Students

School/Affiliation Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

Year of Education Completed Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Biosketch Alexis is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with minors in dance and psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Dance Science (MSc) from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Drawing on her passion for dance, movement, and health, Alexis aims to bridge the gap between movement science and clinical practice. Her work focuses on exploring how movement and dance can be used to promote health and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. Previous research engagements have been in the fields of functional cognition, working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease, functional quality of life in breast cancer survivors, and perceptions of strength training in pre-professional elite ballet dancers. Throughout her academic journey, Alexis has presented her research at prominent conferences, including the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS), and is currently working on several publications. Alexis’s future goals include conducting meaningful clinical research involving the application of dance to neurorehabilitation.

School/Affiliation University of Texas at Austin

Year of Education Completed B.S. Neuroscience

Biosketch Alizah Zaheer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and a minor in entrepreneurship. During her academic career, she developed an interest in healthcare reform, particularly focusing on improving patient outcomes and healthcare accessibility.

During her time in Austin, Alizah explored the intersection of medicine and healthcare policy through impactful initiatives like Texas Senate Bill 444, which aimed to improve healthcare access to pregnant patients in Texas correctional facilities. Additionally, she served on the legislation team of the advocacy committee for UT Austin’s Partners in Health: Engage, an organization focused on expanding healthcare access for underprivileged communities.

Since graduating, Zaheer has been working as a medical assistant at Reddy Cardiology and interning at an oncology practice, where she is gaining valuable clinical experience while deepening her understanding of health literacy and patient management.

Zaheer looks forward to leveraging her neuroscience and clinical experience with her entrepreneurship background to research more efficient and tangible patient-centered healthcare solutions for neurorehabilitation.

Year of Education Completed Michigan State University - Fall 2024 Graduate

Biosketch "I am a recent graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, with a minor in Spanish. During my time in college, I was on the MSU Varsity Women’s Rowing team and later the MSU Crew Club and participated in ballet classes through the MSU Ballet Club. These activities, along with being fun, disciplined sports and arts, strengthened my understanding of kinesiology. Some elective classes I took focused on neurobiology, biomechanics and electrical engineering, which, in addition to other hobbies, piqued my interest in biomedical engineering. I am seeking experience incorporating mechanical engineering with studies of the human body, and so excited for the opportunity to do so with the NSAP program. Dancing, playing piano, exercising, and cooking are some of my favorite pastimes and I can’t wait to pick up another pair of cowboy boots this summer in Texas!"

Year of Education Completed Undergraduate Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech this Spring 2025

Biosketch "My name is Connor White, and I am a recent graduate in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech. My research focuses on the wide range of biomedical devices and how they can become more electrically advanced. Through the study of neurological principles, analog circuits can be better advanced to create energy efficient devices. With experience in device fabrication, neuromorphic devices, and immunology, I have been able to explore the wide field that biomedical engineering can cover to best create brain computer interfaces."

School/Affiliation Stephen F. Austin State University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2025) B.S. in Kinesiology/ 1.5 years of 2-year M.S. in Kinesiology

Biosketch "My name is Julia Martin. After earning my B.S. in Kinesiology in December of 2023 from Stephen F. Austin State University, I became a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Kinesiology and Health Science Department while obtaining my M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus in Human Performance. My research has primarily included biomechanics and women’s psychology. I’m excited for this opportunity to immerse myself in research and gain valuable experience for my future endeavors. My goal is to start a PhD in Kinesiology in Fall 2026 at the University of Houston. I am a Certified Exercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, and Group Exercise Instructor and currently coach at a CrossFit gym. In my free time I enjoy working out, reading, playing video games, or spending time with friends and family."

School/Affiliation Rice University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2025) B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology. Incoming Graduate Student at Rice University, M.S. program in Bioengineering (Global Medical Innovation)

Biosketch "My name is Madhumitha Ramesh, and I am an incoming graduate student at Rice University pursuing a Master’s in Science in Bioengineering (Global Medical Innovation). During my undergraduate degree, I became interested in medical device innovation, implantable technologies, and AI-driven innovation. I had previously worked as a research intern to develop wearable device applications, drug development, and nanotechnology. After a clinical internship, where I worked with patients with different neurological disorders and neurological diseases, I felt drawn to this program because of the chance to delve deeper into the intricacies of the brain. I hope to gain hands-on research experience in neurotechnology and neurorehabilitation, whether it's to prototype devices, customize devices, or test these devices to further impact healthcare. Additionally, in my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, singing, graphic design, and reading."

School/Affiliation Rice University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) B.A. in Cognitive Sciences

Biosketch Mignote Tadesse graduated from Rice University with a degree in Cognitive Sciences. During this time, she conducted neurobiology research, at M.D. Anderson Biological Laboratories, studying the enteric nervous system in zebrafish. Currently, she works in hospice as an End of Life Care volunteer. Using her passion for medicine and community service, Mignote aims to expand her work in neuroscience research, especially with age-related cognitive decline. Some of Mignote’s other interests include painting, playing tennis and the double bass!

School/Affiliation University of Houston-Clear Lake

Year of Education Completed (Fall 2016) M.S. – Exercise and Health Science

Biosketch Paul Fullmer is a lecturer at the University of Houston – Clear Lake, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Fitness and Human Performance and Exercise and Health Science, respectively. He was awarded Outstanding Undergraduate during that time and completed several biomechanical research projects, the results of which were brought to national conferences. After graduation, he joined the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures Lab at NASA-JSC on several projects related to future Mars’ missions. He then worked in the Texas Medical Center as a clinical exercise physiologist specializing in neurological patients. His research interests include biomechanical analyses of human movement, especially in neurologic patients; exercise countermeasures for aging, disease states, and extended space-travel; and physiological responses to exercise. He is pleased and honored to be under the guidance and tutelage of Dr. Charles Layne and eager to grow as a scientist and a person under his mentorship.

School/Affiliation Virginia Commonwealth University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2025) BS in Biomedical Engineering; Graduated May 2024

Biosketch Regina Thomas is a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She began her career through the Intelligence and Cyber Diversity Fellowship. This was followed by a role as an Electrical Engineering Aid with the Department of Homeland Security. In this position, she also managed projects and was recognized in the Congressional Record.

With a background in running and basketball, Regina is passionate about the connection between engineering and human movement, focusing on biomechanics and rehabilitative devices. In her free time, she enjoys listening to and producing music, running, and learning new instruments. She is eager to continue building her skills and pursuing opportunities that combine her technical expertise with her passion for biomechanics and human mobility.

School/Affiliation University of Houston, Cullen College of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering)

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2025) B.S. in Biomedical Engineering; Minor in Data Science. Incoming Graduate Student at the University of Houston

Biosketch Sama Abdelaziz is a graduating senior in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Houston, completing her B.S. and a Data Science minor in Spring 2025. Her research contributions include developing a machine learning–based real-time color-correction pipeline for underwater image enhancement, optimizing optical imaging workflows for high-resolution tissue visualization, and conducting electroretinography experiments to quantify retinal function in genetic disease models. She designed and prototyped affordable 3D-printed prosthetic hands by applying biomechanics principles and advanced materials. As a Data Science Intern at Borehole Seismic LLC, she automated microseismic data-processing pipelines using Python, C++, and MATLAB, significantly improving data quality assurance and workflow efficiency. Outside of these positions, Sama co-founded a tutoring service to support STEM students during the pandemic and mentored participants in summer STEM camps, enhancing educational outcomes through personalized instruction. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic, she excels at integrating engineering, data analysis, and translational research. Sama is known for her proactive approach to research, her ability to quickly adapt to new challenges, and her enthusiasm for collaborative problem-solving. Sama plans to start her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering in Fall 2025.

School/Affiliation IUCRC BRAIN Center in Houston, TX

Year of Education Completed Barnard College (c/o 2024)

Biosketch "My name is Zoya Fazal and I am affiliated with the IUCRC BRAIN Center in Houston, TX. I am a recent neuroscience graduate from Barnard College (c/o 2024). I'm currently researching efficient, safe, and user-centered strategies for implementing BCIs to enhance device accessibility and performance in the industry. In my free time, I love to read, go to the gym, and crochet."

School/Affiliation Johns Hopkins University

Biosketch "My background is in clinical medicine (MD), clinical research, genomics- computational genomics and computational transcriptomics, applied mathematics, computing sciences, biomechanics, network analysis, and applied statistics. Having worked as a visiting researcher in the past in the Lab of Dr. Pranav Parikh, I am super-excited to return to immerse myself in projects investigating the role of biological neural networks in balance control in stroke patients."

Biosketch Christian Doxakis graduated from the University of Houston in Spring 2024 and will be starting a PhD in Kinesiology fall 2024 at the University of Houston. His research interest’s include neurorehabilitation for post-stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and spinal cord injury. He has been involved in undergraduate research at the Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research for one and a half years and has been researching transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation as an intervention for Parkinson’s Disease.

School/Affiliation Texas Woman’s University, Houston, TX

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2024) BA in Biology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX (1981 – 1985); MSPT in Physical Therapy, Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Houston (1985 – 1987); PhD(c) in Physical Therapy, TWU, Houston (fall 2017 – current).
Total Years Completed: 12.5 years

Biosketch Carmen Kelley is a physical therapist with 36 years of experience in Houston's adult and pediatric settings, including an acute hospital in the Texas Medical Center, outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, sports clinics, home health, and public school. She treated patients of all ages in chest physical therapy, ICU, cardiac and transplant units, work hardening, neurology, rehabilitation, prosthetics, wound care, and pediatrics. With a Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing certification, Carmen specialized in autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder for the past 23 years. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Physical Therapy at Texas Woman's University in Houston.

School/Affiliation Georgia State University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2024) B.S. in Exercise Science Graduated 2020 and A.S in Kinesiology Graduated 2019

Biosketch "My name is Isaiah Leon, and I am a graduate of Georgia State University’s Exercise Science Program. I am an Exercise Physiologist with 8 years of experience working in commercial gyms, corporate gyms, stretch studios, small boutique gyms that focus on community wellness, and rehabilitation centers. While working on my undergraduate degree I found a major interest in biomechanics and neuroscience. After completing my undergraduate studies, I delved deeper into my passions, which led me to pursue a Graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. My research interests lie in developing wearable devices and biosensors to monitor and optimize movement patterns, as well as in neural interface technologies to improve the lives of individuals with neurological disorders. I am excited to continue my journey in the field leveraging my experience and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to healthcare tech and wellness."

School/Affiliation University of Texas at Austin

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2024) BS in Kinesiology, MS Movement and Cognitive Rehabilitation class 2025

Biosketch "My name is Mark Martinez and I am a first year masters student at the University of Texas at Austin. Spending most of my years in sports, as I got older I decided I wanted to pursue an education centered around biomechanics. Currently, my research project involves determining the effects of plantar vibration to improve dynamic balance control in older adults. In my free time, I enjoy jiu jitsu/MMA, coffee, working out, car detailing, and cooking."

School/Affiliation University of Houston

Biosketch "My name is Kenedy May and I am a recent graduate of the University of Houston. I majored in exercise science and minored in nutrition with the goal of applying to occupational therapy school for the summer/fall of 2025! I'm so excited to be given this internship opportunity that will foster growth and learning and will give me experiences I will be able to cherish forever. In my free time I enjoy volunteering with a group affiliated with UH, known as Evolve! I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, weightlifting, yoga, listening to music, and trying new foods!"

School/Affiliation Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2024) Associate in Science from Houston Community College, graduated May 2019; BS Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of St Thomas Houston, graduated December 2022; Doctor of Medicine at Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine, estimated graduation date 2027.
1.5 years Associate Degree, 3.5 years Bachelors, 1 year of Graduate School, Total Years Completed is 6.

Biosketch "I am a passionate first-year medical student, I have a history of dedication to disability rights and extensive experience in biomedical research. As a disabled person myself, I am dedicated to advocating for the disabled community. I have worked with children with disabilities at therapeutic horseback riding stables and volunteered as an amputee peer support specialist. My specialty interests include physical medicine and rehabilitation and neurology, and I aim to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities."

School/Affiliation University of Houston College of Medicine

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2024) Bachelors Degree Kinesiology and Chemistry; Medical Student Class 2027

Biosketch “My name is Yakob Zumlot, and I am a first-year medical student at UHCOM. profound interest in the science behind medicine, driven by a desire to give back to our communities. Growing up in a small refugee camp with limited access to healthcare, I witnessed firsthand the critical need for medical services in disadvantaged communities. This experience has motivated me to dedicate my career to improving health outcomes for those who are most in need.”

School/Affiliation The University of Chicago

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) B.S. in Computer Science. Incoming Graduate Student at the University of Chicago

Biosketch Amr Alshatnawi is a graduate student at the University of Chicago pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical informatics. He graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Saint Xavier University in Chicago where he was awarded the outstanding computer science student award. He has completed multiple internships at NASA, most recently he was a 2022 fall intern at NASA Johnson Space Center supporting the Human Physiology, Performance, Protection, and Operations (H-3PO) Laboratory. He is interested in learning about the impact of biomedical research on human health and performance and how it could be used to improve human health.

School/Affiliation Rice University, Shepherd School of Music

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) First Year of Masters in Music (MM) in Violin Performance

Biosketch Nanki Chugh is a violinist from Santa Monica, California. She is currently pursuing a masters of music in violin performance at the Shepherd School of Music in Rice University. She completed her undergraduate degree at Yale University in May 2022 where she studied both music and biochemistry, receiving a bachelors of science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, cum laude, with distinction in the Major. As part of her biology degree, she worked as a research intern in a biochemistry lab at UCLA, a clinical biostatistics lab at Cedars-Sinai, and a neuroscience lab at Yale, studying Drosophila vision. She was the concertmistress and a member of the Programming Committee during Yale Symphony Orchestra’s Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 seasons. She loves dark chocolate, mentoring children, playing chamber music, reading, writing, tidepooling, and bhangra dancing!

School/Affiliation Pursuing M.S. in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Colorado State University; B.S. in Health and Exercise Science

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) Year 2/2.5 of M.S. program in Orthotics and Prosthetics

Biosketch She is a North Dakota native who earned her bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University in Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Biomedical Sciences. While at CSU, she worked in the Clinical Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Function labs focusing on turf related injuries and validating smart devices for performing remote motor batteries, respectively. She then went on to begin earning her Master’s in Science from Baylor College of Medicine in Orthotics and Prosthetics. She has completed part of her clinical residency in Minnesota, Washington, and Colorado. Her master’s thesis is focused on resident competency in scoliosis related care. Overall, her current research interests are neuroscience, human mobility and potential, and clinical education.

School/Affiliation Arizona State University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) Biomedical Engineering, B.S.E

Biosketch I’ve been interested in how the brain works for a very long time, but my interest really grew when I got to college. Getting to explore how the brain works through advanced classes and working in a research lab has allowed me to gain a level of appreciation for the brain I would have never had previously. What drew me to this program was that it would allow me to further delve into the world of neuroscience from an angle that I have not previously explored it. Getting practical experience in running neuroscientific experiments with patients in real time is something I have never done before.

School/Affiliation University of Colorado Boulder

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) B.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering

Biosketch I recently completed my degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. I also minored in biomedical engineering. My goal is to have a career working in the medical devices field, as I have always been fascinated by the world of medicine. I hope to have a job where I get to learn new things every day and collaborate with others. I am also considering attending graduate school for biomedical engineering to advance my skills in the field.

School/Affiliation Johns Hopkins University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) B.S. in Neuroscience

Biosketch Kennedy Leonard completed her B.S. in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University with minors in Music and Spanish for the Professions. Kennedy has been the Music Director of the a cappella group, Adoremus, at Hopkins for the past 2 years, as well as the president of the JHU Choral Society chamber choir, ECCO. Kennedy's prior research experience includes Dr. Pranav Parikh's project at The University of Houston which focuses on stroke rehabilitation and specifically studying deficits in balance and postural movements, as well as Dr. Preeti Raghavan's project at the Johns Hopkins Hospital which focuses on stroke rehabilitation in the upper extremeties. Kennedy's future plans include medical school, and she hopes to continue neuroscience research in the future.

School/Affiliation Carnegie Mellon University

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) Completed first year of Master's of Science — Research in Biomedical Engineering

Biosketch Robert “Danny” Magruder Danny Magruder is integrating his electrical engineering and neuroscience knowledge as a Master’s student at Carnegie Mellon University, studying biomedical engineering. His current research is with TMS for upper extremity stroke neurorehabilitation, and his previous work utilized EEG data in PTSD research. Through coursework, personal ventures, and research projects, Danny is an advanced programmer in MATLAB and C languages. His other interests include soccer and travel, recently going to Barcelona to watch FC Barca play in person. This summer, Danny is thrilled to be working with Dr. Jose L. Contreras-Vidal and Dr. Pranav Parikh in their respective labs.

School/Affiliation University of Houston – Clear Lake

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) 2nd year Masters

Biosketch Found sport science from a creative career as a dance instructor, choreographer, and creative director. Licensed Massage Therapist with sports and orthopedic advanced training. Member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science. BSc in Fitness & Human Performance, and 2nd year master’s student in Exercise & Health Sciences at University of Houston – Clear Lake. Sports interest in professional dance injury prevention and return-to-stage recovery and rehabilitation. Clinical interest in stretch and manual therapy effects on patients with neurologic conditions.

School/Affiliation University of Colorado Boulder

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

Biosketch Linnea graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Spanish. She has extensive experience working with patients as well as brain machine interfaces and will be going on to PA school in the next few years. She is passionate about the neuroscience behind prosthetic and orthotic devices and hopes to incorporate that work into her future surgical career.

School/Affiliation Stevenson University, Owings Mills, MD

Year of Education Completed (Spring 2023) B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

Biosketch Amir Srour is an accomplished senior student studying Biomedical Engineering from Baltimore, Maryland. He has a passion for research and a particular interest in neuroscience. Currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree, Amir is set to graduate in May 2023 from Stevenson University, having already acquired invaluable research experience as an undergraduate, working with Dr. James R. Borrelli on a project focused on preventing fall injury risk. He has presented his findings at various conferences, including the American Society of Biomechanics. Amir is interested in the medical field, particularly in orthopedics and neurology, and plans to pursue a doctorate in medicine in one of those fields. He has volunteered in the neurosurgery department at the University of Maryland Medical Center to gain clinical exposure. As an NSAP trainee, Amir hopes to contribute to groundbreaking research in neuroscience and neurotechnology to make a meaningful impact on the world.