Each year, IUPUI honors 50 graduate and professional students who demonstrate excellence beyond the classroom in areas such as campus leadership, scholarly work and community engagement.
This year, 15 students from IU School of Medicine were recognized among the IUPUI Elite 50--four of named them among the Premier 10. Congratulations to these remarkable students!
Noopur Dave, Pharmacology PhD, 2022
What are your interests/passions as a medical scientist?
One of my passions as a medical scientist is studying human parasitic diseases that have major global impact in order to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets. I also have a passion for increasing diversity, equity and inclusion and inspiring the next generation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC ) budding scientists.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I am a graduate student representative for the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, IU School of Medicine Graduate Oversight Committee, Honor Code Task Force. I am also the vice president of Biomedical Student Advocacy Association (BGSAA), event organizer for Project Bridge Indy, cabinet member of IU School of Medicine NetworkIN, and the events coordinator of IU School of Medicine Science Outreach Community.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you develop as a medical scientist?
Dr. Travis Jerde has been one of my biggest advocates throughout my graduate career here at IU School of Medicine. He has helped me grow professionally by providing me the opportunity to hold leadership roles within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Dr. Gustavo Arrizabalaga, who is my thesis mentor, has supported all my ambitions in both scientific endeavors, as well as allowing me to participate in leadership and committee roles beyond the laboratory setting. Dr. Sabrina Absalon has been an invaluable role model and advocate for me as a successful woman scientist.
What are your plans after graduating from IU School of Medicine?
I plan to advance my career and enter the biotechnology industry. I also plan to volunteer at nonprofit organizations to advance DEI and BIPOC representation within the STEM field.
Adeeba Dhalech, Microbiology and Immunology PhD, 2022
What are your interests/passions as a medical scientist?
I have always been intrigued by viruses and how they interact with the human host. My current thesis is on an enteric virus, CVB3. I plan on studying this host-virus interaction to help narrow the gap that exists in our understanding of viral infections.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
Currently, I volunteer as a teacher at Exodus Refugee Immigration, an organization that is involved in refugee resettlement. I also participate in the various community driven activities at Masjid Al Fajr, the local mosque I pray at. I’m a strong advocate of giving back to the community and have been a member of several nonprofit organizations since 2010. I have acted as a student representative of the Microbiology and Immunology department for two years and am actively involved in other on-campus organizations.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you develop as a medical scientist?
My principal investigator, Dr. Chris Robinson, has helped me hone my scientific and interpersonal skills throughout the years. I would like to thank him along with my committee mentors for the strong graduate training that I have received.
What are your plans after graduating from IU School of Medicine?
I hope to start as a post-doc in a lab studying viruses as an infectious agent to further broaden my expertise in this field. I eventually hope to climb the academic ladder to the point where I can establish my own lab.
Hayley Drozd, MD-PhD student, GS4
How do you feel about being a part of the 2022 Elite 50?
Being part of the IU School of Medicine community for six years, I’ve come to appreciate the hard work exhibited by people on campus in every position and level of training. Given this enriching work environment, I’m incredibly honored to be chosen as part of the 2022 Elite 50.
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
As an MD-PhD student, I hope to bridge the global impact of translational research and the direct impact of patient care, partnering with my patients and their families to find innovative solutions for their concerns and challenges. I plan to continue research in the field of computational neuroscience studying developmental disorders within the clinical practice of pediatrics.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I’m interested in creating a welcoming mentorship environment on campus through involvement in the Hanover Physician Scientist Diversity Scholars Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Stark Diversity, Wellness, Inclusion Committees, and orientation programs on campus. I’ve also been on the board for the pediatrics and neurology student interest groups. I’m thankful for opportunities to share my research with the support of my NIH F30 fellowship through Neuromatch Academy, local conferences and with national talks at the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and Fragile X and Autism-Related Disorders Gordon Research Conferences.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
I am fortunate to have an incredible mentorship team through my personal investigators, Dr. Wade Clapp and Dr. Anantha Shekhar; my research mentors, Dr. Lukkes and Dr. Lapish; and my clinical mentors, Dr. Szczepaniak and Dr. Walvoord. I am so thankful for all their guidance and support.
Jasmine Gavilan, second-year MD student
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I love connecting with people from all different backgrounds and hearing their stories. Everyone has unique journeys that influence the decisions they make, especially when it comes to wellness and healthcare. Active listening, empathy and cultural understanding are important to me for addressing the holistic needs of patients.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
Although medical school takes up a lot of my time, the best advice I have received was to always make time for other activities that I am also passionate about. I joined the Navari Student Outreach Clinic as a co-chair of patient communications. In addition, I’m part of a pick-up soccer league through the University of Notre Dame that plays three times a week, which has been great for handling medical school stress. I’m also an artist and ceramicist. Some of my pieces are soon to be featured in the South Bend campus building.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
I would like to give special thanks to our medical education program director at the South Bend campus, Stacey Patrick, and Lead Advisor Kristina Borger for their dedication to their students, their excellent advice and their never-ending support.
Gregory Grecco, PhD, third-year MD student
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I’m particularly interested in how addictive drugs affect the developing brain and have recently completed my PhD, where I examined the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on neurodevelopment. I am planning to specialize in radiology, specifically neuroradiology, where I can continue to study neurodevelopment of the human brain.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I am part of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD-PhD), Medical Neuroscience Graduate Organization and DREAM Alive.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
Dr. Brady Atwood, my PhD mentor, has been an incredible mentor to me, providing persistent support as I matured as a scientist. I am grateful for his encouragement during the many challenges faced while completing my PhD work.
Hendrik Greve, PhD, second-year MD student
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
My interests in medicine are neurology and neurological disease and disability. My research interests are in the communication of the brain immune cells and the peripheral immune system during diseased states. I hope to combine my passion for research and neurology to care for patients with severe neurological diseases, such as stroke.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I have been fortunate to be a part of multiple organizations including the Medical Neuroscience Graduate Organization, the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic, and the Student Interest Group in neurology.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
While there are many faculty members that have been helpful during my MSTP journey, those who have been particularly invested in my research development are my thesis advisor, Dr. Michelle Block, and the chair of my thesis committee, Dr. Adrian Oblak. Both these mentors have helped teach and form me into the scientist I am today.
Mahera Husain, third-year MD student
How do you feel about being a part of the 2022 Elite 50?
I feel very honored. I have been blessed with incredible faculty and student mentors, as well as supportive peers who have helped me stay involved with the activities that I am passionate about throughout medical school.
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I am most interested in identifying and addressing medical and social needs in our communities. I am always eager to expand my medical knowledge and to reach those who have barriers to accessing adequate health care. I am passionate about adult medicine and plan to continue to learn how to care for all types of diseases and pathologies.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I am part of the Navari Student Outreach Clinic in South Bend and the American Medical Women’s Association chapter at IU School of Medicine. Additionally, I’m working on creating a Student Interest Group for Muslim students at IU School of Medicine.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
Dr. Joseph Harmon is the Foundations of Clinical Practice coordinator at the South Bend campus. I have had the privilege of being taught by him throughout my first and second years of medical school. He has been instrumental in shaping my interests in medicine and has provided unmatched support both academically and personally.
Colton Junod, fourth-year MD student
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I am going into emergency medicine, and I enjoy everything that this unique field brings. Over the past two years, we’ve all seen firsthand the importance of emergency medicine. One of my passions is advocacy work, and emergency physicians are in a perfect role to do this as we witness what is happening in our community before many others.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I am a campus representative for my class in Terre Haute, so I have served on the Medical Student Council for four years. I’ve also been a volunteer and board member within the Mollie Wheat Memorial Clinic, our student outreach clinic in Terre Haute, that provides 100-percent free medical care to the community.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
There are too many to name, but two are Dr. Adam Hill and my lead advisor, Ashley Holt. They have been a great source of encouragement and wisdom during medical school.
Where will you be going for residency?
I matched into Emergency Medicine here at Indiana University!
Alejandra Méndez, third-year MD student
How do you feel about being a part of the 2022 Elite 50?
I feel so honored. As a non-traditional student in medicine, I hope this award serves as an example to other students that with the right guidance and determination, anything is possible. I would not be where I am today without the support of my mentors, advisors, deans, and family and friends.
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
My desire to serve the community developed from my commitment to social justice and concern and empathy for people in need of medical care, most specifically those with the least access. Prior to medical school, I pursued my MPH degree to develop community outreach and education programs for marginalized communities, which I continued during my medical education.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) is a national organization that is committed to advancing Latinx initiatives. I had the privilege of being paired with the founding president of the LMSA chapter at IU School of Medicine as one of my mentors. After completing my first year of medical school, I served on the board of LMSA for two years prior to expanding my involvement to the Midwest regional level. More recently, I have spearheaded initiatives to establish the Skin Clinic at the Student Outreach Clinic to provide skin cancer screening and establish continuity of care for our neighbors.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
I met Dr. Tori through the Cancer in Under-Privileged Indigent or Disadvantaged (CUPID) research program at the IU Simon Cancer Center. With his guidance, we are developing strategies to recruit and retain students under-represented in medicine in collaboration with the DEI Coalition. My lead advisor has been there for me every step of the way throughout medical school. There are so many mentors throughout various departments I credit for believing in me and supporting me throughout my medical education.
Rebecca Nunge, third-year MD student
How do you feel about being a part of the 2022 Elite 50?
It is an honor to be recognized among so many other exceptional graduate students who are doing important and impressive things in their respective fields. I do know that this would not have been possible without all my classmates and the faculty members who have supported me in my endeavors along the way.
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I am passionate about women’s reproductive health. I’m excited to work with women of all ages in my future career. Often, topics in reproductive care can be difficult to discuss and deeply private. I hope to work to create a safe, comfortable environment to discuss these intimate topics with my patients, and to give them a place where they feel they will be listened to, advocated for, and taken care of.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I am involved with the IU School of Medicine tutoring and peer mentoring programs, a member of the leadership team for the IU Student Outreach Clinic Women’s Health Clinic, and the president of the Correctional Medicine Student Outreach Project.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
Niki Messmore is our faculty advisor for the Correctional Medicine Student Outreach project. She has been the biggest source of support and encouragement in creating the student group. She has helped connect us with resources and experts in the field of correctional health, plan our educational events, create an affiliate agreement with the Indiana Department of Correction so that hopefully students can soon gain clinical experience within correctional facilities all over Indiana. She has also connected us with IU School of Medicine faculty with the objective of integrating correctional health topics officially into the FCP curriculum. The creation of this project would not have been possible without her endless encouragement and assistance!
Brycen Ratcliffe, fourth-year MD student
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I am going into general surgery and hope to work as a rural surgeon after my training at Mizzou! I have been a part of the rural health class throughout medical school. I plan to live and work in a rural area; I have taken and taught wilderness medicine classes, which are fun and interesting to me!
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I was fortunate to work for an ambulance company and volunteer at a fire department throughout medical school. I helped volunteer and eventually joined the board of the student-run free clinic, and I taught several classes on wilderness medicine, CPR and first responder training.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
Dr. Duong, the dean of my campus in Terre Haute, was outstanding with both myself and many other students in my class. He not only teaches our anatomy class but also provides mentoring, facilitates any interests we have in extra-curriculars and is very supportive of any opportunities we pursue as students.
Where will you be going for residency and what is your specialty?
I will be going to Mizzou for five years of General Surgery training!
Melanie Scheive, third-year MD student
How do you feel about being a part of the 2022 Elite 50?
I am humbled to be honored alongside fellow graduate/professional school students making a meaningful impact on their campus and surrounding communities.
What are your interests/passions in medicine?
I am interested in improving access to quality eye care for all--particularly the underserved. I hope to do this by a career in ophthalmology that is very multidisciplinary, encompassing patient care, research, education, global health systems and public health. I am concurrently pursuing an MPH in epidemiology. Additionally, I am a Health Professions Scholarship Program student with the United States Air Force, so I am looking forward to serving our selfless military personnel and their unique needs.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I am a student leader of Ophthalmology, Global Health and Military Student Interet Groups on the Indianapolis campus.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you through medical school?
Dr. Rudy Yung has been instrumental in shaping my interests within ophthalmology as advisor for the Ophthalmology SIG and its student-run free eye clinic at the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic. He has mentored me in both the clinical and research realms to find ways to improve quality eye care, including starting a patient navigator program and national consortium of student-run free eye clinics.
Anika Shimonty, Musculoskeletal Health PhD, Fall 2022
What are your interests/passions as a medical scientist?
My research is based on muscle-bone crosstalk, my major area of interest. I’m also interested in how different muscle and bone derived factors can systematically affect our system.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I’m the student representative of Musculoskeletal Health, a member of Biomedical Graduate Student Advocacy Association, and the graduate student representative of the School of Medicine in the Graduate and Professional Student Government. My primary role is to serve as a voice for our students, and work as a liaison between the students and the authority in a way that benefits everyone. I also serve as a member of the Health and Wellness Committee. I was the student representative in the Indiana BioMedical Gateway Admission Committee of 2021. I arranged an expert faculty visit from Harvard University which has opened a path of collaboration with a renowned research university, thus paving the way for future networking of the IUPUI research teams. For my research work, I have been featured in the HubLE online learning environment of International Federation of Musculoskeletal Research Societies. I was a young investigator travel grant recipient in American Society for Bone and Mineral Research international conference in 2021.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you develop as a medical scientist?
My principal investigator, Dr. Lynda Bonewald, has been an amazing mentor in her support and guidance and has been helping me establish myself as an independent scientist. Additionally, the members of my lab, my committee members, and other mentors have all been crucial in my journey.
What are your plans after graduating from IU School of Medicine?
I plan to continue research with a post-doc position in the near future. My long-term goal is to establish myself in academia as an independent researcher and principal investigator in the area of musculoskeletal health and biomedical science.
Wesley Stansberry, Medical Neuroscience PhD, 2024
What are your interests/passions as a medical scientist?
I come from a clinical genetics background prior to grad school. My predominant passion throughout my scientific career has centered around developing diagnostic tests for various disorders and making discoveries that improve the quality of patient care within laboratory medicine. Due to multiple cases of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease within my family, I’ve also held an interest in understanding the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. I have chosen to conduct my graduate research in a neurodegeneration lab working with ALS. I hope to discover biomarkers that can be used to diagnose ALS in earlier diseases, along with targets that can be used for therapy development.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
My primary volunteer role on campus has been helping found and lead an IU School of Medicine peer-to-peer wellness coach program for graduate students. I also serve on the university's Health and Wellness Advisory Committee as the PhD student representative. Within my graduate program of medical neuroscience, I’m the elected student representative on the Training and Advisory Council. I am also on the executive board for the Medical Neuroscience Student Government Organization, which allows me to secure resources for students within my program. Outside of the university, I volunteer as a blood donor ambassador with the Red Cross and participate in the Genetics and Bioinformatics Subcommittees within the Association for Molecular Pathology.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you develop as a medical scientist?
My principal investigator for my graduate research, Dr. Brian Pierchala, has been my greatest mentor and champion in my development as a medical scientist. Brian has always been incredibly supportive of my ambitions and my ideas for projects. Even when my experiments all fail at once and I’m feeling discouraged, Brian is always able to find something positive about what I’ve done to get me excited about the next round of experiments. In my time working with him, I have already grown so much as a scientist in how I ask questions and make connections relating my work to the current research of the rest of the scientific community.
Staci Weaver, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD, 2023
What are your interests/passions as a medical scientist?
My passions revolve around improving the quality of life of those living with Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 19 and live with this condition every day of my life. It is my life goal to prevent others from developing this condition and improve the quality of life for those who are living with it.
What service learning, leadership and/or volunteer initiatives have you participated in?
I have been an active volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) since 2014. At JDRF, I serve on the Advocacy Team and serve as an outreach volunteer. In these roles, I met with state and national senators and representatives advising them on the importance of Type 1 Diabetes research, rising cost of insulin, and allocation of COVID relief funds for non-profits. As an outreach volunteer, I reach out to newly diagnosed individuals and families affected by Type 1 Diabetes to provide a patient perspective and tips for managing the chronic condition long term. Throughout the years volunteering for JDRF, I was also able to fundraise over $10,000 in support of Type 1 Diabetes research.
I also participate in public science outreach activities, promoting science education in elementary and high schools in the state of Indiana with primary focus on underprivileged schools within Marion County, Indiana. Seeing children’s eyes light up from a science experiment is the best feeling in the world.
Is there a specific faculty member or mentor who has helped you develop as a medical scientist?
Dr. Carmella Evans-Molina has served as an excellent mentor and role model for me to develop both as a scientist and as a young professional. Dr. Evans-Molina holds both MD and PhD degrees, making her well poised for biomedical research, especially in Type 1 Diabetes where she is a leader in the field. Dr. Evans-Molina knows how to appropriately mentor and push students to their full potential. I am extremely thankful to be guided by her on my journey to earning my PhD.
What are your plans after graduating from IU School of Medicine?
My plans after graduation are to work in a dynamic team of incredibly creative and intelligent scientists who work together to solve pressing issues in the Type 1 Diabetes space--whether this environment exists in academia, industry or nonprofit. I just know I want to work with curious, intellectual collaborators to improve the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes and to move the field forward towards an ultimate prevention of Type 1 Diabetes all together.
