2025 Medical Admissions Preparatory Program Students
Abby Tang
Abby Tang is a senior at the University of Utah majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology, and minoring in Chemistry and Pediatric Clinical Research. As the first in her family to pursue medicine, she is committed to increasing Asian-American and female representation in healthcare. Abby works as a medical assistant and researches CAR T-cell therapy. She is a teaching assistant for Human Anatomy and Organic Chemistry and volunteers with food-insecurity and refugee programs. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and drinking matcha. Abby aspires to address healthcare disparities shaped by her family’s immigrant background from Vietnam.
Abby Niwa
Hi, I’m Abby Niwa and I am an Honors Biochemistry student driven by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to becoming a pediatric physician. I’m driven by the belief that health is foundational to happiness, and I hope to bring comfort, connection, and long-term care to the lives of my future patients. Outside the lab and clinic, you’ll find me hiking in the mountains, doing pottery, or crafting something by hand!
Adrian Martinez Guadarrama
Adrian is committed to serving underserved populations, a dedication rooted in personal experience. Having navigated the same challenges of poverty, inaccessible healthcare, and exclusion, Adrian intimately understands the struggles these communities face daily. This firsthand knowledge fuels a strong resolve to become a physician, ensuring that marginalized individuals receive the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve. Adrian's goals are to bring significant changes for individuals who are not receiving competent and compassionate healthcare due to factors outside their control. Adrian's commitment is further demonstrated through active involvement with multiple free clinics, reinforcing a mission to bring equitable healthcare to all.
Bhawishna Bhawna
My name is Bhawishna, and I’m currently working toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Utah. As a Pacific Islander woman, my journey to medicine has been deeply rooted in service, resilience, and a sincere desire to uplift communities like mine. I’m pursuing a career in medicine because I’m passionate about making healthcare more compassionate and accessible, especially for underserved populations. I am especially excited about the chance to learn from mentors and grow alongside other aspiring physicians who share a passion for service.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family and my two fur-babies, Tyson and Coco, my energetic Siberian Huskies. I also love traveling and have been to Australia, Fiji and India, with Brazil next on my list this year.
Britney Rivera
Britney is a first-generation Latina and third-year student at the U, studying biology and chemistry. A licensed Master Esthetician and passionate advocate for education and pageantry, she leads her Miss America community service initiative ‘Beauty in Education’. Through mentorship, storytelling, and community outreach, she empowers first-generation students, Latinas, and women in STEM to embrace both their elegance and intellect. Britney is driven by her roots, resilience, and a mission to serve others through both healthcare and education.
Cesar Caceres
Hello, my name is Cesar Caceres and I am a post-baccalaureate student with plans to attend medical school. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and came to Utah to attend school. I love playing and coaching sports. I volunteer in my community ad a youth football coach. This love for sports and coaching has gotten me interested in orthopedics and sports medicine. I am also an officer in the Utah Army National Guard and I volunteer at the University of Utah Hospital to provide Spanish translation services to the Latino community. I believe that this desire I have to help people and volunteer my time will serve me well as I seek to become a physician.
Daniel Vinh Nguyen
Hey! My name is Daniel Nguyen and I am a student at the University of Utah. I am currently majoring in Honors Biology with minors in Human Rights and Resources along with Chemistry. Growing up as a first student has been an incredible journey and has led to me to study in many different countries including Korea and Peru along with being a part of many communities at the U such as: First Gen Scholars, Utah Jazz Scholar, Campus Ambassadors, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and so much more. My passion and love for others led me to go into healthcare and one day become a cardiologist. I strive to become a physician and care for as many different communities as I can!
Darren Thomas
I am from a small town on the Navajo Reservation called Many Farms. I am currently residing in Oregon for college, and studying mechanical engineering, with an interest in becoming a medical scientist. Other than that, I'm a big outdoor person and enjoy activities like playing soccer, hiking, and running. You can also find me inside, eating and watching youtube.
Diya Garg
Diya Garg is a Health, Society, and Policy major with a Chemistry minor at the University of Utah, graduating in December 2025. She works as a medical assistant at Madsen Family Clinic, a lead tutor at the campus Learning Center, and a TA for organic chemistry. Diya also conducts research under Dr. Agarwal. Passionate about rural healthcare, she hopes to expand access to quality care in underserved communities. In her free time, she enjoys reading and crafting.
Emmanuel Acevedo Alducin
My name is Emmanuel Acevedo Alducin. I graduated from BYUI with a degree in Biochemistry. I am currently a medical technologist for ARUP. I am also a medical interpreter and volunteer in the EMERGE program, working as a research assistant. One of the things that drives me to become a physician is my love for the sciences and my passion for working and helping others, especially the Latino community. Outside of medicine, I enjoy music, particularly going to metal shows and visiting National Parks. .
Hannah Sheppard
Hi! My name is Hannah Sheppard and I am a senior at the University of Utah. I am majoring in Honors Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology. I am also minoring in Chemistry. I am a Research Assistant at the Albertine-Dahl lab at the University of Utah and am a TA for a few classes. I am a CNA and love working to improve healthcare access for underserved communities through my time volunteering at the Maliheh Free Clinic and Fourth Street Clinic. I strive to become a physician to continue working bridge gaps in healthcare. In my free time I enjoy dancing, playing tennis, pickleball, and basketball. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this years MAPP cohort.
Jenna Junge
Hi! I’m Jenna Junge, and I’m so excited to be part of this year’s MAPP cohort. During my time at the U of U, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined; once intimidated by chemistry, I became a TA for Organic Chemistry. I’m now involved in two research projects that have deepened my understanding of culturally competent care and underserved populations. These experiences have shaped my passion for holistic, equitable healthcare. I’m grateful to MAPP for its support and community, and I look forward to applying to medical school with a renewed commitment to compassionate, informed care.
Joshua Ortiz
Joshua Ortiz earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in public health from Westminster University. He now works as a research coordinator at the University of Utah in the Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, supporting a Phase 3 clinical trial on aerobic exercise and Parkinson’s disease. Outside of work, Josh enjoys camping in his 4Runner, playing sand volleyball, and giving back to his community. A volunteer highlight includes serving as a counselor at Camp Hobe, a summer camp for children and families affected by cancer. He looks forward to continuing his community involvement this summer!
Leya Joseph
My name is Leya and I will be entering my senior year, majoring in Honors Psychology at the University of Utah. I've always been passionate about giving back to the community, with a particular focus on rural and global health. In my spare time, I love playing piano, traveling, and capturing the beauty of landscapes through photography.
Lucas Santiago Calderon
Marlon Lopez
Marlon Lopez is a recent graduate from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During his undergraduate studies Marlon has been a part of various laboratories studying cancer, deepening his interest in medicine. Marlon’s career goal is becoming a physician and is interested in specializing in oncology. In his free time, he likes to play piano, tennis, table tennis and soccer, spending time with his pets, and is an avid supporter of the Utah Jazz.
Mia Sheneman
Mia Sheneman is a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in Biology, emphasizing Human Anatomy and Physiology, from the University of Utah. After transferring from Salt Lake Community College and completing her A.S. in Health Science, she mentored other transfer students. Inspired by her mother’s rural upbringing, Mia developed a passion for increasing access to care in underserved areas while working in home health. As a clinical research and healthcare assistant at the University of Utah Hospital, she contributed to health equity and prevention and currently serves as a U-EMERGE research program leader to increase access to opioid-overdose reversal medications.
Minh Anh Nguyen
My name is Minh Anh, and I’m a senior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Pediatric Clinical Research. I’ve served as a teaching assistant for several courses and I'm currently a research assistant in a neuroscience lab at the Moran Eye Center. My interest in medicine stems from growing up in an environment where I witnessed firsthand how socioeconomic factors can lead to a lack of access and attentiveness to healthcare. This experience has fueled my desire to become a physician and one day help bridge those gaps in care and awareness. Outside of academics, I enjoy doing Pilates, playing tennis and pickleball, sewing, crocheting, and spending time with my friends and family. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of MAPP and excited for the guidance and mentorship this program will provide.
Nehal Bakshi
Nehal Bakshi is a recent graduate from the University of Utah with degrees in Biology and Health, Society & Policy. She is passionate about public health, health equity, and community-engaged research. As an aspiring physician, Nehal aims to integrate science, community insight, and policy to advance culturally responsive and preventative care. Her research background includes work in population health sciences, global health, and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Sean Cunningham
Hello, my name is Sean Cunningham, and I am from Colorado. I am entering my senior year as an undergraduate at the University of Utah, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Latin American Studies. I have always had a hunger for knowledge and a passion for medicine. I hope to one day be a great physician who makes well-informed care decisions. Currently, I work as a medical assistant at the U of U specialty clinic float pool and perform research on how brain neurons learn. In my free time, I am an avid climber, skier, and reader.
Yasmin Masini
Yasmin Masini is a first-generation college student at the University of Utah majoring in Medical Laboratory Sciences. She is currently conducting research on liver and cardiovascular disease and is deeply committed to a career as a physician-scientist (MD/PhD). Her work is driven by a passion for health equity, shaped by her clinical experience at Huntsman Cancer Institute and volunteer efforts in food justice,pediatric health and breast cancer awareness and advocacy. Yasmin’s multicultural background, growing up between Tunisia and Italy, inspires her focus on accessible, community-centered care. She is excited to join MAPP to continue growing along her path toward medicine and research.
Zaneb Anwar
Hi! My name is Zaneb Anwar, and I’m a junior at the University of Utah majoring in Honors Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology and minoring in Chemistry. I’m currently a Teaching Assistant for Organic Chemistry and volunteer at the Maliheh Free Clinic, where I’ve grown passionate about improving access to healthcare. I also work as a pharmacy technician and in EMS, which has opened my eyes to both patient care and safe use of medication.
As a first-generation college student, I’m passionate about global health and women’s health, particularly issues like reproductive endocrinology and health equity. These experiences have shaped my goal of pursuing a career in medicine, where I hope to advocate for underserved communities and advance care for women.
When I’m not studying or working, you’ll find me shopping and being an auntie!