Young Epidemiology Scholars Competition

2010-11

Arti Alagappan, Houston, TX, is a senior at Clear Lake High School. Arti applied for a biomolecular research internship at The University of Texas Medical Branch, and she is also pursing an internship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Arti would like to study pre-med in college and pursue a career in medical practice. She says the YES Competition provided her with valuable insight on public health issues.

Sarah Albala, South Salem, NY, is attending the University of Pennsylvania where she plans to study health and societies. Sarah will be doing field work in Bethel, AK, collecting data on the Yupik population. She would like to pursue a career in public health.

Haydyn Anigian, Dallas, TX, is attending Northwestern University. Haydyn says the YES Competition helped him gain experience collecting and analyzing data, thinking critically and drawing conclusions.

Ridge Archer, Chester, VA, is attending Virginia Commonwealth University. Ridge plans to study clinical laboratory sciences and will be a special project assistant in the department of biostatistics at VCU. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Abigail Aspengren, Elk River, MN, is attending North Dakota State University. Abigail plans to study nursing, dietetics and nutrition and would like to pursue a career in medical practice. She says the YES Competition helped her learn how to undertake a research project of her own and gave her great public speaking experience.

Lauren Bagwell, Dallas, TX, is attending Baylor University. Lauren plans to study epidemiology, humanities or English, and she would like to pursue a career in public health. Lauren will present her YES research to the Texas UIL board to increase awareness of concussions and ImPACT testing. She says the YES Competition changed her life. She was inspired and encouraged to follow both her passion for writing infused with epidemiology.

Aniksha Balamurugan, Nesconset, NY, is a senior at Smithtown High School East. Aniksha would like to further her YES Competition research and will be working at Stony Brook University researching oncology and cancers. Aniksha says the YES Competition taught her that research done today can have a significant impact on the future. Aniksha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Carly Barker, Marshfield, WI, is attending Carthage College. Carly would like to pursue a career in public health.

Leah Bernhardson, Lincoln, NE, is attending Hillsdale College.

Maheetha Bharadwaj, Wildwood, MO, is a senior at the Thomas Jefferson School. Maheetha is conducting more complicated tests related to her YES research and may submit her findings to other competitions. She had an internship with the National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences in Durham, NC working with E. coli. Maheetha would like to study molecular biology, macroeconomics or music in college.

Manasa Bhatta, Johns Creek, GA, is a senior at Chattahoochee High School. Manasa hopes to continue her YES research to find more conclusive results, and she plans to submit an article to a local Hispanic newspaper to raise awareness of cervical cancer. Over the summer Manasa received a scholarship to travel to China for six weeks. She also received a fellowship called the Earthwatch Student Challenge Awards program. Manasa says the YES Competition introduced her to new career options and increased her knowledge in the field. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Gita Bhattacharya, Yorba Linda, CA, is a senior at Troy High School. Gita would like to study public health in college and pursue a career in medical research.

Ruth Bishop, Shreveport, LA, is a senior at Caddo Parish Magnet High School. Ruth has participated in the SMART program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA. She says the YES Competition helped her learn more about epidemiology and meet epidemiologists from across the country. Ruth would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Alexandra Bobo, Woodstock, GA, is attending the University of Georgia where she plans to study biology. She has interned at the CDC in the waterborne diseases prevention branch. Alexandra would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Emily Bobrick, Medusa, NY, is attending Princeton University.

Natalie Boone, Dallas, TX, is attending the University of Illinois. Natalie says the YES Competition showed her all the different applications of epidemiology and science in general and confirmed her thoughts of pursuing science in college.

Jazmin Branch, Chicago, IL, is attending Washington University in St. Louis where she plans to study biomedical engineering. Jazmin also plans to do more cancer research and would like to pursue a career in medical research. She says the YES Competition exposed her to a wide range of intellectuals where she was able to meet peers who share common interests and hear about the backgrounds of experts and professionals.

Briana Breault, Moundsville, WV, is attending Bethany College where she plans to study biology and pre-med. Brianna would like to continue her YES research and pursue a career in medical practice. Briana says the YES Competition opened her eyes to all the new medical breakthroughs and possibilities, and it gave her an opportunity to get a jump start on a future career.

Rachel Bronheim, Great Neck, NY, is attending Princeton University. Rachel plans to study public policy and neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in public health. Rachel says the YES Competition taught her about the process of writing a scientific paper and how to conduct medical scientific research.

Jeffrey Bu, Arcadia, CA, is a senior at the Harvard-Westlake School. Jeffrey plans to conduct epidemiology studies on gastrointestinal stromal tumors and esophageal adenocarcinoma. He would like to study biology or chemistry in college and pursue a career in medical practice. Jeffrey says the YES Competition taught him how to conduct studies on populations and apply what he learns in the classroom to his research.

Leah Buchman, Rockville Centre, NY, is a senior at South Side High School. Leah has done science research at the New York Botanical Gardens on the diversity of bees in biotas and how they are affected by flora. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Carey Celata, Philadelphia, PA, is a senior at Germantown Friends School. Carey’s YES research was continued by a student at the University of Pennsylvania last spring. Over the summer she participated in a wilderness emergency medicine course and completed a wilderness first responder course.

Karen Cheng, Omaha, NE, is attending the University of California, Berkeley. Karen is pursuing publication of her YES research. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice, and she says the YES Competition gave her great research and statistical analysis experience.

Dominique DeVilbiss, Las Vegas, NV, is attending the University of Nevada, Reno where she plans to study clinical psychology and epidemiology. She also plans to distribute the results of her YES research to her fellow classmates. Dominique would like to pursue a career in epidemiology. She says she learned so much from the YES Competition and met so many interesting people with similar interests.

Caitlin DiPirro, Bronx, NY, is attending Binghamton University. Caitlin is continuing her YES research with a longitudinal study in her school's psychology department. She also plans to work at an upstart organization that opens urgent care centers in South Bronx, NY.

Brittany Dodson, Loganville, GA, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology where she plans to study biomolecular and chemical engineering. She also plans to continue her YES research by setting up labs for a summer forensics class and running gels on her own. Brittany would like to pursue a career in medical research, and says the YES Competition helped her gain knowledge from the speakers and other competitors which she will use to develop better designs in future projects.

Rahul Doraiswami, Pleasanton, CA, is attending the University of California, Berkeley. Rahul would like to pursue a career in medical practice, and he says the YES Competition helped him meet people and learn more about epidemiology.

Jessie Duan, Raleigh, NC, is attending Stanford University. Jessie says the YES Competition made her realize that she enjoys doing research with numbers and populations, and she plans to continue this research in college.

Dione Duc, Lawrenceville, GA, is attending Kennesaw State University. Dione would like to pursue a career in medical practice, and she says the YES Competition helped her learn how epidemiological research affects people around the world.

Greg Dwulet, Los Altos, CA, is attending Whitman College.

Curtis Edmonds, Chicago, IL, is attending Denison University. Curtis has written a sociological commentary on racial segregation in Chicago with a broad focus on the city and a more targeted focus on a specific neighborhood within the city. He says the YES Competition helped him improve his research skills.

Alice Fang, San Diego, CA, is attending Stanford University where she plans to study neuroscience. Alice says the YES Competition inspired her to look further into the field of epidemiology.

Jennifer Ferrante, Dearborn, MI, is attending the University of Michigan.

Georgiann Garza, Laredo, TX, is attending St. Edward's University. Georgiann plans to study biology and pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice. Georgiann says the YES Competition helped to increase her interest in epidemiology and the benefits it can provide.

Eva Gelernt, Moorestown, NJ, is a senior at Moorestown Friends School. Eva has contacted labs in her area to receive help with data collection and a more sophisticated analysis of her YES research. She also taught a workshop for the lower school students at her school using her YES research as an example of epidemiology. Eva would like to study public health, education or psychology in college. Eva says she learned more at the YES Competition about public health, research, statistics and epidemiology than she has in multiple courses at her school. The research she saw at the competition encouraged her to explore teenage-onset depression, and she is currently working on a study in that topic area.

Scott Gladstone, Roslyn, NY, is attending Dartmouth College where he plans to study biophysical chemistry. Last summer he worked in the Tavazoie Systems Cancer Biology Laboratory at Rockefeller University performing research on cancer metastasis and blood vessel formation. Scott would like to pursue a career in medical research, and he says the YES Competition gave him an opportunity to perform cutting edge research at a local hospital and form strong contacts and relationships with many of the doctors and other faculty members.

Pooja Goel, Jackson, MS, is a senior at St. Andrew's Episcopal School. Pooja plans to intern at the Mississippi Medical Center, take a six-day course in epidemiology and do research in the cardiovascular field. She would like to study chemistry and epidemiology in college and pursue a career in medical practice.

Christyn Green, Briarcliff Manor, NY, is attending The University of Texas at Austin. Christyn plans to study psychology and pre-med, and she would like to further her YES research. Christyn says the YES Competition gave her the opportunity to meet some of the experts in the field of epidemiology, as well as learn about the importance of public health. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Anna Gulbis, Paw Paw, MI, is attending the University of Auckland, New Zealand where she plans to study health sciences. Anna would like to administer a second survey to cheerleading coaches regarding the 2010-2011 season to form a more complete idea of the risk factors in cheerleading. Anna says the YES Competition gave her the opportunity to meet students and distinguished public health workers. She would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Arushi Gupta, Allentown, PA, is a senior at Moravian Academy. Arushi would like to study computer science or medicine in college. She says the YES Competition taught her how to take an observation and use it to make recommendations that could improve her community.

Michelle Hackman, Great Neck, NY, is attending Yale University. Michelle will be working with an addiction expert at Yale's School of Medicine, and she says the YES Competition allowed her to meet like-minded peers and listen to great speakers.

Koren Haley, Ulman, MO, is a senior at Tuscumbia High School. Koren plans to continue her YES research, and she just finished a second year study that was a continuation from last year’s research. She was offered an internship with Dr. Bruce Bartholow at the University of Missouri, Columbia.

Sarah Hardtke, Ossining, NY, is attending Cornell University.

Jeffrey Heninger, Dunwoody, GA, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jessie Ho, Plano, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Dallas. Jessie plans to study biology and will be volunteering at a planetarium at the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice, and she says the YES Competition gave her a better understanding of how to conduct epidemiological experiments.

Hillary Hofer, Roslyn Harbor, NY, is attending Brandeis University. Hillary plans to study human development and would like to continue her YES research in college.

Loren Jablon, Hewlett, NY, is attending Bucknell University. Loren received a Presidential Fellowship at Bucknell, which will allow her access to a mentor who will guide her in future research. She is currently speaking to a professor and intends to continue her YES research in nutrition education. Loren says the YES Competition allowed her to conduct her own research on nutrition education about which she is truly passionate.

Apryl Phyllis Jimenez, Ossining, NY, is attending Binghamton University. Apryl Phyllis plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Asa Jordan, Ossining, NY, is attending Duke University. Asa plans to study psychology and pre-med. She has already furthered her YES research by completing more data analysis on her previous results. Over the summer she volunteered in a hospital and shadowed a neurologist. Asa would like to pursue a career in medical practice, and she says the YES Competition gave her a forum for her to submit research for review by qualified individuals.

Jared Kahn, Hewlett Harbor, NY, is attending Emory University.

Matthew Katz, Commack, NY, is attending Washington University in St. Louis where he plans to study biology. He is a student researcher at Stony Brook Health Science Center, and he would like to pursue a career in medical research. Matthew says the YES Competition gave him outstanding connections with both professionals who work in public health as well as the students who plan on continuing to study science in college.

Sara Kendrick, Dallas, TX, is attending Southern Methodist University where she plans to study biomedical engineering or biology. Sara says the YES Competition helped her to better understand the field of epidemiology and public health and gave her a different direction to pursue in her future.

Shahzeb Khan, Cary, NC, is attending North Carolina State University. Shahzeb plans to study biology, integrative physiology and neurobiology. He is planning to further his YES research by using a different sample of people. Shahzeb says the YES Competition taught him how to conduct his own research experiment and properly analyze his results. Shahzeb would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Madelyn Klugman, Armonk, NY, is attending Yale University. Madelyn would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Alex Kornajcik, Dallas, TX, is attending Rice University. Alex has worked in a biochemistry lab at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researching the metabolic activity of cancer cells. Alex says the YES Competition has allowed her to acquire a feel for the field of epidemiology and discover the work involved in doing research. Alex would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Neel Koyawala, Dublin, OH, is attending the University of Pennsylvania where he plans to study biochemistry. He is currently developing his YES research paper to submit to a journal, working in two genetics labs, and doing an internship to learn about the business processes in hospitals. Neel says the YES Competition gave him exposure to epidemiology and a better understanding of the field. It also helped shape his career and academic explorations.

Hannah Kremer, Merrick, NY, is attending Cornell University.

Sheila Krishnan, Blauvelt, NY, is attending Barnard College where she plans to study biology and linguistics. She has completed translational research concerning the effects of fructose on the rat heart, and she has continued her YES research on school absenteeism as a marker for influenza outbreaks. Sheila says the YES Competition furthered her understanding of epidemiology and gave her the opportunity to study it from the perspective of an expert while working alongside her mentors. Sheila would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Anne Krok, New York, NY, is attending The University of Chicago. Anne would like to extend her YES research project to include the stress levels of college students and stress levels of adolescents throughout high school. She recently worked on a research project regarding the relationship between influenza and pneumonia. Anne would like to pursue a career in medical research, and she says the YES Competition solidified her interest in public health and epidemiological research.

Michelle Lee, Wexford, PA, is attending Harvard University. As a member of the Public Health Computational and Operations Research (PHICOR) group at the University of Pittsburgh, Michelle will continue her YES research on MRSA infection. Michelle would like to pursue a career in medical research, and she says the YES Competition introduced her to the whole new world of epidemiology. She is now seriously considering incorporating it in her future education and career plans.

Catherine Lee, Oakland Gardens, NY, is attending New York University where she plans to study neuroscience. She will continue to work at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine on a study regarding couples coping with head and neck cancer, and hopes that watching more videotapes of the couples will allow her to expand her study and find new results. Catherine says the YES Competition allowed her to study the psychological effects of cancer on the patients and their spouses.

Meredith Lehmann, La Jolla, CA, is a senior at La Jolla High School. Meredith would like to expand on her YES research to study the effects of travel on epidemic spread to rail travel in Europe and Japan, and to travel across the U. S. -Mexico border. She has been asked to write code for a project at the University of California, San Diego which will examine the effects of travel across the U. S. -Mexico border on the spread of epidemics.

Rebecca Leong, Vancouver, WA, is attending Dartmouth College. Rebecca plans to study public health and biomedical engineering. She volunteered at the Clark County Public Health department over the summer, and she would like to eventually create a long term data base to analyze risks for injury of runners. Rebecca would like to pursue a career in epidemiology, and she says the YES Competition gave her a greater awareness of the opportunities in public health.

Diana Li, Rosendale, NY, is attending SUNY, Geneseo where she plans to study immunology. Diana would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Qiaoyi Li, Briarcliff Manor, NY, is attending the University of Pennsylvania where she plans to study biochemistry. She is enrolled in the Vagelos Scholars Program for molecular life sciences. She would like to continue her YES research in health related areas and study disease diagnosis as well as immunology. Qiaoyi would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Mohit Limdi, Indian Springs, AL, is a senior at the Altamont School. Mohit hopes to extend his research that he submitted to YES. He would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Tiffany Lin, Hudson, OH, is attending Johns Hopkins University. Tiffany plans to study molecular and cellular biology. She has done further research at Akron City Hospital, and she has done independent STEM research. Tiffany would like to pursue a career in medical practice, and she says the YES Competition was a great chance to be exposed to a branch of scientific research, epidemiology.

Frina Lin, Mansfield, CT, is attending Princeton University. Frina interned in a lab over the summer studying nanotechnology.

Naomi Lisse, Rockville, MD, is attending Northwestern University. Naomi worked on an aquaculture farm on the Chesapeake Bay and conducted environmental sustainability research. Naomi would like to pursue a career in epidemiology, and she says the YES Competition exposed her to a possible career path that would combine her love for science and public health.

Michelle Liu, Kensington, CA, is a senior at Berkeley High School. Over the summer Michelle conducted further research related to her YES project by working on phylogenetic analyses. Last summer she did an internship at the University of California, Los Angeles where she worked on molecular biology and the structure of vesicular stomatitis virus. Michelle would like to pursue a career in medical practice. She says the YES Competition motivated her to pursue science, a career she had never considered before.

Ghiara Lugo, San Juan, PR, is attending the University of Miami. Ghiara plans to study public health and biology. Ghiara would like to pursue a career in public health, and she says the YES Competition put her in contact with professionals and great new friends with similar interests.

Alexandra McHale, Saint James, NY, is a senior at Smithtown High School East. Alexandra says the YES Competition taught her the various stages of independent research, and she realized how much she enjoyed collecting and analyzing data to arrive at conclusions.

Montana McKay, Dallas, TX, is attending Louisiana State University. Montana plans to study psychology, biology and pre-med. She would like to further her YES research during her undergraduate studies this fall. She has been given an opportunity to work with a professor conducting research. Montana says the YES Competition caused her to become more interested in a public health career, and at a minimum she will take epidemiology classes during her undergraduate studies. Montana would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Joy Ming, Livingston, NJ, is attending Harvard University. Joy plans to study neurobiology, global health, cognitive science, politics or economics. She has done more research examining the effects of long-term group music therapy on high-functioning children with autism, and she would like to combine her knowledge of music therapy and the autistic brain to understand the effects of music on the brain. She says the YES Competition was amazing, inspirational and awesome, and she enjoyed hearing from the top professionals in the field of public health. Joy would like to pursue a career in public health.

Madhav Mohandas, Naperville, IL, is a senior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. Madhav has interned at Northwestern University. He would like to pursue a career in public health.

Sayonika Mohanta, Glendale, CA, is attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Sayonika plans to study biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rahul Nath, Glen Cove, NY, is attending Williams College.

Madeline Nocero, Ossining, NY, is attending Villanova University. Madeline plans to study biochemistry and pre-med. She has started a second portion of her YES research, which looks at the direct effect that nasal midazolam has on the brain via EEG data. She plans to continue this research at the Columbia Neurological Institute. Madeline says the YES Competition allowed her to learn from peers who are interested in public health professions. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Gunseli Onder, Laurium, MI, is a senior at Calumet High School. Gunseli would like to study biochemistry in college and pursue a career in medical research. Gunseli says the YES Competition taught him how to conduct research in a professional manner, as well as how to process and analyze data to achieve results.

Nicole Parliament, Ossining, NY, is attending the University of Rhode Island where she plans to study communicative disorders. Nicole says the YES Competition taught her how to compose a research paper and increased her knowledge in the subject of science. She would like to pursue a career in public health.

Selena Pasadyn, Hinckley, OH, is a senior at Brunswick High School. Selena says the YES Competition allowed her the opportunity to complete a research study from start to finish. She noted that the knowledge she obtained throughout the process will be invaluable as she enters college and pursues a medical career.

Leat Perez, University Heights, OH, is a senior at the Beaumont School. Over the summer Leat worked in the Cleveland Clinic's department of cardiology for a nine week paid internship through the Office of Civic Education Initiatives. Leat would like to study medicine in college and pursue a career in medical practice.

Camille Pfister, Kennesaw, GA, is attending the University of Georgia where she plans to study chemistry or public health. She also plans to continue her YES research during her freshman year of college. Camille would like to pursue a career in public health.

Jeffrey Piccirillo, Chesterfield, MO, is a senior at Parkway West High School. Jeffrey has worked in a research laboratory studying dizziness in the elderly.

Victoria Plourde, Woodstock, GA, is attending Mercer University where she plans to study biology. Victoria has interned at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Victoria Rainbolt, Gaithersburg, MD, is attending the University of St. Andrews, Scotland where she plans to study biochemistry. She interned at the International Epidemiology Institute where she did data organization and located missing cohort participant information that was critical to her research. Victoria would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Ganesh Rajasekar, San Diego, CA, is attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ganesh plans to study biology and pre-med. Ganesh says the YES Competition taught him that the health field is more than just being a doctor or nurse, and he would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Anjana Ram, Plano, TX, is a senior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science. Anjana has done research at Johns Hopkins University regarding cancer treatments. She says the YES Competition was valuable because it allowed her to submit a project specifically related to epidemiology, which is not a common topic at many science fairs she has attended. Anjana would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Alexander Reed, Dallas, TX, is attending Washington and Lee University where he plans to study pre-med. He would like to follow up on the positive association he found in his YES research between the presence of public shower facilities and an increase in skin infections. Alexander would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Emily Richards, Ossining, NY, is attending The Boston Conservatory.

Kaitlyn Russell, Bradford, PA, is attending Grove City College.

Rachel Saltzman, Merrick, NY, is attending Cornell University where she plans to study food science.

Kelly Sanders, Garden Ridge, TX, is attending Rice University where she plans to study bioengineering and pre-med. She also plans to continue her YES research and will be involved in a surgical internship at The University of Texas Health Science Center.

Jay Shah, Fremont, CA, is a senior at Mission San Jose High School. Jay has worked in the molecular imaging program at Stanford University. He says the YES Competition expanded his ability to view a problem from both a scientific perspective and from the perspective of a population. Jay would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Ankita Shirahatti, Duluth, GA, is a senior at Johns Creek High School. Ankita would like to study biology in college and pursue a career in epidemiology. She says the YES Competition gave her a greater understanding of public health and the importance of epidemiology.

Travis Sigafoos, Champlin, MN, is a senior at Champlin Park High School. Travis plans to continue his research with the help of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities by further evaluating ADHD in a clinical setting using epidemiological data. Travis would like to study neuroscience and public health in college and pursue a career in medical research.

Emily Silver, Syosset, NY, is a senior at Cold Spring Harbor High School. Over the summer she volunteered at Cohen Children's Medical Center on Long Island, NY. She researched the effects of concussions on high school athletes and the consequences of leaving a head injury unreported. Emily says the YES Competition made her think of health in a different way and made her realize the problems we face as a society.

Priyal Soni, Suffern, NY, is a senior at Suffern High School. Priyal would like to add another component to her YES research by using another national survey and comparing the results from her orignial survey. She has interned at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health assisting her mentors prepare codebooks. Priyal says the YES Competition gave her exposure to a new field that she could possibly pursue in the future. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Akhil Sood, League City, TX, is attending Emory University. Akhil plans to study chemistry, biology or environmental studies. He will continue his research internship in the bioinformatics department at The University of Texas Medical Branch studying next generation sequencing technologies. Akhil would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rahul Subramanian, Mequon, WI, is attending Princeton University. Rahul is analyzing data from different sources to strengthen his YES study's findings. Rahul says the YES Competition gave him an opportunity to learn how to conduct scientific research and helped expose him to the field of epidemiology.

Jacklyn Sullivan, Wantagh, NY, is a senior at General Douglas MacArthur High School. Jacklyn would like to expand on her YES research, and she will also continue her internship at The University of Texas Medical Branch in the bioinformatics department studying next generation sequencing technologies.

Mary Sun, Centreville, VA, is a senior at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Mary is expanding upon the research she did for the YES Competition and hopes to begin new research with her mentor. She will also continue her internship with the National Institute of Bioimaging and Bioengineering at the NIH studying optics or imaging retroviruses. Mary would like to study public health management in college and pursue a career in public health. She says the YES Competition’s keynote speakers changed her life. Before YES she had no idea what she wanted to do, but the speakers’ inspiring life journeys gave her more direction.

Ian Tanguy, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he plans to study biological sciences. He will possibly present his YES research to the UIL, and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Darshak Thosani, Mount Laurel, NJ, is attending Drexel University where he plans to study biology. At Drexel he will work with Dr. Auchincloss to further research on whether diabetes and obesity rates are correlated to the number of farmers' markets. Over the summer he interned at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Darshak would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Taylor Trentadue, Saint James, NY, is a senior at Smithtown High School East. Over the summer Taylor worked with an orthopedic hand surgeon to further investigate hand and joint issues that may be a result of text messaging. She also worked at a university laboratory studying the flu epidemic at a molecular level. Taylor would like to study biology in college and pursue a career in medical practice.

Caroline Trezza, Roslyn, NY, is attending the University of Virginia. Caroline plans to study psychology, public health or economics. She would also like to continue studying students' motivation and work habits. Caroline says the YES Competition opened her eyes to the scope and depth of public health research.

Ravi Vaidya, Valley Cottage, NY, is attending New York University. Ravi plans to study chemistry and pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Udayan Vaidya, Plano, TX, is attending The University of Chicago. Udayan plans to continue his internship in the computational epidemiology research lab of Dr. Armin Mikler, at the University of North Texas. He says the YES Competition introduced him to the practical applications of epidemiology, and the variety of projects opened his eyes to both the breadth and depth of the field.

Nicholas van der Vink, Chevy Chase, MD, is attending Princeton University.

Oleg Vaskevich, Holden, MA, is attending Northeastern University. Oleg is working to develop an Android smartphone application related to public health.

Samantha Venkatesh, Beavercreek, OH, is a senior at Beavercreek High School. Samantha has interned with a local professor conducting research on radioactivity. She says the YES Competition allowed her to directly apply epidemiological practices she had learned in Science Olympiad. Samantha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Lucy Wang, Garnet Valley, PA, is a senior at Garnet Valley High School. Lucy has interned with an epidemiologist at Temple University who specializes in musculoskeletal disorders. She has also interned at Drexel University College of Medicine in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology. Lucy says the YES Competition was a wonderful opportunity to share her research and hear about other students' research. She says she left with a much better understanding of all the possibilities a career in epidemiology has to offer. Lucy would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Devin Weinstein, San Diego, CA, is attending the University of Miami.

Katherine West, Dallas, TX, is attending Duke University where she plans to study biology. She interned in a laboratory researching heart and skeletal muscle development, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

James Williams, Hiram, GA, is attending Brown University. James plans to study liberal medical education and community health. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Yuxi Xiang, Columbus, OH, is attending Case Western Reserve University where he plans to study biomedical engineering. Yuxi completed an internship in China to learn more about anesthesiology, and he would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sarah Yazji, McAllen, TX, is a senior at South Texas High School for Health Professions. Sarah plans to expand on her YES research and work through the limitations she had on her initial research project. She would like to study biology, philosophy, chemistry or history in college, and she would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Prabhat Yeturu, Roslyn, NY, is attending Stony Brook University where he plans to study pre-med. He would like to work with professors at Stony Brook to create a paper utilizing the data that he collected for his YES research.

Seunghyun Yoo, Weston, FL, is a senior at Cypress Bay High School. Seunghyun intends to further his research beyond his YES project. He believes that his research can be used to further the existing knowledge on his topic as it has only recently been explored. His mentor helped him find tutors and experts in epidemiology at Florida International University, whom he worked with over the summer. Seunghyun would like to study medicine in college and pursue a career in medical practice.

Zizi Yu, Woodbridge, CT, is a senior at Amity Regional High School. Over the summer Zizi conducted research at Yale University School of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Justin Zhao, Plano, TX, is attending Columbia University. Justin says the YES Competition has encouraged him to take on a science-related career path in the future. In the short term, it has fortified his interests to conduct research as an undergraduate.

2009-10

Zelalem Adefris, Woodbury, MN, is attending Brown University where she plans to study community health. Zelalem had a summer internship at the Ethiopian Public Health Association in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Caitlyn Bastable, Wausau, WI, is attending Marquette University. Caitlyn plans to study biomedical sciences, pre-med, and Spanish. Over the summer she worked at an institution for disabled adolescents called Tyler's House, acting as their primary care by administering medications and performing necessary care obligations at this overnight facility. Caitlyn would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rachael Billock, Dayton, OH, is attending The Ohio State University. Rachael plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Max Blum, Roslyn, NY, is attending The George Washington University.

Hannah Borowsky, Minnetonka, MN, is attending Harvard University. Hannah would like to pursue a career in public health.

Barri Bruno, Bellmore, NY, is attending Lehigh University.

Christopher Bujnowski, Salt Lake City, UT, is attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Bhaskari Burra, Plano, TX, is attending Texas A&M University. Bhaskari plans to study biomedical sciences and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Omar Bushara, Eden Prairie, MN, is attending Harvard University. Omar plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Kate Campbell, Dallas, TX, is attending Sewanee: The University of the South. Kate plans to study biology and pre-med. She would like to pursue a career as a pediatrician and use her practice to further investigate childhood asthma.

Katelynn Catalano, Port Washington, NY, is attending Boston College where she plans to study biology.

Puja Chabra, Cedarhurst, NY, is attending St. Bonaventure University where she plans to study biology. Puja is continuing to volunteer at a hospital and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Cassie Chan, Laredo, TX, is attending Rice University. Cassie would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Brian Chen, Roslyn, NY, is attending The University of Chicago. Since the YES Competition, Brian has investigated the effects of a student's ethnicity on teacher perceptions.

Ming Chen, Selkirk, NY, is attending Yale University. Ming plans to study biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical research. He has plans to work as a research assistant with an ongoing project at the Yale School of Public Health.

Vivek Choksi, Los Altos Hills, CA, is attending Stanford University. Vivek was a student intern at the NASA Ames Research Center.

Katharine Close, Spring Lake, NJ, is attending Cornell University.

Caroline Cooper, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Austin. Caroline plans to study business and pre-med.

Catherine Curran, Massapequa, NY, is attending Boston University.

Carrie Danielson, Mora, MN, is attending Brown University. Carrie plans to study pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Vishal Desai, Sugar Land, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Austin. Vishal plans to study biology and pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

John Di Capua, Armonk, NY, is attending Johns Hopkins University. John plans to study materials science, engineering and pre-med. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Christopher Discolo, Sammamish, WA, is attending Occidental College.

Aislinn Dunne, Santa Barbara, CA, is attending the University of California, Los Angeles.

Preetam Dutta, Milford, CT, is attending Yale University.

Pegah Eftekharzadeh, Malverne, NY, is attending St. John's University.

Forest Fisher, Chugiak, AK, is attending Spring Arbor University. Forest would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Margaret Forshag, New Orleans, LA, is attending Davidson College. Margaret plans to study pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Akash Ganapathi, Cary, NC, is attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Akash plans to study biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Toby Glazer, Dallas, TX, is attending Emory University. Toby is involved in research at Emory University. He says the YES Competition introduced him to epidemiology which employs statistical methods and because of this he is currently an applied math major. Toby would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Shoshanna Goldin, Allentown, PA, is attending Wake Forest University where she plans to study global health and neuroscience. This fall she begins research with the Wake Forest Medical School on youth energy drink consumption. Shoshanna would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Jan Gong, Garden City, NY, is attending Harvard University. Jan plans to study chemical and physical biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Eric Guleksen, Smithtown, NY, is attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Jessica Hart, Sandy, UT, is attending the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music. Jessica plans to study epidemiology and harp performance and would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Brent Heard, Pittsburgh, PA, is attending Carnegie Mellon University. Over the summer, Brent was part of a research group in environmental sciences at Carnegie Mellon University.

Alex Heeb, Chaffee, MO, is attending Southeast Missouri State University where he plans to study biomedical sciences. Alex is currently employed as a historian at a Civil War site, but he plans to look for internships in biological research this year. Alex would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Rebecca Hellmich, Ossining, NY, is attending Ithaca College.

Ashley Hoehn, Cloverdale, OH, is attending Ohio Northern University where she plans to study pharmacy. Ashley has continued her research from the YES Competition by doing independent studies at Ohio Northern University. Ashley would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Julia Hosch, Dallas, TX, is attending Yale University.

Jin Hwang, Newtown Square, PA, is attending Franklin and Marshall College. Jin would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Nicholas Ippolito, Pelham, NY, is attending the University of Delaware.

Tara Jain, Bethlehem, PA, is attending Harvard University where she plans to study biology.

Otana Jakpor, Riverside, CA, is attending the University of Southern California where she plans to study global health. She is currently working on a project to identify and map the intersections in Santa Monica where the most pedestrian-involved traffic collisions occur. Otana would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jiny Jimmy, Sugar Land, TX, is attending NOVA Southeastern University. Jiny plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Vinay Kadiyala, Old Greenwich, CT, is attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Vinay plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Nolan Kamitaki, Hilo, HI, is attending Harvard University and is majoring in cellular and molecular biology. Nolan has sought a patent related to his YES research, and he is conducting undergraduate research in the McCarroll Lab at Harvard. Nolan would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Amrit Kanwar, La Crosse, WI, is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Amrit plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Kaitlin Keane, East Jordan, MI, is attending the University of Michigan where she plans to study epidemiology. Kaitlin has interned at Northern Michigan Hospital in their infection control department, helping to research and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Kaitlin would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Lindsey Keeney, Ossining, NY, is attending Binghamton University.

Joan Kim, Bethany, CT, is attending Cornell University. Joan plans to study human biology, health and society. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jack Kiraly, Dearborn, MI, is attending American University.

Lauren Kobrick, Roslyn, NY, is attending the University of Michigan.

Sarah Kramer, Johnson City, TN, is attending Georgetown University. Sarah plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Karen Kruzer, Chesterland, OH, is attending Case Western Reserve University where she plans to study chemistry and medical anthropology. She is working in a clinical microbiology laboratory at the Cleveland Clinic studying Campylobactor jejuni, which is one of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea and food-borne illness internationally. Karen would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Matthew Lam, Old Westbury, NY, is attending Brown University. Matthew plans to study community health and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Ariel Lefland, Brookville, NY, is attending Tufts University. Ariel plans to study biopsychology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Samuel Leonard, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Austin. Samuel would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Susan Li, Suffern, NY, is attending Columbia University.

Jane Lodwick, Chesterland, OH, is attending Wellesley College. Jane has interned at the Cleveland Clinic Innovation, the technology commercialization office for the hospital.

Catherine Lu, Fremont, CA, is attending Stanford University.

Jake Lyonfields, Ballwin, MO, is attending Washington University in St. Louis. Jake has interned at the Environmental Protection Agency.

Neha Madhusoodanan, Lawrence, NY, is attending Tufts University.

Mallika Marar, Blacklick, OH, is attending the University of Pennsylvania.

Emily Mauser, Merrick, NY, is attending Muhlenberg College.

Kirsten Mengell, Dublin, CA, is attending the University of California, Merced. Kirsten would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Samuel Merrill, Salt Lake City, UT, is attending Utah State University. Samuel would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Tess Michaels, Plano, TX, is attending the University of Pennsylvania. Tess plans to study biology and finance and would like to pursue a career in health economics.

John Paul Mikhaiel, Dumont, NJ, is attending Georgetown University. John Paul plans to study neurobiology and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Chelsea Monroe, Pennsdale, PA, is attending Pennsylvania State University where she plans to study biology. Chelsea is shadowing optometrists for experience and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Samantha Moorhead, Dunwoody, GA, is attending Saint Mary's College. Samantha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Anisha Mudaliar, San Diego, CA, is attending Stanford University. Anisha plans to study human biology and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Carl Nist-Lund, Fort Myers Beach, FL, is attending Princeton University.

Lauren Peters, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Austin. Lauren plans to study religious studies, biology and pre-med. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Emily Pritt, Walkersville, MD, is attending Princeton University. Emily has worked at the National Cancer Institute.

Katherine Proa, Laredo, TX, is attending Brown University. Katherine plans to study pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Manav Raj, Austin, TX, is attending Dartmouth College.

Brian Ralph, Smithtown, NY, is attending Stony Brook University. Brian plans to study biochemistry and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Anuv Ratan, Claremont, CA, is attending Harvard University where he plans to study neurobiology and economics. Anuv has worked at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and he is working with the Harvard Global Health Forum to tackle rural health problems in terms of infectious disease. Anuv would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Shelby Raye, Bradenton, FL, is attending Rhodes College.

Malcolm Reid, Briarcliff Manor, NY, is attending Princeton University. Malcolm has worked at the Multiple Sclerosis Research Center of New York, and he would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Michael Ricks, Salt Lake City, UT, is attending Brigham Young University.

Sophia Sangar, Atwater, CA, is attending the University of California, Berkeley. Sophia plans to study integrative biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Austin Selick-Bottos, Ashburn, VA, is attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Austin has interned at JBS International, working with health information systems.

Araliya Senerat, Jamaica, NY, is attending Hunter College where she plans to study applied health sciences.

Gaelle Sharma, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of Chicago. Gaelle plans to study biology and international studies. Over the summer she worked at Health Leads in Chicago.

Zhenzhen Shi, Shreveport, LA, is attending Tulane University where she plans to study biochemistry. Zhenzhen works in the LSU Health Sciences Center and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Akshata Shirahatti, Duluth, GA, is attending Princeton University and is majoring in microbiology. Akshata would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Haley Shopp, Mansfield, TX, is attending Dallas Baptist University. Haley would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Nisha Singh, Briarcliff Manor, NY, is attending Carnegie Mellon University. Nisha would like to pursue a career in medical research.

David Skwiersky, Roslyn Heights, NY, is attending Syracuse University.

Devon Smith, Centennial, CO, is attending the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Devon plans to study nursing and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sarah Smith, Winchester, VA, is attending the University of Virginia. Sarah would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Jennifer St. Peter, Brooklyn Park, MN, is attending Cornell University. Jennifer plans to study human biology, health and society.

Samantha Stein, New York, NY, is attending the University of Pennsylvania. Samantha has worked at Columbia University on a project involving a clinical trial of treatments for joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer. Samantha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sarah Suh, Buffalo Grove, IL, is attending Northwestern University. Sarah is majoring in biology and English and is working as an undergraduate researcher at SONIC Laboratory. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice. Sarah recently wrote that the inspiration she gained from the competition will be with her in all her future pursuits.

Alexus Talbott, Cincinnati, OH, is attending the University of Cincinnati.

Emily TenCate, Los Alamos, NM, is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Emily has continued her YES Competition research on influenza epidemics. She has had regular email correspondence with a computer scientist who does contained-environment simulations of influenza epidemics. Emily would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Danielle Thiemeyer, Westminster, MD, is attending Carroll Community College where she plans to study health sciences and biology.

Ikadshi Thukral, Massapequa, NY, is attending St. John's University.

Gwendoline Tilghman, New York, NY, is attending Yale University.

Michelle Tseng, Folsom, CA, is attending Yale University. Michelle plans to study biomedical engineering and is a math instructor at Mathnasium.

Olivia Waits, Dallas, TX, is attending Louisiana State University. Olivia would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jeffrey Wang, Machesney Park, IL, is attending Harvard University. Jeffrey would like to pursue a career in public health.

Matthew Warshauer, West Long Branch, NJ, is attending Harvard University.

Ari Weisfuse, New York City, NY, is attending Brandeis University.

Lindsey West, Dallas, TX, is attending Duke University where she plans to study neuroscience. Lindsey has worked in a neuro-oncology lab and has shadowed a graduate student who was researching the mechanisms behind glioblastomas in the brain. Lindsey would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sarah Wong, Modesto, CA, is attending the University of the Pacific. Sarah plans to study biology and pre-dentistry and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Shannon Wongvibulsin, Lake Forest, CA, is attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Shannon would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Doreen Xu, Powder Springs, GA, is attending Harvard University.

Kevin Xu, Old Westbury, NY, is attending Columbia University and is majoring in biology. Kevin founded a new undergraduate science journal called The Journal of Global Health, which is currently accepting submissions. Kevin would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Jason Ya, Reston, VA, is attending the University of Virginia. Jason would like to pursue a career in medical practice. 16

Jessica Yu, Walnut, CA, is attending the University of California, Berkeley. Jessica has done research with a professor at Mt. San Antonio College on the effects of gratitude journals on mood and happiness. Jessica would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Gazelle Zerafati, Villanova, PA, is attending Yale University. Gazelle plans to study biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

2008-09

Lauren Baker, Los Angeles, CA, is attending Stanford University.

Hannah Bands, Baltimore, MD, is attending Johns Hopkins University.

Sydney Beache, Louisville, KY, is attending Stanford University. Sydney is majoring in human biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jason Bishai, Hunt Valley, MD, is attending Stanford University and is majoring in biology. Jason is the editor of a research review in the Stanford Journal of Public Health. His 2007-08 YES Competition research paper was published in the PLoS ONE Journal.

Josh Borgerding, Pella, IA, is attending Washington University in St. Louis and is majoring in molecular biology and philosophy of science. He is studying cancer and hematology at the Siteman Cancer Research Center and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Rebecca Brazeale, Decatur, GA, is attending Agnes Scott College.

William Broderick, West Chester, PA, is attending Oberlin College. He is majoring in neuroscience and mathematics.

Alainna Brown, Idaho Falls, ID, is attending Washington University in St. Louis. Alainna is majoring in biology, cognitive neuroscience and music and is considering graduate work in psychiatric/genetic epidemiology. She would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Tyler Burdick, Flint Hill, VA, is attending the University of Virginia. Tyler was awarded a summer internship at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Isaac Cameron, Ridgefield, WA, is attending the University of Washington.

Rishi Charate, Plainfield, IL, is attending the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Rishi is enrolled in a 6-year B.S./M.D. program and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Denise Chen, Plymouth, MN, is attending the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Denise worked in a cardiology lab over the summer.

Tiffany Chen, Fresno, CA, is attending the University of Southern California. Tiffany is majoring in health promotion and disease prevention studies as well as biology. She has done research with Dr. Jonathan Samet on a meta-analysis regarding maternal smoking and still births. Tiffany would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Alexander Chernyakhovsky, Mason, OH, is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Per his website, he is interested in complex bio-simulations and high performing super-computing. He is working on the epidemiology of Avian influenza.

Timi Chu, Oakland Gardens, NY, is attending Northwestern University. Timi is majoring in biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical research

Kristina Collins, Cleveland Heights, OH, is attending Case Western Reserve University.

Jessica Curtis, Dunwoody, GA, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.

William Day, Virginia Beach, VA, is attending Virginia Commonwealth University and is majoring in biology. He has done research on Chagas disease, a tropical parasitic infection, where he used tools he learned from YES to give an epidemiological perspective to an immunological investigation. William would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Melissa de Nijs, Richmond, VA, is attending Liberty University. Melissa is studying pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Caleb Dillingham, Kennesaw, GA, is attending the University of Georgia. Caleb is majoring in cellular biology and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Matthew Draelos, High Point, NC, is attending North Carolina State University where he is majoring in chemistry and biochemistry.

Lindsay Euers, Austin, TX, is attending Trinity University and is majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Avtalya Feldman, Palo Alto, CA, is attending Yale University. Avtalya would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Hanqing Feng, Apex, NC, is attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hanqing is majoring in biology.

Rafaela Fischman, Woodmere, NY, is attending Barnard College.

Raina Gandhi, Scarsdale, NY, is attending Harvard University. Raina is majoring in economics and neurobiology.

Mallory Gold, Atlantic Beach, NY, is attending Muhlenberg College.

Aleah Goldin, Allentown, PA, is attending the University of Richmond where she is majoring in global health, development and human rights. Currently, she is studying abroad with an international honors program to examine healthcare in Switzerland, India, China and South Africa. She would like to pursue a career in public health.

Gabriela Hempfling, Ventura, CA, is attending Columbia University.

Shayla Hopkins, Las Vegas, NV, is attending the College of Southern Nevada. Shayla is majoring in nursing and has worked in a health care center as a certified nurse's assistant. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jill Hsia, Old Westbury, NY, is attending Cornell University where she is majoring in human biology, health and society. Jill has worked at the Weill Cornell Community Clinic, a free health clinic run by Weill medical students. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rachael Jander, San Diego, CA, is attending Allegheny College. Rachael is majoring in neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Kelen Jiang, Potomac, MD, is attending New York University.

Allan Joseph, Powell, OH, is attending the University of Notre Dame and is majoring in economics and pre-med. Allan was a summer research aide at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research.

Morris Jrada, Brooklyn, NY, is attending New York University. Morris is majoring in biochemistry and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Chelsea Jurman, Roslyn, NY, is attending Yale University. Chelsea recently worked in a research laboratory at Yale studying human behaviors and health.

Joanna Kao, Iowa City, IA, is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Lauren Kaufman, Ossining, NY, is attending Boston University. She recently interned at a healthcare communications company.

Alexandra Kuhlmann, Dallas, TX, is attending Stanford University. Alexandra is majoring in human biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

John Lee, Brooklyn, NY, is attending the City College of New York. John would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Aaron Lin, Sunnyvale, CA, is attending Princeton University where he is majoring in molecular biology. Aaron is a researcher at Cristea Lab at Princeton studying HSV1 and proteomics.

Yongjia Liu, Mayfield, OH, is attending Washington University in St. Louis. Yongjia is majoring in biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Louise Lu, Houston, TX, is attending Stanford University and is majoring in human biology. She recently interned at the Pasteur Institute in Paris researching a measles-based multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate. Louise would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Patrick MacDonald, Sandy Springs, GA, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology. Patrick is majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Chelsea Magee, Walden, NY, is attending Northeastern University. Chelsea is majoring in pharmaceuticals and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Kimberly Maiton, Alhambra, CA, is attending the University of California, San Diego. Kimberly is majoring in pharmacological chemistry and will be obtaining a global health minor at UCSD. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sagar Mehta, Orlando, FL, is attending Duke University. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Christiane Mhanna, Highland Heights, OH, is attending Case Western Reserve University. Christiane is majoring in biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Gabrielle Milner, Bronx, NY, is attending Harvard University where she is majoring in global health and health policy. This summer she participated in a program at the Harvard School of Public Health, and last fall she wrote an article that was published in the New York Amsterdam News. The YES Competition has inspired her to continue her interest in the field of public health.

Elizabeth Mims, Dallas, TX, is attending Baylor University.

Julia Mitelman, Brooklyn, NY, is attending Harvard University.

Reem Mohammadieh, Dearborn, MI, is attending the University of Michigan. Reem is shadowing a family physician and volunteering at the local oncology center in Dearborn. Reem would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Meagan Moran, Seekonk, MA, is attending Northeastern University. Meagan is majoring in behavioral neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Chelsea Morris, Kaneohe, HI, is attending the University of Pennsylvania. The governer of Hawaii signed a Governer’s Proclamation for Healthy Kids and Teens Week on March 15, 2010. Chelsea was inspired by YES to pursue this initiative in Hawaii.

Neha Nagpal, Muncy, PA, is attending Pennsylvania State University. Neha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Shreesh Naik, Cedar Knolls, NJ, is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Shreesh is studying pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Meryl Natow, Hewlett Neck, NY, is attending Harvard University.

Yael Dana Neugut, Teaneck, NJ, is attending Columbia University. Yael is majoring in neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rima Patel, Iselin, NJ, is attending New York University. Rima would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Marilyn Piccirillo, Chesterfield, MO, is attending Washington University in St. Louis. Marilyn would like to pursue a career in public health.

Stefan Pienkowski, Knoxville, TN, is attending Emory University. Stefan is studying medicine and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Kelly Prudente, Smithtown, NY, is attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Alaina Qayyum, Binghamton, NY, is attending Binghamton University. Alaina is majoring in neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Nbyia Rasoully, Cohoes, NY, is attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Nbyia is majoring in biomedical engineering and has conducted an experiment on obesity in Albany, NY. Nbyia would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Leah Regenbaum, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, is attending Emory University.

Ilana Rice, Ossining, NY, is attending Barnard College. Ilana was accepted into the Centennial Scholars Program at Barnard College and has interned at New York Appleseed researching systemic problems in NYC.

Jasmen Rice, Baltimore, MD, is attending Butler University. Jasmen would like to pursue a career in public health.

Amber Schleifer, Henderson, NV, is attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Amber is majoring in pre-professional biological studies and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Amrita Sehgal, Woodside, CA, is attending the University of California, Berkeley. Amrita would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Elyse Shapiro, Plano, TX, is attending Barnard College.

Katherine Smith, Dallas, TX, is attending Carnegie Mellon University. Katherine is majoring in materials science, engineering and biomedical engineering. She has a wilderness EMT certification and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Emily Summerbell, Lawrenceville, GA, is attending Vanderbilt University. Emily is majoring in molecular and cellular biology and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Visakha Suresh, Plano, TX, is attending Duke University. Visakha is majoring in biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Elyssa Swanson, Tarrytown, NY, is attending Lehigh University.

Ashley Thompson, Dallas, TX, is attending Northwestern University.

Jenny Tse, Brooklyn, NY, is attending Binghamton University.

Michael Vredenburgh, Carlsbad, CA, is attending the University of California, Berkeley where he is majoring in bioengineering. Michael had a summer internship studying public health at the UCSD School of Medicine. He would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Matthew Weber, Sterling, VA, is attending the University of Virginia.

Sara Wood, Castleton, NY, is attending Roberts Wesleyan College. Sara is majoring in nursing and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Yibin Zhang, Belle Mead, NJ, is attending the University of Pennsylvania.

2007-08

Emily Barker, Marshfield, WI, is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is majoring in biology and environmental studies. Emily is continuing to work in a research laboratory studying genetic variation between Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains to explain variability in pathogenicity. She is also becoming involved in a study examining social determinants of ethnic disparities. Emily would like to pursue a career in public health.

Utsav Bhat, Johnstown, PA, is attending Harvard University.

Vivek Bhattacharya, Cary, NC, is attending Duke University.

Kristina Blank, Craryville, NY, is attending the University at Buffalo.

Cameron Breen, Huntington, NY, is attending Cornell University.

Ashley Brosius, Moline, IL, is attending Washington University in St. Louis. Last year she spearheaded the development of a campus action project from the AAUW. After writing and receiving the grant, Ashley was able to establish a three-tiered mentoring program, Catalysts for Change, to break down barriers for women in science.

Kira Buchholtz, Cary, NC, is attending Meredith College and is majoring in biology and chemistry. Kira studied abroad last year at the University of Sydney in Australia where she took classes in microbiology and infectious diseases. Kira would like to pursue a career in medical research.

William Chang, Olathe, KS, is attending Northwestern University. William is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Kirsten Christiansen, Las Vegas, NV, is attending Southern Utah University.

Jennifer Damm, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, is attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jennifer is majoring in health policy and management and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Kathryn Daniel, Conyers, GA, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology. Kathryn would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Lucy Darago, Thousand Oaks, CA, is attending the University of California, Santa Barbara where she is majoring in biochemistry.

Shailee Dave, Briarcliff Manor, NY, is attending Boston University.

Tyler Davidov, Ossining, NY, is attending Northwestern University.

Anthony D'Ippolito, Grove City, OH, is attending The Ohio State University and is majoring in molecular genetics. Anthony completed a summer internship at Life Technologies Laboratory in Carlsbad, CA, and he would like to pursue a career in medical research. His research from the YES Competition has been published in the past, and research done at Children’s Hospital was published in a pediatric journal in 2010.

Rebecca Earnest, Dallas, TX, is attending the University of Pennsylvania. Rebecca has interned with a consulting firm in healthcare provider advisory practice.

Katie Everett, Ann Arbor, MI, is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Katie has interned at Microsoft Research in Beijing working on network diffusion modeling, which is related to the project she did for YES.

Danielle Falzon, Bethpage, NY, is attending Vassar College.

Margaret Glaser, Cincinnati, OH, is attending The Ohio State University.

Ethan Goldstein, Cherry Hill, NJ, is attending Princeton University. He is learning about modeling disease spread among a population, specifically pertaining to swine flu.

Mariya Grygorenko, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Austin and is majoring in biology. She has worked as a research intern at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and will be working at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Austin Regional Campus. Mariya would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Faria Hasan, Jamaica, NY, is attending Stony Brook University. Faria is majoring in biology and is looking for a research position in epidemiology. Faria would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jacquelin Hipes, Dallas, TX, is attending Louisiana State University. Jacquelin is majoring in biological sciences and has participated in an NSF REU internship at Texas A&M University at Galveston studying benthic ecology.

Alexia Hobbs, Apex, NC, is attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Alexia is majoring in chemistry and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Chetak Hossain, Wilmington, DE, is attending the University of California, Berkeley.

Wasif Iqbal, Bronx, NY, is attending Stony Brook University and is majoring in biology and psychology. Wasif has volunteered at the Stony Brook Hospital and has interned in a biopsychology laboratory that studies rodents and Alzheimer's disease. Wasif would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Qiushuang Jin, West Roxbury, MA, is attending Stanford University. Qiushuang is majoring in biology and epidemiology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Christy Johns, Cape Coral, FL, is attending the University of Florida.

Anand Kaul, Kenmore, WA, is attending the University of Washington and is majoring in neurobiology and biochemistry. Anand has worked at the University of Washington’s Medical Center in the department of neurology, focusing on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients.

Scott Kobner, Flemington, NJ, is attending Emory University. Scott is majoring in biology and is a lab assistant at Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Scott is also a video editor at CancerQuest, and he would like to pursue a career in public health.

Jay Kornder, Blythewood, SC, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Stephanie Krajnik, Galesburg, MI, is attending Aquinas College and is majoring in biology.

Amber Kunkel, Richmond, VA, is attending Rice University.

Brandon Law, Minnetonka, MN, is attending Harvard University where he is majoring in human developmental and regenerative biology. Brandon is working in the Rajagopal Laboratory at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and he would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Samantha Lefland, Brookville, NY, is attending Cornell University.

Jeffrey Lienert, Homewood, AL, is attending Franklin and Marshall College. Jeffrey is majoring in biochemistry and would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Sarah Lukowski, Battle Creek, MI, is attending Case Western Reserve University. Sarah has been a research assistant and a Gefland Fellow at Case Western.

Maya Mathur, Woodside, CA, is attending Stanford University. She plans to focus on public health and epidemiological applications during her undergraduate career.

Stephen Mein, Virginia Beach, VA, is attending the University of Virginia and is majoring in biomedical engineering.

Eugenia Miranti, Elmhurst, IL, is attending Northwestern University. She is majoring in molecular biology and genetics and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sudheshna Miryala, Buena Park, CA, is attending the University of California, San Diego. Sudheshna is majoring in human biology and psychology and has worked as a vison therapy intern. Sudheshna would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Anupam Mittal, Redlands, CA, is attending the University of California, Irvine. Anupam is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Maritza Montanez, Ansonia, CT, is attending the University of Connecticut. Maritza is majoring in physiology and neurobiology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jacienta Paily, Briarcliff Manor, NY, is attending New York University. Jacienta would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jessica Palmer, Ossining, NY, is attending Cornell University. Jessica is majoring in biology and society and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Heidi Park, Manhasset Hills, NY, is attending Wellesley College. Heidi is majoring in biological sciences and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Christopher Perrone, Eastchester, NY, is attending Carnegie Mellon University.

Heather Peruffo, Poughkeepsie, NY, is attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Heather is majoring in biomedical engineering and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Ahalya Prabhakar, Alpharetta, GA, is attending the California Institute of Technology.

Medha Raj, Austin, TX, is attending Dartmouth College. Medha has interned with a psychology professor at The University of Texas at Austin.

Katie Rosman, Skokie, IL, is attending Stanford University.

Chris Ryan, Fayetteville, AR, is attending the University of Arkansas. Chris is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Madeline Shaw, Dallas, TX, is attending The University of Texas at Austin.

Natalie Shehan, Meridian, ID, is attending Boise State University and is majoring in biology

Rachel Sheppard, Williamstown, MA, is attending Columbia University.

Hunter Smith, Fort Myers, FL, is attending Tulane University. Hunter is majoring in public health and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jonathan Sole, Massapequa, NY, is attending Johns Hopkins University. Jonathan is majoring in cellular and molecular neuroscience and has worked in a cellular and molecular lab for learning and memory at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Lauren Southwick, Ossining, NY, is attending Franklin and Marshall College. Lauren did research over the summer to examine the social construction of STDs and their portrayal in the CDC's STD brochures.

Hamsini Sridharan, Short Hills, NJ, is attending The University of Chicago.

Katherine Talbott, Cincinnati, OH, is attending the University of Cincinnati. Katherine is majoring in biology and will be beginning an M.P.H. program this winter. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Emilie Weisser, Yankton, SD, is attending Washington University in St. Louis. Emilie is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Katherine Xue, Knoxville, TN, is attending Harvard University where she is majoring in chemical and physical biology.

Jonathan Yeh, Rowland Heights, CA, is attending Yale University. He is majoring in molecular, cellular, developmental biology and the history of science and medicine. Jonathan works as a student assistant in the Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, and as a health coordinator at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

2006-07

Emily Beckelhimer, Milton, WV, is attending Marshall University where she is majoring in microbiology. Emily is working in a laboratory that is developing early diagnostics for various types of malignancies of the lung. She plans to enter public health school and pursue a career in the field.

Debbie Beihl, Saluda, SC, is attending Southern Adventist University and is majoring in nursing and physiology. Debbie is the co-investigator of her second research project studying the effect of different exercise-diet combinations on weight loss and metabolism change. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Megan Blewett, Madison, NJ, graduated from Harvard University.

Joshua Busse, Honolulu, HI, graduated from the University of Southern California in 2011 with a B.A. in biological sciences. Joshua is attending graduate school at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Aliko Carter, Oakland, CA, is attending Columbia University.

Rebecca Chen, Fremont, CA, is attending Case Western Reserve University and is majoring in biology. Over the summer she volunteered with Unite for Sight, where she worked at an eye clinic in Honduras and was part of the public health efforts there to provide resources countering preventable blindness and other eye-related medical issues. Rebecca would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Brian Clement, Longwood, FL, graduated from Duke University in 2011 with a degree in global health and cultural anthropology. Brian now works with the Program on Global Health and Technology Access at Duke University. Brian would like to pursue a career in public health.

Sarah Coleman, Waynesboro, VA, graduated from James Madison University in 2011 with a B.S.N. in nursing. Over the summer Sarah worked at Rockingham Memorial Hospital and completed a nursing externship at the University of Virginia. Sarah would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Dalene Cook, Seneca, MO, is attending the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Dalene is majoring in nursing and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Michael Ding, Glen Cove, NY, graduated from Harvard University in 2011. Michael is now an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Patrick Dixon, Dunwoody, GA, is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Mark Draelos, High Point, NC, graduated from North Carolina State University.

Zoe Durand, Maryville, TN, is attending Brown University. Zoe has applied for the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship to study public health for a master's degree. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Alexander Federation, Rochester, NY, graduated from the University of Rochester in 2011 with a B.S. in chemistry and cellular biology. Alexander is attending graduate school at Harvard University, studying chemical biology. He would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Mio Frisk, Menlo Park, CA, is attending Stanford University and is majoring in biology.

Adriana Gata, Guaynabo, PR, is attending Cornell University. Adriana is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Sarah Glazer, Dallas, TX, graduated from Columbia University in 2011 with a B.S. in biomedical engineering. Sarah is involved with the Fellowship in Computational Neuroscience at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Chloe Golden, Lighthouse Point, FL, has dual enrollment at the University of Hartford and Nova Southeastern University.

Laura Greco, Whitehouse Station, NJ, graduated from Boston University in 2010 with a B.A. in biology. Laura is attending graduate school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Laura would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Charles Hyman, Houston, TX, is attending Brown University. Charles is majoring in science and society and will be attending medical school after graduating from Brown next year. He is conducting exercise research in the community health department, and he would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Jonathan Jacobs, Tarrytown, NY, graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2011. He is now enrolled in a master’s program in biomedical sciences.

Edward Kogan, Paoli, PA, is attending Harvard University. Edward is majoring in molecular and cellular biology and is studying Parkinson's Disease at the Goldberg Laboratory at Harvard. Edward would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Zhao Lan, Potomac, MD, is attending Columbia University.

Seth Levine, Great Neck, NY, is attending the University of Pennsylvania where he is majoring in complex human behavior and evolution. Seth is the president of Hooping, Hopping and Hoping for the World, which raises money for the Glial Blastoma and Brain Tumor Society.

Rose Liu, White Plains, NY, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011.

Tina Liu, Ossining, NY, graduated from Harvard University in 2011. She is now employed at Morgan Stanley.

Julie Loza, Kouts, IN, is attending the University of Southern Indiana. Julie is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Cara Magnabosco, Carmel, IN, is attending the University of Southern California where she is majoring in biochemistry.

Rachel Maki, Waynesboro, VA, graduated from Shenandoah University in 2011 with a B.S. in biology. Rachel is attending graduate school at Shenandoah University, studying physical therapy. Rachel says the YES Competition got her started in the medical field, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Leo McFarland, Staten Island, NY, graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 2011. Leo is attending graduate school at Johns Hopkins University.

Kelsey Miller, La Junta, CO, graduated from the University of Colorado, Denver in 2010 with a B.S. in biomedical sciences. Kelsey is attending graduate school at the University of Colorado, studying physical therapy. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Lauren Morrell, Katonah, NY, graduated from Dartmouth College in 2011 with a B.A. in neuroscience. Lauren is working as a business analyst at Deloitte Consulting. She would eventually like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Kerry Morrison, Fairfield, CT, graduated from Columbia University in 2011 with a B.A. in pre-med and history. Kerry is working as a medical research assistant at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in the cardiac transplant program. She is applying to medical school this year, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Catelyn Nelson, Centreville, VA, graduated from the University of Virginia in 2011. She now works for Deloitte Consulting as a Business Technology Analyst.

Jessica Nussbaum, Roslyn, NY, is attending Cornell University.

Justin Petrillo, Westfield, NJ, graduated from Yale University.

Sarah Phillips, Stuart, FL, graduated from the University of Florida in 2011 with a B.S. in health education and behavior. Sarah is applying to positions at hospitals and health departments so that she may gain more experience in public health while pursuing a master’s in epidemiology. Sarah says the YES Competition gave her an introduction to public health, and now she would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Adharsh Ponnapakkam, Metairie, LA, is attending Tulane University. Adharsh is majoring in neuroscience and has been involved in breast cancer research in Tulane’s pharmacology department. Adharsh would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Julie Rechel, Worthington, OH, graduated from the University of Richmond in 2011 with a B.S. in cultural epidemiology. Julie is attending graduate school at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy.

Jennifer Schindler, Rockville Centre, NY, graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2010 with a B.S. in psychology and public health. Jennifer is attending graduate school at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, studying obesity prevention. Over the summer she worked at the New York University Medical Center with the Nutrition and Obesity Prevention, Research and Evaluation Network. She has also worked at the New York City Department of Health with the Healthy High School Initiative. Jennifer would like to pursue a career in public health.

Michael Schneider, Roslyn, NY, is attending Duke University where he is majoring in biology.

Elizabeth Seaman, Millersville, MD, is attending Georgetown University. Elizabeth is majoring in psychology and pre-med and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Nisha Shah, Wichita, KS, is attending Northwestern University. Nisha is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Riva Shah, Portage, MI, is attending Brown University. Riva would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Marc Sherwin, Old Westbury, NY, graduated from the University of Miami in 2010 with a B.S. in biology. Marc is attending graduate school at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Junzi Shi, Rocky River, OH, is attending Northwestern University. Junzi is majoring in biological anthropology and chemistry and would like to pursue a career in public health.

Sarah Silverstein, Davie, FL, graduated from NOVA Southeastern University in 2011 with a B.S. in biology. Sarah is attending graduate school at NOVA Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine.

William Slack, Decatur, GA, graduated from Williams College in 2011. William is working at Epic Systems where he manages the installation of electronic medical records systems in hospitals around the country.

Sangam Soi, Johnstown, PA, graduated from Georgetown University in 2011.

Stacey Squatrito, Colorado Springs, CO, completed her undergraduate work at the University of Denver and continued on to receive her M.S. in accounting in 2011.

Rachel Stahl, Ossining, NY, graduated from Colgate University in 2011. Rachel is attending graduate school at New York University, studying nutrition. She would like to pursue a career in public health.

Allison Tetreault, Denver, CO, is attending the University of Pennsylvania. Allison is majoring in biophysics and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Laura Tiedemann, Cresskill, NJ, is attending Brown University. Laura is majoring in neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Katherine van Hengel, Croton, NY, graduated from Cornell University in 2011. She recently worked for the royal government of Bhutan where she performed a study on the socioeconomic effects of farmers’ groups and cooperative registration on local communities and livelihoods.

Sarah Veeck, Kalamazoo, MI, is attending Dartmouth College.

Pavitra Viswanathan, San Diego, CA, is attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Pavitra is majoring in neuroscience and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Elizabeth Wong, Modesto, CA, is attending Stanford University. Elizabeth is majoring in biology and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

2005-06

Monis Alam, Fredonia, NY, graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2011 with a B.S. in biomedical sciences. Monis is exploring research internships in epidemiology.

Christina Badal, Boca Raton, FL, graduated from Columbia University.

Elizabeth Baker, Tucson, AZ, graduated from the University of Arizona in 2009 with a degree in psychology. Elizabeth continued at the University of Arizona and graduated in 2010 with an M.S. in evolutionary and comparative psychology.

Steve Benay, Smithtown, NY, graduated from Cornell University.

Molly Broache, Baltimore, MD, graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 with a B.S. in molecular and cellular biology. Molly has worked as a research specialist at the University of Pennsylvania in the Center for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. She will be taking more upper level science classes at the University of Pennsylvania. Molly would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Amy Chen, Naperville, IL, graduated from Duke University in 2010. Amy has worked at a consulting company that caters to healthcare clients.

Christopher Chen, St Louis, MO, graduated from Harvard University in 2010 with a B.A. in molecular biology. Christopher is attending graduate school at the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. Over the summer he worked as a health policy intern at the Brookings Institute. He would like to pursue a career in health economics.

Carol Cheng, Suwanee, GA, graduated from Duke University with a degree in biology. Carol would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Katrina Diaz, Portage, MI, graduated from the University of Michigan. Katrina has been employed at the University of Michigan School of Public Health studying the microbiology and epidemiology of biofilm formation. She has had many collaborations with the University of Michigan hospital studying various swabs and catheter samples. Katrina would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Shiv Gaglani, Melbourne Beach, FL, graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 2010 with a B.A. in biomedical sciences and engineering. Shiv is attending graduate school at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Shiv co-authored a book called "Success with Science: The Winners' Guide to High School Research" which was recently published and released on Amazon. It contains the advice of many YES Scholars and aims to inspire and guide students on how to get involved with science research. Shiv would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Samantha Griner, Tega Cay, SC, graduated from Emory University in 2010 with a B.S. in neuroscience and history. Samantha has worked as lead research specialist at Emory University School of Medicine and at the Winship Cancer Institute. Samantha would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Lindsay Haines, Castle Rock, CO, graduated from Yale University in 2010. Lindsay is attending graduate school at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Last year Lindsay worked at a community health center in Boston to increase health care access to the underserved. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Miju Han, San Francisco, CA, graduated from Williams College in 2010. Miju is now working at Disney Interactive Media Group doing social gaming analytics.

Sesha Hanson-Drury, Bellingham, WA, graduated from Western Washington University in 2011 with a B.S. in biological anthropology. Sesha plans on attending dental school in 2013. Currently Sesha is interning at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Sesha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Soumya Irivinti, Derry, NH, graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 with a B.S. in biomedical engineering. Soumya has worked for Lockheed Martin as a Systems Engineer.

Danielle Jordan, Chapel Hill, NC, graduated from Davidson College in 2010 with a B.S. in biology. She is still deciding on medical schools for the upcoming year. Danielle would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Daniel Kamakura, Chapel Hill, NC, graduated from Duke University in 2010. Daniel is attending graduate school at the San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. He would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rachel Kessy, Oak Park, IL, graduated from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis in 2011 with a degree in nursing. Rachel is employed as a nurse by the United States Army.

Joyce Khandji, Rye, NY, graduated from Columbia University in 2010. Joyce is attending graduate school at Columbia University, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Ellen Kim, Ridgefield, WA, graduated from Princeton University in 2010. Ellen is attending graduate school at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Victoria Kim, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles .

Francesca King, East Moriches, NY, graduated from Smith College in 2010. Francesca then attended the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration in Norway and graduated in 2012 with an M.S.

Amanda Paige Lane, Bowling Green, OH, graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2010 with a B.S. in kinesiology. Amanda is attending graduate school at Texas Tech University, studying motor behavior and biomechanics. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sarah Megdal, Northridge, CA, graduated from Yale University in 2010.

Shannon Mentock, Durham, NC, graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2010 with a B.S. in public health. Shannon is currently serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, where she works as a public health coordinator for a community health program. Shannon would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Natalia Nazarewicz, Oak Ridge, TN, graduated from Brown University in 2011 with a B.A. in community health. Natalia is interning with the Alliance of Community Health Plans, and she would like to pursue a career in public health.

Lindsay Norton, Glen Rock, PA, graduated from Juniata College in 2010 with a B.S in biology and Spanish. Lindsay is attending graduate school at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Aman Prasad, Pocatello, ID, graduated from Cornell University in 2010. Aman is attending graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying medicine and population health.

Vidya Puthenpura, Berkeley Heights, NJ, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011 with a B.S. in bioengineering. Vidya is attending graduate school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Vidya would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Allyson Rinderle, Amherst, MA, graduated from Yale University in 2010 with a B.S. in biomedical engineering. Allyson is currently working for J.P. Morgan in the healthcare investment banking group. Allyson would like to pursue a career in health economics.

Allison Roggenburg, Ankeny, IA, graduated from the University of Iowa in 2009.

Matthew Russell, Bradford, PA, graduated from Taylor University in 2010. Matthew is attending graduate school at Rutgers University.

Nazia Saiyed, Lagrangeville, NY, graduated from Cornell University in 2011. Nazia plans to find employment or internships in the public health field and apply for M.P.H. programs in 2012. Nazia would like to pursue a career in public health.

Nozlee Samadzadeh, Stillwater, OK, graduated from Yale University in 2010. Nozlee has worked at a non-profit organization focusing on sustainability.

Jordan Schatz, Spokane, WA, graduated from George Fox University.

Elaine Shing, Duluth, GA, graduated from Wake Forest University in 2011. Elaine would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Jyotsna Somaraju, Peoria, IL, graduated from Loyola University in 2010 with a B.S. in biology. Jyotsna continued attending Loyola University and graduated in 2011 with an M.B.A. Jyotsna is pursuing another master’s degree in health systems management. Jyotsna would like to pursue a career in public health.

Kelly Staves, Bellingham, WA, graduated from Stanford University in 2011. Kelly will be conducting global health research with Stanford Univeristy, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Michelle Stokes (Krakowiak), Nashville, TN, graduated from Agnes Scott College in 2010 with a B.A in biochemistry and molecular biology. Michelle is pursuing a Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University, studying biology. She would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Heather Stone, Cumberland, MD, graduated from Smith College in 2010 with a B.A. in development studies and pre-health. Heather is attending graduate school at the University of Maryland, studying epidemiology. She traveled to India over the summer to conduct epidemiological research on tuberculosis. She designed this research study with the assistance of doctors, epidemiologists and social scientists in both the United States and India. She plans to conduct her thesis research on the topic of drug-resistant tuberculosis in a region of northern India using primary data she has collected. She will also conduct GIS mapping of the tuberculosis patients’ residences to look for clusters of resistance. Heather would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Christine Sullivan, Wantagh, NY, graduated from Adelphi University in 2010 with a degree in psychology. Christine continued attending Adelphi University and graduated in 2011 with an M.A. in elementary education.

Tara Tai, Yardley, PA, graduated from Harvard University in 2010 with an A.B. in neurobiology. Tara is working as a business associate for AmniSure International, a biotech company based in Boston. Tara would like to pursue a career in public health.

Krista Versteeg, Cleves, OH, graduated from the University of Dayton in 2010 with a B.S. in biochemistry. Krista is attending graduate school at The University of Texas Medical Branch, studying microbiology and immunology. Krista says the YES Competition introduced her to the area of public health. She is now interested in developing vaccines for infectious diseases and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Paul Welle, Statesboro, GA, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2011. Paul is working for DOW Chemical in Spain for a year before likely attending graduate school.

Allyson White, Chicago, IL, graduated from the University of Pennslyvania in 2010. Allyson currently works in strategy consulting, but she plans to return to school eventually. Allyson would like to pursue a career in health economics.

Maya Wolpert, Palo Alto, CA, graduated from Stanford University in 2010 with a B.A. in human biology. Maya has worked as the program manager of a grant in genetics and ethics at Stanford University’s Center for Biomedical Ethics. Maya would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Xinran Xiang, Ann Arbor, MI, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2010 with a B.S.E in biomedical engineering. Xinran is attending graduate school at the University of Michigan Medical School. Xinran would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

2004-05

Ishrat Ahmed, Chesterfield, MO, graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2009 with a B.S. in cellular and molecular biology. Ishrat is attending graduate school at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Ishrat would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sasha Ahuja, Valley Stream, NY, graduated from the City University of New York in 2009. Sasha then attended Columbia University and graduated in 2011 with an M.S. in social work. Sasha is seeking employment in the public health sector with her policy-focused graduate degree.

Keshav Arogyaswamy, Collierville, TN, graduated from the University of Redlands in 2010 with a B.S. in biology. Keshav would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Ajay Balasubramanyam, Sugar Land, TX, graduated from Emory University in 2010 with a B.A. in psychology and pre-med. Ajay would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Pawan Barot, Saint Joseph, MI, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2009 with a B.S.E. in biomedical engineering. Pawan would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Shubha Bhat, West Chester, PA, graduated from Harvard University in 2009 with a B.A. in economics and health policy. Shubha is attending graduate school at Stanford University School of Medicine. Shubha would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Stephanie Brosius, Moline, IL, graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2009 with a B.A. in biochemistry. Stephanie is attending graduate school at the School of Medicine at the University of Alabama. She has worked as a translator at the school-run clinic and would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Andrew Brown, Seattle, WA, graduated from the University of Washington in 2007. Andrew is attending graduate school at the University of Washington, studying speech and hearing sciences.

Gregory Bruich, La Jolla, CA, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2008. Gregory is attending graduate school at Harvard University. His doctoral research is in public economics, which is directly related to epidemiology and public health.

Molly Burges, Gainesville, FL, graduated from the New College of Florida in 2009. Molly is attending graduate school at the University of South Florida College of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Kavi Dotson, Parkersburg, WV, graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2009. Kavi is now employed as a civilian engineer with the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Kavi also plans to pursue a graduate degree.

Michael Eby, Englewood, CO, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 with a B.A. in biology. Michael then attended Georgetown University and graduated in 2010 with an M.S. in physiology and biophysics. He is now in medical school at Georgetown, and he works in an emergency department. Michael would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Amy Edelstein, East Rockaway, NY, is attending City College of New York. Amy is enrolled in a seven-year B.S./M.D. program in biomedical education. She has been granted multiple research fellowships to conduct epidemiologic research with a professor in the community health and social medicine department at Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education. She has applied for an M.P.H. degree and will be continuing her medical education at New York Medical College. Amy would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Krista Fehlauer, Murray, UT, graduated from Westminster College in 2009 with a B.S. in nursing. Krista completed her clinical experience in community health in 2008, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Matthew Kauffman, Noblesville, IN, graduated from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2010. Matthew is now employed as an environmental and civil engineer with the United States Forest Service.

Emily Lu, Tenafly, NJ, graduated from The University of Chicago in 2009 with a B.A. in philosophy and biological sciences. Emily is attending graduate school at The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Sabbie Miller, Carpinteria, CA, graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. Sabbie is attending graduate school at Stanford University.

Joshua Pepper, Oakland, CA, graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2008. Joshua now works as a research consultant at Pesticide Research Institute in Berkeley, CA.

Jessica Racine, West Lafayette, IN, graduated from Purdue University in 2011 with a B.S. in nursing. Jessica is attending graduate school at Indiana University School of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Chris Redmond, Sykesville, MD, graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 with a B.S. in cellular biology and public health. Chris then attended the University of Oxford and graduated in 2010 with an M.Sc. in immunology.

Dara Satterfield, Marietta, GA, graduated from Agnes Scott College in 2009 with a B.A. in biology. Dara is attending graduate school at the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology, where she is working on her Ph.D. in ecology. Her dissertation will focus on infectious disease ecology in wildlife populations. This is strongly related to human health and epidemiology as many emerging infectious diseases of humans are now zoonotic.

Andreea Seicean, Bay Village, OH, graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2008 with a B.A. in public health. Andreea then attended Case Western Reserve University and graduated in 2010 with an M.P.H. in health services research. She is now completing her Ph.D. in health services research. Andreea has presented and judged for the American Public Health Association, and she has mentored future YES students. Andreea would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Pooja Singal, Severna Park, MD, graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2009 with a B.A. in public health. Pooja continued at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and graduated in 2011 with an M.H.S. in environmental health. Pooja is now going into medical school and would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Su Wang, New York, NY, graduated from Princeton University. Su then attended Yale University School of Management and graduated with an M.B.A. Su is currently employed at APPRISE, a nonprofit energy research institute that evaluates energy efficiency programs for governments and utilities.

James Welle, Statesboro, GA, graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2009 with a B.S. in biology. James would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Julienne Yamamoto, Honolulu, HI, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2008 with a B.A. in integrative biology. Julienne then attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated in 2010 with an M.P.H. in public health and epidemiology. Julienne would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

2003-04

Monjir Bakshi, North Wales, PA, graduated from Cornell University in 2009 with a B.A. in biology. Monjir then attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in dentistry. Monjir would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Scott Bauer, Menlo Park, CA, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2009. Scott then attended Harvard University School of Public Health and graduated in 2011 with an M.Sc. in epidemiology. Now, Scott plans to continue studying chronic disease epidemiology, nutrition and lifestyle factors as a medical student at the University of California, San Diego. Scott would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Daniel Carvajal, Louisville, KY, graduated from the University of Miami in 2008. Daniel has worked with Humana, Inc.

Colleen Cheong, Columbia, MD, graduated from the University of Delaware.

Kelly Chien, Sugar Land, TX, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2008 with a B.S. in biology and chemical engineering. Kelly is attending graduate school at Baylor University College of Medicine. She is on her second year of clinical rotations, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Shiao-Ke Chin-Lee, Washington, D.C., graduated from Dartmouth College in 2008 with a degree in mathematics. Shiao-Ke then attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 2010 with an M.S. in statistics.

Bevin Cohen, New York, NY, graduated from the University of Vermont in 2007 with a B.A. in public health. Bevin then attended Columbia University and graduated in 2009 with a M.P.H. in epidemiology. Bevin is working as a project coordinator for the Center for Interdisciplinary Research to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance at Columbia University. She will continue a Ph.D. program in epidemiology at Columbia. Bevin would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

Alanna Costelloe-Kuehn, Rensselaer, NY, graduated from Bard College in 2008 with a B.A. in biology. She has since worked as an advocate for HIV prevention research at AVAC (Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention) in New York City. She has also been doing homeless outreach in the Brooklyn and Queens areas and has lead webinars about older adults living with HIV. Alanna would like to pursue a career in public health.

Ashley Davis, Bargersville, IN, graduated from Indiana University in 2008. Ashley continued at Indiana University and graduated in 2011 with a J.D.

Katherine Dillon, Philadelphia, PA, graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008. Katherine then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and graduated with a degree in medicine and bioethics. Katherine has been awarded a Doris Duke Fellowship to conduct clinical research this upcoming year. She will be working primarily on epidemiological studies. Katherine would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Ben Eidelson, Bala Cynwyd, PA, graduated from Yale University in 2008. Ben then attended the University of Oxford and graduated in 2010 with a B.Phil.

Rebecca Ehrlich, Penllyn, PA, graduated from Wesleyan University in 2008 with a B.A. in biology and science in society. Rebecca is attending graduate school at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Kirby Faulkner (Rader), Hilliard, OH, graduated from Miami University in 2008.

Colin Flood, Chicago, IL, graduated from Harvard University in 2009. Colin plans to pursue an M.B.A. beginning this fall.

Amrita Gill, Huntington Beach, CA, graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Zarabeth Golden, Cambridge, MA, graduated from the University of Florida in 2009. Zarabeth then attended Boston University and graduated with a degree in public health. Zarabeth is now a research coordinator for clinical and longitudinal studies conducted by the Rheumatology Department at the Boston University Medical Center. Zarabeth would like to pursue a career in medical research.

Rebecca Harris, Glenside, PA, graduated from Haverford College in 2008 with a B.Sc. in biology. Rebecca is attending graduate school at the Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine. This year Rebecca will work in rural clinics and hospitals in El Salvador and Mexico. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Alanna Hay, Fort Washington, MD, graduated from Stanford University in 2008. Alanna then attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 2010 with an M.S.W.

Julie Holihan, Las Vegas, NV, graduated from the University of Arizona in 2008. Julie is attending graduate school at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Victoria Hunt, Chicago, IL, graduated from Cornell University in 2007 with a B.A. in biology. Victoria then attended Wageningen University and graduated in 2009 with an M.Sc. Victoria has worked as a biologist for a zoo on epidemiological projects that pertain to zoonotic diseases.

Yun-En Liu, East Amherst, NY, graduated from Princeton University in 2009. Yun-En then attended the University of Washington.

Jennifer Luo, Pine Hill, NJ, graduated from Rutgers University in 2008 with a B.A. in cellular biology and neuroscience. Jennifer is attending graduate school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, studying osteopathic medicine. She is completing a dual degree D.O./M.P.H .program, and she would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Rachel Meislin, New York, NY, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 with a B.A. in health and societies. Rachel then attended Columbia University and graduated in 2011 with a certificate in pre-med. Rachel is now pursuing an M.D./M.P.H.

Kelly Moltzen, Bronx, NY, graduated from the University of Delaware in 2008 with a B.S. in nutritional sciences and dietetics. Kelly then attended New York University and graduated in 2010 with an M.P.H. in public health. Kelly is now working as the nutrition coordinator at the Bronx Health REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) program. REACH is a CDC program that addresses health disparities. Kelly would like to pursue a career in public health.

Patricia Ng, Hauppauge, NY, graduated from Stony Brook University in 2008 with a B.S. in biology. Patricia is attending graduate school at the School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Patricia has done research investigating the knowledges and practices of Barbadian men in regards to prostate cancer prevention and awareness. She would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Andreas Saltos, Gaithersburg, MD, graduated from the University of Maryland in 2008 with a B.S. in biological resources engineering. Andreas continued at the University of Maryland and graduated with a degree in medicine. Andreas would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Natalia Sanchez, West Hartford, CT, graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2008 with a B.S. in biology and Spanish. Natalia then attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a degree in dentistry.

Ami Shah, Naperville, IL, graduated from Northwestern University in 2007. Ami continued at Northwestern University and graduated with a degree in medicine.

Elizabeth Shaw, Golden Valley, MN, graduated from Georgetown University in 2008. Elizabeth is attending graduate school at New York University College of Nursing.

Bailey Shen, Springfield, IL, graduated from Dartmouth College in 2009. Bailey then attended the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and graduated with a degree in medicine. Bailey would like to pursue a career in medical practice.

Carolyn Stoll, Saint Louis, MO, graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2008. Carolyn then attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 2010 with an M.S.W. and an M.P.H. in social work and public health. Carolyn would like to pursue a career in epidemiology.

David Williams, Lathrup Village, MI, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2008 with a degree in aerospace engineering. David then attended Stanford University to study aeronautics.