2021-2022AEC

Peer Leaders

JEAN LLENOSHey everyone, Iʼm Jean Llenos and, if you havenʼt heardalready, I really like to bake bread. When Iʼm not baking(since apparently I canʼt make carbs my one personality

trait), you can find me meandering in the wilderness,often under, around, and over rocks of varying sizes. My

girlfriend is a geologist though, so donʼt worry, Iʼm insafe hands. Feel free to chat with me about the farmerʼs

market, Legend of Zelda, why bourbon is the superiorwhiskey, or, occasionally, medical school. Looking

forward to getting to know you all!

Sabrina Khuder

Iʼm a lifelong Toledo native and graduate of the University of Toledo. As someone who would attend reviewsessions religiously during my M1 year, Iʼm super excited to take on the role of being able to host my own! Asidefrom being a peer tutor, Iʼm also the VP for the Medical Education and Innovation Club and the Geriatrics Club. I

also volunteer at the CommunityCare Clinic and assist with COVID-19 vaccinations in my free time. My twofavorite hobbies include going on long distance runs through Toledo metro parks and baking and decorating

cakes.

Hyerin Kwak

My name is Hyerin Kwak. Iwas born in South Korea, butI grew up and spent most of

my life in Norman, Oklahoma.I attended Case Western

Reserve University inCleveland, OH, where I got

my Bachelorʼs in Economicsand my Masterʼs in Bioethics.

I am currently interested inPediatrics and Critical CareMedicine. I like to spend my

free time outdoors at thelocal parks and also enjoy

playing board games, playingtennis, fishing, and

woodworking.

Clare LaheyMy name is Clare Lahey and I am a Second-YearPhysician Assistant Student here at The Universityof Toledo PA Program. I grew up in PerrysburgOhio, then I went down to Athens Ohio where Istudied Biology at Ohio University. I am reallyenjoying the UTPA Program, with my favoritecourses being Anatomy, Pharmacology, andClinical Medicine so far. I look forward to being aPeer-Leader this year and guiding the First-Yearstudents through the first few semesters of PAschool!

Hello, my name is Kristen Yost, and I am a second-yearPhysician Assistant student here at UToledo. I was bornand raised in a small-town 10 minutes from Sandusky,Ohio. I completed my undergraduate degree at TheOhio State University. My favorite classes in PA schoolare Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology. When I am notstudying, I enjoy staying active through yoga andbiking, traveling, discovering new restaurants, andspending time with family and friends. I am lookingforward to a year of academic, personal, andprofessional growth for students in all programs

Kristen Yost

Steven WaitesI grew up in the northwest Ohio area,

graduated from the Ohio StateUniversity, and after several years onthe east coast working as an engineer,

I have had a great time back in Ohioworking towards a profession I ammore passionate about. When not

studying I am likely to be found in apool, on a bike, or running inpreparation for an upcoming

triathlon.

Jenna GunnHi everyone, my name is Jenna

Gunn, and my pronouns areshe/hers/her. I enjoy eatingpopcorn, drinking red wine,hanging out with my three-

legged dog, Finn, reading HarryPotter, binging reality TV shows,

and playing basketball. I'mpassionate about LGBTQ+ issues

and mental health. Lookingforward to learning along with

you all!

BrittanySchecht

I graduated from the Ohio State University (gobucks!) with a bachelor's degree in

Neuroscience in 2018. I love to hike, travel, goon walks and be outdoors.

Jacob WexlerMy name is Jacob Wexler! I was born andraised just north of Toledo, and I am veryexcited to be back! I majored in MovementScience at the University of Michigan andperformed an honors thesis in determinants ofadolescent health. Currently, I am involvedwith the Community Care Clinic as well as theFamily Medicine Club. My hobbies includerunning, cooking, and stand-up comedy. If anyof these things interest you, feel free to reachout!

Aashi VermaHi! My name is Aashi and I am an M2

and also one of the future peer leaders.In my free time, I enjoy hiking,

painting, napping and going to thegym. I'm from Arizona so I have been

taking my time to slowly explore Ohioand the midwest. Super excited to

meet all of you!

I am an M2 whoʼs life nowrevolves around studyingand taking care of mypuppy. I love to cook,either my greatgrandmother's recipes orcreating my own. In whatfree time I have I enjoybeing outdoors andreading a good book.

IsabellHutchins

Faryal Irfan

Iʼm originally fromCalifornia, where I

completed my undergradat UC Davis and my post-

bacc in the Bay Area. Itook 3 gaps years beforestarting medical school,during which I tutored

and worked as a barista. Ilove birds and will showyou hundreds photos of

them if you ask.

Hi! I'm Priya, an M2 excited to helpyou through your M1 year. Originallyfrom Maryland, I've been in Ohio long

enough to call it home. I attendedundergrad at the University of

Cincinnati for neuroscience. In my freetime I enjoy eating good food, burning

it off with tennis, and reading.

Priya Thomas

Mad

ison

Fee

ley

My name is Madison Feeley. I am fromToledo, Ohio and graduated from The OhioState University with my BS inneuroscience in 2020. I have had theopportunity to get involved with StudentHealth and Wellness Club, OB/GYN InterestGroup, and UTCOMLS Ambassadors. As ofright now I am interested in Ob/Gyn orchild neurology but am keeping my mindopen. Outside of academics, I love totravel, hike in national parks, play boardgames, go to concerts, and play with mypuppy, Dot! A few fun facts about me arethat my middle name is Delight, I have afreckle in my left eye, and my favoritekitchen utensil is a rubber spatula.

Brandon Sharkey

Iʼm originally from Perrysburg, Ohio, and I graduated fromBrigham Young University-Idaho where I majored in Biologywith an emphasis in Neuroscience. I went on to work as aLaboratory Technician in a Rheumatology lab and as anAdjunct Biology Professor for a year. After my gap year, Ireceived an MSBS degree from the University of Toledo. Iʼma current M2 and Master Peer Leader with the AEC. Iʼm alsothe President of SIGN club, Copresident of Oncology club,Student-Liaison to the Office of Student Affairs, and astudent-researcher through the department of InfectiousDisease. I take great pride in being a Dad and sporting thecoveted “dad-bod”. My wife and I love binging Disney+shows and eating copious amounts of fast food. Iʼm amenace on the pickleball court. Catch me at your local foodtruck rally.

Abel CastilloHi! My name is Abel Castillo, and I am a

second-year medical student fromBowling Green, OH. I completed my

undergrad at UT (Biology Major,Chemistry Minor) and enjoy activities

including soccer, writing, and spendingtime with my friends and family. Feel

free to reach out to me for any questionsregarding your transition into medical

school or even the Toledo area ingeneral! I am beyond excited to be a

resource for the incoming M1 class andlook forward to doing anything I can toanswer your questions and make you

feel at home!

KAYLIEBAKER

Hello! I am originally from Mansfield, OH and graduated with my Bachelor's ofScience in Biology from Lourdes University in 2020. I have played soccer my

entire life and even got to play for a couple of years at Lourdes. I am also a twin,even though my little sister and I look and act more alike. I'm excited to be a

peer leader this year and am eager to get started!

Connor McCarthy

Hello everyone! My name is ConnorMcCarthy and I am a M2 here at UTCOM.For a little background, I am originallyfrom Columbus (but am a Notre Damefan at heart). I played a lot of differentsports growing up and continued withfootball in high school until I realized Iwasn't that good. I grew up down the

street from OSU's campus, so naturallythat's where I ended up for college

where I majored in Neuroscience. Myfun fact is that I have a twin sister who

lives in Chicago and is much smarterthan I am. Finally, when I am trying toavoid studying, I am usually watching

whatever sports are on (preferably theBrowns or the Irish), exploring localbars, or biking through the various

trails here in Toledo.

Kim Browne

My name is Kim Browne. Growing up, I lived in 4states but consider Littleton, Colorado my

hometown. I went to undergrad at Case WesternReserve University, and then worked as a

research assistant at the Cleveland Clinic. A ‘funfact’ about me is I used to be a synchronized

figure skater. Currently, in my free time I do yogaand hike. Being a Peer Leader is something I was

super interested in as I loved my previousexperiences tutoring in after-school programs,

especially getting to know the students I workedwith, and am excited to get started!

Emiko Mar (Emi)

My name is Emiko (Emi)Mar. I am from Seattle,

Washington andtravelled with my 7 year

old corgi to Toledo toattend PT school. In my

pockets of free time, Ienjoy baking, cooking,

and training circus arts.

Sydney WeisMy name is Sydney Weis and I am will bea second year DPT student beginning thissummer. I am from Powell, Ohio, which isnear the Columbus Zoo. I completed myundergraduate degree in athletic trainingat Ohio University before starting my DPTat the University of Toledo. Some funfacts about me are that I am anIndianapolis Colts football fan, I have a 50degree scoliotic curve, and I attend theIndianapolis 500 race every year.

Mackenzie CalvertI am an Occupational

Therapy Doctoral studentat the University of Toledo.I am from Columbus, Ohio

and studied ExerciseScience at Wittenberg

University. I love spendingtime with my dog, takingcare of my house plantsand playing volleyball!

Ore Afon

My name is Ore Afon, and I’m originally from Nigeria,West Africa, but have lived with my family just outside

of Atlanta for most of my life. I went to school at CornellUniversity in upstate NY and spent my two gap years

working at a historically low-achievement high school inBoston. I taught Health and AP Chemistry and coached

the women’s basketball team. I’m passionate aboutwomen’s health, social justice, and closing the health

equity gap, and in my free time, I love cooking,traveling, and writing short stories!

Prajwal HegdeMy name is Prajwal Hegde, and I am currently an M2.I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and majored in

Microbiology at The Ohio State University. ICurrently, I am involved in UTCOMLS Ambassadors,Scribe Club, Medical Humanities Club, and serve asthe president of the Psychiatry Club. I enjoy takingwalks, naps, and reading. Feel free to reach out at

any time!

Brian RaoI’m originally from Columbus, Ohio where

I graduated from OSU in BiomedicalEngineering and was involved with OSUSuicide Prevention Program. I hope to

bring some of what I learned toUTCOMLS as a Wellness Ambassador. I’ve

also tutored since high school and amlooking forward to being a Peer Leader.In my free time I love watching/playing

basketball, spending time outdoors, andcheering on OSU football. Go Bucks!

Hi all! My name is Diane Wei. I am fromKankakee, IL and graduated with a degreein Molecular and Cellular Biology from theUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaignlast spring. Anesthesiology and emergencymedicine are specialties I am currentlyinterested in! One of the coolest jobs I haveever had (besides this one, of course) waswhen I was a professional weddingphotographer back in undergrad. When Iam not studying, I binge-watch way toomany shows, bake, and/or go on a runoutside!

Diane Wei

Paig

e Sp

ata

My name is Paige Spata, andthis is my rescued best friend,Ziggy. I am from the suburbs

of Chicago and attendedundergrad at Miami Universityin Oxford, OH. I am currently

interested in OB/GYN andPediatrics, and I spend my freetime taking Zig on adventuresto Wildwood or doing puzzles

while he naps at my feet.

Alaina Durden

Hometown: Toledo, OHUndergrad: The Ohio State University, 2018 B.S. in Athletic Training

Gap years: AT with Columbus high schools, Physician Extender inorthopedic clinic, server/bartender

Interests: Orthopedic surgery; currently serving as the president ofSNMA, vice president of Student 2 Student, and board member of

Sports Medicine ClubOther: I love LeBron James, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and yoga.

Sahara Hardin

My name is Sahara Hardin, I am acurrent student in the

Occupational Therapy Doctorateprogram here at the University of

Toledo. I am from Denver,Colorado and I received my

Bachelor of Arts degree at RegisUniversity in Sociology with a

minor in Psychology. In my freetime I love to read, go on walks,bike rides, do puzzles, and have

game nights with my friends.

Jasmira BrownMy name is Jasmira Brown and Iam a 2nd year PT student. I amfrom Zanesville, Ohio. I got my

undergraduate degree in athletictraining at Muskingum Universityand then made my way to Toledo.

I enjoy traveling, reading, andbeing outdoors. In the future I

would like to be a travelingphysical therapist. I am so excited

to get to know you all!

Mohamad Nawras

My name is Mohamad Nawras and I’m a Toledo native.I attended the University of Toledo where I studied

biology, chemistry, and art before my time here at theCollege of Medicine and Life Sciences. I have yet to

decide on which specialty I would like to pursue, but Iknow that regardless of specialty, I hope to become an

academic physician. During my free time I enjoypursuing my independent research projects that

pertain to a wide range of disciplines, in which I utilizea variety of mediums to explore potential findings.

VictoriaStarnes

Iʼm from Youngstown, OH, and Igraduated from the University of

Pittsburgh in 2020. Iʼve really enjoyedgetting involved with the

CommunityCare Clinic, SCAPula, andAddiction Medicine Club, and Iʼm

interested in becoming an InfectiousDisease doctor. In my free time, I enjoydrinking tea, playing board games, and

reading. Fun fact: I read 90 books in2020.

Victoria SoewarnaI am from Elyria, OH. I graduated from the

Ohio State University with a B.S. andMaster’s degree. I have really enjoyed

getting involved in MOOSE Club, SCAPula,Wellness Club, and volunteering at the

Community Care Clinic. Some of myhobbies include the outdoors (hiking, rock

climbing, and kayaking), playing boardgames, watching realty TV, and hanging outwith my dog Jasper. Also, a fun fact is I am

trying to run half-marathons in the NationalParks and am going to Glacier National

Park this summer!

Ganiru Anunike

My name is Ganiru Anunikeand I am from Columbus,

Ohio. I attended Case WesternReserve University and spent

my two gap years working as aRegistered Pharmacy

Technician at Giant EaglePharmacy while also

volunteering in my community.I love exercising, cooking, and

traveling!

Molly Adams

My name is Molly Adams (M2) and I am fromWadsworth, Ohio which is about an hour south of

Cleveland. I graduated from The Ohio StateUniversity in 2020 with a bachelorʼs in health

sciences with a minor in womenʼs, gender, andsexuality studies. My hobbies include playing tennis,

running/walking in the park, listening to podcastswhile I cook, watching the same shows on Netflix

over and over, and drinking coffee. I am currently theCo-Director of the UTCOM Community Health Projectand the Volunteer Committee Chair for Toledo Race

for the Cure.

Chad Jaenke

Chad Jaenke is a native ofCleveland, OH. He graduatedfrom the University of Dayton

in 2020 and worked as anEMT before medical school. In

his spare time, he plays thepiano and enjoys sports suchas basketball and volleyball.

His specialty interests includeinternal medicine andemergency medicine

My name is Taylor Gonzalez. I grew up in Haskins, Ohio,about 20 minutes south of Toledo. I studied Biology at

The Ohio State University, and graduated in 2020 beforereturning home to Toledo for medical school. During my

first year of medical school, I joined the executive boardsof OB/GYN club and Latina Health Association. Outside

of medical school, my life consists of eating way toomuch ice cream and hanging out with my dog, Koa. I

also enjoy exploring the local Metroparks and kayakingduring the summer.

Taylor Gonzalez

Tim Chrisman

My name is Tim Chrisman, I'm 24 years oldand grew up on the west side of Cleveland. Iwent to Ohio University for undergrad and

graduated in 2019. I majored in Biology andwas an anatomy teaching assistant for two

years, currenlty I'm interested in plastics andgeneral surgery. Some fun facts about me areI'm an aries, I love to travel and I grew up in a

large close-knit Greek american family. Mybiggest pet-peeve is picky eaters and

something I love is working out and anyexcuse to be outside! Cant wait to start the

year with you guys!

Titas Bera

My name is Titas Bera, I grew up in North Potomac, Maryland andgraduated from The College of Wooster with a B.A. in Biochemistry

and Molecular Biology in 2018. After college I spent two yearsstudying radiation/therapeutic resistance in lung cancer before

matriculating to UTCOMLS in 2020. As of right now I am interested inGeneral Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery but am excited to keep

exploring the different specialties as we get further into our medicaleducation. My hobbies include playing tennis, following D.C. sports

teams, and being Tim’s caretaker for M2 year. My pet peeves areputting Tim’s shoes on every morning and loud gum chewers. Excited

to start working with you all!

Samantha Buddemeyer

Nutrition BS from Case Western Reserve University, Nutrition MS from The University of Florida Practiced as a Registered Dietitian for two years before attending PA School

From Marco Island, Fl Hobbies include doing puzzles, watching crime shows, and going to aquariums

Nicholas Henkel

Hi! My name is Nick Henkel. I am an MD-PhD Candidatehere at the UTCOMLS. I started M1 in 2017 and amcurrently in my second year of Graduate School. I wentto Miami University for Undergrad. Hoping to pursueeither Neurology or Neurosurgery for Residency. Loveto hike, cook, read, workout, and have a good time!

Carlie Kruse

Hi! My name is Carlie Kruse, and I am a 2nd yearoccupational therapy doctoral student at the

University of Toledo. I received my B. S. at TheOhio State University in December 2019 in

Human Development and Family Science. I amvery excited to be a peer leader for the 1st years

in the OTD program! In my free time, I enjoyspending time with family and friends,

attending/watching OSU football games, andbinge watching my favorite T.V. shows on Netflix

like Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds.

Sean HalloranI'm originally from Brunswick,Ohio and graduated from TheUniversity of Toledo in 2020.

I've been accurately describedas engaged guy with a puppy

(Apollo) and caffeine problem,and I'm excited to hold reviewsessions this year for the M1sespecially in the anatomy lab.

Mackenzie Elrod

Hi all! My name is Mackenzie Elrod. I am aToledo native, born and raised with themud in my veins. I got my bachelors in

neuroscience at Ohio State and mymaster's in biomedical sciences at UT. I

am an avid reader and can binge a TVshow like it is nobody's business. I enjoy

hiking, rollerblading, music festivals,dancing, Halloween, and Orange Theory.I live at home with my mom and our four,soon to be five, golden retrievers. She is a

breeder, and we currently have 24 littlenuggets running around our absolute

mad house. I'm looking forward tosharing my passion for medicine and

teaching with all of you this year!

Gayane SaakyanHi everyone! My name is Gayane. I am fromSan Francisco and went to UC Davis forundergrad majoring in Genetics andGenomics and minoring in Russian. I lovehiking, kayaking, dance, and ice creamhangouts. Excited to meet you all!

Shaina Shah

My name is Shaina Shah andI am a P3 student from

Lambertville, Michigan. Icompleted my bachelor’sdegree in pharmaceuticalsciences at University of

Toledo. I currently work atWalgreens and am a BlueCross Blue Shield intern. I

love reading, watchingmovies and playing tennis or

golf in my free time.

Jacob FriesI am a first year medical studentat UT and I attended UT for myundergrad as well as the MSBS-

MS Program here! When I am notstudying, I like to spend time with

my dog, cooking, and beingoutdoors." My photo is attached

to this email as well.

Vikhyathi PallerlaMy name is Vikhyathi and Iʼm from Novi, MI. I went to the

University of Michigan for undergrad where I studiedMovement Science and BCN (Biopsych, Cognition, and

Neuroscience). I was also in MSBS-MS here at the Universityof Toledo. Some of my favorite things to do include dancing,singing, hanging out with friends and family, and binging tvshows! Here at Toledo Iʼve been volunteering with the CCC

and Iʼm also currently a part of the MSBS Mentorship Board.Iʼve always found that teaching/helping others helps me to

gain a deeper understanding of concepts as well and Iʼmsuper excited to be a part of the AEC this year!

Min Liu

I’m originally from Fuzhou, China, and havemoved to the Toledo area since 2014. I’m

currently a P3 student in the program. I’minterested in exploring different paths the

profession has to offer. I’m excited tobecome a peer leader as it provides me

with the opportunity to cross paths withthe underclassmen and be a source of

support whenever they are needed. WhenI’m not on campus and have some free

time, I like to read, play video games, andjust spend times with my friends and

family.

SabrineAyoub

My name is Sabrine Ayoub and I am goinginto my P3 year this coming fall. Goinginto my third year, I've made sure to stayinvolved by serving as president for theStudent National PharmaceuticalAssociation (SNPhA), secretary for theCollege of Psychiatric and NeurologicalPharmacists (CPNP) and volunteering atthe Community Care Clinic. I enjoylistening to my record player, creatingtapes on my boombox, reading books,running, and jamming in the car with myfriends. I am so excited to be able to helpstudents out in the way that I was helpedas a P1 and P2!

Sarah ProtsikHi my name's Sarah Protsik, a P3 starting fall of 2021 and

a University Hospitals Inpatient Pharmacy Intern! I'mcurrently serving as President of UT's chapter of the

College of Psychatric and Neurologic Pharmacists(CPNP), a Student Advisor for Pharmacy Ambassadors,

and the Toledo Academy of Pharmacists Liasian for UT'schapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical

Association (SNPhA). Outside of the field of pharmacy, Ilove walking trails with my dogs, swimming, Harry

Potter, and spending time with family/friends. I hope tobring as much understanding, advice, and helpful tips as

other peer leaders have done for me over the last fewyears!