Learn more about EMSAP Alumni who are now UAB Faculty!
Congratulations to Daniel Elston on his Fulbright Award!
Addesyn Aderogba
Hello! My name is Addesyn Aderogba, and I am from College Grove, Tennessee. During my undergraduate years at UAB, I plan on obtaining a major in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and a minor in Spanish. While attending Fred J. Page High School, I was active in honors societies, such as Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honors Society, and I was the founder and president of our Cultural Awareness Committee. Outside of school, I participated in numerous volunteer opportunities within my church and around my community. EMSAP was appealing because it allowed me to have the opportunity to easily explore my interest in the medical field early on and beyond while also obtaining a more in depth understanding of our world and the people in it. All of the opportunities that both EMSAP and UAB hold make me truly proud to call myself a Blazer!
Gitanjali Alapati
Hi! My name is Gitanjali Alapati, and I am from Madison, Alabama. I am planning on majoring in neuroscience while also being part of the SciTech Honors Program at UAB. Previous to my endeavors in the States, I completed my schooling up to my sophomore year at Phoenix Greens International School in Hyderabad, India. Here I served as the Health and Wellness Secretary and School Captain in the Student Body during my freshman and sophomore years, respectively. After I moved to the United States, I graduated from James Clemens High School while participating in clubs such as HOSA and Key Club. Apart from volunteering and research, I also enjoy playing the piano and playing tennis. During the summer after junior year, I took part in the Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University where I wrote an article regarding an analysis of the virus behind COVID-19, and I also presented on malaria. I was also fortunate to take part in the Genes and Greens program at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Over the past few years, I gained tremendous insight into various medical-related fields through shadowing and internship classes at school, and I also met inspiring individuals who strengthened my goal to pursue a career as a physician. I am beyond excited to be part of the EMSAP family as this program provides me with an opportunity to take steps towards my future with great flexibility while also receiving guidance and sharing a close-knit community with students of similar commitment.
Ummu Bah
Hello! My name is Ummu Bah, and I am a Psychology major on the Personalized Honors Pathway from Memphis, TN. I attended St. George’s Independent School, where I was an active member of the Student Government, becoming the Legislative Vice President my senior year, Varsity Golf Team, multiple academic honor societies, peer tutoring, and Co-President of the Medical Sciences Club. Outside of the classroom I enjoyed volunteering at Baptist Memorial Hospital and had the wonderful opportunity to shadow multiple doctors. My part-time job at a local urgent care clinic has been an opportunity, like many others, which has deepened my desire to become a physician. UAB’s diverse student body, passionate faculty, and endless opportunities appeal to me, and I am extremely blessed to have been allowed to participate in EMSAP. While the assured admission into the prestigious UAB Heersink School of Medicine removes the extra stress that the typical pre-med student has when developing their med school resume, this program will give me the academic flexibility to grow as an undergrad student and evolve into a well-rounded physician. I am thrilled to be surrounded by those with the same fervent and authentic passion for medicine as me and to explore my interests outside of the classroom. The EMSAP community and mentorship are truly one of a kind. I’m looking forward to joining the Blazer community. Go Blazers!
Matthew Blevins
My name is Matthew Blevins and I'm from Spanish Fort, Alabama. I attended the Alabama School of Mathematics and Sciences where I was vice president of the History Club as well as on the tennis and archery teams. I spent my summers at a local University Hospital volunteering and assisting in research. One of my projects there included implementing a virtual reality headset into the dressing change process for burn victims to reduce pain through distraction. I also spent time shadowing physicians in both a hospital and a clinical setting. I plan to eventually pursue a career in trauma surgery. The EMSAP program gives me the opportunity to pursue my interests with flexibility without having to worry about medical school acceptance. I look forward to exploring my interest both in and outside of medicine during my time at UAB. I am very grateful to be a member of EMSAP, and I look forward to what the future holds.
Eric Brown
Hi! My name is Eric Brown I am originally from Columbia, South Carolina, but for the past three years, I have been living in Selma, Alabama where I am a student at John T. Morgan Academy. As a student at John T. Morgan Academy, I was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Government Association, and the Varsity Scholars Bowl and Math Team. Outside of the classroom, I was a co-captain for the Varsity Football team and a captain for the Varsity Soccer team. I also spent a lot of my free time volunteering for local health fairs and clinics. At UAB, I plan to major in Cancer Biology on the Personalized Pathway in the Honors College. I am thrilled to be a part of EMSAP because of all that it has to offer such as its close-knit community of peers as well as its commitment to grow not only well-rounded doctors but good people. I am very grateful to be a part of EMSAP, and I am excited for these next four years as a Blazer. Go Blazers!
Sumanth Chandrupatla
My name is Sumanth Chandrupatla and I am from Lecanto, Florida. I am in the Science and Technology Honors College and am planning on majoring in Bioinformatics. I attended Lecanto High School, where I spent my time playing tennis, running cross country, and solving Rubik’s Cubes. I was also the president and founder of the school’s HOSA chapter and was involved with many other clubs. Outside of school, I shadowed various physicians, and I worked at a clinical research lab for almost three years. I chose EMSAP because of the tight-knit group of other like-minded people and because it allows me to focus on my interests outside of medicine while still pursuing a career as a physician. I am looking forward to being at UAB. Go Blazers!
Tapasya Katta
Hello! My name is Tapasya Katta, and I am a medical sociology major from Cumming, Georgia. I graduated from Lambert High School where I was an active member of iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machines), BETA club, and a Compass Ambassador along with many other clubs and honors societies. Outside of school, I could often be found volunteering at the Veteran's Affairs Hospital, Emory, or Northside as well as researching at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Georgia Tech. I am extremely excited about the EMSAP program at UAB as it will allow me to pursue my passion for healthcare while still exploring other activities that I am passionate about throughout my undergraduate education.
Sarah Kim
Hi! My name is Sarah Kim. I grew up in Newbury Park, California, and attended Newbury Park High School. During my freshman year, I joined Key Club, Future Health Leaders of America, and She’s the First to find more opportunities to serve my community. As president of “Knitting is Giving,” I facilitated meetings twice a month where I taught members how to knit hats for kids with cancer. My club will always hold a special place in my heart as I was able to combine my two passions: healthcare and knitting! From a young age, I became interested in the healthcare field. I was inspired by watching my mom complete nursing school and her journey to becoming an established registered nurse. In addition, my dad’s autoimmune disease made me aware of the need for healthcare workers. Volunteering at Westminster Free Clinic, I learned a lot about what it is like to work with patients and what entails the work of a doctor. I soon realized there was no career path that felt as fulfilling or compatible with my personality than being a physician. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the EMSAP program. The EMSAP program intrigued me because I can more freely pursue my interests while preparing for medical school. I am looking forward to majoring in sociology and exploring all the opportunities Birmingham has to offer!
Josie McGuire
Hello! My name is Josie McGuire, and I am from Leeds, Alabama. I attended Leeds High School where I was President of HOSA: Future Health Professionals and involved in multiple other organizations within my school. I had the opportunity to take a Patient Care Technician Internship at my school this past year, which opened my eyes to the healthcare profession and deepened my desire to become a physician. Outside of school, gymnastics was a major part of my life, getting to not only be a gymnast myself but also having the opportunity to teach gymnastics too. I was also involved in the Youth Leadership Development Program and am a volunteer at local animal shelters, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. At UAB, I will be majoring in Public Health and a part of the Personalized Pathway of the Honors Program. I am looking forward to exploring UAB’s Education Abroad Program to learn about different cultures and broaden my perspective. I am beyond grateful to be a part of EMSAP, especially the close-knit community of peers and mentors that it provides, along with its various opportunities to help me become the best physician and person that I can be. I am excited to be a part of the EMSAP family! Go Blazers!
Karim Mikhail
My name is Karim Mikhail, and I am from Hoover, Alabama. I attended Hoover High School, where I was involved in HOSA, Ambassadors, Science Olympiad, and several honor societies. Outside of school, I spent much of my time shadowing at local hospitals, tutoring in math and science, and investing time in a non-profit educational organization that I co-founded alongside a close friend. Becoming a physician has always been a dream of mine, so EMSAP was an immediate appeal – especially with its promise for a tight-knit community of like-minded peers. At UAB, I look forward to learning more about the humanistic facets of medicine, diversifying my undergraduate experience, and gaining exposure to various areas of medicine with maximum flexibility. I also intend to major in neuroscience and potentially complete an MPH, following the Sci-Tech Honors Program pathway. Though I’m not fully decided, I am currently interested in pursuing a career in interventional radiology or the field of surgery.
Priscilla Moyana
Hi! My name is Priscilla Moyana, and I am from Leeds, Alabama. I graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in Birmingham, where I was in the math and science department. At ASFA, I participated in the science bowl, science Olympiad, math team, and I was an ambassador. Outside of school, I volunteered at my church, Jefferson County Teen Court, and UAB Hospital. While at UAB, I plan on majoring in mathematics. I will also be in the Honors College on the personalized pathway. I hope to participate in campus activities and to study abroad. EMSAP was appealing to me because of its diverse community of like-minded students who are also interested in medicine. I am very thankful to be a part of this program, and I know being in this program will allow me to pursue my interest in medicine and provide me with ample opportunities to do so. In the future, I hope to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, but I am also interested in anesthesiology. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of this program, which I am sure will help me become a well-rounded physician. Go Blazers!
Nikhita Mudium
Hello! My name is Nikhita Mudium, and I’m from Madison, Alabama. In Madison, I attended James Clemens High School, where I served as the president of Key Club, president of HOSA, and captain of the Science Olympiad team. Throughout my high school career, I was active in laboratory research, awarded in many science fairs, and I presented my work to the U.S. Department of Defense. By applying my experiences in science to school, I founded the Research Club to assist students in pursuing their scientific interests. Outside of school, I enjoyed volunteering with United Way, playing the violin, teaching at Merrimack Performance Hall, learning new languages, and shadowing at various hospitals which all cemented my decision to become a physician. At UAB, I plan on studying neuroscience, and I am a part of the SciTech Honors Program as well. I am incredibly grateful to be part of EMSAP because of the flexibility to study other valuable disciplines, outstanding advisors, and motivated peers which will allow me to develop into a sophisticated, well-rounded physician. Moreover, I am excited to explore my passions through the wonderful organizations and research opportunities at UAB to connect with the Birmingham community and beyond!
Ayona Roychowdhury
Hi! My name is Ayona Roychowdhury, and I am from Homewood, Alabama. I attended Homewood High School where I served as drum major, student body vice president, BEST Robotics captain, and a head ambassador. Outside of school, I conducted research and published a paper with the UAB Division of Advanced Medical Imaging, created an annual relationship education program with my school district for my Girl Scout Gold Award Project, served as Vice President of GirlSpring, danced with Notinee Indian Dance Troupe, and shadowed various doctors. At UAB, I plan to combine studies in neuroscience, immunology, and medical sociology while being a part of the Sci-Tech Honors Program, and I hope to stay involved with the performance arts and exploring unique service opportunities. I am incredibly excited to build a sense of community with my peers and mentors throughout the duration of the next chapter of our lives. Go Blazers!
Justin Ryu
Hi! My name is Justin Ryu, and I am a Neuroscience Major from Suwanee, Georgia. I graduated from Lambert High School, where I was involved in FBLA, HOSA, and others including student council and ambassador programs. Stemming from an interest in the sciences and practical, hands-on experiences, I helped start and manage hydroponic and microgreens systems at Lambert while volunteering and interning at different hospitals and clinical research centers throughout the past few years. I have also been swimming for 14 years and swam in both club and high school varsity teams. I chose EMSAP due to its flexibility and personalization while still preparing for medical school. At UAB, I hope to be able to explore a multifaceted approach to the sciences and medicine through the numerous opportunities provided by UHP and EMSAP alike. I am interested in pursuing studies and a career in surgery, and I look forward to the next few years with everyone at UAB!
Aniketh Tadepalli
My name is Aniketh Tadepalli and I am a Neuroscience major from Marietta, GA. I attended Wheeler High School where I was involved in community service as I volunteered with organizations such as the Foster Care Foundation and YELLS where I tutored elementary schoolchildren. I also founded Wheeler Unity Club, an organization that hosts STEAM events for special needs children, played on my high school’s Varsity Tennis Team, and volunteered at several hospitals. In addition, I worked on two separate projects as a program officer of a Biomedical Engineering research team at a local university. What drew me to EMSAP was the opportunity to pursue medicine and to have a fulfilling undergraduate experience without getting overwhelmed with the medical school application process. This advantage provides me the opportunity to explore my interests and to become a well-rounded physician. I’m looking forward to my time at UAB.
Arya Tamhane
Hi! My name is Arya Tamhane, and I am from Hoover, Alabama. I graduated from Hoover High School with the International Baccalaureate Diploma. I was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. I was actively involved in the debate, varsity tennis, and STEM teams. At UAB, I will pursue a major in Public Health with a possible minor in Spanish while being a member of the Science and Technology Honors Program. I have always been drawn to UAB because of its renowned medical program and wonderful faculty. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be in EMSAP as it will enable me to expand my interests, learn from the best, develop my own identity, and meet new people with similar career goals. It will push me to work harder and keep me motivated to achieve my goal of working in the medical field. I cannot wait to finally become a Blazer!
Amy Yang
My name is Amy Yang, and I am from Hoover, Alabama. I plan on majoring in public health as a part of the personalized honors program. I attended Spain Park High School where I founded the Student Diversity Council and was involved in other activities as National Honor Society Vice President and Student Government Representative. Outside of school, I competed in figure skating, both solo and on the national champion Theatre on Ice team, volunteered at Children’s of Alabama, and wrote articles for GirlSpring. I was drawn to EMSAP because it allows me to explore a wider range of my interests outside of just biology while helping me to gain new perspectives to become a more well-rounded physician. I’m super excited to continue my education here in Birmingham and as a Blazer!
Krishin Yerabolu
Hello! My name is Krishin Yerabolu, and I'm from Hoover, Alabama. I graduated from Hoover High School with the AP Capstone Diploma. I was a part of the Hoover STEM, Debate, and DECA organizations. I was one of the Varsity Tennis Co-Captains, and I was the president of Hoover Acts of Kindness. On the weekends, I really enjoy volunteering, from feeding the homeless at the Church of Reconciler to working in the Cath Lab at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. During my time at UAB, I want to participate in similar activities. I was drawn to the EMSAP program not only because of its excellent medical school, but also because of the wonderful community that would be created as well as the fantastic mentorship that would come from Dr. Pence. While a part of this program, I will be on the Personalized Pathway of the Honors Program and will be majoring in Neuroscience with a fast track in the MPH program. Through the EMSAP program, I will be able to lay a solid foundation for my eventual goal to become a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon and also become involved in Cardiovascular Disease Research. I am truly excited for the mentorship and unique experiences that EMSAP will provide me. Go Blazers!