Learn more about EMSAP Alumni who are now UAB Faculty!
Congratulations to Daniel Elston on his Fulbright Award!
Sohail Baig
Hello, my name is Sohail Baig, and I attended James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama. At UAB, I plan on majoring in Neuroscience while pursuing a Masters in Public Health. Throughout high school, I was an active member of various academic, leadership, and volunteer-based clubs, including serving as the co-president of HOSA, co-captain of Science Olympiad, treasurer of Red Cross, class secretary in SGA, and a representative in the Superintendent Advisory Committee. Outside school, I enjoyed volunteering at Manna House and a local mobile clinic providing basic essentials and free health care to underserved and uninsured populations. Additionally, I have taught advanced STEM concepts to elementary students through Beast, Science, and Coding Academy, shadowed at a geriatric clinic, conducted independent research at UAB, and spent a semester interning at various hospital and clinical sites. I believe that EMSAP will provide me with a dedicated path to reaching my goal of becoming a physician and being a part of a tight-knit community where I can connect and learn from students with similar goals and diverse backgrounds.
Jari Chen
Hi! My name is Jari Chen, and I’m from Hoover, Alabama. I attended Hoover High School as an IB Diploma student, spending my time playing quiz bowl, participating in STEM team, and working as an IB Council class representative. I was also an active member of DECA during my senior year, getting to compete at internationals in the Business Law and Ethics event! Outside of school, I spent many of my weekends serving the community with my volunteer group, the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the US, in which I was president. I also had the opportunity to shadow at the UAB Hospital in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which was what got me interested in pursuing medicine, alongside volunteering at UAB Hospital and working in different scientific laboratories. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, listening to music, and chilling with my dog, Teddy :) I plan on majoring in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and hope to keep exploring my passion for medicine. I’m excited to continue my journey with UAB’s EMSAP Program, and can’t wait to see what the future holds! Go Blazers!
Arnav Gupta
Hello! My name is Arnav Gupta. I’m from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I graduated from Northridge High School. During my time in high school, I served as the president of the school’s FBLA and DECA chapters as well as the secretary of the Spanish club. I also captained our school's robotics team, where I honed my problem-solving skills. Outside the classroom, I've been practicing taekwondo for over 14 years and have even had the opportunity to compete in international-level tournaments. I discovered my passion for medicine through volunteering at my local hospital - that's why EMSAP at UAB holds tremendous appeal for me. It provides the ideal environment to deepen my interest in medicine, particularly in neuroscience, while taking part in valuable opportunities such as research, volunteering, and specialized coursework. I also plan to pursue an accelerated M.B.A. to blend business acumen with medical expertise. Looking ahead, I see myself as a physician-researcher, actively contributing to patient care through innovation and making a meaningful impact in the field.
Claudia Henson
Hello! My name is Claudia Henson. I am from Athens, AL. While attending Athens High School I was a captain of the varsity soccer team, drum major in the marching band, National Beta Club chapter secretary, Rho Kappa Society chapter treasurer, National Honors Society member, SADD Club chapter president, Student Council Association Historian, HOSA member, and was highly involved in our Medical Internship Program. Outside of school I played club soccer, was a member of the Mayor’s Youth Commission, involved in the Sub Deb Community Service Sorority, and served my community as an Athens-Limestone Hospital Ambassador and volunteer, while also being an active Christian. I had the best experiences being a part of so many organizations, and I truly believe my involvement has helped me become a better future physician. The exposure of many hours of shadowing at a local internal medicine clinic as well as my local hospital helped solidify my choice to pursue a career in medicine. I have no doubt these opportunities shaped who I am today and what type of doctor I will be. At UAB I plan to major in Neuroscience and double-minor in Chemistry and Business. I am so excited to be a part of EMSAP as I hope this will better support me in continuing my interests of not only medicine but religion, music, and community service. I have already felt so welcomed into the UAB family and I cannot wait to see what the future holds! Go Blazers!
Eshika Kudaravalli
Hi, my name is Eshika Kudaravalli and I attended Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama. There, I was an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate, captain of the Speech and Debate Team, captain of the STEM Team, CAS Coordinator in the IB Council, and founder of Outstanding Women Leaders in STEM club. Outside of school, I enjoy volunteering at the Children's of Alabama hospital, baking eggless pastries, serving as President of the Hope for Autumn Junior Board, leading the volunteering organization at the McWane Science Center, and spending way too much money on candy. At UAB, I plan to major in Neuroscience through the SciTech Honors Program. I absolutely can’t wait to explore all the unique opportunities that EMSAP provides me while also making new friends along the way!
Cynthia Li
Hello! My name is Cynthia Li and I am from Vestavia, Alabama. I attended Indian Springs School where I was active in Science Olympiad, Scholars’ Bowl, and Mock Trial. I also served four semesters on the Student Judiciary. Outside of school, I played violin in the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra and was a frequent attendee of the Alabama All-State Orchestra Festival. I also skated and competed nationally with the Magic City Theatre on Ice Open team. Last summer, I completed a research internship with the UAB Hypertension Clinic. Although becoming a physician has interested me most of my life, my experiences in the lab along with numerous shadowing opportunities not only cemented my goal but also ignited my interest in health disparities research. At UAB, I plan to major in Public Health and/or Bioinformatics and be a part of the University Honors Program. I was attracted to EMSAP because the tight-knit community and outstanding advising provides excellent preparation for medical school without sacrificing opportunities to develop and flourish in other disciplines. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to my time at UAB!
Bryan Keith Preer II
Hey! My name is Bryan Keith Preer II, and I am from Madison, Alabama. I graduated from James Clemens High School, where I was involved in the JCHS Health Science Academy. Through this program, I gained hands-on skills directly applicable to the field of medicine. I am BLS Certified, as well as a Certified Patient Care and EKG Technician. Along with this, I was active in the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Science National Honors Society and National Technical Honors Society. I served as Drum Major of the JCHS Competition Marching Band for two years, as well as First Chair Tenor Saxophone in the JCHS Wind Ensemble and Jet Blues Jazz Band. As an active member of HOSA, where I held the office of Vice President of Competitive Events, Assistant Treasurer, and a member of the Biomedical Debate Team. Our team won the state championship two years in a row, as well as competed in the International Leadership Conference. Outside of school, I assisted Huntsville Hospital physicians retrieve Vital Signs for school physicals, helped the Athletic Trainers wrap joints at athletic events, and shadowed physicians from a multitude of disciplines. I volunteered at workshops teaching African-American History and worked at soup kitchens, pet shelters, and community gardens. At UAB, I am currently in the University Honors Program and majoring in Genetics and Genomic Sciences. I am delighted to be a part of this program, and cannot wait to experience the plethora of possibilities UAB offers!
Soorya Ramesh
Hi! My name is Soorya Ramesh, and I am from Madison, Alabama. Attending Bob Jones High School, I was greatly involved in HOSA, NHS, and Science Olympiad. Attending state and national conferences for HOSA as a member as well as orchestrating blood drives as a HOSA chapter officer, I was able to find my passion for medicine and realize that the role of a physician was right for me. This passion I held was further cultivated by my certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant that allows me to volunteer at hospitals and urgent care clinics throughout high school. Outside of class, I was part of Balavihar and other community service opportunities that would eventually allow me to present my work to the Department of Homeland Security as part of the Invent2Prevent competition, in which I helped cofound an initiative to prevent social isolation in teenagers. I was drawn to EMSAP due to the small-knit community and opportunity to fulfill a lifetime dream of becoming a physician. I intend to major in Immunology as a part of the Personalized Honors Pathway program and am excited to start my next stage of life at UAB. Go Blazers!
Kaitlin Ross
Hi! My name is Kaitlin Ross, and I am from Satsuma, Alabama. I plan to major in Cancer Biology while participating in the University Honors Program (UHP) with aspirations of completing my MPH. I attended Satsuma High School, where I competed in the HOSA Medical Reading event while serving as HOSA President, along with serving as Student Council President, National Science Honor Society President, Hi-Q Captain, and captain for the Varsity Tennis Team at my school. Outside of school, I enjoyed volunteering at the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute as a Chemo Sabe volunteer where I served in the infusion site, supporting and encouraging patients and their caregivers while they were undergoing treatments. The summer before my senior year of high school I was selected to be a Rural Health Scholar by the University of Alabama where I was exposed to the lack of resources in rural areas and had the opportunity to shadow different rural healthcare professionals. UAB’s EMSAP was particularly appealing to me because it allows me to explore interests that typical pre-medical students might not be able to explore, which will equip me to have a unique perspective in medicine and build cultural competence. Go Blazers!
Rishab Samant
Hi! My name is Rishab Samant, and I’m from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, which is just outside of Birmingham. I plan on majoring in Cancer Biology and am so excited to join UAB! In high school, I found so much joy through serving as an active member of the Math Team, President of the Spanish Honor Society, Speech and Debate Team Captain, and as Head Ambassador. Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family, volunteer, read, practice martial arts, and draw. I found my passion for dentistry through shadowing, where I was drawn to the artistry and care of the profession. Seeing numerous procedures broadened my horizons and solidified my desire to pursue it in the future. I am beyond excited to join EDSAP, a program that facilitates the exploration of extracurricular interests in addition to those academically centered. Under Dr. Pence’s leadership and guidance, I’m thrilled to gain my education at UAB, foster foundational relationships, and get involved in the boundless opportunities the campus offers. I am so happy to be part of the UAB family! Go Blazers!
Matthew Shen
My name is Matthew Shen and I am from Hoover, Alabama. I attended Hoover High School where I was involved in quizbowl, ambassadors, and jazz band. Outside of school, I performed community service with AYLUS and Red Cross, shadowed at various hospitals, and performed literature research at UAB Highlands Hospital. I was initially interested in EMSAP because of the nationally renown medical program it offers as well as UAB being close to home. I hope to be able to pursue my interests further under Dr. Pence's guidance, and I look forward to being a Blazer!
Neha Singaravelan
Hey! My name is Neha Singaravelan and I am from Dallas, Texas. I attended the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science. During my high school, I was heavily involved in my research where I identified anti-cancer agents in fungi strains, served as the Co-founder of Fold for HOPE (an organization dedicated to forming meaningful relationships with homeless children by teaching them origami), and was the school Biology Tutor. Outside of school, I am a concert pianist and spend my Sundays at the local skilled nursing facility providing music therapy and companionship. I also am an avid traveler and a huge Marvel fan. My experiences shadowing different physicians and volunteering at the skilled nursing facility have motivated me to become a physician. The EMSAP program will give me the opportunity to gain a holistic education, access to the medical school resources, explore diverse interests, and be a part of a tight-knit community. At UAB I plan to major in Cancer Biology and obtain a Masters in Business Administration before entering medical school. I am very excited for the unique experiences the program has to offer. Go Blazers!
Neha Singhal
Hi! My name is Neha Singhal, and I am from Madison, Alabama. In Madison, I attended James Clemens High School, where I served as the president of the Red Cross and co-captain of the Science Bowl team. The summer before my sophomore year, I started a systematic investigation to track and trace the COVID-19 virus in humans, which led me to develop a research project that reached the International Science and Engineering Fair. By applying my experiences in science, I founded the Chemistry Olympiad and Science Bowl to further the opportunities for students to pursue their scientific interests. Outside of school, I shadowed numerous healthcare professionals and participated in research at the HudsonAlpha’s Biotechnology summer program. Additionally, I enjoy teaching elementary students advanced mathematics and science, choreographing dances, creating origami figurines, and learning about new cultures. All of these experiences have cemented my decision to become a physician. At UAB, I am planning to major in neuroscience. I am very grateful to be a part of the EMSAP program as it will provide me innumerable opportunities to grow my passion for medicine and become a well-rounded physician while receiving guidance and joining a close-knit community. With the encouragement and support of this wonderful family, I will explore my passions outside the typical pre-med field, allowing me to connect with the Birmingham community and beyond! Go Blazers!
Vamsi Singu
My name is Vamsi Singu, and I am from Elkhorn, Nebraska. I attended Elkhorn High School, where I was active in leadership organizations, such as Student Council and the National Honor Society. I also spent lots of time outside of school volunteering, shadowing physicians, and conducting biomedical research. My research dealt with potential therapeutics for cognitive deficits caused by chronic stress and oxycodone exposure in utero. This area of research is something I am very interested in and would like to continue diving into at UAB as I pursue a Neuroscience major on the Personalized Pathway of the Honors College. Outside of academics, you could probably find me playing basketball, playing my guitar, or defending Kyrie Irving as the greatest PG of all time. The EMSAP at UAB was a great program for me because it places me in a close-knit community, allows me to pursue my interests that lie outside of medicine, and gives me great opportunities both within and outside of the medical field. I cannot wait to join the EMSAP class of 2027!
Nicholas Stefanov
Hello! My name is Nicholas Stefanov and I’m originally from Lawrence, Kansas. My family moved to Hoover, Alabama before my junior year of high school where I attended Spain Park. At UAB, I will be double majoring in Immunology and Cancer Biology on the Personalized Honors track. After moving to Hoover, I quickly got involved in a UAB lab researching muscular dystrophy which further developed my love for medicine and medical research. During my time at Spain Park, I participated in Model UN, Habitat for Humanity, and helped put on multiple blood drives. I also organized and taught several prep sessions for students taking the PSAT. In Kansas, I was a part of the Pre-Med club at my old high school and volunteered on the pediatric floor at Stormont Vail Hospital. I continued my hospital volunteering at Children’s of Alabama after moving. I’m so excited to be a part of EMSAP because of the lifelong family that is created as we each pursue our dreams in medicine. I know that through UAB and EMSAP, I will be able to challenge myself and explore new opportunities so that I have all the tools to one day become the best physician possible!
Shreya Sunil
Hi! My name is Shreya Sunil, and I am from Madison, Alabama. I recently graduated from James Clemens High School, where I actively participated in various organizations, including HOSA and Research Club, as well as received certifications in CCMA, CET, and CPCT through the Medical Academy. I also served as Class Vice President for all four years of high school. My greatest passion lies in laboratory research, and I have been fortunate enough to conduct diabetic research at several prestigious institutions, earning recognition at various national competitions. I hope to continue this research under the guidance of UAB's esteemed faculty. Outside of academics, I enjoy volunteering with United Way, playing chess, and creating everlasting relationships with my community through dance. I chose EMSAP because it offers me more than a pathway to becoming a physician. The program's nurturing community of supportive and like-minded individuals, combined with its exceptional mentorship, will enable me to grow into a well-rounded physician. At UAB, I intend to major in Cancer Biology as well as be a part of the University Honors Program. I have always known that medicine is my calling, and I cannot wait to embark on this exciting journey. Go Blazers!
Srushti Talluri
Hi! My name is Srushti Talluri, and I am from San Ramon, California. Throughout high school, I was actively involved in tutoring, Sports Medicine, and MedShare. Outside of school, I founded HeartsThatServe and PadSeva (two health-related nonprofit organizations), volunteered at local medical clinics, shadowed various physicians, and participated in Neuroscience research. At UAB, I plan on completing a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience and a Master’s in Public Health, and I look forward to exploring the various medical opportunities available in the area. I am beyond excited to join the EMSAP family and start my next chapter at UAB. Go Blazers!
Grace Townson
Hello! My name is Grace Townson, and I am from Huntsville, Alabama. I am planning on majoring in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness and will be a part of the EDSAP and Honors communities at UAB. While attending Whitesburg Christian Academy, I was active in the National Honors Societies, Chick-fil-A leadership, and my school's varsity tennis team. Outside of school, I spent much of my time volunteering at the Community Free Dental Clinic, performing piano concerts at senior citizens' homes, and playing violin in various orchestras. I was drawn to EDSAP because of the amazing community of like-minded students it fosters and the wonderful opportunities it will provide for my future in dentistry. I am looking forward to exploring and experiencing all the wonderful opportunities UAB has to offer!