Scholars Cohort
Class of 2027 – M3
Tristan Caffrey – Omaha, NE
Tristan Caffrey graduated from Iowa State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. As an undergraduate, he was heavily involved in student leadership, neurological and pancreatic cancer research, student wellness organizations, 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.
His research efforts focus on evaluating and improving procedural care to ensure it is cost-effective and accessible to all patients. Specifically, his work centers on the role of perfusion technologies in solid organ transplantation. Tristan is committed to a career in direct patient care within his community and hopes to educate and mentor future generations of physicians.
Tristan recently presented his research at the UNMC Transplant Symposium and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons Winter Symposium. He continues to play an active role in student leadership at UNMC through his involvement as the Student Representative on the Education Council, Student Representative on the Project Health Medical Education Design Group, COM Class President, Director of Academic Affairs for the Student Senate, and Co-President of the Student Delegates.
Ryan Chapman – Omaha, NE
Ryan Chapman was a Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship recipient as an undergraduate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). He graduated with a Bachelor of Science 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.
Before entering medical school, Ryan spent a year conducting viral DNA sequencing research under Dr. Mike Wiley at UNMC. 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.
Ryan is interested in research that integrates novel diagnostic tools, data analysis, and artificial intelligence 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 with the transplant infectious disease team, and collaborating with UNMC’s Center for Intelligent Healthcare to develop an AI-based clinical decision support platform for hypertension.
Ryan is interested in practicing and conducting research within the specialties of internal medicine, infectious disease, and cardiology. Above all, he aspires to be an effective, caring, and empathetic physician.
He 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, as well as custom study resources tailored to the medical school curriculum. Ryan enjoys volunteering at UNMC’s free clinics.
Madison Croomes – Lincoln, NE
Madison Croomes graduated from Augustana University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She was a member of the Civitas Honor Society and served as Vice President of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society. Madison was motivated to pursue medicine by her interest in various biology topics and her experience working at a long-term care and rehabilitation facility during the pandemic, where she provided care and comfort to patients with complex diagnoses.
Her research interests include multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, weight bias in medicine, GLP-1 agonists, social determinants of health, and skin cancer. During the summer of 2024, Madison collaborated with researchers at Harvard and Dartmouth to compare the use of telehealth across multiple sclerosis care centers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also worked with UNMC Dermatology on a systematic review examining the relationship between BRCA2 breast cancer mutations and certain skin cancers.
Madison is exploring multiple residency programs, including neurology, psychiatry, dermatology, and internal medicine.
Nour Elrokhsi – Omaha, NE
Nour Elrokhsi attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a Walter Scott, Jr. Scholar, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry. She was inspired to pursue medicine after growing up in Libya and witnessing the challenges of living in a medically underserved community. Her experiences in the U.S. further deepened her commitment to serving and healing others, particularly after observing healthcare disparities while volunteering in marginalized communities.
Nour is passionate about public health research aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations. Her 2024 summer research project investigated the acceptability and feasibility of recently FDA-approved self-swab HPV screening as an alternative to traditional cervical cancer screenings, with a focus on increasing testing rates among refugee and immigrant populations. She also works with the UNMC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support students from diverse backgrounds in their transition to medical school.
She aspires to be a compassionate and culturally competent physician, dedicated to providing patient-centered care and addressing the needs of diverse populations. Nour is currently interested in pursuing a career in primary care, with additional interests in psychiatry and gastroenterology.
Nour remains actively involved in the refugee community, volunteering with the Refugee Empowerment Center to support newly resettled families through English instruction and guidance on cultural norms and navigating American systems. She also serves in a leadership role with Bridge to Care, a student-led organization focused on improving healthcare access for refugees through education, outreach, and advocacy.
She has presented her research on self-swab cervical cancer screening at four conferences, including one international, which allowed her to connect with professionals across disciplines and deepen her understanding of culturally informed, community-based care. Nour is also involved in a research project addressing food insecurity following hospital discharge. Having completed her Family Medicine and Pediatrics rotations, her experiences have further solidified her passion for primary care.
Leigh Jahnke – West Point, NE
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 Spain for a year. Leigh was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing healthcare disparities affecting underrepresented populations in her hometown. She is also motivated by her interest in the problem-solving aspects of medicine.
Leigh’s research interests include nephrology and addressing healthcare inequities. During the summer of 2024, she conducted research on diabetes disparities within the 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.
In the future, Leigh hopes to practice medicine in underserved areas, with a particular focus on serving Hispanic populations.
Neha Khalid – Omaha, NE
Neha Khalid graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Biochemistry and minors in Psychology, Philosophy, and Religion. During her time there, she received the Jess Chouteau Outstanding Senior Award, the Outstanding Junior in Psychology Award, and was honored as a Presidential Scholar. Inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing her father’s negative experiences with culturally insensitive healthcare, Neha is committed to becoming a physician who prioritizes understanding and addressing the unique needs of each patient—ensuring they feel heard, supported, and cared for.
Neha’s research interests focus on developing culturally sensitive methods to enhance general screening and preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. Her work includes studying the acceptability and feasibility of self-administered Pap smears in marginalized communities and developing multilingual diabetes education videos for clinical use. She has presented her research at four conferences, including the International Refugee and Migration Health Conference.
Over the past year, Neha has expanded her leadership and service roles while completing her clinical rotations. She serves in a leadership role with Resiliency in Medicine, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering first-generation medical students, and is President of the Cardiovascular Interest Group, leading initiatives to promote student engagement in cardiovascular medicine. She also holds leadership positions in the Critical Care Interest Group and Bridge to Care, and volunteers with the American Red Cross, a pregnancy support program, and her local public library.
Currently completing her family medicine rotation in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Neha is deeply enjoying her experience in primary care. This has inspired her to pursue a career in rural medicine, where she hopes to combine culturally sensitive care with a commitment to serving underserved communities.
Matt Muellner – La Vista, NE
Matt Muellner attended Yale University, where he graduated 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 physician and researcher.
Matt’s research focuses on applying machine learning techniques to assist with disease detection and monitoring, primarily in the context of cancer. He is currently working with the University of Southern California’s Radiomics Lab to develop predictive models for cancer using liquid biopsy and medical imaging data. He is also involved in projects related to health access and education with mentors at UNMC.
Matt remains committed to both research and service. A 2025 recipient of the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles’s Stepping Stones for Pediatric Scientists fellowship, he has contributed to multiple manuscripts published and submitted to national and international journals. 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.
During their second year of medical school, Matt and fellow third-year Scott Scholar Ryan Chapman co-founded White Coats Write Code, an educational initiative that provides competency-based training in statistical analysis for future health professionals. They look forward to presenting their work at regional and international conferences in the coming year.
Matt hopes to practice in hospital medicine or pediatrics, with potential specialization in oncology or nephrology.
Kiersten Preuss – Omaha, NE
Kiersten Preuss graduated as an honors student and a Chancellor's Scholar from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science with minors in Mathematics, Biochemistry, Psychology, and Humanities in Medicine. Kiersten's mom, a high school science teacher, exposed Kiersten to human physiology and anatomy from an early age. Kiersten also spent time in the hospital supporting her sister, who underwent various neck surgeries and observed how healthcare professionals cared for her sister and admired the physicians who diagnosed and treated her. As Kiersten continued school, she found new ways to increase her exposure to medicine, including getting involved with Nebraska’s chapter of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). Kiersten completed rotations through Pediatric Summer Academy at Children's Hospital within the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), the Hematology and Oncology Department, and learned GI procedures in the summer of 2024. She also participated in UNMC's MSSRP program through the Department of Epidemiology where she completed pediatric cancer research on soft tissue malignancies and early mortality risk factors. Kiersten is interested in pediatric medicine and its subspecialties, including hospital medicine and critical care. She hopes to practice in Nebraska following her residency and fellowship and aspires to later serve in a leadership role, such as Director of Physician Affairs.
Kiersten is now an M3 having completed clerkships in family medicine and pediatrics. She has furthered her research career with new publications in both Pediatric Blood and Cancer and Radiation Oncology journals. She will be presenting one of her works at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in September 2025. She has remained involved on campus with leadership roles such as College of Medicine Curriculum Chair, UNMC Run Club Co-President, and Communications Chair of the Med-Peds Interest Group. She is also a board member on the Nebraska HOSA board of directors where she continues to provide input into the organization that played a role in her pursuit of healthcare. Kiersten is looking forward to continuing to explore specialties and plans to take advantage of opportunities to develop both her healthcare skills, leadership skills, and research skills.
Heather Richard – Bellevue, NE
Heather Richard graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she was a Walter Scott Jr. Scott Scholar, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Medical Humanities and Chemistry. She served in leadership roles in the Scott Scholars Program and health-related organizations, co-founded a non-profit program for advocacy for girls in STEM, and published cancer research. Heather's pursuit of medicine is rooted in a culmination of a love for science, service, and shaping the human experience. The UNMC High School Alliance Program initially launched her exploration of the science and research behind medicine, and her interactions with patients later solidified her decision to pursue medicine, with a goal of becoming a leader in humanistic, patient-centered care. Heather's research interests lie in adult and pediatric oncology. In summer 2024, Heather worked on a clinical trial for patients with metastatic lung cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital, focusing on palliative care interventions to improve quality of life. She also participated in the UNMC Pediatric Summer Academy and led two research projects; one focused on diagnosis of metabolic disorders in pediatrics and the other focused on the increased incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer. She plans to pursue pediatrics residency followed by a fellowship in hematology/oncology, palliative medicine, or neonatology.
Heather remains dedicated to pediatric medicine, serving as President of the Pediatric Interest Group and as the UNMC Student Delegate to the American Academy of Pediatrics. She also helped develop and lead two new student organizations: the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Interest Group and the Clinical Communications Club. Additionally, she is actively involved in the UNMC community as one of four students serving on the UNMC College of Medicine Admissions Committee, helping shape the future of medicine at UNMC and beyond.
John Rodgers – Sioux Falls, SD
John Rogers graduated from Creighton University with degrees in biochemistry and classical languages. He was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, Phi Beta Kappa, and Eta Sigma Phi.
John was drawn to medicine after working at a healthcare facility in his hometown. He found personal fulfillment in serving his patients and providing medical care to others. John is interested in medical education research and surgical training techniques.
During the summer of 2024, John collaborated with UNMC's iEXCEL to design 3D models of anatomical structures to aid student learning and enhance medical curriculum at the university. These 3D models will afford students the opportunity to use augmented reality and other advanced technologies to visualize human anatomy, emphasizing the increasing importance of integrating these technologies into medical curricula.
Although undecided on a specialty, John hopes to pursue a career in academic medicine where he can teach and practice at a university hospital.
Calla Sullivan – Lincoln, NE
Calla Sullivan attended the University of Notre Dame, where she double-majored in Biological Sciences and Anthropology and was a member of the Glynn Family Honors Program. While at Notre Dame, she served as president of the Notre Dame Dance Company, conducted lymphoma research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and was awarded a senior research award for her honors thesis on mosquito vision. Calla has always been passionate about science and becoming a physician—a passion strengthened by her experiences as a phlebotomist and hospital volunteer. She is also inspired by her parents, both alumni of the UNMC College of Medicine.
Calla is interested in dermatology and oncology with a particular interest in melanoma and other skin cancers. During the summer of 2024, Calla conducted research with the Department of Dermatology MSSRP Program and Precision Care in Oncology and Hematology EMET. Her primary project focused on the reproducibility of immunohistochemical grading using the PRAME stain in melanocytic neoplasms. She also contributed to studies on racial representation in dermatology clinical trials, treatment outcomes in adolescent and young adult melanoma, autoimmune skin diseases, and medical education.
Calla currently serves as Vice President of the Dermatology Interest Group and Social Chair of Phi Rho Sigma. In her future career, Calla hopes to provide compassionate care in dermatology or oncology, foster long-term relationships with patients, and mentor the next generations of physicians.
Emma Weis – Omaha, NE
Emma Weis graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a degree in Biology with a Health Science emphasis. During her undergraduate experience, she played on the women’s soccer team, worked as a tutor, participated in state and regional award-winning research, and earned the Outstanding Senior Award from the Biology Department.
Emma’s interest in medicine first sparked in elementary school, and her interest in science and caring for others has continuously grown since then. Emma is interested in clinical research in autism spectrum disorders and NICU follow-up analytics. Emma spent the summer of 2024 exploring pediatric specialties with UNMC's Pediatric Academy and performing research within UNMC Developmental Pediatrics. She also spent a month working at a summer camp at Munroe Meyer Institute (MMI) for children with developmental disabilities. Emma hopes to complete residency in pediatrics followed by a fellowship in developmental pediatrics or pediatric rheumatology.
Emma continues to pursue research in both developmental pediatrics and rheumatology as she continues her M3 clerkships. She has presented at local conferences and is presenting at the national rheumatology conference in October. She serves as a co-president of the rheumatology interest group and philanthropy chairs for Phi Rho Sigma medical fraternity. Outside of medical school, she also finds time to continue working at MMI and works closely with families to provide respite care.
Class of 2028 – M2
Arianna Tidball – Lincoln, NE
Arianna Tidball received a degree in Biochemistry from Smith College in Northampton, MA. 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 healthcare landscape and daily medical challenges faced by older adults and individuals navigating major life transitions. She hopes to deepen her understanding of the effectiveness of current medical practices while also researching potential novel interventions to improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.
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 a student in the Aging and Integrated Medicine EMET program, where she is focused on developing and refining her clinical skills in the care of older adults. She is actively involved in the Aging Interest Group and has participated in a range of outreach and advocacy initiatives. Arianna is also a committed member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Student Association, where she served on the planning committee for events during the past academic year. She is excited to take on the role of intercollegiate liaison this year, 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.
Creighton Harrington – Loup City, NE
Creighton Harrington completed her undergraduate at Chadron State College where she majored in Chemistry and minored in Human Biology and Nutrition. Creighton was heavily involved at Chadron State College as she served as a leader in the Health Professions Club, Familia Learn Spanish Club, Resident Life Association, and 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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.
Grace Beauchamp – Fargo, ND
Grace Beauchamp attended The University of Alabama as a Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellow, where she also completed her MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management. In her undergraduate studies, Grace majored in Chemistry and Psychology with a minor in Social Innovation and Leadership.
Grace was inspired to pursue a career in medicine from a young age after witnessing the incredible care of her nurses and physicians. With her multidisciplinary background in elementary school education, bioethics, and business, Grace gained a unique perspective on the importance of medicine in all aspects of life. Grace is motivated by a definition of heal, "to mend and make good." She hopes to mend patients' physical symptoms and make good by forming relationships with them and encouraging them to live their best quality of life.
Grace is interested in a variety of research topics including clinical research, health disparities, women's health, and bioethics.
Grace is open-minded to future specialties. She is motivated by understanding how symptoms fit into the overall clinical profile. Grace hopes to incorporate service into her future career and utilize systems thinking to mitigate health disparities when possible.
Grace continues to demonstrate a strong dedication to medicine and community service through her volunteer role with the Mini Medical School and her continued exploration of healthcare ethics. She also leads as Vice President of the College of Medicine Class of 2028 and Vice Chair of UNMC's American Medical Association chapter where she is involved with state and national health policy discussions. Grace is dedicated to becoming a physician focused on care for the whole person and is immersed in the Humanities and the Arts Enhanced Medical Education Track to further develop her understanding of the impact of medicine. Grace was recently awarded the Vivian Townsend Bish Fellowship.
J.P. Miller – Lincoln, NE
J.P. Miller graduated from Morningside University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and English. During his time at Morningside, he was a CoSIDA Academic All-American and a member of two NAIA National Championship football teams, served as an editor for both the university’s literary and scientific journals, and published original poetry and photography. He held leadership roles in the Pre-Professional Health Club, worked as a Genetics teaching assistant, conducted independent research on tick-borne pathogens that launched a regional surveillance initiative, and participated in multiple international mission trips focused on healthcare and community development.
J.P. was drawn to medicine after experiencing multiple sports-related injuries throughout high school and college, requiring eleven orthopedic surgeries. The care, skill, and encouragement he received from his team physicians not only helped him return to the field but also revealed the profound impact a compassionate physician can have on a patient’s life. These experiences sparked a deep desire to offer that same support to others, especially those facing physical and emotional setbacks.
J.P.’s research interests span medical ethics, nutrition, and the integration of emerging medical technologies into healthcare. He is especially focused on how these innovations can be applied responsibly to enhance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and enrich medical education.
J.P. is currently exploring a variety of medical specialties, with particular interest in ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, and family medicine. His long-term goals include combining clinical practice with teaching and mentoring future physicians. He is also committed to providing medical care through regular mission trips, both abroad and within underserved communities in the U.S.
J.P. remains actively engaged in service and leadership throughout medical school. He volunteers at the Open Door Mission in both clinical and non-medical roles, offering care and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. As the phlebotomy recruiter for both the SHARING and RESPECT Clinics, he helps train student providers and ensures smooth, consistent clinic operations. At UNMC, he serves his class as one of the Co-Curriculum Chairs and represents students on the AI Task Force, where he contributes to the integration of artificial intelligence into the medical school curriculum. He is also a member of the Prehospital EMET, gaining hands-on experience in delivering emergency care in resource-limited settings. Additionally, he holds student board positions with the Catholic Medical Association, supporting the integration of faith and ethical principles into medical practice. Outside of school, he enjoys listening to podcasts, staying active, and spending time with his wife and young son.
Joshua Oarhe – Omaha, NE
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 healthcare 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 one of the Co-Curriculum Chairs, 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.
Katie Andersen – Omaha, NE
Katie Andersen completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She majored in Biomechanics with minors in Chemistry and Business. 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 inspiration to pursue medicine largely comes from two things: her love for learning and her passion for working with patients. Katie has always loved learning, and she is particularly fascinated by the human body and its workings, which drove her to the medical field. Further, she considered herself a "people person", and through her clinical experiences she was able to empathize and relate to patients. This taught her that to be a physician is to be human and grew her desire to pursue a career in medicine.
Katie is interested in doing research in orthopedics/orthopedic surgery.
Katie's work at OrthoNebraska has sparked an interest in orthopedic surgery. She would love to focus on sports medicine and eventually work with professional athletes.
Lahari Ramini – Omaha, NE
Lahari Ramini graduated from Northwestern University in 2024 where she received a bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with a minor in Anthropology. During her time at Northwestern, 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 healthcare 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. As a tutor, she recognized that the overlap in her strong ability to simplify complex concepts aligned with the role physicians have in breaking down diagnoses and treatment plans into digestible information for their patients. As an EMT, she developed an awareness of the fragility of medicine and involvement in care as a frontline responder. 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 healthcare. 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 healthcare. 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.
McKenna Gervais – Greenville, WI
McKenna Gervais graduated magna cum laude from Creighton University in 2024 with degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish and Hispanic Studies. She was Dean’s Fellow in the College of Arts and Sciences, served as President of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Senate, and won the Deliverer Award, the highest honor for student life contributions.
McKenna's childhood taught her the importance of advocacy, and she quickly realized she had an innate ability to advocate not only for herself, but for those around her. Her curiosity about the intricacies of healthcare, paired with a deep sense of compassion for patients, continually reaffirmed her desire to pursue medicine.
Her academic and clinical interests center on advancing health equity, particularly among Spanish-speaking populations.
She is drawn to specialties that challenge her technically while allowing her to stay grounded in patient-centered care. Her future career goals revolve around practicing bilingually and bridging gaps in care across communities.
At UNMC, McKenna is a member of the New American Enhanced Medical Education Track (EMET), which focuses on immigrant and refugee health. She also serves as the Medical Student Recruiter for SHARING and RESPECT, two student-run free clinics that provide care for underserved populations.
Mohamed Hazim – Omaha, NE
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, print-writer for UnEarthed Stem Magazine, and 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 healthcare.
Morgan Baker Korthals – Hastings, NE
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 swimming team, an honors student, and served as Vice President of Phi Kappa Phi honors society. Her accomplishments include receiving the Best Lightning Talk Presentation award at the London & Region FASD Conference and winning Scholar of the Championship at the Summit League Swimming Championships.
Throughout her life, Morgan witnessed the profound impact her father had on others as a physician. She learned early that medicine has the power not only to save lives but also to transform them. 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 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.
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 (EMET) 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 vice president of the Pregnancy Success and Support Program (PSSP) and serves on the Outreach Committee for the Nebraska Rural Health Outreach (NRHO) organization. During her free time, she volunteers with Planned Parenthood and stays active in the local swimming community by helping with youth meets.
Riley Kilzer – Lincoln, NE
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 of Science 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 is most interested in research that improves patient outcomes through proactive and preventive measures. He has previously completed and published research in maternal-fetal attachment, its standardization, and its implications on pregnancy and labor outcomes.
Riley’s intended area of focus currently is transplantation, but he remains open to many fields, including pediatrics, gastroenterology, cardiology, critical care, and primary care. 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.
During his free time, Riley has maintained his passion for community outreach through his church, particularly in leadership at the youth group, student mentorship, and assisting his wife in starting a homework club. He is currently piloting a "mini medical school" program at his wife's elementary school with the help of his fellow Scott Scholars and classmates. He enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family, particularly through tennis, golf, and birdwatching.
Roshan Sapkota – Omaha, NE
Roshan Sapkota attended Brown University where he attained a multi-disciplinary educational experience, taking classes in public health, advanced chemistry, and computer science, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. At Brown, he led the creation of a public health campaign, spearheaded multiple independent research projects, and authored numerous publications. For his work, he was awarded the Engaged Scholarship Award and Dean Marjorie Thompson Senior Prize.
Possessing a curiosity for the human condition, Roshan originally planned to become a philosopher at Brown. Philosophy's inherent abstract intellectualization of the human condition left Roshan feeling distant, and he quickly pivoted toward a career path that dealt with the human condition concretely and one that also played at his strengths in the biological sciences. Through his experiences at UNMC, he recognized medicine played at the exact intersection of biology and applied knowledge of the human condition. Ultimately, the triangulation of altruistic advocacy, innovative spirit, and clinical science to heal the human condition and relieve human suffering is what helped him confirm a life in medicine.
Roshan's research interests include health policy and implementation of science to build a better healthcare system. He also participates in global health research and writes op-eds about pressing healthcare issues.
In medical school, Roshan hopes to focus on the rural-urban and socio-economic divide, specifically in Nebraska healthcare, and implement innovative solutions to such disparities. As a firefighter, he has an interest in emergency medicine but keeps his horizon vast and has interests in pediatrics, reconstructive surgery, and trauma surgery.
Roshan remains deeply committed to medicine and community service through his ongoing volunteer work as a Boys Town firefighter and EMT. He also serves as President of the College of Medicine Class of 2028 and is an active leader in several advocacy groups on campus. Notably, he represents UNMC as the Metro Omaha Medical Society delegate, a role that allows him to engage with health policy and advocate for more equitable care within his community.
Class of 2029 – M1
Ben Ravnsborg – Omaha, NE
Caden Connealy – Omaha, NE
Caden graduated summa cum laude with Honors from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, earning a degree in Biochemistry with minors in Chemistry and Business. In his senior year, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and received the High-Impact Student award in recognition of his many contributions to the Department of Biochemistry.
Growing up as the son of a physician, Caden had the unique privilege of watching his father’s journey through medical training and into clinical practice. From a young age, he saw the countless lives his father had touched and realized that few careers could be more meaningful. As he moved through high school and college, he was continually inspired by the numerous physicians he shadowed, many of whom not only demonstrated remarkable technical skills but also deep compassion. In time, he fell in love with the idea of a career where science, technology, and human connection come together to change lives.
During his undergraduate years, Caden had the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in basic science research while working in a virology lab. He hopes to further develop these skills in future research within fields such as surgical oncology or neurosurgery.
Caden feels especially called to specialties that combine hands-on procedural work with the privilege of supporting patients through some of life’s most significant moments. At UNMC, he serves as Class President and looks forward to continuing to develop his leadership skills with the goal of remaining an active member of the Omaha medical community in the years to come.
Eben Samuel – Omaha, NE
Elias Smith – Omaha, NE
Elise Gilroy – Omaha, NE
Esther Samuel – Omaha, NE
Jacob Rademacher – Fort Collins, CO
Juhi Thakker – Omaha, NE
Kristal Kuo – Fremont, NE
Kristal 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 and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. 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. Witnessing the curative effect of doctors’ compassion, empathy, and genuine sensitivity inspired her to pursue a career in medicine, where she can combine her scientific curiosity with a humanistic aspect.
Her research interests include psychodermatology, environmental dermatology, and care for skin of color. She is drawn to specialties with a combination of technical expertise and longitudinal patient relationships. Her future career goals include improving patient care experience and reducing physician burnout by becoming more involved in healthcare policy.