Learn more about EMSAP Alumni who are now UAB Faculty!
Congratulations to Daniel Elston on his Fulbright Award!
Sumedha Bobba
Hi! My name is Sumedha Bobba, and I'm a neuroscience major from Madison, Alabama. I'm also part of the SciTech Honors Program at UAB. I went to James Clemens High School, where I served as the SGA Student Body President, varsity tennis captain, and HOSA president. The summer before my junior year, I was selected for a research internship at UAH, where I analyzed metabolomics data and developed a research project I ended up taking to the International Science and Engineering Fair. Once I saw how my experiences within the lab had a direct impact on advancing medical treatment, I was convinced of my passion for the medical field. While the guaranteed spot in UAB's Heersink School of Medicine was particularly appealing, I was also drawn to EMSAP because of the mentorship and close-knit family it provides. With the support of this brilliant community, I knew I would be able to take classes outside of the typical pre-med realm and develop as a well-rounded individual.
Grace Brown
My name is Grace Brown and I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. While attending Chamblee Charter High School, I participated in three Varsity sports all four years and had the honor of representing both my Varsity softball and lacrosse team as a captain during my junior and senior years. I also represented my school’s Beta Club and Student Government Association as a peer-elected officer. Throughout high school, I was surrounded by others who pushed me to become both a better student and person, which is what drew me most to EMSAP. I am excited to be immersed in an environment where others share the same passions and work ethic that I do. At UAB, I will be majoring in immunology. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further my education in pursuit of a career as a physician while also having the chance to continue to develop my character alongside my peers.
Tanner Caton
My name is Tanner Caton and I am from Wetumpka, Alabama. I attended Wetumpka High School where I was a member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, and President of the Spanish Honor Society. Though I've always loved science, I was very involved in the Wetumpka High Theatre Guild and placed 2nd at State Trumbauer two times! I am so excited to attend UAB where I plan to major in neuroscience with a minor in Spanish on the Honors Personalized Pathway. I would also like to take advantage of the UAB Education Abroad Program to improve my language skills and to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Thanks to EMSAP, I can have a well-rounded college experience and explore my interests beyond STEM. Not only will I get this flexibility, but I will also have amazing advisors and like-minded peers around me for support. I am beyond grateful to be in EMSAP and cannot wait to grow and learn as much as I can over these next four years. Go Blazers!
Sophie Dasoveanu
My name is Sophie Dasoveanu, I am from Duluth, Georgia, and I am beyond excited to be attending UAB on the Honors Personalized Pathway. I attended Peachtree Ridge High School, where I was the Secretary of the Debate Club, Vice President of the National German Honors Society, and the Varsity Tennis Co-Captain. Outside of school, I loved attending my shadowing internship at Athens Regional Hospital, participating and placing in Regional and State Science Fairs, and helping tutor after school. I joined EDSAP due to the numerous benefits that the program provides, including admission to UAB's renowned dental school, allowing me to tend to other subject areas, and giving me the opportunity to become a more well-rounded healthcare professional. This program paves the way for my future, allowing me to socialize with those also in the program while also supplying help from the staff and administration to aid me in achieving my top goals. I am planning to major in immunology, and I am thrilled to be a Blazer!
Sofia De Los Santos
My name is Sofia De Los Santos, and I am originally from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, but I currently live in Spanish Fort, Alabama. I am planning on majoring in immunology with a minor in public health and German through the Personalized Honors Program. I graduated from the Alabama School of Math and Science, where I was a Student Judiciary Committee member, ASMS Ambassador, Head Administrator of Science Bowl, Lab of Learning tutor, and member of the women’s soccer team. I was active in different community service organizations such as NHS and Key Club and shadowed various medical departments and doctors at South Alabama Children’s and Women’s Hospital and its University Hospital. My interest in medicine ever since I was a kid, research, and shadowing have truly inspired me into becoming a pediatric physician. EMSAP not only gives me the opportunity of pursuing other interests such as undergraduate research and traveling abroad without worrying about being the perfect medical school applicant, but it also presents me with a community of like-minded individuals, strong mentorship, and various opportunities that I believe will help me become the best physician and person that I can be.
Joy Duan
My name is Joy Duan and I’m from Madison, Alabama. I attended Bob Jones High School, where I was very involved as an officer in many honor societies. I also spent much of my time doing community service, from teaching 3rd graders advanced math, tutoring other students, serving as a pianist for my church, and volunteering at several local hospitals. What excites me about EMSAP is the resources and flexibility that EMSAP offers, especially since I’ll be able to explore a variety of fields with more freedom. I plan to major in immunology on the Personalized Pathway in the Honors College. In the future, I hope to become a pediatrician. I’m excited for my next few years at UAB. Go Blazers!
Sophia Fox
Hello! My name is Sophia Fox, and I am from Madison, Alabama. I attended James Clemens High School where I was involved in numerous organizations including HOSA as well as a member of the cross country team. I have played violin since I was three as a member of the HYO and UAH orchestras. I love volunteering and was the founder of the Youth Music Services group, playing music at assisted living facilities in my community, as well as the volunteer chair on the United Way of Madison County’s YLC. I also have had the opportunity to attend the HudsonAlpha Biotech Summer Academy, to shadow and volunteer at the Huntsville Hospital, and take part in a clinical internship through the JCHS biomedical academy, all of which deepened my desire to become a physician. At UAB, I am a neuroscience major and part of the Science and Technology Honors Program. I am so thankful to be a part of EMSAP and all it offers, especially its close community of peers and mentors and commitment to helping students grow into both wonderful physicians and people. I am excited to make the most of my time as an EMSAP student as I gain knowledge to become a health professional and explore my interests at UAB.
Emma Grace Goodson
My name is Emma Grace Goodson, and I am from Huntsville, Alabama. I am planning to major in neuroscience as a part of the personalized honors program. I attended Randolph School where I was president of the Honor Council, served as a head ambassador, was captain of the dance team, and involved myself in many clubs and other organizations. Outside of school, dance was a major part of my life, getting to not only student assist classes but teaching my own hip-hop class this past year. I was interested in EMSAP because of the opportunities it provides, being able to allocate more time to get involved with UAB and the Birmingham community, as well as gaining mentors and students with incredible drives to persistently challenge me more every day.
Vinay Gupta
Hi! My name is Vinay Gupta, and I’m from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I attended North Allegheny High School, where I participated in a variety of volunteering organizations such as Key Club, NHS, and my local Veterans Affairs Hospital. Additionally, I was involved in the National Science Bowl and led Congress on my Speech and Debate team. Outside of academics, I participated in my school’s tennis team, a hobby that follows me to this day. Through EMSAP, I’m looking forward to furthering my passion for medicine while still exploring other subjects important to me. Continuing from my previous research conducted through the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Academy, I’m especially excited about UAB’s undergraduate research opportunities. At UAB, I plan to major in neuroscience. I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of this program, and I can’t wait to learn, explore, and prosper at my new home in Birmingham, slowly but surely working towards my goal of becoming a committed and skilled health professional. Go Blazers!
Anisha Haldar
Hello!! My name is Anisha Haldar, and I am an immunology major from Marietta, Georgia. I attended Wheeler High School and was a part of the Magnet program. While I was at Wheeler, I was involved in biomedical research and ended up publishing a paper in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. I also played on the Wheeler Varsity Tennis Team, was a part of several honor societies, and was also the co-founder and co-president of our high school’s DECA chapter. I was drawn to EMSAP because of the program’s ability to give me a true undergraduate experience while also giving me unique insights and experiences important in becoming a well-rounded physician. I am excited to be a Blazer and plan on becoming involved in research as well as clubs and organizations that UAB has to offer. I hope to become a pediatric physician in the future, and I know that EMSAP and UAB will prepare me to achieve my goals.
Hailey Mao
My name is Hailey Mao, and I’m from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. During high school, I was involved in various activities like the math team, debate team, and Vestavia Ambassadors. Outside of school, I enjoy participating in and coordinating youth group activities at my church. I also love being active such as playing tennis or practicing Taekwondo. I’m excited to attend UAB where I will be majoring in neuroscience. I hope to get involved in the various organizations on campus and study abroad where I can authentically experience a different culture. While EDSAP provides security, it also provides an abundance of academic opportunities and allows me to explore my interests outside of the classroom without sacrificing my competitiveness as a dental school candidate. I am very grateful to be part of EDSAP, and I’m looking forward to joining the Blazer community. Go Blazers!
Harsha Meduru
Hello! My name is Harsha Meduru, and I am from Cumming, Georgia. As a student at South Forsyth High School, I was an active member of various clubs including National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Beta Club, and HOSA. I found my love for dentistry when I volunteered at my local dental office as part of the Honors Mentorship program in my county. During my time at the dental office, I learned how to read X-rays and gained knowledge about different dental procedures. I am attracted to EDSAP because it is a program that will allow me to explore my interests and further my passion for dentistry. At UAB, I will be majoring in immunology, and I hope to learn the skills and to utilize the opportunities that will help me to achieve my goals.
Grace-Anna Perry
Hi! My name is Grace-Anna Perry and I am from Gadsden, Alabama. I first knew I wanted to become a medical doctor after my exchange year in Chile and several mission trips to Latin America. The need, joy, and love that I experienced on each trip led me to my current dream of wanting to be on the front lines of mission work. In high school, I finished my high school experience at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Day School, and I spent much of my time volunteering locally. I founded and led an international student volunteering group in Chile and Gadsden, co-led my church’s nursing home ministry, founded the recycling program at my local free clinic, and became the CEO of my school’s Robotics Club. I was drawn to EMSAP because it allows its members to grow and to look at life outside of the checklist of medical school. I am excited to be a part of the EMSAP family!
Rohit Reddy
Hello! My name is Rohit Reddy, and I’m a neuroscience major from Alpharetta, Georgia. I graduated from Cambridge High School, where I was a member of numerous honors societies including HOSA, Beta club, and more. Outside of school, you could find me volunteering at 2 local hospitals, assisting at a non-profit community clinic, or leading my patrol in Milton BSA Troop 69. I chose EMSAP because of the flexibility, strength, and camaraderie of this program. In addition to having a guaranteed spot in UAB’s prestigious Heersink School of Medicine, EMSAP allows me to explore and develop my interests outside the field of science by taking courses from various disciplines, which will help me become a well-rounded physician. Moreover, I can work closely with other EMSAP students who share my enthusiasm for medical science but offer their unique perspectives and ideas. I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful program, and I am excited about my future at UAB! Go Blazers!
Alp Turgut
Hi, my name is Alp Sander Turgut. I am from Jericho, NY. In high school, I was involved in a Syrian refugee donation campaign, endometriosis research, and soup kitchen volunteering. I was also part of varsity swimming. At UAB, I want to major in neuroscience as well as minor in French. I also hope to get an MBA and an MPH before medical school. I am also in the Honors College. I chose UAB because of the excellent research opportunities as well as the opportunity to learn about the humanistic side of medicine from professors like Dr. Pence. After medical school, I hope to go into neurosurgery.
Ethan Wan
Hello! My name is Ethan Wan and I am from Madison, AL. I plan to study neuroscience at UAB and I chose EMSAP because of its flexibility and because I am sure I want to become a practicing physician. Of course, I am also extremely grateful for the early medical school acceptance! During high school, I was the team captain of the Varsity Swim Team as well as the leader of the Science Olympiad Team. I also enjoyed being co-concertmaster in the Huntsville Youth Symphony and I volunteered in my community, which I hope to continue in Birmingham. I am excited to be a part of the EMSAP family!
Holly Yazdi
Hi! My name is Holly Yazdi, and I am a neuroscience major on the Personalized Honors Pathway from Daphne, AL. I attended Daphne High School, where I spent several years as a part of the International Baccalaureate Program, Student Government Association, various honors societies, Varsity Swim Captain, and the Veterans Home Junior Volunteer Program. In college, I plan to continue my extracurriculars by playing the piano, volunteering at local hospitals, researching in a lab, volunteering at the Equal Access Birmingham Clinic, and participating in the Iranian Society of Mobile. Although I will miss the beautiful beaches I call home, I am excited to explore a big city with new opportunities and experiences alongside my fellow students and friends at UAB. I was drawn to EMSAP because it allows me to pursue my passion for medicine while allowing me the freedom to pursue other activities and interests that typical pre-med students do not have the flexibility to consider. Furthermore, this all-around approach to the undergraduate college experience will allow me to grow into a well-rounded physician and leader in the field. Blaze on!