2024 Medical Admissions Preparatory Program Students
Akow Ibrahim
Akow Ibrahim is a senior at the University of Utah, majoring in Health, Society, and Policy and minoring in Sociology. With interests in community health promotion, she has worked with the International Rescue Committee as a health access intern and is currently researching cultural and health literacy barriers among Muslims in the U.S. for her honors thesis. After graduating, she hopes to bridge the gap between medical and educational resources for patients with unmet social needs by applying to medical school and becoming a primary care physician down the line. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching soap operas.
Arsen Arutyunyan
Hi, my name is Arsen. I am a student at the University of Utah. I have been an undergrad at the U for four years and am excited to be in the MAPP. My biggest goal is to output the best work I can every day and incrementally build my way up to becoming a physician! I like to play pickleball in my spare time and occasionally hike and cook when possible. I also love reading and have recently become engrossed in Anne Karenina (heavily recommended).
Brianna Nevarez
Brianna is a junior at the University of Utah majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Brianna currently works as a research assistant at Huntsman Cancer Institute studying endometrial cancer. She is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities affecting marginalized communities. Coming from an immigrant Mexican family, where she firsthand witnessed the barriers to accessing care that they needed, she wants to advocate for change towards healthcare equity.
Brook Vaitohi
My name is Brook Vaitohi and I am from Payson, Utah. I am currently pursuing a degree in Strategic Management at Brigham Young University and am preparing to apply to medical school. As a Pacific Islander, I one day hope to work as a physician in helping meet the medical needs of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders communities.
Cheyanne Gates
My name is Cheyanne Gates, and I currently work as a Medical Technologist at the University of Utah’s Department of Dermatology. Alongside my passion for medicine, I enjoy camping, biking, playing softball, and reading. At home, I love spending time with my two cats named Felix and LD. I’ve always dreamed of attending medical school and becoming a doctor. I’m thrilled to be a part of this program working towards that goal and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Chimdi Ihediwa
Hello everyone, my name is Chimdi, and I'm a senior at the University of Utah majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry. I'm from Lagos, Nigeria, and I hope to be one of the first doctors in my family. I've always had a keen interest in medicine and science, which has led me to my current research in the NERVES Lab. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed the challenges of limited healthcare access firsthand, which fueled my desire to help and make a difference in the medical field. When I'm not studying or contemplating my life decisions, I love relaxing activities like crocheting, cooking, and my new passion for gardening. I'm so excited and grateful for the MAPP program because navigating the medical field can be challenging, and this program provides invaluable guidance and support.
Christina Nguyen
Hello! My name is Christina Nguyen, I’m a first-generation student pursuing medicine. I’m from Utah, and I started my first 3 semesters at the U Asia Campus in South Korea! My goal is to get into medical school, serve underrepresented communities, give hope to those in need, and be a great role model for my family. I serve as a Student Ambassador for the U Asia Campus. I also volunteer at Primary Children’s, the Maliheh Free Clinic, and at a Research Lab. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a MAPP scholar and hope to strive in this program
Emily Mangan
Emily graduated from Boise State University and majored in Biology: Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical and was a BSU Cheerleader. Growing up in rural Idaho and Montana, healthcare was considered a luxury until it was absolutely necessary. Seeing the reality of health disparities in these rural locations firsthand left a lasting mark on her life’s aspirations. Emily is the first female in her family to pursue a career, and particularly in the field of medicine.
Emily Rhodes
Emily Rhodes graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Health, Society and Policy, Family, Community, and Human Development, a minor in Psychology, and a certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Emily is pre-med and hopes to become a Pediatrician where she can advocate for children in the healthcare setting as she believes that it is important that the child's needs and concerns are also addressed and taken seriously when it comes to medicine and their health. Emily works in research at the University of Utah and coaches competitive cheer. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
Fatima Al-Sudani
Hi, my name is Fatima Al-Sudani and I am a first-generation student hoping to attend medical school. I am currently majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in chemistry. I have chosen to pursue medical school, not only for the challenge, but to provide Latino, Middle Eastern, and female representation in healthcare. My hobbies include reading, crocheting, and playing video games with my little brothers.
Jackson Merriam
I am a first-generation, pre-medical student aspiring to pursue a career in anesthesiology following medical school. Driven by a passion for healthcare and a commitment to improving patient outcomes, I aim to serve disadvantaged communities, particularly those on reservations in the United States. After finishing my residency in anesthesia, I intend to complete a fellowship in pain medicine so that I can work toward advancing our understanding of chronic pain. Additionally, I plan to open a clinic in the Salt Lake Valley to help chronically ill patients, like my mother and sister, manage their pain throughout the day.
Khloe Kakunes
I have had an interest in becoming a physician since I was a young girl. A lot of my inspiration comes from my grandmother who served as a self taught midwife for her rural community. I love research, and I’ve had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in early cancer detection research as well as in the University of Utah’s NICU to help identify how to decrease the number of CLABSI occurrences they were experiencing. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy reading, lifting weights, and playing with my sweet kitties Charcuterie and Robespierre.
Megan Meier
Hi, I’m Megan! I am a first-generation college student and a medic in the Air Force. I’m an aspiring physician who cares deeply about the mission of global health and serving rural communities, making the University of Utah my leading choice to attend as a medical student. As a medic, I was deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2023 traveled to Morrocco to provide humanitarian health care. When I’m not in uniform or studying, you can find me wearing a harness climbing Utah’s beautiful mountains, dissecting the lyrical genius of Taylor Swift or playing with my dogs.
Niyera Nyandagaro
I was born in Tanzania and resettled in Utah as a refugee at age 5. Currently, I'm a senior majoring in Health, Society, and Policy with a minor in Chemistry. I'm a Bennion Scholar and work as a medical assistant in family medicine. I plan to take the MCAT in May 2025 and apply to medical schools that same cycle. Being a first-generation student, I am grateful and blessed to be in the MAPP program this summer. Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, deepening my faith, and engaging in hands-on activities. Professionally, my goal is to become a physician dedicated to working with underserved communities. Ultimately, I aspire to join efforts aimed at improving healthcare conditions and outcomes in Burundi/Tanzania.
Pablo Cruz-Ayala
Pablo Cruz-Ayala is a Mexican-born immigrant raised in Utah. He works with local art, community, and immigrant support groups to improve undocumented immigrant support. They’ve recently earned their bachelor's education in Biomedical Engineering and Honors Studio Art at the University of Utah. Currently, he is an MFA candidate at the University of Utah College of Fine Arts, after which they hope to pursue a medical degree. Pablo is currently working on research projects that bring light to visual art's impact on physiological experiences through gallery spaces through biosensors for accessible art therapies. Pablo is an active member of the undocumented immigrant community, having held positions on the living traditions board with Artes De Mexico en Utah and the UMFA. They aim to continue nurturing and strengthening professional art and stem resources in Utah, targeting those with similar barriers they have experienced. Their work as a visual artist aims to visualize the stories and folklore that have developed in marginalized experiences and communities.
Payton Compton
My name is Payton Compton, a graduate of The Ohio State University and a lifelong Buckeye from Columbus, Ohio. I am a former student-athlete on OSU's Ski & Snowboard Team, genetics research assistant, high school STEM tutor, skateboarder, and cat mom. I hold a bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in Integrated Approaches to Health and Wellness. I aspire to complete an MD/PhD program with a research focus in pharmacogenetics, with clinical interests in psychiatry or oncology. I believe combining genetics, integrative medicine, and allopathic medicine represents the future of patient-centered care. Go Bucks!
Ritika Nayan
My name is Ritika, and I am a rising junior majoring in Biology and Sociology at the University of Utah. I've always been passionate about policy-driven solutions to communal health problems and aspire to pursue a career in infectious disease and science policy. In my free time, I love to read and collect books, paint, and explore new coffee shops!
Rodrigo Guerra
Rodrigo Guerra is from São Paulo Brazil and is studying biomedical sciences at BYU-Idaho. He holds a hospice certificate and has a strong passion for volunteering with the elderly, which he discovered through his hospice work. Rodrigo aspires to become a doctor who goes above and beyond to provide the best care for his patients. He aims to combine his love for science with his commitment to develop new treatments and contribute to medical research. Outside of his studies, Rodrigo enjoys running, exercising, and outdoor activities, especially a day at the lake or beach. He also loves cooking international dishes and learning new languages. Rodrigo is happily married, and he and his wife share some common interests such as speaking each other’s native language, traveling, and fishing. An interesting fact about Rodrigo is that he completed a 10K run and is now preparing for a half marathon.
Salam Alzouabi
Salam Alzouabi is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Utah, majoring in Health Society and Policy. Salam is also a pre-med student with interests in cardiology and interests in addressing the health disparities in the most disadvantaged communities. Salam believes achieving good health is a priority goal for individuals and populations in which race, gender, and socioeconomic status all play a part. Salam aspires to complete her degree in medicine and continue advocating for people of color by closing the gaps we have in our medical system and by supporting equitable access to quality and affordable health services
Zera Gonzales
Hi my name is Zera Gonzales, I am a current senior at the University of Utah. I have been in Utah for the majority of my life and have enjoyed growing up in Utah. I love living in a state that has all four seasons; however, I am not a fan of driving in the snow. I personally enjoy the fall and sweater comfy season. I enjoy reading, pottery, and board games when I have leisure time. I also enjoy camping, lake days, and have recently become fond of pickleball!
