{"id":9,"date":"2019-09-10T15:25:52","date_gmt":"2019-09-10T19:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/bae-lab\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-07-29T18:38:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T22:38:43","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-9\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Program Founders<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Christopher Steele, M.D, M.P.H., M.S.<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-1-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"174\" alt=\"Dr. Steele\" class=\"attachment-150x174\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2024\/05\/CS-Picture-1.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Jaqueline Steele, M.D.<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-1-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"174\" alt=\"Jacqueline Steele\" class=\"attachment-full\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2019\/12\/Steele-Jacqueline-20180808-Encarnacion-0086-web-e1785242063296.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn School of Medicine Class of 2022<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-1-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-1-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Henry Siccardi, M.D., M.P.H.<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-1-2-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"134\" height=\"171\" alt=\"Henry Headshot\" class=\"attachment-full\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2026\/07\/headshot-2026-e1785242172156.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Assistant Professor of Medicine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-1-3\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-1-3-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Zoha Sarwat, M.D.<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-1-3-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"142\" height=\"174\" alt=\"zoha headshot\" class=\"attachment-142x174\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2020\/11\/Zoha-Headshot-scaled-e1785243107974.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn School of Medicine Class of 2024<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-1-4\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-1-4-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"9\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Erin Cova, M.D.<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-1-4-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"157\" height=\"174\" alt=\"Erin Headshot\" class=\"attachment-157x174\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2020\/11\/Erin-Headshot-e1785243334700.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn School of Medicine Class of 2025<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>Current Leadership<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"12\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"207\" alt=\"Henry Siccardi\" class=\"attachment-160x207\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2026\/07\/headshot-2026.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-3-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-3-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"13\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Henry Siccardi, M.D., M.P.H.<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><div class=\"elementToProof\">\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Henry graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 2023 with a dual MD\/MPH. He completed residency in the UConn Internal Medicine Categorical Program and is now an Assistant Professor of Medicine and primary care physician with UConn Health in Torrington, CT. He also precepts residents at the Burgdorf clinic in Hartford.<\/p>\n<p><span>Born and raised in Queens, New York before moving to Connecticut as a teenager, Henry originally pursued a career in law. Upon graduating from Fordham University in 2012 he decided to pursue a different path, eventually pivoting to medicine. Since pursuing this path he has worked extensively on community health outreach. As a member and coordinator of the\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bxchleaders.com%2F&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNHmg3QAIpgBlpoS_hWHJ4y68BVsvw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" id=\"OWA5be60199-63c4-bbb8-502b-ccb0e3d442c0\" class=\"x_external x_OWAAutoLink\" data-linkindex=\"0\" title=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bxchleaders.com%2F&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNHmg3QAIpgBlpoS_hWHJ4y68BVsvw\"><u>Bronx Community Health Leaders<\/u><\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenarap.org%2F&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNG4hvrXO62J9wPZqSAKGJgI6gsx3g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" id=\"OWAaa593005-2d0c-eea9-0dee-f3cb2b66868b\" class=\"x_external x_OWAAutoLink\" data-linkindex=\"1\" title=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenarap.org%2F&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNG4hvrXO62J9wPZqSAKGJgI6gsx3g\"><u>RA Program<\/u><\/a><\/span><span>\u00a0in Bridgeport, CT he spent three years leading teams of volunteers providing an array of health outreach programs to patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>His goal is for UCHL to pay forward the impactful experiences, opportunities and mentoring from which he benefited in these programs while improving the lives of patients.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of work he is a loving husband and father, a friend to many, and a practicing Christian. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, reading, journaling, and watching his beloved NY Yankees and NY Rangers. One day he hopes to own a piece of land to build a homestead on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Please reach out to me directly at: <a href=\"mailto:siccardi@uchc.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">siccardi@uchc.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"223\" alt=\"Autumn Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x223\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2024\/05\/Headshot_Leavitt.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-4-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-4-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Autumn Leavitt, UConn SOM Class of 2027<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Autumn is a medical student at the UConn School of Medicine. She grew up in Haddam, CT and attended the University of Connecticut where she majored in Physiology and Neurobiology. During her undergraduate career, Autumn participated in behavioral neuroscience research and the Big Brother, Big Sisters program. Before medical school, she worked on a research project focused on lung cancer screenings. She also was a substitute teacher in her local school district. When not studying, Autumn enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her dogs.<\/p>\n<p>Autumn enjoys working with the UCHL leadership team and the volunteers to help patients identify and utilize resources to improve their health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" alt=\"Christopher headshot\" class=\"attachment-full\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2021\/11\/IMG_0326.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-5-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-5-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Christopher Angus, UConn SOM Class of 2027<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Christopher graduated from UConn undergrad in 2022 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and is now a medical student at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Class of 2027). He is from Avon, CT and joined UCHL in the Fall of 2020 with the initial goal of expanding the program to the UConn Health Urgent Care and Family Medicine Clinics in Storrs, CT. In addition to UCHL, Christopher led local community service events within the UConn Community Outreach Department and spent his gap year working as a PCA in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital. Outside of school, he is a huge Boston sports fan and can be found in attendance at almost every UConn basketball game.<\/p>\n<p>Christopher serves as the Site Director for the Farmington Outpatient clinical site and has a special interest in identifying and addressing health disparities in the communities surrounding UConn. He values the relationships he has been able to build with patients and fellow UCHL team members and hopes future students benefit from the same incredible opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"18\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"219\" alt=\"Ling Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x219\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2023\/01\/IMG_0975-2.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-6-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-6-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"19\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Ling Chi, UConn SOM Class of 2027<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Ling is a medical student at UConn School of Medicine. In 2022, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Biomedical Engineering (concentration in Computational and Systems Biology). She is from Wethersfield, CT and joined UCHL in the Spring 2020 semester as part of the first cohort. In addition to UCHL, Ling was involved with the leadership team at UConn's student radio station (WHUS Radio). She spent a gap year conducting research in clinical informatics at the Yale School of Medicine and tutoring younger students. Outside of work, she spends time learning guitar and cooking with friends and family.<\/p>\n<p>Ling serves as medical leadership for the Perioperative Health Literacy Screening Project and is passionate about addressing health disparities in our community and learning about social determinants of health. She values the opportunities UCHL has provided to interact with patients and other students and is excited to pay it forward to other pre-health students.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"20\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" alt=\"Lucas Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x213\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2024\/03\/IMG_0195-2-scaled.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-7-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-7-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"21\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Lucas Torres, UConn SOM Class of 2027<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Lucas is a medical student at UConn School of Medicine. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2022 with a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology and minors in English and Molecular and Cell Biology. He is from Wethersfield, CT and joined UCHL in the Summer 2021 semester. In addition to UCHL, Lucas was involved as a Resident Assistant at UConn and was an Emergency Department Scribe during his undergraduate career. At present, he serves as a Curriculum Evaluation Committee member, Urban Service Track member, and Vice Chair of UConn School of Medicine's AMA Branch.<\/p>\n<p><span>Lucas is passionate about learning from and helping underserved communities through their social determinants of health. He looks forward to continuing to grow the UCHL program.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"22\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"176\" alt=\"Rose Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x176\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-23-at-7.22.23-PM.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-8-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-8-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"23\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Rose Karvandi, UConn SOM Class of 2028<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span>Rose is a medical student at UConn School of Medicine. She graduated from UConn in May 2023 with a degree in Physiology &amp; Neurobiology and a minor in Human Development &amp; Family Sciences (HDFS). <\/span><span>During her undergraduate career, Rose was in the 4th cohort of the BOLD Women\u2019s Leadership Program, in addition to being involved in Cancer Survivorship research, and the Iranian Student Association. After graduation, Rose worked as a scribe in her gap year. Outside of her work, she is passionate about drawing portraits of her favorite movie &amp; TV show characters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>She joined the UCHL Program as a volunteer in Fall 2020. She serves as medical leadership for the UConn Health West Hartford Internal Medicine site and previously led the retired Gynecologic Oncology Screening Project. She has had the pleasure of presenting the UCHL Program\u2019s research at multiple local and national conferences, including the Society of Hospital Medicine Converge and the Connecticut Academy of Family Physician\u2019s Scientific Symposium. Rose enjoys learning about &amp; implementing different strategies for patient education, especially for underserved populations. She enjoys helping UCHL volunteers take away experiences that will further motivate them in their journeys as future healthcare professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-9\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-9-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"24\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"160\" alt=\"Ashwini Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x160\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-19-at-10.22.15-PM.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-9-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-9-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"25\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Ashwini Patel, UConn SOM Class of 2028<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>Ashwini is a medical student at the UConn School of Medicine. She grew up in Darien, CT and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. During her undergraduate career, she spent her free time increasing nutritional awareness in the dining halls, working as a teaching assistant, and was involved in research on drug delivery for osteoarthritis. Outside of school, she also loves reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Ashwini serves as medical leadership for the UConn Health Farmington Outpatient Internal Medicine site. She is delighted to continue working with the UCHL team and is passionate about improving patient health outcomes by addressing the social determinants of health while giving back to the community. <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-10\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-10-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-10-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"26\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"238\" alt=\"Gagan Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x238\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-19-at-10.23.40-PM.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-10-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-10-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"27\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Gagan Bedi, UConn SOM Class of 2028<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"section\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span class=\"s3\">Gagan<\/span><span class=\"s3\"> is a medical student at the UConn School of Medicine. Originally from West Hartford, CT, he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Physiology and Neurobiology. During his undergraduate career, he was an active UCHL volunteer and worked with Habitat for Humanity while also participating in research focused on improving teaching interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In his gap years, he gained clinical experience as a medical assistant in a rheumatology clinic while continuing ASD research at Hartford Hospital.\u00a0 He currently serves as medical leadership for Burgdorf Health Center Pediatrics site. Alongside his UCHL responsibilities, he serves as <\/span><span class=\"s3\">Social Chair of his medical school class and is an active mentor with the Big Brothers\/Big Sisters program of Hartford, CT.\u00a0 Outside of medicine, <\/span><span class=\"s3\">Gagan<\/span><span class=\"s3\"> enjoys playing basketball and pickleball, exploring movies across all genres, and hiking. He is honored to take on this leadership role in UCHL, continuing his commitment to helping<\/span><span class=\"s3\"> struggling<\/span><span class=\"s3\"> patients overcome<\/span><span class=\"s3\"> their <\/span><span class=\"s3\">barriers to healthcare.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-11\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-11-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-11-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"28\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"170\" height=\"164\" alt=\"Karen Headshot\" class=\"attachment-170x164\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/09\/Martinez_Headshot.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-11-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-11-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"29\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Karen Martinez, UConn SOM Class of 2029<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p class=\"x_elementToProof\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Karen graduated from UConn in 2020 with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and is now a medical student at the UConn School of Medicine (Class of 2029). She is from Newington, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer during the Spring 2023 semester.<\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">In college, Karen was a member of a competitive dance\/step team UConn All-Stars, BSA, ASA, secretary of UConn\u2019s chapter of PorColombia, and was involved in chemical\/biomolecular engineering research. During her 5 gap years, she completed post-baccalaureate courses, volunteered in the ED at the Hospital of Central CT, and worked as a medical scribe and medical assistant. In addition to her involvement with UCHL, Karen currently serves as Class Representative for her medical school class, is an Urban Service Track\/AHEC scholar, and is Co-Vice President of UConn SOM's chapter of LMSA. In her free time, she loves traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with her family and dog.<\/p>\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">\n<p class=\"x_elementToProof\">Karen serves as medical leadership for the West Hartford Outpatient Site and the Perioperative Health Literacy Screening Project. She is passionate about working with underrepresented populations and improving patient health outcomes. Karen is especially excited to work with volunteers and help them understand social barriers to healthcare so that they are able to confidently identify and address them as healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-12\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-12-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-12-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"30\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"171\" alt=\"Radha Headshot\" class=\"attachment-190x171\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/09\/Radha_Patel_Headshot-1-scaled.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-12-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-12-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"31\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Radha Patel, UConn SOM Class of 2030<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Radha graduated from the University of Connecticut (Class of 2023) with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. During college, she was a member of the John and Valerie Rowe Health Professions Scholars Program, a mentor in the Kids &amp; UConn Bridging Education program, involved with the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, and worked to enhance DEI initiatives in the honors program.<\/p>\n<p>After graduating, she worked as a Peer Counselor in the UConn Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP) department and is now a medical assistant in an internal medicine practice. Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with family and friends, creating music playlists, and diamond painting.<\/p>\n<p>Radha joined UCHL as a volunteer during the Summer 2021 semester. She now serves as a Project Coordinator for the Burgdorf Health Center site and has developed a Breast Cancer Screening project to reduce barriers and increase mammogram screening rates. She has had the honor of presenting her research within UCHL at multiple conferences, including the Society of Hospital Medicine Converge, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the Connecticut Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Symposium, where the presentation received the Certificate of Excellence in Research award. Radha is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and enjoys learning about and applying practices to reduce health disparities. She is excited to be a part of a team that provides meaningful clinical opportunities and trains future leaders in the health professions community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-13\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-13-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-13-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"32\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"160\" alt=\"Aydin Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x160\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-30-at-11.47.56-AM.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-13-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-13-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"33\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Aydin Calsetta, Project Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Aydin is a graduate from the University of Connecticut with a dual degree in Physiology &amp; Neurobiology (B.S.) and Sociology (B.A.). His coursework in sociology was focused on health disparities and social determinants of health. He is from Waterbury, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in Summer 2023.<\/p>\n<p>In college, Aydin was involved as a volunteer EMT, a CPR and STOP THE BLEED instructor, a research assistant in at UConn Health, and a peer mentor for Introduction to Biochemistry. Aydin also held several club leadership roles, primarily focused on building a sense of community among pre-professional health students and helping them along their journey into health care.<\/p>\n<p>Aydin currently serves as a Project Coordinator for the Burgdorf Health Center site, the UConn Health West Hartford site of the Perioperative Health Literacy Screening Project, and Population Health projects. He is very passionate about addressing health inequities that negatively affect underserved patient populations. He enjoys helping the volunteers in both their work to improve patient health comes and in pursuing their future career goals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-14\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-14-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-14-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"34\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"120\" alt=\"Irena Headshot\" class=\"attachment-180x120\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Irena-scaled.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-14-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-14-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"35\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Irena Komninakas, Project Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p class=\"p1\">Irena is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut double majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and Spanish. She is from Easton, CT and joined UCHL in the Fall 2023 semester. She has volunteered with UCHL at various sites including Asylum Hill Family Medicine Center, UConn Health Farmington Outpatient Internal Medicine, and Burgdorf Health Center. In addition to UCHL, Irena is involved in College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Leadership Board, STEM Scholar mentorship program, UConn Greek Club, MCB Teaching Assistant, and research at CT Children\u2019s Hospital. She has spent her summers researching plant genetics, interning on a medical team at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT, and social mentoring for peers with Fragile-X Syndrome.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Irena serves as a project coordinator, supporting volunteers at the UConn Health Farmington Outpatient Internal Medicine site. Her professional interests include cultural awareness in healthcare and social determinants of health in underserved communities. Irena is excited to help volunteers understand the patient\u2019s perspective and collaborate with patients to improve their quality of life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-15\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-15-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-15-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"36\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"214\" alt=\"Leo Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x214\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-23-at-7.35.22-PM.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-15-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-15-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"37\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Leo DiLeone, Project Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Leo recently graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2026 and earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience. He is from Durham, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in June 2024. Leo was a part of both the PNB and Animal Science department at UConn Storrs, working as a research assistant. He also was a part of UConn Red Cross, volunteering and helping to organize blood drives on and off campus. At home, Leo works as a volunteer EMT in Haddam, CT and a Pediatric Medical Assistant in West Hartford, CT. He spends his free time playing pickup sports, watching any UConn game, and enjoying the outdoors through running, hiking, and snowboarding.<br \/>\nLeo is one of our project coordinators, supporting volunteers at the UConn Health West Hartford Internal Medicine site. He is passionate about helping volunteers feel comfortable and successful under his sites, and values the impact UCHL\u2019s mission can have on Connecticut\u2019s community. He looks forward to teaching the importance of social determinants of health, while also learning along the way.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-16\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-16-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-16-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"38\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Sydney Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x200\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2024\/02\/SYDNEY-18-scaled.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-16-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-16-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"39\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Sydney Whittaker, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sydney is a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut, with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology &amp; a minor in Business Fundamentals. She is from Boston, MA and she joined UCHL as a volunteer in January 2023. She has enjoyed volunteering with patients in the Outpatient Farmington Clinic every semester. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Since graduating, she is now working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Nephrology Division. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At UConn, she was the Comptroller for UConn\u2019s Undergraduate Student Government, a mentor coach for the Academic Achievement Center, the President of Creating Caring Communities, and an undergraduate researcher in UConn Health\u2019s Biomedical Engineering Department.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sydney is one of the volunteer coordinators, recruiting volunteers and ensuring that the program runs smoothly. She is passionate about connecting with patients to address their needs relating to the social determinants of health and allowing the healthcare team to provide high quality care. She is enthusiastic about meeting the volunteers and working with them throughout their pre-professional journey!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-17\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-17-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-17-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"40\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"193\" alt=\"Gabrielle Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x193\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/8F3239DB-5616-4125-B6EA-AB95BF03A65AIMG_5784-scaled.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-17-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-17-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"41\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Gabrielle Abramson, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Gabrielle is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying Sociology with a minor in Spanish. Her coursework has been focused on the relationship between crime and health, and addressing health outcomes in different communities. She is from Canton, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in the Summer semester 2024. In addition to UCHL, Gabrielle is a Learning Assistant for General Chemistry. Outside of academics, she is an avid baker, likes to travel, and loves to find new music.<\/p>\n<p>Gabrielle serves as a volunteer coordinator and is passionate about understanding patient experiences and finding support within the community as it relates to social determinants of health. She is excited to meet and work with new volunteers to address poor health outcomes, improve connection to quality healthcare, and increase the accessibility to recourses that could greatly affect patients\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-18\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-18-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-18-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"42\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"186\" alt=\"Shannon Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x186\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2026\/03\/E6DA7282-8EC9-4E0F-9CD4-452E73F971FD_L0_001-11_24_2025-12_09_49-PM-1-1-scaled.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-18-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-18-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"43\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Shannon Hegarty, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Shannon is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying Pathobiology while enrolled in Master of Public Health coursework. She joined UCHL as a volunteer in September 2024 and became part of the UCHL Leadership Team in January 2025. She continues to hold both volunteer and leadership roles. As a volunteer, she has been involved with Social Determinants of Health projects at UConn Health West Hartford Internal Medicine and UConn Health Farmington Outpatient Internal Medicine as well as the Gynecologic Oncology Screening Project and Perioperative Health Literacy Screening Project.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of UCHL, Shannon is a part of UConn Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) Student Medical Support Staff. She has served as Mentorship Chair and Vice President of the Pre-Medical Society, an Events and Operations Coordinator and tour guide for UConn undergraduate admissions and the Husky Ambassador Program, and Secretary for UConn's chapter of Students Demand Action.<\/p>\n<p>Shannon is one of our project coordinators, overseeing and working alongside volunteers that are committed to expanding health equity. Her mission is to empower volunteers so they grow confident in their roles and better prepared to challenge health disparities and support underserved communities. She also hopes volunteers will learn how healthcare systems and care providers can address the social needs of communities they serve and adopt this perspective in their future health career. She can\u2019t wait to get to know the volunteers better and help them on their paths to a health profession.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-19\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-19-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-19-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"44\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"Nandy Headshot\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2026\/02\/DSC_0250-150x150.jpeg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-19-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-19-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"45\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Nandhana Senthilkumar, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Nandhana is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut pursuing a dual degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Molecular and Cell Biology. Originally from South Windsor, CT, she joined UCHL as a volunteer in June 2025 and continues to work with the Population Health Project.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond UCHL, Nandhana volunteers as an EMT in Mansfield, CT and is a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Organic Chemistry. She is also involved in lipid nanoparticle research within the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at UConn Storrs and is a Student Ambassador for the program.<\/p>\n<p>Nandhana serves as a volunteer coordinator and is deeply passionate about advancing health equity and improving access to care for underserved communities. She looks forward to supporting volunteers, building meaningful patient connections, and addressing social determinants of health through community-focused initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-20\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-20-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-20-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"46\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"Maria Headshot\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2026\/07\/Maria-Headshot-150x150.jpeg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-20-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-20-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"47\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Maria Choudry, Volunteer Coordinator<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Maria is from Derby, CT and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut in Stamford and Waterbury, where she earned a B.S. in Allied Health Sciences. She is currently in her gap year preparing to apply to medical school, where she hopes to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).<br \/>\nMaria joined UCHL as a volunteer in January 2025 and became part of the UCHL Leadership Team in January 2026. As a volunteer, she has been involved with Social Determinants of Health projects at UConn Health West Hartford Internal Medicine and UConn Health Farmington Outpatient Internal Medicine, as well as the Perioperative Health Literacy Screening Project.<br \/>\nOutside of UCHL, Maria previously served as an Honors GPS, PATH Program Coordinator, STEM Tutor, and co-founder and Vice President of the UConn Pre-Health Club. She also serves as the General Secretary of the Women's Auxiliary and has been a youth instructor at Baitul Aman Mosque. Her research experience includes neuroscience and oncology research, as well as remote breast cancer outcomes research with the Ikerbasque Research Foundation in Spain.<br \/>\nMaria loves mentoring students and helping volunteers grow both personally and professionally through meaningful patient experiences. She is passionate about women's health and hopes to reduce health disparities by improving access to equitable, culturally responsive care for underserved communities. Outside of healthcare, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and making coffee.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-21\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-21-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-21-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"48\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><h2>UCHL Leadership Alumni<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-22\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-22-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-22-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"49\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-23\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-23-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-23-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"50\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Zoha Sarwat<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-23-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"51\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"181\" alt=\"Zoha Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x181\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2020\/11\/Zoha-Headshot-scaled.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UMass Chan Neurology<br \/>\nUConn SOM Class of 2024<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2020<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-23-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-23-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"52\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Delia Lin<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-23-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"53\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"186\" alt=\"Delia headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x186\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2023\/01\/Delia-Profile-Picture.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Teach for America<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2024<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-23-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-23-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"54\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Reinier Gonz\u00e1lez<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-23-2-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"55\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"179\" alt=\"Reinier Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x179\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2020\/11\/Reinier-Headshot.png\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2032<br \/>\nUConn Graduate Class of 2024<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2022<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-23-3\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-23-3-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"56\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Ciara Dobrowolski<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-23-3-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"57\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" alt=\"Ciara Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x213\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2023\/01\/ciara_headshot-scaled.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Albany Medical College 2025<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2021<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-24\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-24-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-24-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"58\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Jacqueline Steele<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-24-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"59\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"174\" alt=\"Jacqueline Steele\" class=\"attachment-full\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2019\/12\/Steele-Jacqueline-20180808-Encarnacion-0086-web-e1785242063296.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Children's Hospital of Philadelphia<br \/>\nUConn SOM Class of 2022<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-24-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-24-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"60\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Meghan Kennedy<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-24-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"61\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" alt=\"Meghan Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x213\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2023\/01\/IMG_6938-scaled.jpeg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn Class of 2024<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-24-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-24-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"62\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Katya Skaritanov<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-24-2-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"63\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"191\" height=\"180\" alt=\"Katya Headshot\" class=\"attachment-191x180\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2021\/03\/Katya-Headshot.png\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Brown University Pediatrics<br \/>\nUMass Chan SOM Class of 2024<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2020<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-24-3\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-24-3-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"64\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Ajshe Zulfi<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-24-3-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"65\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"208\" alt=\"Ajshe Headshot\" class=\"attachment-full\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2021\/11\/IMG_1004-1.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2025<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2021<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-25\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-25-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-25-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"66\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Darlene Burckson<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-25-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"67\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Darlene Burckson\" class=\"attachment-160x200\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Darlene-Headshot.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn Graduate Ph.D. Candidate<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2022<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-25-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-25-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"68\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Sheryl John<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-25-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"69\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" alt=\"Sheryl Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x213\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Sheryl.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn Graduate MPH Candidate<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2022<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-25-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-25-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"70\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Kristina Gaffney<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-25-2-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"71\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"215\" alt=\"Kristina Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x215\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Kristina.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>Brown University Pediatrics<br \/>\nUMass Chan SOM Class of 2024<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2020<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-25-3\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-25-3-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"72\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Eric Rodonis<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-25-3-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"73\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"153\" alt=\"Eric Headshot\" class=\"attachment-160x153\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/03\/Eric.jpeg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>EMT for Waterbury AMR<br \/>\nUConn Class of 2022<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-26\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-26-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-26-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"74\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Erin Cova<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-26-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"75\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"Erin Headshot\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2020\/11\/Erin-Headshot-e1785243334700-150x150.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2025<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-26-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-26-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"76\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Nivedha Natchiappan<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-26-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"77\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"160\" height=\"173\" alt=\"nivedha\" class=\"attachment-full\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2021\/11\/nivedha.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2025<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-26-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-26-2-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"78\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Maria Katsetos<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-26-2-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"79\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"Maria K\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2024\/05\/SIX_BA7C381B-E2E1-43C8-9134-3A7360F3C3B7-1-150x150.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-9-27\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-9-27-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-9-27-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"80\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Julia Quinn<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-27-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image\" data-index=\"81\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"Julia Headshot\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2025\/09\/Julia-Quinn-150x150.jpg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-27-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-last-child\" data-index=\"82\" ><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-27-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-mobile-last\" ><div id=\"panel-9-27-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child\" data-index=\"83\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Jake DeFrancesco<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget\"><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-9-27-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_widget_sp_image widget_sp_image panel-last-child\" data-index=\"84\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"Jake Headshot\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/236\/2024\/05\/Jake-150x150.jpeg\" \/><div class=\"widget_sp_image-description\" ><p>UConn SOM Class of 2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-9-27-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-empty\" ><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Founders &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-08-15 14:28:09","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9"}],"version-history":[{"count":204,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1780,"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9\/revisions\/1780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/health.uconn.edu\/health-leaders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}