For further insight into student life at ISMMS, here are current student ambassadors you may contact:
MPH
General Public Health Track
Name: Sahiti Yarakala
Email: Sahiti.Yarakala@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: General Public Health
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate Institution & Major: The University of Texas at Dallas, Biology
Previous Public Health Work: Internship with victims of domestic violence, mentor for AVID program, currently research assistant focused in prenatal exposures and neurodevelopment
Public Health Interests: Maternal health, mental health, global health
Hobbies: Portrait & food photography, weightlifting, hiking, badminton, exploring the city and traveling
Name: Wendy Barillas
Email: wendy.barillas@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: General Public Health with Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Concentration
Hometown: Whittier, CA
Undergraduate Institution & Major: California State University, Fullerton, B.S. in Public Health Global Health
Previous Public Health Work: I currently work at a non-profit community outreach organization as the program coordinator and internship supervisor in which I get to help organize and oversee various outreach efforts and try to bridge the gap between the community and the government or other health care agencies. I am also currently doing my applied practice experience, to help advocate for and educate on the importance of oral health in developing countries. As well as having previous experience doing various outreach efforts within the organizations I was involved in or the various internships I had held.
Public Health Interests: Advocating for the community, bridging the gap between the community and public health, breaking down the barriers to access to care, and reforming the injustice within the health care system.
Hobbies: Pre-COVID I loved to go out with my friends, go to concerts, and go on random adventures around Los Angeles. Now, I mostly read, paint, do calligraphy or other crafty projects, binge various TV shows/movies, and plan some post-covid adventures.
Epidemiology Track
Name: Justine Marcinek
Email: justine.marcinek@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Epidemiology
Hometown: New York City, NY
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Stony Brook University, B.S. in Human Evolutionary Biology and minor in Health, Medicine, & Society
Previous Public Health Work: As an undergraduate peer educator, I ran group trainings about how to be an active bystander in response to an alcohol overdose. As a research assistant, I studied the influence of environmental exposures (methylmercury, alcohol, and BPA) on fetal development using fruit fly models. I also conducted a research study on health literacy and ways to deliver effective and accessible information about COVID-19.
Public Health Interests: Environmental and occupational epidemiology, health literacy, Alzheimer's Disease, ALS
Hobbies: Drawing, reading, playing video games, cooking and baking, playing board games
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
I chose Icahn because its location and network offer many unique opportunities for work, research, and internships, which can provide a strong foundation for the Applied Practice Experience and future employment. I was also intrigued by Mount Sinai's reputation regarding occupational healthcare. Plus, MPH program staff were supportive and attentive from the first time I inquired as a prospective student, which helped me feel secure in my decision to attend.
Name: Lokesh Patil
Email: lokesh.patil@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Epidemiology
Hometown: Jalgaon, MH (India) (International Student)
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Iowa State University (Biology)
Previous Public Health Work: Volunteering at local Health care consulting organization
Public Health Interests: Community Health/Disease prevention
Hobbies: Cycling
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
After doing a lot of research on grad school, I found that I will be able to meet the most prominent leaders in the public health field through taking courses, attending seminars, and networking through the department at Mount Sinai and I know all these connections will be valuable for years to come.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Track
Name: Rebecca Elissa Cohen
Email: rebecca.cohen@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention- (DPM/MPH)
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Undergraduate Institution & Major: New York University - Pre-med/Psychology
Previous Public Health Work: Prior to starting Podiatric Medical School, I worked in Rheumatology Clinical Research at NYU Langone Health. I became interested in Public Health after seeing the impact that clinical research can have on a patient's medical care and overall well-being. With my research experience and public health education, I will have a unique perspective of medicine that will benefit future patients under my clinical care.
Public Health Interests: Health promotion and literacy strategies for the NYC community
Hobbies: I love to play tennis, explore neighborhoods in NYC, visit museums, listen to live music, and find new restaurants with family & friends!
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?: As part of the dual degree with NYCPM, I am able to complete my MPH degree at Mount Sinai simultaneously while attending my medical school classes and clinical rotations. I am also able to establish professional relationships with the world-renowned public health Mount Sinai faculty. Additionally, the reputation and connections of both institutions allows me to have a wide variety of different pubic health experiences and diverse opportunities to work with the NYC community.
Global Health Track
Name: Allenie Andrea Serrano Arnedo
Email: allenieandrea.arnedo@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health
Hometown: Bangkok,Thailand (International Student)
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Seton Hall University, Biochemistry, Bsc. Minor in Data Analytics
Previous Public Health Work: I did a lot of community outreach throughout my undergrad and volunteer work for underserved communities. However, most of my past work has been in research in the fields of osteoimmunology, diabetes, and genomics.
Public Health Interests: I am very passionate about health policy and science policy especially in the areas of health equity, climate justice, and neglected diseases
Hobbies: Hiking, Crossfit, Cooking, Reading Books, Travelling, Watching Films
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
My primary reason I committed to Mt. Sinai was the availability of world-class research opportunities at the hospital and its proximity to job opportunities. The faculty at Mt. Sinai is phenomenal, and I am so grateful to learn from them and be mentored by them.I also really valued the sense of community I felt with current students when I myself was a prospective student. They were easily accessible and very willing to clarify any concerns I had about being a graduate student and offer me the connections I needed. I am fortunate to feel the same sense of community with my cohort and am so thankful for the close bonds we've formed.
Name: Sakshi Sawarkar
Email: sakshi.sawarkar@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health with Epidemiology/Biostatistics Concentration
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Rhodes College, Anthropology/Sociology
Previous Public Health Work: Currently, as a Research Assistant I study potential barriers to services faced by adolescent girls in the Juvenile Justice System. Over the summer, I was part of the Global Health Summer Program through Mount Sinai where I spent 2 months in Jinja, Uganda studying the prevalence of Schistosomiasis in surrounding villages
Public Health Interests: Healthcare Policy, Global Health, Maternal Mortality, and Infectious Diseases
Hobbies: Binging TV shows, watching Formula One and Soccer, Running, and Exploring NYC
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
I chose Icahn because of its location and connection to New York City which serves as a great place for opportunities in research, internships, and jobs. Being a public hospital, Mount Sinai is able to be an integral part of the surrounding neighborhood of East Harlem which is a key aspect in a public health program. Being a large hospital system that stems into the greater New York area, students are able to give back to the local communities and help alleviate public health issues. Since I am interested in pursuing a career in global health, Mount Sinai was the best choice due to its wide array of international connections, programs, and research sites which I have been fortunate enough to partake in.
Name: Kiran P. Nagdeo
Email: kiran.nagdeo@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health with Epidemiology/Biostatistics Concentration
Hometown: India/Saudi Arabia/Thailand (International Student)
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) - D. Y. Patil University School of Dentistry
Previous Public Health Work:
1) Intern, Oral Health Working Group at the World Federation of Public Health Association - Geneva, Switzerland
2) Student Leadership in Global Oral Health at the Alliance of Oral Health Across Borders
3) Provided free of cost dental treatments for the underserved communities in and around Bombay, India
4) Dental provider at the Largest Health Awareness Camp at D. Y. Patil Stadium (Entered in the Guinness Book of World Records)
Public Health Interests: Global Health Research - specifically Oral Health, Mental Health and Maternal Health. I'm also equally interested in DEI initiatives (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)
Hobbies: Binge-watching web series, Movies, Painting, Cooking, and Reading
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
Mount Sinai gave me several reasons to choose to study here. It is the largest academic medical system in New York City. Learning more about Sinai, its history and its location, I knew I had to be a part of the Sinai family. Mount Sinai prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, and this was pertinent for me while choosing Sinai. There are several opportunities for research, volunteering, and mentorship at Mount Sinai because it is a significant research institution and hospital system. Nowhere else would have allowed me to have the experiences and possibilities I've had at Mount Sinai.
Name: Isha Kohli
Email: isha.kohli@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health
Hometown: Jalandhar, Punjab,India (International Student)
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana ,India :M.B.B.S Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
Previous Public Health Work: Worked as Cancer Care Volunteer , Red Cross Volunteer & served the underprivileged in Medical Camps
Public Health Interests: Global matters like HIV/Aids , Cancer & Global Maternal & Reproductive Health
Hobbies: Interior decoration, reading books, yoga, cooking, journaling
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
I chose to attend Mount Sinai because it offers a commendable global health learning & research experience with a vast array of opportunities aimed at the overall professional growth & development of the potential candidate. It is also a respected institution known for excellence. They provide their students unparalleled guidance and academic brilliance to aspire them for future endeavours
Name: Riya Murty
Email: riyamurty.bandanapudi@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health with Epidemiology/Biostatistics Concentration
Hometown: India (International Student)
Undergraduate Institution & Major: MBBS at Osmania Medical College
Previous Public Health Work: Volunteer at College Medical camps
Public Health Interests: Easy accessibility to quality healthcare and equity in healthcare
Hobbies: Acrylic Painting, Hiking, Exploring museums, Listening to music
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
With my background in clinical medicine, I wanted to study at Mount Sinai which incorporates clinical medicine and research with public health. Also its location in New York was very appealing to me
Name: Tsering Gurung
Email: tsering.gurung@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health with Epidemiology/Biostatistics Concentration
Hometown: New York City
Undergraduate Institution & Major: The University at Buffalo, Biological Sciences
Previous Public Health Work: I had an internship in Guatemala with a global health organization, where I worked alongside local doctors to provide the community with access to medical treatment, medications, and educated students on the importance and the ways in which one should take care of their health. I have also volunteered and worked in hospitals and nursing homes where I assisted the health care staff in taking care of the patients/residents.
Public Health Interests: Humanitarian Aid, Health equity, Disaster relief, Care for Marginalized groups, Health advocacy, and Disease prevention
Hobbies: Traveling, Yoga, Volleyball, Outdoor activities
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
I chose to attend Mount Sinai because of its location and for the opportunities and connections that are possible at the institution. Obtaining my education and enhancing my knowledge from prestigious faculty members in one of the largest and very well known health care systems in New York City would enable me to learn so much.
Healthcare Management Track
Name: Tasnim Bhuiyan
Email: tasnim.bhuiyan@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Health Care Management
Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY
Undergraduate Instituition & Major: Mercy College; Health Science
Previous Public Health Work: No previous public health work but currently working as an intern at Mount Sinai's Health Education Department Public Health and Racial Justice Program for my Applied Practice Experience
Public Health Interests: Health care consulting and minority communities
Hobbies: outdoor activities, reading, baking
Dual Degrees:
MD/MPH
Name: Abhishek (Abhi) Mogili
Email: abhi.mogili@ichan.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: MD/MPH Global Health
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Northeastern University, Biology and Political Science
Previous Public Health Work: Worked as an EMT on an ambulance and an ER Tech at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Boston. I currently work at GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis)’s testing center in Midtown as a research assistant focusing on at-home HIV testing, and also serve as a volunteer HIV/STI testing counselor.
Public Health Interests: Global Health, Military Medicine, Multinational Collaborations and Organizations, Care for Marginalized Groups, Disaster Medicine
Hobbies: Running, biking, traveling, flying, SCUBA Diving, and hiking! (Pretty much anything outside and/or has an adrenaline rush!)
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
I choose to attend Mt Sinai for a variety of reasons, but the one that was most important to me was opportunity. Located in the center of Manhattan, Sinai is the perfect place to gain your foothold into public health due to the diverse patient population and unique intersection of social and cultural factors. Mt. Sinai as a health system has hospitals throughout the greater New York City area which makes it easy to find research, shadowing, and public health work opportunities as well as mentors. Outside of Sinai itself, NYC plays host to a variety of the world’s leading public health organization including the City’s own health department. These institutions provide us students the incredible opportunity of not only learning about public health but also allows us to give ack to the community that has provided us with these opportunities.
MSW/MPH
Name: Vanessa Rock
Email: vanessa.rock@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Hometown: Hometown Harlem, NY (currently in Nanuet, NY)
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Stony Brook University, Health Sciences
Previous Public Health Work: Social Worker heavily involved with maternal health for underrepresented homeless women.
Public Health Interests: Women’s Health Issues, Mental Health & Maternal Mortality
Hobbies: Writing and binge watching good TV shows or movies.
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?
Mt. Sinai is a leading organization in healthcare and education in NY. I loved the idea of being a part of a diverse program, with diverse interests and opportunities in the heart of NYC.
Name: Tessa Engel
Email: tessa.engel@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Global Health
Hometown: Hamden, CT
Undergraduate Instituition & Major: Connecticut College, majored in International Relations and Hispanic Studies
Previous Public Health Work: I lived in Guatemala prior to graduate school and worked on some projects promoting child and maternal health, as well as violence prevention and gender equity
Public Health Interests: As a public health social worker, I am interested in the nexus between mental health and reproductive health, and providing trauma-informed care to asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants
Hobbies: I enjoy going on long walks around Brooklyn, finding the best taco trucks, running, and doing hot yoga
DPM/MPH
Name: Rebecca Elissa Cohen
Email: rebecca.cohen@icahn.mssm.edu
Specialty Track: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention- (DPM/MPH)
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
Undergraduate Institution & Major: New York University - Pre-med/Psychology
Previous Public Health Work: Prior to starting Podiatric Medical School, I worked in Rheumatology Clinical Research at NYU Langone Health. I became interested in Public Health after seeing the impact that clinical research can have on a patient's medical care and overall well-being. With my research experience and public health education, I will have a unique perspective of medicine that will benefit future patients under my clinical care.
Public Health Interests: Health promotion and literacy strategies for the NYC community
Hobbies: I love to play tennis, explore neighborhoods in NYC, visit museums, listen to live music, and find new restaurants with family & friends!
Why did you choose to attend the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?: As part of the dual degree with NYCPM, I am able to complete my MPH degree at Mount Sinai simultaneously while attending my medical school classes and clinical rotations. I am also able to establish professional relationships with the world-renowned public health Mount Sinai faculty. Additionally, the reputation and connections of both institutions allows me to have a wide variety of different pubic health experiences and diverse opportunities to work with the NYC community.