Staff and Scholars

Tristan Caffrey graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in psychology. As an undergraduate, he was involved in student leadership, student wellness organizations, neurologic and pancreatic cancer research, and his fraternity.

Tristan was inspired to pursue a career in medicine through the mentorship he received while working in the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic. He witnessed the care physicians provided during those challenging times and strives to model the same compassion and dedication in his own practice.

Tristan is interested in clinical research that evaluates how new technologies can be responsibly incorporated into bedside patient care through systems-level analysis. At UNMC, his research focuses on perfusion technologies in solid organ transplantation, studying how innovations in organ preservation may improve the outcomes of patients undergoing liver transplantation. He has presented this work at both regional and national conferences.

At UNMC, Tristan has also been involved in student leadership and medical education. His roles as College of Medicine class president, director of academic affairs for the Student Senate, co-president of the Student Delegates, student representative on the Education Council, and student representative on the Project Health Medical Education Design Group have allowed him to advocate for classmates and contribute to the future of medical training at UNMC. He hopes to match into Emergency Medicine and build a career that combines direct patient care with medical education.

Ryan Chapman was a Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship recipient as an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics in 2022. While at UNO, he conducted research in Dr. Paul Davis’s laboratory, participated in Stanford’s University Innovation Fellows program, and volunteered at the Omaha VA Medical Center. He was drawn to medicine through his experiences volunteering and shadowing at the Omaha VA Medical Center, where he observed physicians combining scientific knowledge with compassion and empathy to care for veterans. Before entering medical school, Ryan spent a year conducting viral DNA sequencing research under Dr. Mike Wiley at UNMC.

Ryan is interested in research that integrates novel molecular diagnostic tests, technology, data analysis, and prediction models into clinical decision-making. He is also passionate about adapting and applying these technologies in isolated and lower socioeconomic areas. His current research includes evaluating a multiplex PCR panel for pneumonia diagnosis in solid-organ and bone marrow transplant patients under Dr. Carlos Gomez and the transplant infectious diseases team. He also collaborates with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Healthcare under Dr. John Windle to prototype an AI-based clinical decision support platform for hypertension.

Ryan is also passionate about medical education and has collaborated with fellow Scott Scholar Matt Muellner to deliver programming and statistics courses for pre-medical and medical students through their company, White Coats Write Code LLC, and the Computer and Data Science in Medicine Club at UNMC. Additionally, the two collaborated to create custom digital flashcards tailored to UNMC’s curriculum, which continue to be passed down and updated by their younger colleagues. Ryan enjoys volunteering at UNMC’s free clinics and with Least of My Brethren.

Ryan is interested in practicing and conducting research within internal medicine, and potentially sub-specializing in infectious diseases, critical care, or cardiology. Above all, he aspires to be an effective, caring, and empathetic physician.

Madison Croomes graduated from Augustana University with a bachelor's degree in biology. She was a member of the Civitas Honor Society, served as vice president of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, and was a student athlete on the Augustana Dance Team.  

During the summer of 2024, Madison collaborated with researchers at Harvard and Dartmouth on a project exploring the use of telehealth across multiple sclerosis care centers. She has also co-authored an invited book chapter on neuroscience-informed education of personality disorders. She is currently involved in a research project comparing the incidence of pneumonia among intubated trauma patients admitted to the Surgical ICU who did and did not receive antibiotics during their hospitalization.

Service has remained an important part of Madison's medical school experience. She has enjoyed volunteering with programs that support people with disabilities since first becoming involved with this work as an undergraduate. Throughout medical school, she has volunteered weekly during the fall and spring with Dancing Beyond Limits, an organization that provides dance classes for children and adults with disabilities.

In addition to her service activities, Madison serves as one of two M4 Psychiatry Chiefs at UNMC. In this role, she develops and presents interactive Psychiatry shelf review sessions for third-year medical students, hosts office hours, and collaborates with faculty on curriculum development. She finds teaching and mentorship especially rewarding and hopes to remain actively involved in medical education throughout her career. She also serves as vice president of the UNMC Chapter of One for the World, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing global poverty through effective, evidence-based giving.

Madison plans to apply to General Surgery residency programs and has a particular interest in abdominal transplant surgery. She is drawn to surgery for its combination of technically complex procedures, collaborative teamwork, and the privilege of caring for patients through some of the most vulnerable experiences of their lives.

Nour Elrokhsi attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a Walter Scott, Jr. Scholar, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in chemistry. Growing up in Libya and later living in several regions of the United States, she developed an early awareness of the impact that social, cultural, and economic factors have on health. These experiences inspired her to pursue medicine and advocate for individuals from underserved and marginalized communities.

Nour has a strong interest in psychiatry and is passionate about improving access to mental health care and providing compassionate, culturally responsive care to diverse patient populations. Through her clinical experiences and community involvement, she has developed a particular interest in addressing mental health disparities among immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities.

Outside of the classroom, Nour remains actively engaged in service and leadership. She volunteers with the Refugee Empowerment Center, supporting newly resettled families through English instruction and assistance navigating community resources. She serves as Culture & Belonging Chair for her medical school class, collaborating with students, faculty, and administration to foster an inclusive learning environment and support student success. She also serves as President of the Muslim Student Association, where she works to build community among Muslim students and promote cultural awareness within healthcare. Additionally, she is the External Events Coordinator for Bridge to Care, a student-led organization dedicated to improving healthcare access for refugee populations through education, outreach, and advocacy.

Nour is involved in community-based research and advocacy focused on improving health outcomes for underserved populations. Her scholarly work has been presented at multiple regional, national, and international conferences. She is also an active member of the NAMI Nebraska Advisory Board and participates in student-run psychiatric services through SHARING Clinic. Through her clinical, research, leadership, and advocacy experiences, Nour hopes to pursue a career in psychiatry and contribute to advancing equitable, patient-centered mental health care.

Leigh Jahnke graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with degrees in biology and Spanish, and minors in biochemistry and mathematics. Upon graduating in 2022, she received a Fulbright grant to teach English in Logroño, Spain for a year. Leigh was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing health care disparities affecting underrepresented populations in her hometown. She is also motivated by her interest in the problem-solving aspects of medicine. 
 
Leigh plans to apply to internal medicine-pediatrics residencies, and her research interests include nephrology and addressing health care inequities. She has conducted research on diabetes disparities within the local Karen and Q’anjob’al populations. In partnership with the UNMC Scott Scholars program, she also traveled to Córdoba, Mexico, to learn about the region’s public health system. Leigh is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

In the future, Leigh hopes to practice medicine in underserved areas, with a particular focus on serving Hispanic populations. 

Matt Muellner attended Yale University, where he graduated cum laude with degrees in neuroscience and computer science. Matt has aspired to pursue medicine since elementary school, believing it to be a unique profession that offers the opportunity to dramatically impact a stranger’s life every day. Inspired by a love of learning and a commitment to service, he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to become a future oncologist and researcher.

Matt’s research focuses on applying machine learning, statistical modeling, and health services research methods to improve disease detection, monitoring, and patient care. As a recipient of research funding through Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’s Stepping Stones for Pediatric Scientists program, Matt is working on improving the speed, accuracy, and prognostic value of imaging biomarkers in polycystic kidney disease. He is also involved in projects related to cancer imaging, health access, pain control, and perioperative outcomes with mentors at UNMC and collaborating institutions. He has contributed to multiple manuscripts published in national and international journals.

Matt is active in service leadership at UNMC. As service chair of his class, Matt collaborates with Least of My Brethren, an Omaha-based charity supporting the homeless, to organize monthly events for medical students to serve this vulnerable community. Matt is a board member of SHARING Free Clinic and enjoys volunteering with several campus groups. He is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

During his second year of medical school and the Scott Scholar Program, Matt co-founded White Coats Write Code with Ryan Chapman. White Coats Write Code is an educational initiative that provides competency-based training in statistical analysis for future health professionals. They have presented their educational model at the regional and international level, and hope to expand data science education in the medical field.

Emma Weis graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a bachelor's degree in biology with a health science emphasis. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the women's soccer team, worked as a tutor, participated in award-winning state and regional research, and received the Biology Department's Outstanding Senior Award.

Emma's passion for medicine began in elementary school and has continued to grow through her dedication to science, research, and patient care. Her research interests include developmental pediatrics and rheumatology, with current projects focused on the validity of autism screening tools and the genetic drivers of antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. During the summer of 2024, she participated in UNMC's Pediatric Academy, where she explored pediatric specialties and conducted research, and spent a month working at the Munroe-Meyer Institute's summer camp for children with developmental disabilities, where she has worked since she was 16.

Now entering her fourth year of medical school, Emma remains actively involved in research and has presented her work at local and national conferences, including the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. She serves as co-president of the Rheumatology Interest Group and philanthropy chair for the Phi Rho Sigma medical fraternity. Outside of medical school, she continues to work with the Munroe-Meyer Institute, providing respite care and supporting families of children with developmental disabilities. Emma plans to apply for a pediatrics residency, with the goal of pursuing a fellowship in pediatric rheumatology or pediatric hospital medicine. She hopes to build a career that combines compassionate clinical care, research, and advocacy to improve the lives of children and their families.

Katie Andersen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She majored in biomechanics with minors in chemistry and business, and graduated summa cum laude. On top of being a Scott Scholar, Katie was involved in biomechanics research, the Chi Omega Sorority, intramural sports, and the Pre-Health Professionals Club. 
 
Katie's desire to pursue medicine stems from a passion for connecting with people and caring for them during some of the most important moments of their lives. She is drawn to the unique opportunity physicians must build meaningful relationships with patients while providing guidance, support, and compassionate care. Medicine also appeals to her because it exists at the intersection of lifelong learning and innovation. The field is constantly evolving, requiring physicians to continually expand their knowledge and adapt to new discoveries, technologies, and treatments. Most importantly, she is inspired by the ability to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Whether through improving health outcomes, offering reassurance during difficult times, or helping individuals achieve a better quality of life, she is motivated by the opportunity to positively impact others through a career in medicine.
 
Katie is currently doing research on EMS scope of practice for tracheostomy patients through the department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery. This is a unique and medically complex patient population that she has grown to love and advocate for. She has been fortunate enough to present her research at both local and national conferences.

 Katie is interested in pursuing anesthesiology and loves working with surgical and critical care patients. She enjoys that anesthesia requires a deep and thorough understanding of physiology and pharmacology, while simultaneously allowing her to care for patients in some of their most vulnerable and stressful times.

 At UNMC, Katie serves as the Vice President of the Culinary Interest Group, bringing food and medicine together. She considers herself a “foodie” and loves the opportunity to educate her fellow classmates about eating healthy while also shouting out her favorite local restaurants. Katie also serves at the Faculty Liaison for the Anesthesiology interest group. She is excited to create a mentorship program that pairs medical students interested in anesthesia with UNMC faculty, to both encourage exploration of the field and to for lifelong relationships.

Morgan Baker Korthals is a former UNO Scott Scholar who studied mathematics with a concentration in data science. She was also a member of the NCAA Division I swimming and diving team, an honors student, and served as vice president of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. During her undergraduate career, she received the Best Lightning Talk Presentation award at the Annual London & Region Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Conference for her research and was recognized as Scholar of the Championship at the Summit League Swimming & Diving Championships.

Morgan’s passion for medicine began at an early age by witnessing the profound impact her father had on others as a physician. His example showed her that medicine extends far beyond diagnosing and treating disease. It is an opportunity to improve quality of life while supporting patients and families through life’s most challenging moments. Her interest was solidified through diverse research and shadowing opportunities across various specialties. In recent years, she has focused on research as a means to help people on a larger scale. Morgan has shown an interest in leveraging technology and predictive analytics in medicine. Her ongoing research, which began during her undergraduate studies, focuses on the use of facial recognition software to aid in the diagnosis of conditions with craniofacial manifestations, specifically fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Most recently, her work has focused on developing a logistic regression prediction model to estimate the likelihood of successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in a Midwestern obstetric cohort.

Morgan is particularly interested in women’s health. She is passionate about advocating for women and improving health outcomes in this field. However, Morgan remains open-minded about other areas where she can make a meaningful impact. During her first year of medical school, Morgan was involved in the founding of the Women's Health Enhanced Medical Education Track at UNMC. She hopes to expand education on women's health challenges and create more opportunities for student involvement and advocacy. Morgan was also elected president of the Pregnancy Success and Support Program and serves on the Outreach Committee for the Nebraska Rural Health Outreach organization. During her free time, she volunteers with Planned Parenthood and stays active in the local swimming community by helping with youth meets.

Creighton Harrington completed her undergraduate at Chadron State College where she majored in chemistry and minored in human biology and nutrition. While at Chadron, she served as a leader in the Health Professions Club, Familia Learn Spanish Club, Resident Life Association and the Chadron State tutoring department for chemistry and biology courses. Creighton was awarded the Platinum Eagle Award—the highest distinction for a Chadron State senior. She was also a member of the Rural Health Opportunities Program and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program.

Creighton’s interest in health care began in childhood, inspired in part by her mother, a nurse. Opportunities and experiences in high school and undergraduate like working as a CNA during the COVID-19 pandemic, shadowing in a variety of health care fields, and being selected to the Rural Health Opportunities Program were key factors in Creighton ultimately deciding to pursue the field of medicine. Creighton is most excited to be able to utilize her interest in medicine to give back to the state of Nebraska and help improve the quality of life for its citizens.

In undergraduate, Creighton independently designed and developed her chemistry capstone research project which examined whether piperine, the active component in black pepper, could improve the solubility of curcumin. Creighton is interested in curcumin as it has great potential as a drug treatment for certain cancers, viral agents, and inflammatory diseases if its solubility and bioavailability could be improved within the body. Creighton hopes to continue researching how we can use improved nutrition and natural compounds as more affordable and safe treatment options for patients.

Although Creighton is unsure about which specialty she would like to pursue, she is very interested in psychiatry, endocrinology, OB/GYN, and family medicine. Regardless of which field of medicine she decides, she would like to incorporate evidence-based practices to help address the root of her patients’ diseases. Creighton would like to serve the Nebraskan healthcare force in her future, and she hopes to use health care design thinking to develop patient-centered and sustainable treatment methods to improve her patients’ overall health and wellbeing.

Mohamed Hazim graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry. During his undergrad years he held various leadership and community service roles including serving as the director of public relations for student government, community service chair for Alpha Iota Gamma pre-health society and print-writer for UnEarthed Stem Magazine. He conducted research at Perelman’s Department of Radiology.

Hazim was first inspired to pursue a career in medicine after taking gross anatomy and health science courses at UNMC during his final two years of high school. After spending hours in the donor lab learning about the intricate structures of the human body and grappling with concepts centered on community health, he realized he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to explore both biomedicine and public health. The community outreach and service projects he completed in Omaha and Philadelphia during his undergraduate studies affirmed that a career in medicine would enable him to use his love for biomedicine as a tool to achieve his purpose of making quality care more accessible to the Omaha community and beyond.

Hazim is interested in a wide variety of research ranging from clinical to healthy policy and public health research. Hazim’s goal is to finish medical training with the tools to become a physician-leader and improve health outcomes in his community. He is interested in using his position as a physician to advocate for easier and more equitable access to health care.

Riley Kilzer attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, receiving the Walter Scott, Jr., Scholarship of UNO and the Regents Scholarship. He graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in bioinformatics and minors in chemistry and computer science with summa cum laude honors. 
 
Riley’s inspiration to pursue a career in medicine began at a young age with his family friend and former family practitioner, Dr. Richard Thompson. Dr. Thompson’s influence and mentorship inspired Riley to continue following his interest in medicine, leading him to serve as a medical scribe, shadow physicians, volunteer at Nebraska Medical Center and join a research team.
 
Riley intends to pursue a career in pediatric or adult gastroenterology/hepatology. His future career goals include serving his community through his practice, both in the clinic and research, and reaching underserved urban populations with his medical services. Riley is most interested in research that improves patient outcomes through proactive and preventive measures. He has publications in fields such as liver transplantation, community health initiatives, and maternal-fetal attachment. Additionally, he is currently piloting a Mini Medical School program at a local elementary school with the help of his fellow Scott Scholars and UNMC classmates.
 
During his free time, Riley enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and he enjoys spending time outdoors through tennis, golf, and birdwatching. He has maintained his passion for community outreach through his church, particularly in leadership at the youth group, student mentorship program, and assisting his wife in starting a homework club.

J.P. Miller graduated from Morningside University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and English. A CoSIDA Academic All-American and member of two NAIA National Championship football teams, he also served as editor for both the university's literary and scientific journals, published original poetry and photography, conducted independent research on tick-borne pathogens that launched a regional surveillance initiative, and participated in multiple international mission trips.

Rooted in his Catholic faith, J.P. was further drawn to medicine through firsthand experience as a patient, having undergone eleven orthopedic surgeries across his high school and college athletic career. The skill, compassion, and encouragement of his team physicians not only helped him return to the field but revealed the profound impact a physician can have during a patient's most vulnerable moments.

At UNMC, J.P. has developed an active research portfolio spanning orthopedics, ophthalmology, and artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on how emerging technologies can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. He has presented his work at regional and national conferences and been published in UNMC's Art of Medicine journal. He was also named a Nebraska AHEC Scholar and a recipient of the Merrill C. Smith Memorial Fund Scholarship from the Nebraska Medical Association. He is exploring specialties in orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, and ophthalmology, with long-term goals of combining clinical practice with teaching and regular medical mission work, most recently serving with Floating Doctors in Panama.

J.P. serves as Co-Curriculum Chair for the Class of 2028, represents students on the institutional AI Task Force, and is a member of the Prehospital EMET. As Director of Faith Formation for the UNMC Catholic Medical Association chapter, he works to integrate faith, ethics, and vocation into medical training.  He volunteers at the Open Door Mission and serves on the SHARING Clinic board, conducting quality improvement research on student phlebotomy training models. He also serves as Teaching Director for Mini Medical School, bringing hands-on health science programming to youth in North Omaha. Outside of school, he enjoys writing, biking, and spending time with his wife and two young children.

Joshua Oarhe graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he majored in molecular and biomedical biology while also studying chemistry, psychology, and medical humanities. As an undergraduate, he worked at iEXCEL in UNMC's Davis Global Center, served in various leadership positions in UNO Dance Marathon, conducted research on COPD through the Summer Undergraduate Alcohol Research Program, and utilized design thinking to create innovative strategies in banking through the Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship Program's Community Action Project.

Joshua was inspired to pursue medicine due to the many significant role models in his life that portrayed such a genuine passion for science and willingness to serve others. From his interactions with other physicians to his participation in projects that helped to serve the unique needs of patients, he realized that a career in medicine will empower him to bring about meaningful change in our health care system in order to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse communities. Through his personal experiences shadowing and interacting with physicians, he was inspired to pursue a career that can help dignify and protect people during their time of greatest need.

Joshua is passionate about pursuing research and innovation in orthopedics and neurosurgery, specifically regarding the development of new prosthetics that are increasingly functional and accessible. He also hopes to work on projects that will bring about new developments in brain-computer interfaces, allowing those prosthetics to integrate into the user's body and mind. He hopes to develop treatments and clinical solutions that can restore patients' ability to stay active and maintain their standard of living. Joshua intends to focus on pursuing a career in neurosurgery with a focus in spinal or trauma-related cases. He hopes to participate in clinical research that can help further develop our understanding of prosthesis, biomechanics, and the brain's role in movement and coordination.

Joshua also is actively engaged in the Clinical Innovation and Entrepreneurship EMET in which he is working to develop new virtual reality-based learning simulations that will equip students with immersive learning experiences in critical skills like intubation and stroke assessment. He also volunteers as a coach for Fostering the Future, a student-led organization tasked with equipping at-risk youth with the practical and social skills necessary for succeeding in the workplace and in our communities. At UNMC, he also serves his class as a co-curriculum chair, representing and advocating for his class in curriculum-based decisions made by the faculty and other educators. Outside of school, he regularly volunteers as a keyboardist and bassist for his church worship team. He enjoys working out, spending time with family, reading, and learning new skills.

Lahari Ramini graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor's degree in cognitive science with a minor in anthropology. She volunteered as an EMT and served as a TA for the university’s EMT course, tutored incarcerated students in the Northwestern Prison Education Program, initiated a harm reduction campaign to educate and address student substance use, and received the Baker’s Award, collaborating with the World Health Organization and nonprofits to develop tools measuring water and hygiene insecurities globally.

Growing up, Lahari saw health care workers as a source of hope amid the uncertainty of health scares, and while this sparked her curiosity for medicine, it was ultimately her experiences that solidified it. She is committed to becoming a lifelong learner who pushes the boundaries of care and brings a human-centered approach by being both an empathetic listener and an advocate for her patients' well-being. Lahari is broadly interested in researching health literacy, specifically in populations often overlooked in clinical studies. She also conducts research in medical education, hoping to pursue academic medicine in the future.
While Lahari is not fully certain of her desired specialty, she has interests in psychiatry, physical medicine and preventative health care. In the future, she not only hopes to be involved in medicine at the patient level but also at the community and legislative level.

Lahari is in the Clinical Educator Enhanced Medical Education Track, where she conducts education research and aids in curriculum development for the College of Medicine. She serves on the College of Medicine’s AI Task Force, helping develop innovative curriculum to integrate AI into medical training. Passionate about psychiatry, she holds a leadership role as preclinical programming coordinator for the Psychiatry Interest Group. As a first-generation medical student, Lahari is dedicated to supporting others from similar backgrounds. She serves as development chair for Resiliency in Medicine, an organization that mentors and advocates for premedical students pursuing careers in health care. In addition, she is treasurer of the Harm Reduction Advocates at UNMC, where she leads funding efforts to support education, outreach, and access to harm reduction tools.

Roshan Sapkota was born in Chitwan, Nepal, and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated with distinction from Brown University with a degree in Biology and a specialization in Computation, where he was awarded the Engaged Scholarship Award and Dean Marjorie Thompson Senior Prize for excellence in biology, academics, and service.

 

At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Roshan serves as president of the Class of 2028, a Student Senate delegate, and the student representative to the Metro Omaha Medical Society. His fascination with the intricate anatomy of the head and neck, combined with a desire to help patients preserve their identity through life-altering illnesses, has led him to pursue a strong interest in otolaryngology, particularly head and neck surgical oncology.

Beyond medicine, Roshan is an avid writer, researcher, and innovator. He studied creative writing at the University of Edinburgh, collaborating with authors from around the world while exploring the power of storytelling in medicine. He also co-founded a healthcare startup focused on reducing administrative burden and has dedicated much of his research to improving healthcare accessibility through hospital price transparency. Growing up in a low-income household, he witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system, an experience that continues to shape his work in innovation, health policy, and patient advocacy.

Roshan hopes to build a career that combines exceptional patient care with meaningful contributions to healthcare innovation, research, and medical education. Through narrative medicine and a steadfast commitment to the patient experience, he strives to make healthcare more accessible, transparent, and compassionate.

Arianna Tidball received a degree in biochemistry from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. She graduated with high honors and completed an honors thesis exploring the role of gut dysbiosis in the progression of Parkinson's Disease.

Arianna spent the last few years working in clinical research focused on neurology, where she worked with many older adults who were dealing with various neurological conditions. Her time in this role sparked an interest in medicine and motivated her to learn more about the medical profession, so she began shadowing and building relationships with physicians. Through these experiences, Arianna decided that becoming a physician was the best path forward for her as it would allow her to deepen her understanding of these conditions as well as help people navigate challenging experiences. Arianna is particularly interested in exploring the health care landscape and daily medical challenges faced by older adults and individuals navigating major life transitions. 

Arianna intends to focus her career on caring for patients navigating major life transitions, especially those associated with aging. She is particularly committed to serving older adults who are disadvantaged or have limited access to healthcare, with the goal of improving both the quality and accessibility of their care. Ultimately, she hopes to build trusting relationships with her patients that allow her to deliver compassionate, effective, and personalized care.

Arianna is part of the Aging and Integrated Medicine EMET program, the Aging Interest Group and has participated in a range of outreach and advocacy initiatives. As a member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Association, she served on the planning committee and is serving as intercollegiate liaison, working with neighboring medical communities to organize events that support and engage the AAPI population. In addition, Arianna is passionate about volunteering and community engagement, participating in activities such as Sunday Rounds to connect with patients and attending health fairs at local assisted living facilities.

Mitch Blaine graduated magna cum laude from Rockhurst University in 2023 as a member of the honors program. There, he served in student government as the campus sustainability liaison, worked as a student ambassador, led freshman orientation and was selected as sergeant-at-arms on the executive board of Pi Kappa Alpha.

Before medical school, Mitch completed a year of national service with AmeriCorps through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. Serving as a community health navigator at the Deschutes County Public Health Department in Oregon, he supported maternal and child health programs, assisted individuals with Medicaid and social services enrollment, and helped those experiencing housing insecurity access resources. His experiences with these populations, along with his passion for wellness and love of the sciences, inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.

Mitch’s research interests lie at the intersection of healthy aging, nutrition, metabolism and chronic disease prevention. He is particularly fascinated by the molecular mechanisms that govern longevity and hopes to explore how nutrient-sensing pathways shape cellular health, metabolic resilience, and lifespan. He aims to contribute to research that bridges basic science with translational applications, with the long-term goal of advancing therapies and preventive strategies that promote healthy aging and reduce age-related disease burden.

He has many potential specialties of interest, with family medicine, cardiology and endocrinology as top contenders.

Elise graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in biology and a minor in anthropology: global health and the environment. There, she was a captain of the volleyball team, volunteered as a tutor for recently immigrated children in St. Louis through Restored for More, served as a coach and mentor for neurodivergent children through Bear Cubs Running Team, conducted research in cell biology through the biophysics department, and was a member of the Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity which raises money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Throughout her childhood, the importance of serving others and pursuing her passions in life was emphasized heavily to Elise. Her first exposure to a clinical environment while in college demonstrated the ability of a physician to form long-standing relationships with their patients as well as the necessity of working with a team to best serve patients. These values, along with her interest in biology, inspired her to pursue medicine. Since then, her one on one experiences with patients have confirmed that she would like to become a physician in order to make a longitudinal and direct impact on the lives of others.

Elise is interested in conducting research concerning social and environmental determinants of health and how they can contribute to cancer and chronic disease, particularly in underserved populations. She is most interested in specialties that will allow her to develop long-term relationships and see patients with complex presentations and needs, likely in pediatrics.

Kristal Kuo graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University in 2022 with a degree in Biology. She was part of the Honors Program in the College of Arts and Sciences, played on the Creighton Women’s Tennis Team, and is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. While at Creighton, she served as an undergraduate research and scholarship student ambassador, conducted research in evolutionary genetics, was a cell structure and function laboratory teaching assistant, volunteered at Open Door Mission and CHI Health Bergan Mercy, and received the Creighton University Ethics and Social Responsibility Scholarship as well as the Dr. John R. Sheehan Scholarship, a one-time award to outstanding juniors majoring in biology based on academic standing, engagement in community service, academically related activities, and submission of an essay on a bioethical issue.

Kristal’s natural inclination to comfort those in need evolved over the years into a strong desire to provide that same sense of care and support to patients. She worked for a year as an environmental scientist for the California Environmental Protection Agency after graduating from college, which was a field she was always interested in exploring. While she loved that her work benefitted the future of the world, she missed the human connection and care that was found in medicine. Witnessing the curative effect of doctors’ compassion, empathy, and genuine sensitivity through her shadowing and healthcare work experiences confirmed her desire to pursue a career in medicine, where she hopes to combine her scientific curiosity with a humanistic aspect.

 

Kristal’s research interests include psychodermatology, environmental dermatology, dermatopathology, and psychiatry. She is currently conducting a research study with UNMC’s Department of Dermatology on patient preferences related to immediate release of dermatopathology results through electronic patient portals to better understand patient experiences and improve how skin biopsy results are communicated to patients in the future. She has also contributed to a book chapter on neuroscience informed psychoeducation for personality disorders.

Kristal currently serves as the UNMC Psychiatry Interest Group Programming Co-Chair for Pre-Clinical Students where she is responsible for coordinating interest group meetings and speakers as well as the UNMC Dermatology Interest Group Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students Chair where she organizes educational events about skin cancer prevention and sun safety. She is drawn to specialties with a combination of technical expertise and longitudinal patient relationships. Her future career goals include improving the patient care experience and reducing physician burnout by becoming more involved in healthcare policy. This summer, she attended the American Medical Association Medical Student Section Annual Meeting where she participated in discussions about policy, learned about parliamentary procedure, and was able to network with medical students and physician-advocates from across the nation.

Jake’s lifelong commitment to leadership and learning naturally led him to medicine, a field that rewards intellectual curiosity and service. He is drawn to the discipline’s constant evolution and the opportunity to translate new knowledge into measurable improvements in patient care. Before medical school, Jake conducted research on routine child-abuse screening in emergency departments and contributed to multicenter trauma, burn, and airway clinical studies. This work produced several publications and presentations at national conferences. 

At UNMC, Jake's research spans orthopaedic surgery, trauma surgery, and medical education, with work ranging from basic science research to clinical outcomes studies. He is drawn to procedure-oriented fields and is pursuing orthopaedic surgery as a specialty.

Beyond the lab and clinic, Jake serves as Co-Curriculum Chair for the Class of 2029 and as a Student Senate representative for the College of Medicine. Through his work on the College of Medicine's AI Task Force, he is helping shape how AI is integrated into medical training. Additionally, he is a member of the Acute Care Surgery Enhanced Medical Education Track (EMET). He hopes to bring these experiences in research, leadership, and education into a career in academic medicine.

Ben graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he majored in psychology and minored in biochemistry. While there, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, as well as a tutor for the biochemistry and athletic departments.

The unique intersection between science and patient care that medicine provided always intrigued Ben. His decision to pursue medical school was solidified by the impact of multiple exceptional physicians in his life. The opportunity to provide the same compassionate care that was given to him motivates Ben to build his own career as a future physician.

His research interests focus on surgical procedures and integrating advancements in technology into the operating room.

Ben plans to pursue surgical specialties that offer an immediate impact on the lives of patients. His future goals as a physician focus on outreach to rural communities, particularly those in Nebraska and Kansas.

Eben Samuel graduated magna cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor's degree in molecular and biomedical biology and minors in chemistry and medical humanities. He was also a Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship scholar at UNO. Eben’s hands-on experience in clinical and surgical simulation and his time supporting patients at Nebraska Medicine deepened his commitment to compassionate, safe and systems-minded care. Through Objective Structured Clinical Examination work and standardized patient roles, he developed a nuanced appreciation for empathy in medical training, while also building proficiency in various clinical techniques. 

His academic and clinical interests center on advancing health equity and care delivery in underserved settings, with complementary interests in technological innovation and AI integration. Before medical school, he applied Design Thinking to improve rehabilitation-focused education with the RISE nonprofit.

Eben is conducting research with several different departments. These include the metabolic clinic, anesthesiology department and the dermatology department. His main work is focused on utilizing AI in clinical workflows. Eben is drawn to specialties that challenge him technically while keeping him grounded in patient-centered care. His future career goals focus on building practical, scalable solutions that bridge gaps in access and outcomes across communities.

Esther graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a major in molecular and biomedical biology and minors in chemistry, medical humanities, and Spanish for health sciences. She was a small group leader for Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. As a UNO Scott Scholar, she was involved in a project with the Nebraska Medicine Emergency Department where she utilized design thinking to minimize miscommunications across language barriers and developed an empathy-based role reversal simulation to help medical providers feel the frustration and confusion of their non-English speaking patients.

Esther shares a deep passion for the role of empathy in patient care seeking to help all patients feel seen and heard in the health care system. Through many clinical and personal experiences, she has been inspired to join the many physicians who seek to help the patient first and to seek out development and improvement of the patient experience.

Esther is interested in doing research in women's health. Currently, she is interested in specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, though she is still exploring other specialties.

Noah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a major in molecular biology and a minor in chemistry. He was a member of the student senate, honors program, IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence program, Sigma Xi scientific research honor society and Mortar Board senior honor society.

Noah's experiences growing up in a small town showed him the profound impact a physician can have on the health and well-being of a community. His exploration of various fields in medicine has highlighted how, by reasoning through clinical complexities and working diligently within their health care team, medical professionals can promote the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Noah is interested in translational research investigating patient diagnoses, surgical interventions and therapeutic options in order to better inform future best practices.

Noah is interested in conducting research and practicing medicine within the specialties of ophthalmology, anesthesiology and radiology. Regardless of the specialty, he is committed to becoming a knowledgeable, skillful and empathetic physician who positively impacts his patients, the health systems he works within and the community he serves.

Juhi Thakker graduated summa cum laude from Saint Louis University with a degree in health management & policy and minors in biology and Spanish. There, she served in a variety of leadership positions with Kesem, a non-profit organization that supports kids whose parents have cancer, volunteered as a tutor for kids who attended underfunded public schools in St. Louis, and participated in pancreatic cancer research in the UNMC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 

Juhi’s decision to pursue medicine was shaped by several influential role models, including her grandmother, who became a pediatrician in India in the late 1950s and dedicated over 40 years to caring for children, and her father, whose profound impact on his patients Juhi has witnessed firsthand. Her commitment to a career in medicine was further solidified through various impactful shadowing and volunteer experiences that deepened her understanding of and passion for medicine and the healthcare field, including a global health service trip to Guatemala. Juhi is most interested in research that impacts pediatric healthcare practice, especially in oncology and neurology. Her current research includes looking at how ventricle size affects neurocognitive outcomes in patients with myelomeningocele to guide clinical practice on when ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement is necessary.

Juhi is particularly interested in pediatric subspecialties such as hematology-oncology, neurology, and cardiology, as well as women’s health. She is deeply passionate about public health/community medicine, global health, and health policy & advocacy. She aspires to build a career that allows her to engage in these areas while delivering compassionate, comprehensive care to every patient she serves.

Jurgen Beller graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor's degree in molecular and biomedical biology and minors in chemistry, medical humanities, and sports medicine. During his undergraduate years, he competed on the UNO Club Soccer team, was a member of Delta Chi fraternity, and conducted research focused on developing chitosan polymers with enhanced antibacterial properties for nanofibrous materials. He also served as the junior varsity soccer coach at his alma mater, Mount Michael Benedictine, for two seasons and volunteered for more than three years with NE STEM 4U, where he led hands-on STEM activities for middle school students from underrepresented groups.

Jurgen’s path toward medicine was shaped by three clinical roles that provided sustained exposure to patient care in varied settings. As a patient attendant at Nebraska Medicine, a medical scribe in a primary care clinic, and a medical assistant in an urgent care setting, he gained firsthand experience across a range of clinical environments. Working directly with patients during moments of uncertainty and vulnerability shaped his understanding of medicine as more than a profession; it is a vocation rooted in service and human connection. These experiences solidified his commitment to pursuing a career in medicine and to remaining present with those most in need of care.

He enters medical school with initial interests in family medicine, oncology, and cardiology, drawn to fields that combine long-term relationships with meaningful clinical impact. At the same time, he views medical school as a launching point to explore the full breadth of medicine and remains open to new interests as they emerge through clinical exposure.

Ryan Heser graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2026 with a degree in biochemistry. He was a member of Mortar Board Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Ryan conducted undergraduate research while serving as a teaching assistant, biochemistry tutor, and College of Arts and Sciences ambassador. For these contributions, he received the Biochemistry Department's High-Impact Student Award, the Milton Mohr Scholarship, and the Chancellor's Scholarship. Ryan is the oldest of four and enjoys fishing, hunting, and giving haircuts to friends and family.

Ryan began his journey by founding a Young Men for Medicine Club at Creighton Preparatory School to explore healthcare careers and promote service. As an athlete, he also saw the need for improved cardiac emergency preparedness in after-school athletics. He led the club’s AED training and distribution efforts, earning the first Project ADAM Heart Safe School designation in the state. Since then, hundreds of schools have followed, leaving a lasting impact in Nebraska.

Shortly after, Ryan joined Nebraska Medicine as a Patient Care Technician, where he built meaningful relationships with patients, families, and staff. This deepened his appreciation for the vital role of every healthcare professional and fostered his passion for medicine. Observing how physicians balance servant leadership, poised decision-making, and humility affirmed the role Ryan aspired to pursue. Equally impactful was the resilience of his patients, which cultivated empathy and compassion that continues to shape his personal and professional growth.

As Ryan’s understanding of medicine grew, so did his view of a physician’s broader responsibilities. A mission trip to Mexico City immersed him in a community different from his own. Witnessing disparities not only in medical care, but in basic needs such as shelter, safety, and cleanliness refined his perspective on the factors that shape health. Ryan aims to continue evaluating ways to combat rooted issues to improve patient wellbeing beyond the clinic.

Ryan’s curiosity about unresolved biological questions led him to pursue undergraduate research on antibiotic resistance in E. coli and Arabidopsis stress responses. Through this work, he developed technical, leadership, and collaboration skills as a senior team member. He is eager to apply these skills to advance medical education and patient outcomes. Ryan’s specialty and research interests remain undecided, though he is particularly interested in otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, and dermatologic oncology. He looks forward to finding where his interests and skills best align to have the greatest impact while serving Nebraska communities for years to come.

Sam Jackson graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2026, earning recognition from the Dean’s List and Honor Roll, and a degree in biology with minors in Spanish and biochemistry. There he worked as a physiology Teaching Assistant, leading labs and mentoring students. He also served as an undergraduate research assistant, contributing to research on skeletal muscle regulation and potential medical interventions for cachexia.

Outside the University, Sam worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and volunteered in the emergency room, giving him the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that organized communication and strong patient-physician relationships can have on shaping patient care and outcomes. These experiences, combined with others outside of medicine such as studying abroad and volunteering with the Stephen Center, confirmed not only his commitment to medicine, but his commitment to human connection.

Sam plans to find practical ways to strengthen patient-physician relationships, with an emphasis on overcoming language barriers and making patients feel seen, understood, and respected regardless of language. Sam is interested in doing research and practicing medicine in a field that offers direct patient contact and the ability to form long-term relationships.

Laura Lienemann graduated with high distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in music and a minor in biochemistry. There, she served as a resident assistant, teaching assistant, and building monitor, finding new ways to support and interact with students at all stages of the college experience. Continuing a lifelong involvement in music, she continues to perform in the Lincoln and Omaha areas, as well as with the Nebraska Medical Orchestra.

Laura’s first exposure to medicine was through her father, a physician assistant of 20 years for the Nebraska Medical Center Emergency Department. As she learned about his work, Laura’s interest was piqued, but she developed a personal passion for caring for patients and learning their stories while caring for older adults as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Through her six-year career as a CNA, volunteering at CHI Saint Elizabeth Hospital and Omaha’s Open Door Mission, and leading the Nebraska Medicine Emergency Department scribe team as a chief scribe, her experiences have spurred a commitment to human-centered care and accessibility issues that face many Nebraskans.

Laura’s research interests so far have spanned cardiac pathology as well as the intersection between neurology and informatics. As a Clinical Research Associate for the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, Laura worked on initiatives to increase physician literacy in AI, develop a departmental registry and biobank, host the 2026 Big Ten Neuroscience Annual Meeting at UNMC, and more. She hopes to unite her interest in surgery and her research experiences in the future, at UNMC.

Shawn Ramachandran graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University with a bachelor’s degree in public health and minor in biology. While at Creighton, he enjoyed being involved with the Magis Clinic, Welcome Week Executive Team, New Student Orientation, INBRE research program, chemistry lab teaching assistant, and service trip coordinator. He was also a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Fellows Program, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society.

Shawn’s interest in medicine grew through experiences working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and serving rural communities in the Dominican Republic, which revealed the impact of human connection in healing. These encounters reinforced his belief that accompanying patients through their treatment journeys is equally important as medical intervention.

Throughout his undergraduate years, Shawn developed a strong interest in research while working in a biochemistry lab. This interest has since expanded to clinical research that focuses on improving patient outcomes, biomechanics and post-surgical rehabilitation, artificial intelligence in medicine, and public health, all of which he hopes to continue exploring in medical school and throughout his career.

Shawn is particularly drawn to specialties that combine procedural expertise, innovation, and meaningful patient relationships to restore function and improve patients’ quality of life. Beyond medicine, Shawn enjoys visiting new places, exploring restaurants in Omaha, playing basketball and tennis, and staying active.

Chris graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Biology as well as minors in both Chemistry and Medical Humanities. While at the university, Chris engaged in a significant amount of bioinformatic research as well as served as a peer tutor for chemistry students, eventually being recognized with the 2025-2026 Outstanding Biology Major award. Additionally, Chris received the Walter Scott, Jr. scholarship throughout his four years of undergraduate schooling.

Through his work experiences and shadowing done at the Omaha VA Medical Center, Chris was able to see the role of the physician within the interdisciplinary team and gained rich experiences in different flavors of medicine, including psychiatry, intensive care, emergency medicine, palliative care, and more. He hopes to take his perspectives gained as a nursing assistant to more effectively connect with patients as a physician.

Chris has a special interest in the interplay between our social-political structures and how patient care is affected as a result. He is looking to take some of the statistics and analytical skills gained from his undergraduate research and use them to examine structural changes that might have significant impacts on the broader population's sick experience. His current interest in emergency medicine also mirrors this same ambition, with Chris looking forward to the variety and pure positive impact that the field can offer.

Melanie Smith graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in biology. During her undergrad, Melanie served as the vice president of the Chemistry Club, and participated in both the Summer Health Professions Education Program and Summer Undergraduate Research Program at UNMC. She also worked as a chemistry tutor, and after recognizing the need many students had for more in-depth support in organic chemistry, she volunteered to lead review sessions twice a week to help them strengthen their understanding of the material. This experience sparked her interest in education and making complex information more accessible.

Melanie also conducted research at UNMC, where she synthesized novel small-molecule inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras designed to target AKR1C3, a key protein involved in the development of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and other androgen-dependent malignancies. Her time in the lab has deepened her appreciation for the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration in the health field.

Melanie’s desire to pursue medicine was solidified through physician shadowing, where she was deeply impressed by the strength of patient-physician relationships. She was privileged to observe physicians guide patients through diagnoses and treatment options with empathy, compassion, and patience. The physician’s ability to understand the science behind disease and artfully apply that knowledge to tailor treatments to each patient’s life and health goals has inspired Melanie to build a career in medicine centered on personalized and compassionate care.

She is currently uncertain about which specialty she wants to pursue and is keeping an open mind, particularly toward fields that allow her to build meaningful relationships with patients and make a positive impact on their lives. She is also interested in exploring how physicians across specialties can contribute to health education and empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Hannah Stone graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a major in molecular and biomedical biology and minors in chemistry, medical humanities, and psychology. She worked as a tutor and peer advisor for UNO pre-health students, helping them pursue their career goals. As a UNO Scott Scholar, she was involved in a project with RISE, a non-profit prison reentry program, where she utilized design thinking to supplement curriculum in the form of flash cards and reflection journals to improve participant understanding.

Hannah has been interested in science and healthcare most of her life, but the combination of leadership and human connected pushed her to pursue medicine. She is passionate about patient advocacy and education, as well as providing compassionate care. Through her experiences working at Nebraska Medicine and shadowing she has been inspired to provide the same care she has witnessed.

 Hannah's research interests lie in women's health, particularly related to maternal health and post-menopausal care. She is currently interested in specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology, though she is exploring interests in other fields as well.

Maddie Szemplenski graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arizona, earning a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences with minors in biochemistry and psychology. She worked to improve the wellness and safety of students as a member of the Panhellenic executive board, co-founded the Student-Led Safety Advisory Group in collaboration with the Office of Public Safety, conducted research on age-related biological mechanisms, volunteered in the emergency departments at Nebraska Medicine and Tucson Medical Center, and was an active member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority as well as Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology.

Maddie’s decision to pursue medicine resulted from the combined influence of her mother’s work as a nurse and her own experiences interacting with patients throughout her undergraduate career and the year afterward. She is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She values empathy, meaningful patient relationships, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of every patient she serves.

Maddie is particularly interested in pursuing research related to preventive medicine, healthy aging, and women’s health. She is interested in a variety of specialties to include anesthesiology and pediatrics; however, Maddie remains open-minded to other specialties as she begins her medical training.

Trevor Thrasher graduated summa cum laude with College Honors from Louisiana State University (LSU) in May 2022 with a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Entrepreneurship. He currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Scouting America Troop 76 in Omaha and was recognized as Assistant Scoutmaster of the Year 2025 for Iron Horse District. Additionally, Trevor’s community service includes over 2 years of volunteering with Child Life Services at Nebraska Medicine.

While attending LSU, he served as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader for general chemistry for 3 academic years and was honored as the 2022 Dr. Saundra Yancy McGuire Outstanding Supplemental Instruction Leader. During his undergraduate studies, Trevor completed research under the direction of Dr. Adam Melvin. Trevor’s work focused on the application of a microfluidic device to the study of cancer cell chemotaxis. As a result of his contribution and dedication, Trevor was awarded the 2022 LSU Ogden Honors College Outstanding Thesis Award in Physical Sciences and honored as a Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher for his thesis, Directed 3D Chemotaxis of Cancer Cells in Response to Oscillating Chemical Gradients Using a Microfluidic Device. His future research interests are focused on the application of engineering technologies and leveraging his experiences designing systems to advance a healthcare environment.

After completing his degree at LSU, Trevor was employed at Evonik Corporation for nearly 4 years. At Evonik, a global specialty chemical and pharmaceutical company, he completed a rotational engineering program and held various roles across the United States. Trevor led interdisciplinary teams to complete maintenance and strategic investment projects. While employed, Trevor completed his EMT certification at Creighton University and volunteered as a member of the Evonik’s Blair Bio-Refinery Emergency Response Team. His experience as an EMT led Trevor to seek a career change to medicine. He believes there is something incredibly unique and rewarding about helping people on their most challenging days. Trevor is looking forward to exploring specialties during medical school, particularly those which merge both procedural work and longitudinal patient-physician relationships.

When not working or studying, Trevor enjoys spending time outdoors. He has been SCUBA diving for over 10 years and recently completed a backpacking trip to all 4 national parks in Colorado.

Thomas Wang graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. While at BYU, he conducted neuroscience research, led a student organization partnering with local businesses to address food insecurity and volunteered with the Special Olympics in Provo.

Thomas’s research interests lie in regenerative medicine. He is particularly interested in the development of advanced biomaterials that can enhance tissue repair and wound healing.

Through his time in the lab and his experiences as an MCAT mentor, Thomas has developed a deep appreciation for the role of mentorship and scientific inquiry in healthcare, inspiring him to focus on community building and initiatives that strengthen youth interest in medicine.

Outside of academics and research, Thomas is an avid fly fisherman.

Harrison Wells graduated in 2024 with High Distinction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and minors in chemistry and mathematics. While attending, he served as a leader on the academic mentorship committee of the Theta Xi fraternity and was a long-term volunteer at CHI St. Elizabeth’s Burn Intensive Care Unit. Harrison’s love for teaching and education drew him to become a Teaching Assistant in several classes, including Leadership for Engineers, General Chemistry I & II, and Human Anatomy, which he considers among his most impactful undergraduate experiences.

Since graduation, Harrison has worked in an outpatient surgery clinic in Lincoln, NE where his dynamic Medical Assistant/Technician role has given him experience in pre and post operative care and provided him with copious opportunities to assist with surgical procedures, most often in orthopedics and plastics. His work there sparked an interest in pursuing surgery as a specialty, though he remains open and curious to any field as he begins his medical education.

Harrison’s interest in musculoskeletal health comes from his own journey through significant weight loss, which has given him an intimate appreciation for a functional and pain‑free body. Working in surgery further exposed him to patients whose injuries left them with persistent limitations even after seeking care and sparked his curiosity about tissue engineering and the development of restorative solutions for individuals with joint‑related injuries. He is also passionate about improving healthcare access in rural communities, shaped by the challenges his extended family in western Nebraska has faced due to limited resources, delayed care, and feeling overlooked within their healthcare system.

Through his teaching, mentoring and coaching roles, Harrison has found a desire to uplift and support others, and through his career in medicine hopes to guide his patients to the rewards that personal wellness and a positive leadership in healthcare have brought him. Harrison wants to emphasize the emotional side of “care” and wants to be someone who understands his patients beyond their symptoms.