EnMed Class of 2023
Mu’ath Adlouni
Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Mu’ath Adlouni received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering Class of 2019! A-WHOOP! During his time there, Adlouni served as president of the Muslim Students Association, where he helped lead initiatives that allowed for incoming Muslim students to feel more at home at Texas A&M.
mechanical properties for 3D printing. In his free time, Adlouni enjoys volunteering, playing volleyball and serving as a board member at the local Mosque in Bryan–College Station. In the future, Adlouni hopes to use his knowledge and experiences to develop new medical technologies.
EnMed Class of 2023
Priya Arunachalam
Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University
Priya Arunachalam is a process-oriented innovator at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and business. Her experience in these areas includes business development, disruptive product design, and market entry strategies for companies including Alcon, Pfizer, Gemstone Biotherapeutics, and Bayer. She is interested in process improvement, low-cost innovations, and enhanced patient outcomes.
Priya was born and raised in Austin, TX. She holds a Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering and an MBA in Healthcare Management and Entrepreneurship from the Johns Hopkins University. Priya serves on the Board of Directors of a non-profit that connects medical students and professionals to service projects and provides them a space to promote their own initiatives. She is also the co-founder of a company that provides cold storage solutions for health and nutrition delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa. In her free time, Priya promotes mental wellness, leads an active lifestyle, is a graphic designer, and likes to travel, cook, and read.
EnMed Class of 2023
Ramez Barsoom
Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Ramez Barsoom holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Medical Science from The University of North Texas Health Science Center. Ramez is a former Accenture management consultant where he spent 5 years within research & innovation analyzing emerging trends in the digital health sector.
His area of interest lies at the intersection of healthcare and technology – specifically looking at how we can advance the field of personalized medicine using lab-on-a-chip technologies as well as using conventional wearable devices.
Ramez currently serves as the Chair of the Health Equity Committee for the World Economic Forum Houston hub – focusing on improving healthcare accessibility and literacy. In his free time, he likes to explore new restaurants, coffee shops and binge-watch TV shows.
EnMed Class of 2023
Darshil Choksi
Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Darshil Choksi is incredibly excited to be a part of ENMED’s Inaugural Class. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Engineering. As an undergraduate, Darshil spent 3 years as a researcher in a Cardiovascular Therapeutics Lab, where he investigated how disturbances in biomechanical forces contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, tumor metastasis, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance.
Following graduation from UT Austin, he proceeded to spend two years working in industry, first working as a Process Engineer for Procter & Gamble then at the Tabler Station plant in West Virginia. Eager to return to the healthcare field, Darshil went onto work as a Research & Development Engineer for MilliporeSigma, the Life Science business of Merck KgaA. These two years confirmed his desire to return to school and study medicine, but also revealed to him that he never quite wanted to put away his engineering hat either. Equipped with that clarity, he could not have envisioned a more suitable place for himself than ENMED and is honored to be a part of the future of Texas A&M and Houston Methodist Hospital.
When he is not studying, Darshil loves to play tennis, run, and ski! He also enjoys reading autobiographies and memoirs, and listening to fitness and science-related podcasts.
EnMed Class of 2023
Brendan D’Souza
Nuclear Engineering, Texas A&M University
Brendan D’Souza is a first year EnMed student from Houston, TX. He attended Texas A&M University as a President’s Endowed Scholar and participated in the University Honors Program, where he earned his B.S. in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Radiological Health Engineering. During his time at Texas A&M, he worked on a team to design a radiation triage device for patients during a disaster response, conducted research in optogenetic control of cancer immunotherapy at the Texas A&M Institute of Biosciences and Technology (IBT), and gained clinical experience analyzing patient satisfaction at Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital in Houston. His love for exploration led him to study abroad in Doha, Qatar during the summer of 2016. Back on main campus, he was involved with service and leadership organizations within the Memorial Student Center, New Student and Family Programs, and the Texas A&M Visitor Center. He volunteered as a tour guide for Texas A&M, and served as a lead student ambassador in the Division of Enrollment and Academic Services. In 2018, the Association of Former Students awarded Brendan the Buck Weirus Spirit Award in recognition of his significant contributions to student life at Texas A&M. He graduated Texas A&M Summa Cum Laude in May 2019 and has begun medical school as an Engineering Medicine (EnMed) student with Texas A&M at Houston Methodist Hospital. Brendan grew up in the Houston area, graduating from Dulles HS in Sugar Land, TX as National Merit Scholar. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and running.
EnMed Class of 2023
Mason Danna
Petroleum Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Mason Danna is a graduate from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. At UT, he participated in multiple labs as a research assistant, including a Biophotonics lab working on developing novel approaches to cancer detection using light and modeling fiber alignments in tissue to better understand the macro and microstructure of mitral valves for replacement. He also worked with Stice Laboratory on the indicated body project on a longitudinal study of body image disorders. For a year, he led a group of 10 engineering students of different disciplines with Projects in Underserved Communities. The team raised $15,000 for the development of a solar crop-dehydrating system that could be used to harness the local community mesquite for the production of breads to feed the community. His interest in EnMed came from an engineering-based cardiology program at UT that allowed him to watch numerous surgeries and try to get into the mindset of an engineer and physician. He is excited to work with Texas A&M University and Methodist Hospital in the inaugural class of EnMed. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, exercising, and meeting new people.
EnMed Class of 2023
Antara Dattagupta
Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Antara Dattagupta is a first year EnMed Student from College Station, Texas. She recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and with a Therapeutics Manufacturing Certificate from the Biomedical Engineering Department. Antara began researching in high school where she conducted research at the Texas A&M Health Sciences Center in the Molecular and Cellular Department from May 2013 until May 2016. Her research project revolved around a protein transport pathway called the Twin Arginine Translocation Pathway. She created her own set of fluorescent precursors to test the pathway in order to verify a model proposed by the lab she was working in. She presented her work at various state competitions and went on to present at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. During her undergraduate years, she researched in a biotechnology lab working on elucidating the mechanisms underlying virulence inhibition by indole on Salmonella. She also interned at Oak Ridge National laboratories where she worked on optimizing protein secretion systems in Psuedomonas Putida KT2440. She is interested in continuing research in areas such as drug delivery and protein pathways.
Antara was community service chair for the Texas A&M University chapter of Tau Beta Pi Engineering honors society. During her free time, she enjoyed volunteering at Family Promise shelter and at Davita Dialysis. Antara is excited to serve as one of new the community service chairs for the Houston class of 2023. In her free time, Antara enjoys running outside, swimming, Indian dancing and traveling.
EnMed Class of 2023
Lauren Fitzgerald
Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Lauren was raised in Burleson, Texas and went on to get her Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Texas A&M University due to her love of math, chemistry, and the Aggie spirit. During her time as an undergraduate student at Texas A&M she was involved in a wide variety of volunteer organizations, spent two summers interning with BASF, and was involved in research that crossed the bridge between microbiology and chemical engineering. While she loved the science behind chemical engineering, she began to realize that the typical chemical engineering career did not seem to be the right fit for her. She felt increasingly drawn towards medicine as her college career went on, and she made the decision to go back to school to pursue to her passion shortly after graduation. While taking classes and working and volunteering in the medical field, she knew she had made the right decision. While working and volunteering, Lauren noticed that there seemed to be a lot of opportunity for growth and improvement in the medical field. When she heard about the EnMed program, she knew it would be the perfect way to pursue her passion for medicine and apply her engineering knowledge to help solve the challenges facing the medical field. In her free time Lauren enjoys traveling, hiking, running, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
EnMed Class of 2023
Pranav Gadangi
Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Pranav Gadangi graduated from Texas A&M University in May of 2019 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering. During his time there, he participated in an array of research projects at various locations. First, he worked at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Under the guidance of Dr. Philip Horner, he explored novel methods for regenerating forelimb function following cervical spinal cord injury. Next, Pranav worked with Dr. Abhishek Jain at Texas A&M to develop a microfluidic platform for predicting clotting times in Deep Vein Thrombosis patients. Most recently, he traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to conduct research with Dr. Randolph Ashton at the University of Wisconsin. His research there focused on the development of 3D neural tube organoids from pluripotent stem cells.
Aside from research, Pranav sought leadership roles that allowed him to assist current, newly enrolled, and prospective students throughout their time in and their transition to college. To do this, he held leadership positions in the Texas A&M Tennis Club and the ambassador program for the Biomedical Engineering department. He also served as a peer teacher during the entirety his senior year.
In his free time, Pranav primarily likes to spend time with his friends and family. He typically likes to spend this time with them by playing tennis, watching movies, playing games, and eating. Although his opportunities have recently decreased, he also loves to play the drums when he can.
EnMed Class of 2023
Evan George
Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas
Hails from Southlake, Texas! Evan has received his B.S. in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) this past May. He is the social chair of the current inaugural class and has an interest in emergency medicine and pediatrics. His drive for pediatrics is driven by his volunteering in transitional living homes and shelters working with underserved children in North Dallas. He used to volunteer at the Texas Institute for Surgery as hospital IT and coded software for his undergraduate research lab to streamline lab analytics. He worked as an RA at UTD and is trained in conflict resolution and worked with gender-neutral living communities and international communities. His research interests are in improving telemedicine technologies and rural medicine. His hobbies include going to the gym, shooting YouTube videos, yoga and drinking copious amounts of sugary caffeine.
EnMed Class of 2023
Amelia Khoo
Biomedical Engineering, Brown University
Amelia is originally from Alameda, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her B.Sc. with Honors in Biomedical Engineering at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she conducted her honors thesis on vascularization trends in patterned engineered cardiac tissue for regenerative medicine. She also worked with surgeons at UCSF and Rhode Island Hospital to design prototypes for novel control of surgical tools such as neurosurgical microscopes and laparoscopic staplers. Following graduation, she worked as a healthcare consultant and a volunteer music therapist for hospice patients.
Outside of school, Amelia enjoys singing, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and trying out new baking recipes. Despite being new to Texas, she is enjoying all that Houston has to offer, although she is currently welcoming any and all tips for adjusting to the heat!
EnMed Class of 2023
Drew Levy
Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Drew Levy is a native of Houston, TX and graduated from Duke University in 2018 with a Bachelors Degree in Biomedical Engineering. His research experience includes concussion and neuroregenerative projects in the Duke Injury Biomechanics Lab and the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Center for Neuroregeneration respectively. He has also collaborated on design projects for people with cognitive and physical disabilities, including a communication device for a student with autism, 3D-printed prosthetic solutions, and a weight-bearing restriction monitor.
In his free time, Drew enjoys exercising, reading, and playing sports with his friends and family.
EnMed Class of 2023
Wesley Lim
Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
Wesley Lim, a Dallas native, graduated from Duke University in 2018 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Afterwards, he completed a master’s degree in Medical Science at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. His prior research experiences focused on computational modeling of noninvasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. In the future, he hopes to explore new medical devices and their implementation into clinical practice.
In his free time, he enjoys exploring the vast array of restaurants Houston has to offer. In addition, he loves kayaking, bouldering, and Ultimate Frisbee even though he isn’t actually good at any of those three activities.
EnMed Class of 2023
Peter Lin
Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Peter Lin, born and raised in Houston, Texas, graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree Civil Engineering. He subsequently completed a master’s degree in Medical Science from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. While at UT, he became involved research focused on solvent based heavy oil recovery in hydraulic fractures. Peter decided to pursue medicine after actively volunteering at a local free clinic, caring for underserved populations. He was enamored with the human characteristic of medicine and hopes to make an impact through development and integration of medical devices into clinical practice.
In his free time, Peter enjoys exploring new restaurants, collecting watches, and going to the gym.
EnMed Class of 2023
Dariusz Mrugala
Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Dariusz Mrugala was born in Fort Worth and graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 2018. While at Texas A&M, he performed undergraduate research in Dr. Roozbeh Jafari’s Embedded Signal Processing lab focusing on integrating blood pressure monitoring into smart watches and other wearables. As part of the EnMed program, he looks forward to applying signal processing and machine learning techniques to challenges in health care.
Dariusz is an avid rock climber, and was a member of A&M’s Competitive Climbing team. In his spare time, Dariusz also enjoys playing the piano, riding his motorcycle, running, and spending time with family and friends.
EnMed Class of 2023
Nickolas Mundo
Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Nickolas Mundo graduated Suma Cum Laude from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in May of 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. He was born in Decatur, Illinois, but has lived in Cypress, Texas since 14 years of age. At his university, Nickolas first started participating in genetic research his junior year, investing SNIP variations in oyster populations for the creation of artificial reefs to clean bays and estuaries. In the summer between his senior year, he conducted research at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, investigating biomechanical properties of a bio-ink to be utilized in 3D bio-printing of renal constructs.
Originally thinking of pursuing veterinary medicine, Nickolas spent 4 years, during undergrad, actively volunteering at the Texas Sea Life Center rehabilitating local wildlife around Corpus Christi. During this time, he gained experience working in a minimal resource medical environment, sometimes aiding the veterinarian in surgeries on sea turtles, mainly treating fibropapilloma associated turtle herpes virus. Nickolas decided to pursue human medicine after shadowing the Emergency Department at Christus Spohn Hospital – Shoreline, under a doctor from his church. He was inspired by the compassion these doctors were able to show while caring for all those who came in. Nickolas wants to target his innovations while in EnMed toward the creation of means to expand access to health care at home and globally. In his free time Nickolas likes to learn languages, volunteer, garden, bake bread, and run. He also enjoys photography, sketching, and spending time with his family.
EnMed Class of 2023
Ryan Nguyen
Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Ryan grew up in Plano, Texas and graduated from Plano Senior High School. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, he participated in research at the Debakey Research Institute on vascular mechanics and worked in the Optical Biosensing Laboratory developing an in vivo polymer testing system. Ryan was a chairman of the Freshman Leadership Development Retreat, an active member of the Student Engineering Council, Texas A&M Emergency Care Team, and MSC LEAD.
After graduating, Ryan worked at the St. Jude Medical’s Neuromodulation Division working with spinal cord and deep brain stimulation implants. He also obtained his EMT-B certification while scribing at Village Health Partners. Later, he worked at UT McGovern Medical School in the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department laboratory researching the use of machine learning to find epilepsy neuroimaging biomarkers. Ryan’s interests are in rock climbing, running, swimming and biking, and he participated in MS150, a 150 mile bike ride from Houston to Austin to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.
EnMed Class of 2023
Cailin O’Connell
Nuclear Engineering, Texas A&M University
Cailin O’Connell is from Missouri City, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019 with a BS in Nuclear Engineering and a minor in Radiological Health. Her undergraduate years were spent exploring how radiation affects the public, patients, and astronauts alike, as well as the prevention of non-medical radiation exposure to the public. Her current interests include the use of proton therapy in treating pediatric cancers and the improvement of women’s healthcare access in Texas. Her ultimate goal is to serve her community by innovating healthcare to better serve patient needs. In her free time, she can be found rock climbing or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
EnMed Class of 2023
Ashmi Patel
Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University
Ashmi Patel is a first-year medical student in the EnMed program from Dallas, TX. Ashmi has earned a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management with a Specialization in Quality Engineering and Innovation Management and a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical Specialization from Southern Methodist University, as well as her Engineer-In-Training certification. Prior to joining the EnMed program, Ashmi worked on trend analysis for contributing factors and effects of diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as a Research Clinician in the Gloria L. Vega Lab at UT-Southwestern Medical Center. She has also worked on Neuromechatronics research regarding the development of lower limb exoskeletons using real-time data collection and predictive analysis of the human gait at Southern Methodist University, as well as research and development for a device that tests the integrity of endotracheal tube taping methods in collaboration with the Anesthesiology Department at UT-Southwestern Medical Center. Lastly, she has participated in research on intracellular structural proteins involved in cardiac arrhythmias in the Hund Lab at The Ohio State University.
Ashmi is a professional wedding photographer and a second-degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do karate. She also enjoys exercising, discovering new cuisines, and exploring Houston. She has a passion for TEDx conferences and has organized eight TEDxSMU and TEDxKids@SMU conferences in Dallas since 2014.
EnMed Class of 2023
Sanjana Ranganathan
Bioengineering, Rice University
Sanjana Ranganathan is passionate about using engineering and medicine to promote healthcare accessibility both domestically and globally. Her experience includes designing, prototyping, and implementing low-cost, innovative solutions in Houston and Costa Rica. Through her collaborations with physicians and engineers, she has developed an enthusiasm for globally-focused device development, working with underserved populations, and developing novel solutions to clinical problems. Prior to matriculating, Sanjana worked for General Electric Healthcare as a Clinical Consultant in Interventional Radiology. She has also led bioengineering research projects and interned with Boston Scientific. She is excited about leveraging the EnMed curriculum to influence the field through both clinical practice and device design.
Sanjana was born and raised in Houston, TX. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and a Master of Bioengineering in Global Medical Innovation from Rice University. Sanjana is passionate about promoting mental health and wellness and bringing awareness to these topics. In her free time, she enjoys working out, singing, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends.
EnMed Class of 2023
Zachary Richards
Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Zachary Richards is the EnMed Class of 2023 Representative and the Chief Executive Officer for the College of Medicine Houston campus. He graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering in May 2019, receiving the Craig Brown Outstanding Senior Engineer Award.
While at Texas A&M for undergrad, he spent three years researching the bone-regenerating properties of stem cells under Dr. Roland Kaunas. During this time, Zachary received a $10,000 innovation grant from the Center for Cell and Organ Biotechnology to develop 3D-printed scaffolds for facial bone repair. He presented his work at the 2018 Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering Conference, as well as the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society.
Beyond the classroom, Zachary was a French horn player in the Texas A&M Wind Symphony. He also served as a Crew Chief for Student Bonfire. This role involved coordination and oversight of volunteer land-clearing efforts, including a Habitat for Humanity subdivision in Bryan, Texas. During his last two years at A&M, he also worked as a math tutor for the Texas A&M Academic Success Center.
Zac is an avid camper and hiker, aiming to visit all 61 National Parks during his life. His hometown is the Austin suburb of Cedar Park, Texas.
EnMed Class of 2023
Abigail Roth
Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University
Abigail Roth is a first year EnMed student from San Antonio, TX who recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering in May 2019. During her time in undergrad, she spent two and a half years in a biomaterials lab working on cranial implants to promote bone regeneration. She documented her findings in an undergraduate thesis and presented at a national level. She’s interested in continuing her research in materials science, regenerative medicine, or polymeric drug delivery at Houston Methodist.
Abbey was also involved as a leader in a service organization all four years and hopes to resume that in medical school as one of her class’s newly elected community service representatives. In her free time, she likes to travel, play board games with friends, and learn new things such as playing the piano.
EnMed Class of 2023
Kenneth Sims
Mechanical Engineering, United States Military Academy
Kenneth Sims graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and Commissioned into the U.S. Army as an active duty Second Lieutenant. Kenneth served as a Battalion Commander during his senior year at the Academy. He was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. As an undergraduate, Kenneth’s research focused on Soldier protective equipment design, biomechanics, and material science. Kenneth enjoys his church community, exercising, snowboarding, playing guitar, traveling with friends, and sleeping in on the weekends.
EnMed Class of 2023
Frederick Wang
Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas
Frederick Wang is a first year medical student in the EnMed program at Texas A&M. While he grew up moving across the Midwest to various cities (Omaha, NE, Denver, CO, and Plano, TX to name a few), he spent most of his childhood in Amarillo, TX. He recently graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering in Spring 2019. Prior to starting his Freshman year of undergrad, he kick started his research through UTD’s Clark Summer Research program. In total, he spent four years researching corrosion kinetics and fatigue failure of titanium dental implants culminating into a presentation at the International Association of Dental Research and several publications. Although there is plenty more to explore with dental implants, his interest in research has since shifted towards working with biomechanics.
When he is not studying, some of his hobbies include playing billiards, playing ping-pong, working out at the gym, and tinkering with Arduinos. He looks forward to the new experiences he’ll face in the next four years of medical school.
EnMed Class of 2023
Timothy Yadegar
Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
Timothy was born and bred in Beverly Hills, California but right now, Houston is where he wants to be. He received his B.S. in Bioengineering Summa Cum Laude from University of California Riverside in June 2018 and spent a year working as an Emergency Department Scribe at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital. Timothy is the co-social chair of the EnMed class of 2023. He has previously done research on vascular stiffness and won the Design Excellence Prize in the 2018 NIH Debut Competition for co-designing a smart ankle brace. Some of his extracurricular activities include listening to sports commentary and going to Shabbat Dinners at Chabad or Hillel.