Current students
2020 Wayne Med-Direct scholars
Abisola Fasakin
| Major: Neuroscience Minor: Sociology High School: School for the Talented and Gifted, Dallas, Tx Extracurricular Engagements: Wind Band, Teen Trendsetter, Choir, Bible Study, Career aspiraions: I aspire to a doctor that can make a large, positive impact in the largely unserved communities in my area, and continue the work of so many doctors and researchers who are trying to eliminate the high maternal death rates for all women in our country. |
Amanda York
| Major: Chemistry Minor: Arabic Language High School: Phoenix Central High School Extracurricular Engagements: President of International Distinguished Scholars Career aspiraions: I am really interested in the female reproductive field and wish to work to alleviate the injustices against minority women in maternal health. Infertility particularly interests me, so it's where I would like to dedicate my life's research. I want to be a part of a woman's life journey from beginning to end. |
Biola Makinde
| Major: Biomedical Physics Minor: Public Health High School: Stockdale High School, Bakersfield, California Extracurricular Engagements: Academic Decathlon, HOSA, Volunteer at Kern Medical, NHS/Interact Club, Tennis Career aspiraions: I aspire to become a pediatrician. |
James Wairagu
| Major: Neuroscience Minor: Economics High School: Richmond Hill High School, Richmond Hill, GA Extracurricular Engagements: St Joseph's Candler Youth Volunteer Program Career aspiraions: I aspire to be a run my own private practice as a specialized physician. |
Olivia Carlisle
| Major: Public Health Minor: Arabic High School: Edison High School, Alexandria, VA Extracurricular Engagements: Career aspiraions: It is my dream to become a successful physician who is able to connect with my patients and provide them the best care possible. Specifically, I aspire to specialize in reproductive endocrinology working with innovative reproductive technologies. |
Olma Tadesse
| Major: Public Health Minor: Chemistry High School: St. Anthony Village High School, Minneapolis, MN Extracurricular Engagements: Career aspiraions: I hope to become an equitable medical researcher/professional that actively works to help underserved communities around the world. |
Shane Tinsley
| Major: Philosophy Minor: Biochemistry High School: Belleville High School, Belleville, Michigan Extracurricular Engagements: •Leadership Team - EQUIPPED Scholarship Organization Career aspiraions: To become a Urologist that also teaches at a medical school. In addition, addressing health disparities in minority communities along with men's health. |
Solen Tadesse
| Major: Public Health Minor: Neuroscience High School: Bloomfield Hills High School, Bloomfield Hills, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Career aspiraions: |
Taylor James
| Major: Biomedical Physics and Public Health Minor: Urban Sustainability High School: Atholton High School, Columbia, Maryland Extracurricular Engagements: Student Assistant at WSU School of Medicine, Warrior Safe is Warrior Strong Ambassador, Climate Leader at Green New Detroit, member of Vegan Warriors, and advocate for the health of Detroit's underserved citizens. Career aspiraions: I have seen the effects of environmental and institutional racism on disparities in the treatment of pain, which contribute to disproportionately high maternal mortality rates and other adverse outcomes in BIPOC communities. I seek to pursue a career in pain management anesthesiology, while spending summers abroad distributing needed medical devices through my biomedical engineering company. |
Zoe Graves
| Major: Biomedical Physics Minor: Biochemistry High School: Canton High School, Canton, Michigan Extracurricular Engagements: I was a member of the Guiding Light Club, which helps keep girls in shelters company and brighten their spirits. I also have done gymnastics for about 15 years. Career aspiraions: I hope to pursue arthrology. My goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon one day. |
2019 Wayne Med-Direct scholars
Shyama Bhatt
| Major: Psychology Minor: Neuroscience High School: Warren Township Highschool, Gurnee, IL Extracurricular Engagements: Member of Indian Student Association, Pre Professional Medical Society, Warrior VIP, volunteering at the DMC Hospitals, and conducting research Career aspiraions: I aspire to be a neurosurgeon |
Tauheed Bhatti
| Major: Public Health High School: Carlson High School, Gibraltar, MI
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Shawn Goodman
| Major: Neuroscience Minor: Political Science High School: Southgate Thomas J. Anderson High School, Southgate, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Michigan Army National Guard, Baseball, Bowling, and Soccer Career aspiraions: I wish to complete the necessary training to become an orthopedic surgeon and practice in orthopedic sports medicine, and serve as a doctor in the US Army. Afterwards I wish to become an orthopedic doctor for the Detroit Tigers. |
Sabrina Khan
| Major: Biological Sciences Minors: Anthropology High School: Star International Academy, Dearborn Heights, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Undergraduate research assistance under Dr. Shane Perrine in WSU SOM's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences Career aspiraions: I want to become a doctor who is able to connect with patients and be their hope for a better tomorrow. I also want to be able to integrate technology and medicine in order to provide the best care possible while always looking into the future. |
Zahira Malik
| Majors: Public Health Minor: Psychology High School: North Farmington High School, Farmington Hills, MI
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Dickson Mogaka
| Major: Nutrition and Food Science Minor: Chemistry High School: Eton academy, Birmingham, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Member of the Rising Medical Black Leaders, volunteering at Exercise Physiology Lab, member of Swing Dancing club Career aspiraions: I aspire to be a cardiovascular surgeon |
Maryam Mufti
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Public Health High School: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), Aurora, IL Extracurricular Engagements: Volunteering at the Karmanos Cancer Center, engaged in research on cytoskeletal proteins in Dr. J. P. Jin's lab Career aspiraions: My goal is to be an orthopedic surgeon who also conducts research. I would also like to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders. |
Kalyyanee Nanaaware
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Global Health and Social Medicine High School: Obra D. Tompkins High School, Katy, TX Career aspiraions: I hope to become an impactful physician and bring change to medically underserved areas |
Safia Yusuf
| Major: Public Health Minors: Biology High School: Dublin High School, Dublin, CA Extracurricular Engagements: Member of pre-health organizations on campus including AMWA, AMSA, PPMS, and HOSA, engaged in research in the Physiology Department at the School of Medicine Career aspiraions: Growing up, I've seen the hardships the underserved go through to access healthcare. I want to become a physician leader that finds ways to help underserved patients and stands at the forefront of patient care and research. |
2018 Wayne Med-Direct scholars
Kahlid Ali
| Major: Public Health Minor: Digital Art and Photography High School: Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Public Health Researcher for The Listening Party, a student organization dedicated to analyzing popular Rap/R&B artists' lyrics in a public health context, engaged in a research project that focuses on Mother-Child Interactions and Psychology
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Brandon Brown
| Major: English Minor: Chemistry High School: White Station High School, Memphis, TN Extracurricular Engagements: BIO 1050 Peer Mentor, WSU Boarding Club member, Cannibidiol (CBD) Anxiety Research, The Brotherhood @ WSU Career aspiraions: I want to become a medical school teacher, or a teacher of resident doctors. I want to be involved with drug research within my career. |
Hamza Hai
| Major: Biochemistry and Chemical Biology and Neuroscience Minor: Psychology High School: Grand Blanc Community High School, Grand Blanc, MI |
Zunaira Imran
| Major: Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Minors: Psychology and Spanish High School: Franklin High School, Livonia, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Member of the Hispanic Club, the Muslim Student Association, and the Knitting and Crochet Club. Volunteering at the Sheikh Medical Center, Peer Mentor for the Med-Direct Learning Community Career aspiraions: I aspire to be a physician-scientist, with a focus on neurosurgery and neurological diseases. |
Ranya Krayem
| Majors: Sociology and Neuroscience High School: Stevenson High School, Livonia, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Student Life Director for WSU's Muslim Student Association (coordinate the Big Sib/Lil Sib Program), Social Media Coordinator for Students for Justice in Palestine, member of Future Pediatrics, Peer Mentor for Warrior VIP program and volunteering at DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan. Career aspiraions: My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric physician, possibly specializing in Emergency Medicine or Orthopedics. |
Pierce Krolewski
| Major: Anthropology Minor: Chemistry High School: International Academy of Macomb, Clinton Township, MI Extracurricular Engagements: New Student Orientation Leader, Pre-Professional Medical Society, volunteering at DMC Children's Hospital, Med-Life: volunteering in Lima, Peru, volunteering at the Democratic Presidential Debates 2019 in Detroit, Communication Lead for Students Demand Action Career aspiraions: I am interested in going into a primary care field and also doing a fellowship in Global Health so that I can help address health disparities abroad. |
Karly Patterson
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Sepcial Education Certification High School: Canton High School, Canton, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Vice President of Rising Black Medical Leaders, Emergency Room volunteering at Detroit Children's Medical Center Career aspiraions: I aspire to work as a partnering physician at a pediatric clinic. I hope to mirror the long-lasting and inspirational relationship I have with my pediatrician, with future patients. |
Breanna Ramsey
| Major: Kinesiology-Exercise and Sports Science Minor: Public Health High School: Cass Technical High School, Detroit, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Rising Black Medical Leaders, engaged in research with the Department of Kinesiology, volunteering at the Campus Health Center Career aspiraions: I plan on becoming a Family Medicine physician and work with low income communities. I also plan on researching various women's health issues. |
Alyssa Rogers
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Art High School: Roseville High School, Roseville, MI Extracurricular Engagements: La Vie Detroit, Keep Growing Detroit, volunteering at Wayne County Safe, engaged in Research at Wayne State School of Medicine Physiology Department Career aspiraions: My career aspirations are to ultimately become an impactful community member for the city of Detroit. I plan to achieve this by being an emergency medicine physician, artist, advocate, and promoter of sustainability and urban farming. |
Samaah Saifullah
| Major: Psychology Minors: Digital Arts & Photography and Film High School: International Academy East, Troy, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Orientation Leader, member of the Campus Activities Team, Warrior VIP Peer Mentor, Wayne Med-Direct Peer Mentor Career aspiraions: I plan on pursing a career in neurology or psychiatry with the hopes of practicing a hospital setting among other medical specialists. |
2017 Wayne Med-Direct scholars
Mohamed Al-Hassan
| Major: Philosophy Minor: Chemistry High School: Dearborn High School, Dearborn, MI |
Julia Chase
| Major: Chemistry Minors: Spanish and Art High School: International Academy, Bloomfield Hills, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Detroit Institute of Arts Gallery Service Volunteer, Undergraduate Researcher in Chikungunya Anti-Infective Drug Design, Academic Success Center Tutor, Art Road Volunteer, Teaching Assistant for Spain Elementary, Scribe for Student Disability Services Career aspiraions: I have a strong interest in infectious diseases as a career path, but I'm open to exploring different specialties in medical school. I know for sure I want to go into medical education, whether that be working at a teaching hospital, teaching classes as a professor, or doing community education. |
Tabassum Chowdhury
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Public Health High School: International Academy East, Troy, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Member of Wayne State Campus Activities Team, PERIOD, RISE, Muslim Students Association, Dental Assistant at Happy Smile Family Dental, coach for the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST) for IA East |
Shirley Elfishawy
| Major: Public Health Minor: Health Psychology and Fairy-Tale and Folklore Studies High School: Utica Academy for International Studies, Sterling Heights, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Peer Mentor for Warrior Vision Impact Program (VIP), member of RISE and New Life, engagedin research in Detroit Young Adult Asthma Project (DYAAP), member of Future Pediatrics Career aspiraions: As a physician, my goal is to go beyond strictly the medical role and be prepared to also help in the social aspects of the job. I molded my undergraduate career around social sciences and humanities as well as the natural sciences in order to learn more about interpersonal skills, because when patients feel comfortable with their doctor, they ultimately will receive better medical care. |
Meyer Gershater
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Public Health High School: Academy For Health And Medical Sciences, Bridgewater, NJ Extracurricular Engagements: Intramural Soccer, Indoor Soccer (Futsal), Spanish Club, Slavic Club, WSU Call Center, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) |
Janice Gibbons
| Major: Biomedical Physics High School: Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Marine City, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Volunteering at The Children's Center and Karmanos Cancer Institute, undergraduate researcher in Dark Matter particle physics |
Priya Sharma
| Major: Psychology Minor: Chemistry High School: Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA), Aurora, IL Extracurricular Engagements: Member of pre-health professional fraternity Delta Epsilon Mu, engaged in psychology research on substance abuse at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, Peer-Assisted Learning tutor, PASS mentor in the Psychology department Career aspiraions: After living in Detroit, I have realized that not only is there a physician shortage in rural areas, but a lack of connection between communities and doctors. As a future physician, I would like to fill the gaps and provide better access to healthcare that many individuals are not able to maintain in rural communities. |
Elizabeth Spisak
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Asian Studies and Public Health High School: Oscar A. Carlson High School, Gibraltar, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Wayne State University Marching Band, The Solanus Project, Circle K International Career aspiraions: After graduating from medical school, I want to specialize in anesthesiology. I would love to be able to practice at a hospital right here in Detroit, since it is very close to my family and I absolutely love the city. |
Leah Warren
| Major: History High School: Seaholm High School, Birmingham, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Volunteer for the Michigan Humane Society, volunteering for the Detroit Film Theatre, conducting research on the social history of medicine, specifically in the relation to 19th century Irish public health, Co-founder of the Patriot Week Foundation to promote an understanding of American history and civics, forensic public speaking coach for high school students Career aspiraions: I intend to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine. In addition, I hope to be an advocate for addressing health disparities through volunteer work. |
Raisa Zahir
| Major: Nutrition and Food Science Minor: Chemistry High School: Novi High School, Novi, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Engaged in research in Dr. Ahmad Heydari's NFS lab which focuses on the impact of Folic Acid (FA) fortification and its relation to cancer biology, volunteering at Children's Hospital of Michigan as a wayfinder for incoming patients, Vice President of Nourish Detroiters Career aspiraions: Growing up with younger siblings, one of my childhood dreams has been to work in the field of pediatrics. Something else that is also extremely important to me is finding a way to give back to impoverished communities in third world countries; whether through Doctors Without Borders, or setting up my own organization in the future, I want to be able to provide free medical treatments for individuals who do not have access and cannot afford health care. |
2016 Wayne Med-Direct scholars
Maya Baiyasi
| Major: Psychology Minor: Public Health High School: Chaparral High School, Temecula, CA Extracurricular Engagements: The W Food Pantry, Warrior VIP, FitKids360, MSA, Photography, Piano Career aspiraions: I aspire to be a physician who not only leads through acquired knowledge, but through passion. Giving back to the city that taught me and practicing in an urban setting as whatever specialty I wish to pursue is the ultimate goal. |
Kishwar Basith
| Major: Public Health Minor: Chemistry High Schools: Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center, Warren, MI and Center Line High School, Center Line, MI Extracurricular Engagements: The W Food Pantry, La Vie Détroit, The Listening, Party Research Assistant at the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Photographer Career aspiraions: I hope to one day become a physician and give back to the community that raised me and helped make me who I am. The goal is to build a better future and ensure that those that come after me live in a better world than I did. |
Jasmine Coles
| Major: Biological Sciences Minors: Health psychology and Public Health High School: Utica Academy for International Studies, Sterling Heights, MI Extracurricular Engagements: President Rising Black Medical Leaders, Director of Community Affairs WSU Student Senate, Peer Mentor Warrior VIP, Engaged in Ovarian Cancer Research, Honors Black Affinity Group member Career aspiraions: I hope to be a fetal surgeon and tackle health disparities in the city of Detroit. |
Ali Fleih
| Major: Biological Sciences High School: Central Academy, Ann Arbor, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Member of MEDLIFE and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Volunteering at Detroit Medical Center |
Myles Hardeman
| Major: Biochemistry and Chemical Biology Minor: Spanish High School: Plymouth High School, Canton, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Public Heath/Psychology Research, Basketball, clinical work at a Primary Care Facility Career aspiraions: I aspire to be a cardiovascular surgeon, an entrepreneur, and an activist for minority health. |
Benjamin Huber
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Public Health High School: Royal Oak High School, Royal Oak, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Physiology Research: Neural control of blood pressure under sedentary conditions, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix medical staff, shadowing diagnostic and interventional radiology, tutor for SAT and ACT Career aspiraions: I am planning on specializing in diagnostic and interventional radiology. |
Rosetta Irons
| Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Asian Studies High School: Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Bowie, MD Extracurricular Engagements: Cancer Genomics research Career aspiraions: To become a clinically oriented physician to whom patients feel comfortable entrusting their healthcare needs. |
Cedric Mutebi
| Major: Public Health High School: The University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Detroit, MI Extracurricular Engagements: The Brotherhood, University HOCPR Challenge, Warrior VIP, Downtown Youth Boxing Gym Program Career aspiraions: I aspire to help create a medical community with a improved level of trust between minority communities and a world in which minority communities have an equitable opportunity to achieve optimal health. |
Rebecca Schultz
| Major: Nutrition and Food Science High School: Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Marine City, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Engaged in research with Dr. Alana Conti in the Department of Neurosurgery, presented at various conferences, received research grants, and have publications in progress, mentor for FitKids360, volunteering at Michigan Humane Society and the Fresh Prescription Program, club volleyball at Wayne State, and CrossFit |
Christofer Smith
| Major: Public Health Minor: Arabic High School: Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI Extracurricular Engagements: Multicultural Greek Council Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Incorporated, Rising Black Medical Leaders, WSU Dungeons and Dragons Career aspiraions: To become a physician servicing Detroit, Hamtramck, and Dearborn. |
