Kathleen Renna is a fourth-year medical student at SUNY Upstate in the combined MD/MPH program. She is originally from Troy, NY and received her BS in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences from the University of Connecticut. She spent two years with the National Human Genome Research Institute at the NIH working as a program analyst supporting researchers studying ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic medicine as well as clinical sequencing efforts. During medical school, Kathleen served as co-founder of Upstate’s American College of Medical Genetics Student Interest Group as well as president of the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club. She is passionate about genetic literacy, prompting her to lead educational activities at the Museum of Science and Technology and with Girls Inc. through the YWCA, and rare disease advocacy, for which she has previously co-organized Upstate’s Rare Disease Day events. Her research efforts include mental health needs related to genetic testing and characterization of neonatal health outcomes for diseases detected by newborn screening. She also participates annually in developing the school’s Planetary Health Report Card and served as a student representative on the institutional Sustainability Steering Committee. Kathleen has volunteered for the Health Justice Conference for three years and is thrilled to be serving as a chair during her final year at Upstate. She intends to pursue residency training in pediatrics and medical genetics. Outside of medicine, she enjoys exploring our national parks and testing out new recipes.

Ruchika is a third-year medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She is originally from Latham, NY, and attended SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she received her BA in Biology. She spent her gap year before medical school teaching English in Valencia, Spain. Throughout medical school, she has served as the Service-Learning Leader for Reach Out and Read and has been on the executive boards for Students for Global Health and ENT Club. She has also been involved with the Global Health Department through the summer clinical and research observership in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand. She is particularly interested in health equity, global health initiatives, and medical education. Outside of medicine, she enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, painting, trying out new cafes and doing yoga!

Sampada Subedi is a first-year medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Originally from Westchester after moving from Nepal, she received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Binghamton University in 2024. At SUNY Upstate Medical University, Sampada has been actively involved in leadership, service, and community outreach initiatives, including serving as the Service-Learning Leader for the Upstate Wellness and Growing Garden, Vice President of Docs for Tots, and Treasurer for Upstate Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses. Sampada is currently exploring the many different fields within medicine and has particular interests in anesthesiology and pediatrics. Outside of medicine, she enjoys trying out new recipes in the kitchen and has a passion for exploring different cultures.

Dominic is a second-year medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. Originally from Watertown, New York, he received his BA in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia, he volunteered at health screenings throughout the city and has continued this commitment to community outreach as the Service-Learning Leader for the Syringe Exchange Program. Dominic intends to pursue a residency in Internal Medicine. Outside of school, he enjoys speed chess and distance running.

Natalia, a second-year PhD student at SUNY Upstate Medical University, is a member of the Luo lab. She earned her medical degree from Universidad de La Sabana and gained intensive care experience in Colombia before transitioning into biomedical research. Her dissertation focuses on a novel nanodrug platform called TD-PMB, which is designed to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This research builds on her broader interests in pulmonary drug delivery and combating drug-resistant infections. After completing her PhD, Natalia aspires to become a physician in the United States and hopes to match on an internal medicine residency program. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, gardening, working out, and spending quality time with her dog.