2024 Orientation Leaders

David

David was born and raised in Dallas and attended the University of North Texas, where he graduated in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry. During his undergraduate studies, he served as President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students in his senior year. After graduation, David worked as a medical scribe for an orthopedic practice for a year before beginning the Master of Medical Sciences program at UNTHSC. After completing his master’s degree, he will apply to medical schools and fulfill his goal of becoming a physician. David enjoys working out, watching movies/cinema, playing football, and video game entertainment. As an orientation leader, he is thrilled to share authentic experiences revolving around med-sci and how to establish an ambitious everyday mindset.

Marissa

Marissa was born and raised in Austin, Texas and attended Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree with a B.S in public health. During her 3 and a half years at A&M she participated in renal and hypertension lab and published research on renal lymphatics and hypertension. During her free time she likes to dance, go to the gym, and try new coffee places. She had been dancing since she was 2 years old and has been teaching and choreographing for 11 years. During her gap semester before the med-sci program she worked at the hospital as a phlebotomist and taught dance. She is applying to med school this summer and plans to specialize in anesthesiology. She is excited to meet the incoming students and hopes to help the students get the most out of their graduate experience.

Michael

Michael is originally from Houston, Texas. He, his wife, and dog moved to DFW after graduating from Baylor University in 2020. After working a few years as an EMT and paramedic, Michael was accepted to the TCOM Bridge Program. He is currently completing the Med Sci classes and plans to attend TCOM this summer. Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, watching and playing sports, as well as learning something new every day. His favorite scientific phenomenon is Le Chatelier’s Principle. Michael hopes to encourage and inspire those in the Med Sci program to persevere and believe in their dream.

Sara

Sara is originally from Iraq and moved to the States when she was 5! She graduated college from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a bachelor’s in chemistry and spent her gap years conducting research and gaining work experience. She graduated from the MedSci Program this past May and will be applying to medical schools this upcoming cycle with hopes of becoming an OB/GYN. During her time in MedSci, she volunteered at Mission Arlington, a free community medical clinic nearby, and was involved in a few organizations on campus. The library was her second home. Outside of school, her hobbies include spending time with friends & loved ones, enjoying nature, playing tennis, or cuddling up with her kitties and watching Big Bang Theory. She is excited to share her knowledge & excitement with MedSci Class of 2025!

Victoria

Victoria is from Leander, Texas, and graduated from Baylor University with a major in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. While at Baylor she served as an officer for the American Medical Women’s Association, interned at the Talitha Koum Institute, and conducted research in one of Baylor’s cell and developmental biology labs. After undergrad, she worked for a year at an Animal Hospital in Waco and then spent two years as a Pediatric medical assistant in Round Rock, Texas before accepting a position in the new bridge program at UNTHSC. Through the bridge program, she received her master’s in the MedSci program and will be matriculating into TCOM in the fall of 2024! While in MedSci she was a member of the MedSci Community Service Organization and regularly volunteered at one of the Fort Worth Animal Adoption Centers. In her free time, she enjoys live sports, live music, and hanging out with friends!

I can’t wait to meet you all this summer! My one hope during our time together is that I can help make HSC feel like home, and that we can have fun while doing it. Some interesting things about me are that I love to bake, spend time with friends, and tend to my houseplants. For my future career in medicine, I eventually hope to practice in pediatrics. On campus, I am heavily involved in Pride at UNTHSC, Medical Student Government Association, and TMA/AMA. When we all meet, feel free to ask me anything.

Meet Ammar, a second year medical student here at TCOM. As a Dallas native, Ammar graduated in May 2022 from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) with a Bachelor’s in Molecular Biology and a minor in Psychology. Prior to attending medical school, Ammar took a gap year and worked as a student tutor. He also traveled extensively across the US and overseas to Dubai and Saudi Arabia. He still pursues his passion of student mentorship in medical school as a part time gig. He is leaning towards anesthesiology, but is open to other specialties as his medical education continues to open his eyes to other fields. In his free time, Ammar loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, play video games, and explore new cultures/cuisines. He is so excited to welcome the Class of 2028 and make the transition to medical school a little bit easer!

Braylynn is a second-year medical student at TCOM. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, she received her Master of Science in Medical Science degree from UNTHSC before matriculating to TCOM. Braylynn is interested in family medicine and pediatrics and frequently volunteers at the WARM Place. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in her hammock while studying, reading, or watching Love is Blind. Her favorite food is chips and queso, so make sure to ask her for recommendations around the area! Braylynn is so excited to meet and welcome the class of 2028 to TCOM and the UNTHSC community!

Hello! My name is Christopher Purvis and I’m from right here in Fort Worth, Texas. I graduated from Auburn University in 2022 where I received a B.S. in Biomedical Science. After graduation, I did research in ophthalmology and worked as a medical assistant at a family medicine practice in Birmingham, Alabama.While at TCOM, I’ve enjoyed working with the ICC as a representative for Elko College, doing mission work with the Christian Medical Association, and learning valuable skills from the ultrasound club, interventional radiology club, and many other great organizations on campus.In my free time, I enjoy working out, spending time at the lake, and cheering on Auburn sports. I want to give a warm welcome to the Class of 2028 and am so excited for y’all to begin this journey. If you ever need anything please feel free to reach out, I am always happy to help!

First off, congratulations and welcome to TCOM! You should be proud of all your hard work!Iqra received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from The University of North Texas Health Science Center. Iqra is interested in interventional radiology, cardiology, and general surgery- but is still open to anything. Aside from medicine, Iqra loves to travel, play volleyball, and spend time with her family and friends. She is excited to support and assist the class of 2028 throughout their journey and hopes to be a valuable resource for students! 🙂

Hello! My name is JV Perez and I’m a second year here at TCOM. I’m from Arlington, TX and graduated from UT Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry. Between undergrad and medical school, I worked as a scribe in the ED. Currently, I’m the vice president of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) as well as a member of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG). As of right now, I’m most interested in Family Medicine or Emergency Medicine. When I’m not studying, you’ll probably find me watching a baseball game, trying new restaurants, hanging out with friends, reading a book, or playing competitive co-ed soccer with Team UNT (lmk if you’re interested!). I look forward to getting to know y’all at orientation and just know I’m here to help in any way I can!

Janna is a second-year medical student at TCOM. She is from Wylie, TX and received her Bachelor of Science in Child Development and her Master of Science in Neuroscience, both from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is interested in Pediatrics and enjoys volunteering with the HSC Pediatric Mobile Clinic. When not studying, Janna enjoys baking, cycling, reading (she somehow found the time to read over 200 books last year), and exploring Fort Worth with her dog! She is excited to meet the class of 2028 and welcome y’all to TCOM!

Congratulations Class of 2028 and welcome to TCOM! My name is Jayden Medrano, and I’m a TCOM OMS-II student from Dumas, TX. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘Em!!) with a Bachelor’s of Science and Arts in Biochemistry along with a minor in Kinesiology and Health Education and Pre-Health Professions Certificate. After graduating, I took two gap years where I worked in primary/specialty care clinics and inpatient hospital/emergency department settings as a patient registrar. I’m currently involved as the President of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and as a member of EMIG, RHI, APAMSA, Sports Club, and more (I know lots of acronyms—you’ll soon learn TCOM loves their acronyms lol). During my free time, I hang out with friends, make music playlists, cook up authentic Mexican dishes, and scout out the latest fashion trends. I also LOVE to play volleyball and am currently on an adult league team here in downtown Fort Worth. As far as choosing a specialty, I have been exploring my options but have felt an inclination for Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, PM&R, and Internal Medicine. I’m excited to meet y’all at orientation and hope to be a valuable resource in your medical school journey!

Hello! I am Misti Gutierrez and I’m a Fort Worth native. I graduated from the University of North Texas where I received by Bachelor of Arts in Biology. I worked as a scribe for 2 years at the Texas Health Emergency room in downtown Fort Worth and at a urology clinic for some time. I am currently on the leadership team for the Latino Medical Student Association on campus and have involved myself in organizations such as EMIG, UNTHSC PRIDE, and more. In my free time I like to bake desserts, make hyper-specific playlists on Spotify, try new restaurants, go to the zoo, spend time with my cat, and watch horror movies. I highly value time with my friends and family and am always finding ways to make them laugh. I am so excited to welcome the Class of 2028 and be a part of your journey to becoming amazing physicians!

Reshma is currently a second-year medical student here at TCOM. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in Exercise Science, with a minor in Biology. Reshma is a Houstonian native and loves to explore new restaurants, coffeeshops and boba places. After graduating, she worked as a medical assistant in a family medicine clinic. One of the specialties that Reshma is currently interested in includes Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). When she has free time, she loves to travel, reading or hanging out with friends. She’s thrilled to welcome the class of 2028 to TCOM and hopes to make the transition as easy as possible!

Sommer is a 2nd year med-student at TCOM. She is a Fort Worth native who graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience.  She is involved in several organizations on campus, most notably Preventative & Lifestyle Use in Medicine and American Muslim Women’s Physician Association. She’s played soccer since she could walk and continues to play as part of TCOM’s indoor soccer team on the weekends. As a die-hard Dallas sports fan, you will catch her at a Mavs game after an exam. She occasionally takes breaks from studying on the 3rd floor of the library to work at one of the many aesthetic coffee shops around the city. Sommer is so excited to meet the Class of 2027! She knows they are about to make amazing memories as they take the next step towards becoming great physicians.

Garrett

Garrett James is from Naperville, Illinois and is a 2^rd year DPT student at UNTHSC. He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University where he completed his degree in Kinesiology. Prior to Physical Therapy school, Garrett has worked in outpatient orthopedic clinic as a PT tech, worked at Dutch Bros, and is currently working as a server at Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen. In his free time, he loves to play beach volleyball and golf with friends, as well as board games like Catan. He loves football season, primarily for watching the Cowboys, but also watching NFL red-zone trying to win 3 different fantasy leagues. He cannot wait to meet the fantastic class of 2027!

Jinal

 Jinal Wani is from Flower Mound, Texas and she is a 2nd year DPT student at UNTHSC. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma..boomer sooner! In her free time, Jinal loves watching the Sooners and Dallas Cowboys play, cooking, going to F45, and spending time with friends and family. Prior to starting her Physical Therapy degree, she worked as a physical therapy technician for Legent Orthopedic Hospital’s outpatient clinic, Frisco Therapy Center.

Lovelyn

Lovelyn is a second year Physical Therapy student here at HSC. Her current specialty of interest is Women’s Health (Pelvic Floor). Lovelyn received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Health Science concentration at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Throughout her academic years of college, she was involved in various campus organizations such as a Resident Assistant and an executive board member of the Black Health Profession Organization. Lovelyn has professional experience as an Orthopedics Physical Therapy technician where she served as a PT tech for an outpatient Orthopedics & Spine Center in the DFW area prior to DPT School. Lovelyn is passionate about her Nigerian roots and expanding her knowledge on the culture. Additionally, she enjoys spreading awareness with others about the different aspects of Physical Therapy. In her “free time,” Lovelyn enjoys cooking, dancing, working out, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

She hopes to create a safe space for all incoming students and serve as an amazing bucket of resource so the transition process into Physical Therapy school is smooth and enjoyable. Congratulations, DPT Class of 2026! I’m so excited to meet you!

Manali is a full time PA student and is part of the PA Class of 2026 Officers, serving as the student advocate. Prior to matriculation she completed her bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Neurology at Texas A&M University. She then went on to work as a medical assistant at a neurology clinic and later as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic. She also completed her training as an EMT during this time. In her free time Manali enjoys exploring new coffee shops with friends and family, playing with her dog Moon, and traveling. She urges the Class of 2027 to always lean back onto your “Why?” and take this new journey one day at a time! PA school is not easy but remember you are not alone, lean on your classmates, faculty, and family for support whenever you need it. You are capable of anything you set your mind to. She congratulates this new cohort on all their achievements thus far and wishes them all the success in this new milestone of their life.

Marlee

Marlee is a full-time Physician Assistant student at UNTHSC, and currently serves as the Class President for her PA cohort, class of 2026. She received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with honors at Tarleton State University. Prior to starting her journey at HSC, Marlee was a research and teaching assistant for Tarleton’s SEA-PHAGES program where she led and assisted in research involving the discovery of novel bacteriophages. In her sophomore year of undergrad, she discovered her own unique bacteriophage virus and named it PurpleGoat! Additionally, she has three peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of American Society and Microbiology. In her free time, Marlee enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, and reading lots of books. She is so excited to meet the incoming class and help guide them in any way she can!

Mason

Mason is currently a PA student in the class of 2026 here at UNTHSC. Before coming to UNTHSC, he attended the University of the Ozarks where he played baseball for three years before transferring to the University of Texas at Dallas where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Mason’s previous healthcare experience before coming to UNTHSC includes working as a medical assistant as well as a physical therapy tech around the Dallas area. In his free time, Mason enjoys watching sports (especially the Texas Rangers), barbecuing, and exercising. Mason’s advice to all of you is: “Enjoy the journey you are about to embark on. It will be a rollercoaster but will also be one of the best rides you decide to get on. Always remember that you can get through this! Can’t wait to meet everyone!”

Gabby

Gabby will be starting her second year of Pharmacy school this upcoming fall and is very excited to share her advice and experiences form her first year! She is from Houston Texas and graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor’s degree in biology (sic em). She came to pharmacy school without prior work experiences in pharmacy but she has loved getting to experience rotations this semester and will be participating in an internship program with Albertsons this summer! In her free time, she loves to hang out with friends and participate in orgs on campus, bake, and loves to meet new dogs! Feel free to reach out to Gabby with any questions at gabriellaeast@my.unthsc.edu!!

Mariana

Mariana is an incoming third year pharmacy student. She was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and is a first generation Mexican American. Mariana joined pharmacy school because she has a passion for helping others, especially the Hispanic community and hopes to become a pharmacist at HEB where she has worked for about 7 years! She is so so excited to meet you all and help you with your transition to the next 4 years of your life!!

Darshan

Darshan is an incoming second-year Master of Health Administration student here at UNTHSC. He attended the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, Texas for his undergraduate studies, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. Darshan currently serves as the first-year student representative for the Health Administration Student Association and enjoys being engaged in campus activities. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with his classmates, family, and friends. Darshan looks forward to making sure your transition into becoming a student here at UNTHSC is as seamless as possible. He is excited to meet all the newest and greatest additions to campus and hopes to make new student orientation informative but also as fun as possible!

Emily

Hello! My name is Emily Sander and I am a second year Master of Healthcare Administration student. I was originally born in Omaha,NE and completed my undergraduate degree from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport, LA. I moved to Fort Worth last year when I started the MHA program with my boyfriend and my dog Bailey. I have loved getting to know Fort Worth and am always down for a good walk on the Trinity trails followed by and Ice Cream run to Morgan’s. My first semester in the MHA program has solidified my passion to improving healthcare, and I am so excited to welcome all of the new school of public health students to UNTHSC.

Rohit

Rohit is in the midst of his doctoral studies in Epidemiology at the School of Public Health at UNTHSC. He holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Colorado. He is passionate about mitigating oral health disparities and advancing accessible, equitable oral healthcare for minority groups. Rohit, an international student, has taken on the role of Orientation Leader. This position allows him to assist new students in adapting to the program, integrating into the UNTHSC community, and settling into Fort Worth. In his free time, Rohit enjoys cooking and spending quality time with his family, particularly his toddler. He hopes to be a reliable resource to mitigate any fears about graduate school.

Katherine

Katherine is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics in the Genetics discipline at UNTHSC. She hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Anthropology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Katherine served as a peer mentor and teacher’s assistant at her previous institution, and is excited to provide new students with support and advice regarding their graduate program and life as a graduate student. When Katherine is not in the lab, she enjoys spending time with her husband, dancing, and reading. She is excited to help new students navigate their new graduate program and integrate into the UNTHSC community.

Nina

Nina Donkor is a second year Ph.D. student in the School of Biomedical Science (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology Discipline) supervised by Dr. Denise M. Inman

She received a PharmD degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. Her working experience spans from the hospital, community pharmacy and academia.  On HSC campus, she has had the opportunity of serving as a Student Ambassador, Vice president of the International Students Association, Peer Mentor and representative of her disciple on the SABS board.

In her current role as orientation leader, she looks forward to welcoming the first years to HSC campus as well as helping them navigate resources available to them.

Aside from research, she loves to cook, play board games, and spend time with family and friends.