2026 Medical Admissions Preparatory Program Students
Andy (Yu-An) Chan
Andy (Yu-An) Chan is a first-generation college graduate from Taiwan who recently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Biochemistry and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Utah. His passion for immunology has been shaped by years of scientific curiosity, hands-on research, and a desire to translate discoveries into improved patient care.
Andy aspires to pursue an MD/PhD to advance macrophage-based anti-CD47 immunotherapies for medulloblastoma. Beyond the lab, he volunteers in the medical/surgical and emergency departments at St. Mark’s Hospital and serves as an International Student Ambassador, supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
In his free time, Andy enjoys discovering new foods, drinking boba, singing karaoke, reading, and exploring new cultures through travel.
Deborah Hsu
Debbie Hsu is a senior at the University of Utah pursuing a double major in Cello Performance and Biology with an emphasis in Human Anatomy and Physiology, along with a minor in Chemistry. She has worked as an undergraduate research assistant in a pediatric neurology lab and currently serves as a teaching assistant for Organic Chemistry. Drawing from both her scientific and musical pursuits, Debbie aspires to become a physician who brings qualities of curiosity, collaboration, and human connection to her patients and colleagues.
Outside of school, she manages rehearsals for the Utah Youth Orchestras and is a passionate cellist who performs with several ensembles, including the Utah Medical Orchestra and the University of Utah Early Music Ensemble. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, hiking, and sharing good meals with friends and family.
Dylan Chamas
Dylan Chamas is a Biology major at the University of Utah with academic interests in organic chemistry and genetics. He has contributed to research involving quantitative analyses of phylogenetic relationships and mouse behavior. Dylan also completed the University of Utah Medical Assistant Program, gaining direct clinical experience in rheumatology and internal medicine. He hopes to carry these experiences into medical school and a future career in medicine.
Outside of school, Dylan can usually be found lifting weights, training jiu-jitsu, playing tennis, or exploring trails with his dogs.
Emilienne Kouam
Emilienne Kouam is a first-generation international student from Cameroon and a senior at Utah Valley University, where she is completing her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration. She previously earned an Associate of Science in Pre-Medicine and Health Sciences and is preparing to pursue medical school.
Emilienne’s passion for medicine began in childhood after witnessing her sister overcome cancer in the United States while also seeing individuals in her home country lose their lives to preventable diseases, such as malaria, due to limited access to quality healthcare. These experiences inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others receive the care and opportunities needed to improve their health and well-being.
Her long-term goal is to become a physician while helping improve healthcare access in underserved communities through policy, leadership, and the development of hospitals and clinics that prioritize quality, compassionate care.
Ever Muniz
Ever Muniz is a senior at the University of Utah, majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Chemistry. Coming from a family of immigrants, he is passionate about improving access to healthcare and other essential services for underserved communities.
Ever volunteers at Fourth Street Clinic, which primarily serves individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Salt Lake Valley. He is also a volunteer with Engineers Without Borders, where he contributes to various local and international projects, including efforts to bring clean, potable water to remote communities in Bolivia.
In his free time, Ever enjoys caring for his ever-growing collection of hundreds of plants and aquarium fish.
Gavin Pendergrast
Gavin is entering his senior year at the University of Utah, where he is majoring in Kinesiology with a pre-health emphasis and pursuing the pre-med track. He will graduate with minors in Chemistry and Pediatric Clinical Research. His goal is to attend medical school and positively impact the lives of others through medicine. He is currently interested in exploring specialties such as pediatrics and orthopedics.
A fun fact about Gavin is that he tore both of his ACLs within the span of two years, an experience that inspired his interest in medicine.
Gregory Freeman
Greg Freeman is a rising junior at the University of Utah, majoring in Emergency Medical Services with an emphasis in EMS Management. Outside of the classroom, Greg has gained experience working in research labs and hospital settings and will soon begin serving as a teaching assistant during the upcoming semester. As an aspiring physician, Greg is passionate about medicine, particularly in the areas of patient advocacy and access to care.
When he is not working, Greg enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Ilmah Eshagh Harooni
Ilmah Eshagh Harooni is a Medical Laboratory Science major at the University of Utah on a pre-medical track. She works as a teaching assistant for Physiology and is involved in a research lab studying the long-term effects of ventilation strategies in preterm birth models, particularly their impact on neonatal outcomes and respiratory health. As a first-generation college student in the United States, Ilmah is motivated to give back to the communities that supported her family after they immigrated. Her experiences volunteering with the Maliheh Free Clinic and Saturday Academy have further shaped her commitment to service, education, and improving access to healthcare and learning opportunities.
Ilmah is trilingual, having grown up speaking Farsi/Persian and later becoming fluent in English and Spanish, earning a seal of biliteracy. She is also a certified phlebotomist, medical assistant, and Persian medical interpreter, experiences that have strengthened her ability to communicate across languages in healthcare settings and deepened her interest in patient-centered care.
Outside of academics, Ilmah enjoys yoga, crafts, crocheting, baking, hiking, and snowboarding. She also works at a ski resort during the winter, reflecting her love for the outdoors and staying active year-round.
Jessica Mendoza
Jessica Mendoza is a senior at the University of Utah majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology and minors in Pediatric Clinical Research and Chemistry. As a first-generation college student and the first in her family to pursue medicine, she is passionate about addressing health disparities, particularly those resulting from language barriers.
Jessica works as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Residential Advisor, and Partner Liaison with the Bennion Center, where she helps connect volunteers with community nonprofit organizations. She also volunteers at the Utah Food Bank, mentors refugee youth, and serves as a Spanish translator at the Maliheh Free Clinic.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys playing soccer, camping, and hiking. She hopes to use her future career in medicine to improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities.
Jessica Vasquez
Jessica Vazquez graduated with a degree in Biomedical Science and a minor in Chemistry. She has worked as a clinical lab assistant and phlebotomist, experiences that solidified her passion and purpose for becoming a physician. Jessica is drawn to internal medicine and hopes to serve as a primary care physician for underserved communities, helping address Utah’s physician shortage and serving as a bridge for the local Latino community.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys adventuring with her husband and fur baby, Coco. She finds peace outdoors through activities like paddleboarding and enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She recently began running and has completed three half marathons, and she is currently training for her first full marathon.
Jett Nemelka
Jett Nemelka is a recent graduate of the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology and a minor in Chemistry. He is actively involved in chemistry research focused on small-molecule synthesis in organic chemistry and serves as a teaching assistant for Organic Chemistry courses.
Jett is a certified EMT and a member of the University of Utah’s Connect2Health program, where he participates in clinical volunteering and serves as the Resource Chair Lead on the program’s Resource Committee.
Outside of academics and healthcare, Jett enjoys golfing, watching sports, attending live music events, and watching movies. He aspires to become a physician who advocates for health equity and works to improve access to quality healthcare for underserved and underrepresented communities.
Joseph Richards
Joseph Richards is a senior at the University of Utah pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Human Anatomy, along with minors in Pediatric Clinical Research, Health, and Chemistry. He works in-home with Utah Respite Care and serves as an ACA at Primary Children’s Hospital, supporting children and families in both clinical and community settings.
Joseph is also involved in orthopaedic research examining the loading complexities of human long bones, as well as pediatric clinical research in the emergency department. Beyond the clinic and lab, he volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and Girls on the Run Utah and serves as a teaching assistant for Organic Chemistry.
Together, these experiences have strengthened his interest in the structural, clinical, and social factors that shape patient outcomes and have deepened his commitment to caring for children and families. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar with his band, climbing mountains, and cooking. Joseph aspires to serve Utah families as a physician by providing compassionate, exceptional, and equitable care.
Kei Man Wong
Kei Man Wong graduated in Spring 2025 from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services, with an emphasis in Management, and double minors in Pediatric Clinical Research and Chemistry. Her academic interests center on pediatric and emergency care, as well as clinical research and global health. As an international student from Hong Kong, she is especially committed to advancing global health initiatives and improving access to care across diverse populations.
Kei aspires to pursue an MD–PhD program and hopes to build a career as either a pediatric emergency medicine physician or an orthopedic surgeon. She currently works as a Program Coordinator for the Pediatric Clinical Research Minor, where she supports student engagement and academic programming.
In her free time, Kei enjoys playing badminton, engaging in board games, and listening to music.
Kelly Bisht
Kelly Bisht is a Biology major at the University of Utah with double minors in Chemistry and Honors Integrated Health. She is EMT certified and has worked as a Clinical Research Assistant on a multi-center study examining pathogen cross-transmission and surgical site infections in operating rooms. Kelly also serves as Principal Investigator on her own IRB-approved quality improvement project examining infection prevention practices in the trauma bay, mentored by Dr. Harriet Hopf in the Department of Anesthesiology, which forms the basis of her Honors thesis.
Kelly volunteers at the Fourth Street Clinic and has participated in a University of Utah service-immersion trip in Seattle focused on housing insecurity. These experiences have shaped her passion for providing emergency care to individuals experiencing homelessness and her interest in addressing the disproportionate infection, injury, and trauma risks faced by unhoused populations. She aspires to become a trauma surgeon dedicated to reducing preventable harm in patient care.
In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, and rock climbing.
Kylee Fernandez
Kylee Fernandez is a recent first-generation graduate from the University of Utah, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a focus on Human Anatomy and Physiology. During her undergraduate studies, she founded the Pre-Medicine Club on campus to support pre-medical students by fostering a community that provides mentorship, resources, and opportunities for academic and professional development.
Currently, she works full-time as a Medical Assistant in Cardiology, where she continues to strengthen her clinical skills and passion for patient care. As a future physician, Kylee is committed to advancing health equity and advocating for underserved communities by providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking, golfing, snowboarding, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Madi Palmer
Madi Palmer is a recent graduate from the University of Utah with a degree in Biochemistry. As the first person in her family to pursue medicine, her path has been deeply rooted in patient care and service. She currently works as a healthcare assistant at Huntsman Cancer Institute on the Bone Marrow Transplant floor, where she is committed to improving access to care for oncology patients from rural and underserved populations across the Mountain West.
Madi has also served as a research assistant in the Depner Lab, an Organic Chemistry teaching assistant, and a volunteer at the Maliheh Free Clinic. Her passion for becoming a physician is grounded in the understanding that a diagnosis extends far beyond the individual patient.
In her free time, Madi enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and trying new restaurants in the Salt Lake Valley.
Mason Chase
Mason Chase is a recent graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. As an EKG technician at Intermountain Medical Center, he discovered a passion for healthcare and developed an interest in pursuing a career in medicine. Through his clinical work, research, and service experiences, Mason has gained an appreciation for the importance of meeting people where they are and providing compassionate care to individuals from all backgrounds.
As a former collegiate basketball player, Mason enjoys sports, staying active, and spending time with family and friends. He hopes to build a career centered on service, improving access to healthcare, and cultivating meaningful relationships with both patients and colleagues.
Melina Itonose
Melina Itinose is a Biology major with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology and a pre-med student at the University of Utah. She has worked as a biology teaching assistant and as a laboratory assistant conducting research on skeletal muscle aging. She currently works as a medical assistant in family practice at a local clinic, where she continues to strengthen her clinical skills and gain firsthand experience in patient care.
Before pursuing medicine, Melina earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with an emphasis in Political and Economic Development from Brigham Young University and built a career in investment management. Inspired by a desire to make a meaningful difference, she hopes to combine her diverse experiences to provide compassionate, patient-centered care and contribute to improving health outcomes for individuals and communities.
Having lived in Brazil and France, Melina has developed a deep appreciation and respect for different cultures and the unique perspectives they bring. She is actively involved in serving her local community, particularly through organizations that support children and youth.
Outside of school and work, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Nadeen Shtait
Nadeen Shtait is an upcoming senior at the University of Utah majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She moved to Utah from Iraq in 2018 to pursue her dream of becoming a physician and is passionate about medicine, patient advocacy, and community service. As a first-generation student in America, she hopes to inspire other students to pursue their goals and aspirations.
Nadeen currently works as a diet technician and Arabic medical interpreter in a hospital setting, helping patients receive quality care while assisting dietitians in supporting the nutritional needs of NICU babies and adult patients. She enjoys drawing portraits, trying new recipes, and volunteering with local community organizations to educate youth and families.
Nadeen is interested in using her compassion, leadership skills, and passion for education to pursue a career in dermatology.
Ryan Friel
Ryan is in his third undergraduate year at the University of Utah, where he studies Bioinformatics with a minor in Chemistry. He enjoys learning about the foundational role mathematics plays in many scientific disciplines and is passionate about the intersection of science, technology, and healthcare.
Outside of his studies, Ryan has worked as a Medical Assistant at Intermountain Health for three years, gaining experience caring for patients from a variety of backgrounds. This experience, along with his independent research on disparities in healthcare access among different populations, has inspired his goal of practicing primary care in Central Utah or the Rural Midwest.
Ryan has a deep appreciation for building connections within the communities he serves. He has served on his local HOA board of directors and is a core volunteer at the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective. He believes primary care provides an opportunity to both serve others and build lasting relationships within his community.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and completing home renovation projects.
Teagan Rooney
Teagan Rooney is a post-baccalaureate student researcher at the University of Utah through the IDEAS in Neuroscience program. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College with a double major in Biology and Psychology, they are investigating the role of Ma2 Paraneoplastic Antigen (PNMA2) in learning and memory as a member of the Shepherd Lab.
With a strong interest in neuroimmunology and translational medicine, Teagan aspires to advance the understanding of rare neurological diseases as a physician-scientist. As an undergraduate, they studied the influence of discrimination on daily cortisol levels and volunteered as an EMT, experiences that shaped their desire to support underserved populations as a compassionate physician.
Outside of the lab, Teagan enjoys taking sunset walks with their senior poodle, hosting movie nights with friends, and exploring the Utah wilderness through hiking, biking, and camping.
Toni Ott
Toni Lillian Ott is a rising senior at the University of Utah, majoring in Community Health Promotion & Education with an emphasis in Health Promotion and Research and a minor in Chemistry. She earned an Associate of Science in Biology from Salt Lake Community College and hopes to attend medical school.
Her academic interests include population health and chronic disease prevention, with a focus on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Outside of school, Toni enjoys spending time with family, playing tennis, and being an avid K-drama fan.
Vanessa Downing
Vanessa Downing is a senior Honors Molecular and Cellular Biology major with a minor in Pediatric Clinical Research. Her areas of interest stem from caring for a family member who experienced significant gaps in healthcare, and whose recovery highlighted how access to resources can shape health outcomes.
Originally from Peru, Vanessa works as a CNA and medical assistant and serves as a Human Physiology teaching assistant. She volunteers at Hope Clinic, where she provides scribe-translation support between Spanish and English for physicians and patients. She is also involved in clinical research in the Autonomic Physiology Lab, examining how occupational sun and heat exposure relate to migraine symptom severity. Additionally, she contributes to hospice care and refugee health initiatives.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, and spending time near the ocean.
Vanessa aspires to reduce barriers to healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness and advance patient-centered care for underserved populations.
Zhiting Xu
Zhiting Xu is a Biology major at the University of Utah with research interests in cardiac genetics and community health. As a first-generation college student, Zhiting is passionate about addressing health disparities through the integration of scientific research, clinical care, and community engagement.
Zhiting researches the genetic mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation, volunteers as an Emergency Department Health Navigator, and participates in community initiatives that improve access to essential resources for underserved populations. She aspires to become a physician who combines research, patient care, and advocacy to advance health equity.
In her free time, Zhiting enjoys hiking, playing board games, and gardening.
