Newberry – University of Maryland, Baltimore County, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family Medicine
Uyen Phuong Nguyen – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.: Surgery-General
Robert H. Nordell, IV – University of Iowa, BS
Residency: Tower Health/Reading Hospital, West Reading, Pa.: Emergency Medicine
Wendy Osei-Bonsu – College of Saint Benedict, BA
Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.: Neurology
Megha Patel – McGill University, BS; McMaster University, MSGH
Residency: Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.: Pediatrics
Rutu R. Patel – The College of New Jersey, BS
Residency: Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, N.J.: Psychiatry
Jordan Elise Pearson – Houghton College, BS
Residency: University of Rochester/Strong Memorial, Rochester, N.Y.: Anesthesiology
Lindsey Peck – Duke University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: St. Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem, Pa.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Mallory R. Peterson – The Pennsylvania State University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Hershey, Pa.: Neurological Surgery
Blaine Michael Prichard – The Pennsylvania State University, BS; University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: University at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, N.Y.: Family Medicine
Olga Prokunina – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BS
Residency: Brown University /Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I.: Psychiatry
Anna Marie Ptasinski – Lafayette College, BS
Residency: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Orthopaedic Surgery
Muhammed A. Rahim – Rutgers University, BA
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Internal Medicine
Roberto Ramirez-Rivera – The Johns Hopkins University, BS
Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.: Family Medicine
Nina Razavi – Saint Louis University, BS
Residency: Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Alyson Rich – University of Michigan, BS
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: Neurology
Monica Rizk – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BS, BA
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Medicine-Preliminary
Meghan E. Robbins – Boston University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford, Conn.
Catherine Marie Roberts – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: UPMC Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pa.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Savreen Kaur Saran – University of California, Berkeley, BA
Residency: UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, Calif.: Family Medicine
Alyssa R. Scott – Muhlenberg College, BS; University of North Carolina, MPH
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.: Internal Medicine
Stephen Petros Sekoulopoulos – Valparaiso University, BS, BA; Indiana University School of Medicine, MS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Urology
Mariam A. Shalaby – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: ISMMS Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, N.Y.: Psychiatry
Rebecca Claire Smith – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, BS
Residency: Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine: Psychiatry
Natasha Sood – University of Pittsburgh, BS; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, MPH; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Mass.: Anesthesiology
Lilly Su – The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Stanford Health Care, Stanford, Calif.: Pediatrics
Haorui Sun – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: New York Presbytery Hospital – Columbia University Medical Center, New York, N.Y.: Family Medicine
Cyril “Simo” Tankam – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Medical degree awarded posthumously
Morris Kobina Taylor – Messiah University, BSc
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Family Medicine
Amy Thompson – United States Military Academy, BS
Residency: William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas: Orthopaedic Surgery
Garrett Thompson – University of New Hampshire, BS; University of Sheffield, MPH
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Emergency Medicine
Alyssa Wang Tuan – University of Florida, BS, BS, MPH
Residency: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.: Internal Medicine
Jacqueline Tucker – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, MEd
Residency: University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minn.: Otolaryngology
Valerie Jeanette Urban – Connecticut College, BA
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Pediatrics
Baadal Ajay Vachhani – Muhlenberg College, BS
Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston- Salem, N.C.: Psychiatry
John Walsh – Miami University, BS, BS
Residency: Ohio Health-Grant Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio: Family Medicine
Melody Wang – University of California, Los Angeles, BS
Residency: Kaiser Permanente-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.: Family Medicine
Abigail Washington – Wheaton College, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Dermatology
Benjamin W. Watt – Saint Vincent College, BS
Residency: Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago, Ill.: Family Medicine
Sarah Rebecca Weber – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Ophthalmology
Carson Alice Wills – Haverford College, BS; The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, PhD
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Holly Nicole Wisnousky – Coe College, BA; The Pennsylvania State University, MPH
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Emergency Medicine
Lisa Marie Witmer – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Ashley Wong – The Pennsylvania State University, BS, MEd
Residency: George Washington University, Washington D.C.: Internal Medicine
Megan Lynn Wood – Iona University, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, MEd
Residency: Stony Brook Teaching Hospital, Stony Brook, N.Y.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emma Wu – University of California, San Diego, BS, MS
Residency: UC San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.: Anesthesiology
Akshata Yalvigi
Residency: Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jay William Yang – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa.: Radiology-Diagnostic
Habib Yazgi – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.: Internal Medicine
Patricia Pei Hsuan Yee – University of Michigan, BS; The Pennsylvania State University, PhD
Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.: Neurological Surgery
Lisa Renae Yoder – Allegheny College, BS
Residency: University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.: Anesthesiology
Zeva Michal Young – The Pennsylvania State University, BS
Residency: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo.: Pediatrics
Zahra Zhu – New York University, BA
Residency: New York Presbytery Hospital – Columbia University Medical Center, New York, N.Y.: Child Neurology
Monica Marie Zukowski – University of Pittsburgh, BS
Residency: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.: Surgery-General
Commencement Program
Commencement program
View the order of ceremonies, keynote speaker information and awards information by clicking the respective tabs. See graduate lists below.
Printed program
Order of Ceremonies
Order of ceremonies
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education, The Pennsylvania State University, Levon Esters, PhD, presiding
Prelude
Ethan Lee, Pianist, Physician Assistant Class of 2024
Triumphal March from the Opera “Aida” (Verdi)Academic Processional
Dwight Davis, MD
College of Medicine Marshall
Professor, Department of Medicine
Penn State Heart and Vascular InstituteWelcome
Levon Esters, PhD
Dean of the Graduate School
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
The Pennsylvania State UniversityNational Anthem
Alyssa Tuan
Medical Student Class of 2023Invocation
The Rev. David B. Simmons, DMin, BCC
Director of Pastoral ServicesWelcome
Kevin Black, MD
Interim Dean, Penn State College of MedicineCommencement Address
Ala Stanford, MD, FAAP, FACS
Former Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesAuthorization to Confer Degrees
Abraham Amorós
Board of Trustees
The Pennsylvania State UniversityGraduate Student Speech
Spencer Katz
Graduate Program 2023 Class RepresentativeGraduate Student Oath
Leslie J. Parent, MD
Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Research
Professor of Medicine and Microbiology and ImmunologyConferring of Graduate Degrees
Levon Esters, PhD
Ralph Keil, PhD
College of Medicine Assistant Marshall, Graduate Program
Chair, Biomedical Sciences Graduate ProgramPatricia Mclaughlin, DEd
College of Medicine Hooder, Graduate Program
Professor Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences
Director, Graduate Program in Anatomy
Distinguished EducatorPhysician Assistant Student Speech
Alison Bean
Physician Assistant 2023 Class RepresentativePhysician Assistant Professional Oath
Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C
Director, Physician Assistant Program
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community MedicineConferring of Physician Assistant Degrees
Levon Esters, PhD
Kevin Black, MD
David Richard, MD, FAAFP
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Vice Chair of Education, Department of Family and Community Medicine Medical Director, Physician Assistant Program
Distinguished Educator
Penn State College of MedicineLarissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C
College of Medicine Hooder, Physician Assistant ProgramSarah Lewis, MHS
College of Medicine Hooder, Physician Assistant Program
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Academic Director, Physician Assistant ProgramMedical Degree Student Speech
Puneet Modgil
Medical Degree 2023 Class RepresentativeThe Oath of Modern Hippocrates
Erica Friedman, MD, FACP
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs
Professor of MedicineConferring of Medical Degrees
Levon Esters, PhD
Dean Black
Emmanuelle Williams, MD
College of Medicine Assistant Marshal, Medical Degree Program
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Associate Professor of MedicineJusten Aprile, MD
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and HumanitiesKatharine Dalke, MD MBE
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Humanities Director of the Office for Culturally Responsive Health Care EducationBrandon Peterson, MD
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director of Phase III UME-GME TransitionMark B. Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP
Captain (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Associate Dean for Medical Education, University Park CurriculumGreetings from the Alumni Society
Rachel Fogel, MD
President, Penn State College of Medicine Alumni Society
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Harrisburg UniversitySpecial Greetings
Dean Black
Benediction
The Rev. Simmons
Recessional
Ethan Lee
Trumpet Voluntary (Clark)
(Audience remains seated.)Commencement Address: Ala Stanford, MD
Commencement address
Ala Stanford, MD, former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director
Ala Stanford, MD
Former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Regional DirectorDr. Ala Stanford is a national leader in health equity and a health care policy advisor. She is a trusted messenger and an advocate for vulnerable populations in the United States and globally. Dr. Stanford recently served as the Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of the Mid-Atlantic, appointed by President Joseph Biden overseeing the health and well being of all Americans. A practicing physician for over 20 years, Dr. Stanford is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery. She serves as a medical and health correspondent for national media outlets. Dr. Stanford gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic using the infrastructure of her pediatric surgery practice to create a grassroots organization focused on education, testing, contact tracing and vaccination in communities devoid of access to care and resources. Her focus on those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 saved lives. The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium directly served over 100,000 and countless others through the reach of their work. Dr. Stanford subsequently opened a Center for Health Equity in a Philadelphia zip code community with the lowest life expectancy; providing expert health care and improving health outcomes. She has received many accolades, a few notable include 2023 STATNews Status List Changemaker in health and medicine, Named Most Influential Women in 2021 & 2022 by Forbes Magazine, 2021 Top 10 CNNHero, 2021 Fortune Magazine: World’s 50 Greatest Leaders, 2021 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, the City of Philadelphia Commissioned a street in her name and in April 2023 Dr. Stanford delivered a TEDTalk at the University of Pennsylvania on the subject of medicine and social justice. Simon & Schuster will share her memoir and roadmap for achieving health equity in 2024. Dr. Stanford is a wife and mother to three teenagers.
Dean's Awards
Dean’s awards
As part of its Commencement 2023 celebration, Penn State College of Medicine will recognize several graduates from the medical student, physician assistant, MD/PhD and graduate programs who did outstanding work in their academic and clinical careers.

Commencement program
View the order of ceremonies, keynote speaker information and awards information by clicking the respective tabs. See graduate lists below.
Printed program
Order of ceremonies
Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education, The Pennsylvania State University, Levon Esters, PhD, presiding
Prelude
Ethan Lee, Pianist, Physician Assistant Class of 2024
Triumphal March from the Opera “Aida” (Verdi)
Academic Processional
Dwight Davis, MD
College of Medicine Marshall
Professor, Department of Medicine
Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute
Welcome
Levon Esters, PhD
Dean of the Graduate School
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
The Pennsylvania State University
National Anthem
Alyssa Tuan
Medical Student Class of 2023
Invocation
The Rev. David B. Simmons, DMin, BCC
Director of Pastoral Services
Welcome
Kevin Black, MD
Interim Dean, Penn State College of Medicine
Commencement Address
Ala Stanford, MD, FAAP, FACS
Former Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Authorization to Confer Degrees
Abraham Amorós
Board of Trustees
The Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Student Speech
Spencer Katz
Graduate Program 2023 Class Representative
Graduate Student Oath
Leslie J. Parent, MD
Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies
Associate Vice President for Health Sciences Research
Professor of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology
Conferring of Graduate Degrees
Levon Esters, PhD
Ralph Keil, PhD
College of Medicine Assistant Marshall, Graduate Program
Chair, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Patricia Mclaughlin, DEd
College of Medicine Hooder, Graduate Program
Professor Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences
Director, Graduate Program in Anatomy
Distinguished Educator
Physician Assistant Student Speech
Alison Bean
Physician Assistant 2023 Class Representative
Physician Assistant Professional Oath
Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C
Director, Physician Assistant Program
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Conferring of Physician Assistant Degrees
Levon Esters, PhD
Kevin Black, MD
David Richard, MD, FAAFP
Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
Vice Chair of Education, Department of Family and Community Medicine Medical Director, Physician Assistant Program
Distinguished Educator
Penn State College of Medicine
Larissa Whitney, DBA, MHS, PA-C
College of Medicine Hooder, Physician Assistant Program
Sarah Lewis, MHS
College of Medicine Hooder, Physician Assistant Program
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Academic Director, Physician Assistant Program
Medical Degree Student Speech
Puneet Modgil
Medical Degree 2023 Class Representative
The Oath of Modern Hippocrates
Erica Friedman, MD, FACP
Vice Dean for Educational Affairs
Professor of Medicine
Conferring of Medical Degrees
Levon Esters, PhD
Dean Black
Emmanuelle Williams, MD
College of Medicine Assistant Marshal, Medical Degree Program
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Associate Professor of Medicine
Justen Aprile, MD
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Humanities
Katharine Dalke, MD MBE
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and Humanities Director of the Office for Culturally Responsive Health Care Education
Brandon Peterson, MD
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director of Phase III UME-GME Transition
Mark B. Stephens, MD, MS, FAAFP
Captain (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy
College of Medicine Hooder, Medical Degree Program
Associate Dean for Medical Education, University Park Curriculum
Greetings from the Alumni Society
Rachel Fogel, MD
President, Penn State College of Medicine Alumni Society
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Harrisburg University
Special Greetings
Dean Black
Benediction
The Rev. Simmons
Recessional
Ethan Lee
Trumpet Voluntary (Clark)
(Audience remains seated.)
Commencement address

Ala Stanford, MD, former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director
Ala Stanford, MD
Former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Regional Director
Dr. Ala Stanford is a national leader in health equity and a health care policy advisor. She is a trusted messenger and an advocate for vulnerable populations in the United States and globally. Dr. Stanford recently served as the Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of the Mid-Atlantic, appointed by President Joseph Biden overseeing the health and well being of all Americans. A practicing physician for over 20 years, Dr. Stanford is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery. She serves as a medical and health correspondent for national media outlets. Dr. Stanford gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic using the infrastructure of her pediatric surgery practice to create a grassroots organization focused on education, testing, contact tracing and vaccination in communities devoid of access to care and resources. Her focus on those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 saved lives. The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium directly served over 100,000 and countless others through the reach of their work. Dr. Stanford subsequently opened a Center for Health Equity in a Philadelphia zip code community with the lowest life expectancy; providing expert health care and improving health outcomes. She has received many accolades, a few notable include 2023 STATNews Status List Changemaker in health and medicine, Named Most Influential Women in 2021 & 2022 by Forbes Magazine, 2021 Top 10 CNNHero, 2021 Fortune Magazine: World’s 50 Greatest Leaders, 2021 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, the City of Philadelphia Commissioned a street in her name and in April 2023 Dr. Stanford delivered a TEDTalk at the University of Pennsylvania on the subject of medicine and social justice. Simon & Schuster will share her memoir and roadmap for achieving health equity in 2024. Dr. Stanford is a wife and mother to three teenagers.
Dean’s awards
As part of its Commencement 2023 celebration, Penn State College of Medicine will recognize several graduates from the medical student, physician assistant, MD/PhD and graduate programs who did outstanding work in their academic and clinical careers.