UCF Research and Mentoring Program Scholars

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Adedoyin Adepegba

Adedoyin Adepegba

Adedoyin Adepegba moved to the United States in 2012 for relocation and educational purposes. She transferred to the University of Central Florida in Summer 2017 from Daytona State College. She chose her degree of study (Computer Engineering) because of her interest in computer architecture, and the idea that technology is always advancing motivates her to learn more about these advancements. She engages in undergraduate research to learn about the development in her field of study. Her undergraduate major is Computer Engineering however, she decided to double major in Electrical Engineering as well because she is very interested in learning more about electronics and electrical advancements. She engages in undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Ronald F. DeMara. He is professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCF. Her future career plan is to get her master’s degree in Computer Engineering then proceed to work at an engineering company that focuses on manufacturing computer hardware using evolvable hardware like spintronic devices. Her past and current research have focused on using beyond-CMOS technologies for Deep Belief Network (DBN) using Restrictive Boltzmann Machine (RBM).
Petra Allen

Petra Allen

Petra Allen is currently a student at the University of Central Florida (UCF) pursuing her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. She am currently a scholar of UCF’s Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP) working with Dr. Doan Modianos on a research project. The aim of the experiment is to investigate the possible correlation between personality, stress, and depression susceptibility. In addition to her research, she am a member of various unique organizations on campus such as Active Minds, Jamaican Student Association, and Beta Psi Omega Professional Biological Fraternity. Ms Allen also a Registered Behavioral Technician correcting maladaptive behaviors with children on the autism spectrum. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school with her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree in Clinical Psychology. In the future, Ms Allen plans to become a Clinical Psychologist focusing on the treatment of mental health in minorities.
Cody Autrey

Cody Autrey

Cody Autrey was raised in Freeport, Florida. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. His passion for serving under-served populations has led him to volunteer with the American Red Cross, Crisis Text Line, and Shepherd's Hope Health Clinic. Cody is currently researching ion-selective electrodes for the monitoring of ionic deficiencies in patient blood samples under the guidance of Dr. Karin Chumbimuni-Torres. He plans to obtain his M.D. and become a Trauma Surgeon.
Zoe Barbeau

Zoe Barbeau

Zoe Barbeau is an undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. She has research experience in renewable energy, bioengineering, and fluid mechanics. In renewable energy, she interned at the Florida Solar Energy Center where she worked on photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices. Recently, she has worked on the processing of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells funded by UCF’s Burnett Research Scholar’s program. As part of University of Colorado Boulder’s National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates in Soft Materials, she studied the relationship of mechanical loading and osteocytes. Zoe has also studied the effects of stellar rotation on stellar wind dynamics using numerical methods.
Nancy Flynn

Nancy Flynn

Nancy is a second degree seeking student at the University of Central Florida. Her first degree was a bachelor of arts focusing on studio art and art history. She has returned to the university to pursue a bachelor of sciences in the fields of forensics and medicine with the goals of attending medical school, completing a residency or fellowship in pathology, and pursuing a career as a forensic pathologist. Her fields of interest include, but are not limited to, human biology, biochemistry, and immunology.
Stefani Hammond

Stefani Hammond

Stefani is pursuing a major in anthropology with a certificate in human biology. She has worked in the facial morphometrics lab focusing in analyzing 3D facial images of those with facial dysmorphologies stemming from genetic conditions. She is currently creating a literature review with the goal of submitting a peer-reviewed publication on the effect of DYRK1A haploinsufficiency on facial morphology, likely targeting the American Journal of Medical Genetics A . In addition to her research, Stefani has served roles in the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a Conference Assistant and a Resident Assistant, a Student Assistant at the UCF John C. Hitt library, and as Secretary and President of the UCF Lambda Alpha Anthropology Honor’s society. Upon graduation, Stefani hopes to attend graduate school and complete her graduate degree in biological anthropology. She hopes to one day become a primatologist and continue genetics related research.
Kasandra Hernandez

Kasandra Hernandez

Kasandra was born in New York City but was raised in Orlando, Florida. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications Sciences and disorders. Prior to that she received her AA degree at Valencia Community College. Her early encounters with communication disorders through family interactions led her to choose this field. She is participating in a research study that is funded by the National Institute of Health, she also works closely with Dr. Kent- Walsh teaching preschoolers with communicative disorder to use augmentative and alternative communication through iPad applications. Her goal for her next research project is to work with a different group of people with possible issues that may arise in being bilingual. She hopes to gain more experience in many areas across her field.
Brian Hohl

Brian Hohl

Brian attends UCF pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His areas of focus of biomechanics and medical devices are facilitated through additional coursework in biomedical sciences, biomechanics, and robotics. Brian has previously been a RAMA scholar and volunteered in the UCF Interventional Robotics Lab where he researched the design of pressure measurement devices for diagnosing Glaucoma. He is currently a RAMP scholar and research assistant working in the UCF Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Devices Lab where he is investigating the design of quasi passive prosthetic feet.
Lauren Houchin

Lauren Houchin

Lauren Houchin was born and raised in Merritt Island, Florida. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and is part of the Burnett Medical Scholars program through the Burnett Honors College. Her interest in cardiovascular function and disease led her to become an undergraduate researcher in the Cardiovascular and Metabolic research division of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences under Dr. Steven Ebert. Lauren is currently researching the expression of various adenylate cyclase isoforms in the developing heart, from the early embryonic stages to adulthood. To date, she has been a co-author on posters presented at the American Psychological Association National Conference and the UCF College of Medicine Focused Inquiry and Research Experience (FIRE) Conference, and she has presented at both the Latino Medical Student Association National Conference and the UCF Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence. Outside of the classroom, Lauren is an avid volunteer and a peer mentor for the Burnett Medical Scholars program. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf and going to the beach. She plans to attend medical school and become a physician.
Ayman Khatib

Ayman Khatib

My name is Ayman Khatib. I am currently majoring in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Florida pursuing a medical school tract. I was born in the US but raised in Syria for most of my childhood. Living in a third world country abundant with medical malpractice and insufficient resources contrasted with the astounding patient care in the United States, I decided to dedicate my life towards this field. I would like to be able to spread the knowledge that I learn across my career to third world countries such as Syria in hopes that they can grow and contribute to the growing research field. There are the beliefs that countries such as the US government must contribute resources to other countries to allow for their growth and settlement. However, with the education provided in the US, I believe that people themselves should try to spread their knowledge to their native countries. Only then will true growth and development will occur. Individual impact is not to be underestimated. One of the lectures by Jordan Peterson talked about how in our lifetime we will meet a thousand people who will know another a thousand people. Hence, we are able to influence millions of people no matter how minute our actions seem to be. I wish to spread my knowledge and experiences after I have served this country in multitudes to incredible people that lack the opportunities I was blessed with.
Madison Manley

Madison Manley

Madison is a student at the University of Central Florida, majoring in electrical engineering with a focus on renewable energy. She is interested in nanoelectronics and energy-efficient technology but, likes to explore interdisciplinary subjects that go beyond her knowledge.
Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez

Growing up, I went through a variety of different ideas of what I wanted to do with my life. I probably went through every field of science, from zoology, marine biology, astrology, biology, veterinary medicine and what I thought would be the decision, medicine. However, I realize soon after starting college that medicine wasn’t the path for me, but rather chemistry. It all started when I transferred to UCF from UF and was able to get a research position within one year of my start date at UCF. It was under Dr. Jonathan Caranto that I found my love for chemistry and was able to finally decide that I wanted to continue my education to get my Ph.D in chemistry/biochemistry and work in either the medical or pharmaceutical industry.
Juan Rodriguez

Juan Rodriguez

Juan Rodriguez was born in Pereira, Colombia and grew up in West Palm Beach Florida. He has been enthralled by science and medicine since he was a child, he is now an Officer for the Undergraduate Physical Therapy Association, the College of Health Professions and Sciences Kinesiology Undergraduate representative and a RAMP Scholar. Juan is conducting research with experts in the field of rehabilitation into the Effects of Mental imagery on Myofascial Restrictions.
Aseelia Samsam

Aseelia Samsam

Aseelia (Aseela) Samsam was born in Salamanca, Spain and raised in Germany and the Caribbean before moving to Orlando, Florida. She is an undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida and is majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Aseelia is planning to apply to medical school to become a primary care physician, as well as continuing research and scholarly work in her field. She is a RAMP scholar since 2018 and is conducting stem cell research under Dr. Saleh A. Naser from the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research primarily focuses on the shift of microbiome population triggered by environmental factors that leads to proliferation and differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSC), possibly a potential link to autism.
Justin Shaw

Justin Shaw

Justin is pursuing a major in biomedical sciences and a minor in music. He has worked in a molecular microbiology lab focusing on the intraerythrocytic life cycle of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. He is currently in the process of completing an undergraduate thesis involving the specific inhibitory effects of a compound with novel mechanism of action on P. falciparum. In addition to his research, Justin is also the Lead Tutor for the Student Academic Resource Center here at UCF tutoring Statistical Methods I. Justin also enjoys playing the saxophone with one of UCF’s many bands throughout the year. Upon graduation, Justin hopes to attend medical school (M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) and potentially complete a graduate degree simultaneously. He hopes to one day become a physician-scientist and continue infectious disease research as well as teaching.
Tiara Smith

Tiara Smith

Tiara Smith was raised in the Central Florida area. She attends the University of Central as a psychology major. She is an undergraduate research assistant and a High-Impact Coach at UCF. Her educational and career plans include attending a Clinical Psychology PhD program and becoming a Clinical Psychologist.
Sarah Swiersz

Sarah Swiersz

Sarah is pursuing a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentrations in Computational and Physical Sciences and Minors in Geoscience and Environmental Studies. She works in the Bennett Astrochemistry Lab in the Planetary Sciences Group. Sarah is also a member of the Political Ecology Lab of the Political Science Department. Her research is motivated by an insatiable curiosity for understanding and engaging with the nuances of human-environment relationships and advancing climate justice through global environmental governance. In addition to her research, Sarah is the Treasurer of the UCF Triathlon Club, TriKnights and is a member of the Student Sustainability Advisory Committee. Sarah hopes to pursue a graduate education and career in science and technology policy.
Dannielle Waugh

Dannielle Waugh

Dannielle transferred from Daytona State College to the University of Central Florida in Fall 2017. Since then I have had so many experiences to learn and grow within the research field. Programs like T.L.E.A.R.N. and R.A.M.P. have helped me immensely to challenge myself and become a better researcher.
Megan Witt

Megan Witt

Megan was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She knew from a young age that she wanted to receive a college degree. On top of that, everything revolving around science always fascinated her. Originally,she believed she was made to become a science education major. After participating in two internships, she realized she was better at exploring science than she was teaching it. She decided to switch into a STEM major where she began research that she is passionate about.
Taylor Zenko

Taylor Zenko
Deana Abdellatif

Deana Abdellatif
Courtney Astore

Courtney Astore

Courtney Astore is an aspiring student leader, mentor, entrepreneur, and inventor. She is enrolled in undergraduate degree programs at the University of Central Florida for Biotechnology and Biomedical Science. She is also the co-founder of Enasci-x, a STEM technology start-up company currently working on their first venture Genes4Vaccines, with a mission to improve the early stages of vaccine development through computational predictions. She has been involved in science research for a decade and has been recognized at the regional, state and international level for her innovative research projects. Courtney has interned at prestigious research institutions such as Roskamp Institute & Sanford Burnham. She is passionate about developing novel technology, tools and solutions to aid in the global health challenges of tomorrow. Not only is she passionate about STEM and promotion of such education, but is also a tireless spokesperson and advocate for those with neurological and learning disabilities. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida as she continues to expand her working network around the world with fellow professionals and educators that share her vision-- one person can truly make a profound difference and positive impact on the world.
Danya Belnour

Danya Belnour

My name is Danya Belnour, I was born in Tripoli, Libya. I moved to the Orlando, Florida when I was 15 years old. I have obtained my High School diploma from Colonial High when I was 16. Next, I attended Valencia College where I obtained my A.A. Finally, I am currently a student at the University of Central Florida where I am studying Biomedical Sciences. Starting Fall 2018, I will be a graduate student in the MS biotechnology program at UCF. During my academic years, I have obtained many honors and awards such as, LEAD scholars, Presidents list recognition, and All Florida Academic Team Award.
Felicia Bender

Felicia Bender

My name is Felicia Bender, I am a Florida native. I was born in Kissimmee Florida. I have lived with my parents and brother my entire life. I went to high school in Harmony Florida and began working in Assisted Livings at sixteen years old as a server. During my work experience, my knowledge for the elderly began to grow. Eventually my work helped shape my passion to help the elderly and choose the major I am currently in today.
Chance Brewer

Chance Brewer

Chance Brewer, a native Floridian,is an undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida studying mechanical engineering with research focus on heat and mass transport at the micro scale. As a peer mentor for the Learning Environment and Academic Research Network program at the University of Central Florida, he takes part in guiding and helping transfer students interested in becoming undergraduate researchers. Now, as a RAMP scholar he gets to expand on his current research in interfacial transport studies and work on his academic and professional portfolio as he prepares for graduate school and what comes next. He is an avid astronomy enthusiast and take part in occasional night observations including leading group events that allow fellow undergraduate students to explore the night sky using a telescope.