2024 PERFUSION STUDENTS
Alexia Philipon
My name is Alexia! I’m 26 years old from Southern New Hampshire. I received my undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 2020 majoring in Nutritional Sciences with a focus in Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. Some of my hobbies include painting, exploring my cities, and reading books!
Raul Sanchez
Raul Sanchez Diaz Jr. obtained his associate degree at Allen County Community College and then transferred to Texas Tech University. At Texas Tech Raul was able to obtain his bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and a double minor in Biology and Spanish. Raul enjoys spending time outside with family and friends. His interests include sports, camping and most recently pickleball.
Courtney Smith
Hello, my name is Courtney Smith. I am a registered nurse currently working in the University of Utah operating room with a history of working on the general medicine floor as well as in the CVICU. My hobbies include watching movies, playing card games, video games, and hiking.
Paula Leigh
My name is Paula Leigh and I’m from California. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Pepperdine University, where my love for cardiovascular physiology led me to pursue a career in cardiac perfusion. I enjoy working out, primarily through running and CrossFit.
Cameron Brady
I graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Chemistry from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas. My favorite hobbies include playing basketball, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. I am almost halfway to 50 under 50 (50 states and 50 countries before age 50) and can't wait to see where I head next. With my upcoming training in perfusion sciences, I hope to contribute to heart care locally and in communities abroad.
Emma Jeppson
Hello! My name is Emma Jeppson and I am originally from Northern California. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Brigham Young University in 2022 and currently work as a nurse at the Huntsman Cancer Institute on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. I love to do anything outside, especially running, hiking, pickleball, and rock climbing. I am excited to start the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program and look forward to all the new adventures it brings!
Heaven Thompson
I will graduate in the next two weeks with a Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah alongside my husband Jake. I love playing sports including volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and swimming. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially when we have game nights!