Senior Fellows
ANNA BAGNELL
Anna is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Charlotte Sumner uses novel in-vivo mouse and in-vitro human blood-brain barrier models to study pathological mechanism underlying an inherited neurological disease, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Type 2C. Prior to her graduate training, she received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and neuroscience from the University of South Carolina. Outside of lab, she is also involved in Hopkins Biotech Network running the Mentorship-Match Program, and enjoys walking dogs as a Rover dog sitter.
Favorite Quote: “Science has taught me that everything is more complicated than we first assume, and that being able to derive happiness from discovery is a recipe for a beautiful life.” Hope Jahren
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LOGAN GEORGE
Logan George is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Pathobiology Program under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Ambinder and Dr. Rena Xians. Logan studies Epstein-Barr Virus cell-free DNA as a biomarker for EBV-associated cancers. His goal is to develop rapid and accessible diagnostic tools for cancer detection in resource-limited settings. Prior to joining Hopkins, Logan received his B.S. in Biology at the College of William & Mary and completed a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the National Institute on Aging.
Favorite Quote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” – Carl Sagan
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ANNA GONYE
Anna is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cellular & Molecular Medicine graduate program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is completing her thesis work in the co-led lab of Ken Pienta and Sarah Amend in the department of urology, focusing on the implication of the epigenome on the maintenance and function of the polyaneuploid cancer cell state in a prostate cancer model. Anna completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond in 2018. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and going to concerts/shows.
Favorite Quote: “…For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” – Walt Whitman
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ELIZABETH HARPER
Elizabeth is a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health studying the relationship between aging and melanoma. With her advisor Dr. Ashani Weeraratna, she studies the effect of the aging extracellular matrix on the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, and how these changes can affect response to immunotherapy. Prior to starting her position at Johns Hopkins, she did her PhD in Integrated Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Cancer Biology at the University of Notre Dame, and she did her BA in Biochemistry at Earlham College. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, exploring Baltimore with her dog, and DIY home improvement projects.
ALLISON HORENBERG
Allison Horenberg is a Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the lab of Dr. Warren Grayson focuses on understanding the role of nerves in mediating bone formation in healing and non-healing craniofacial bone defects. Prior to her graduate training, she received her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and mathematics from the University of Virginia. Outside of lab, Allison enjoys volunteering with local high school students in Thread and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
Favorite Quote: “Let them see something they’ve never seen before, and when something goes wrong, smile, cause there’s always a next play.” – Ray Lewis
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Fellows
GABE AU
Gabe Au is studying biophysics interested in protein characterization and engineering, synthetic biology and patent law. Outside the academy, Gabe researches in Dr. Chuan-Hsiang Huang’s lab, where he helps decipher protein relationships in cancer signaling pathways by performing analysis for a massively multiplexed cell barcoding technique. At the Commercialization Academy, Gabe hopes to gain experience in the patenting side of technology transfer and is excited to learn about and analyze the novel technologies being developed at Hopkins.
Favorite Quote: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Master Oogway
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ZACHARY BERNSTEIN
Zachary Bernstein is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His thesis work in the lab of Dr. Jamie Spangler involves designing antibody glycoengineering platforms and investigating the immune biology of de novo cytokines. Prior to Johns Hopkins, he received a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering at Duke University. Outside of lab, Zach enjoys running and trivia throughout Baltimore.
Favorite quote: “The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds the most discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny…’” Isaac Asimov
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ANDY CHARLORIN
Andy Charlorin is a current MBA student at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, focusing on the Health, Technology, and Innovation Pathway. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and Technology with a biology focus and a BSN. Andy has built a strong nursing career in emergency and critical care settings, including his work within the renowned Mount Sinai Health System. His passion for improving healthcare goes beyond clinical practice, as he has also conducted public health research with the CDC’s Department of Viral Hepatitis. Driven by the desire to combine his clinical expertise with business acumen, Andy aims to advance healthcare through innovation. As a dedicated entrepreneur, he runs a nursing education business, shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. His post-MBA goal is to enter the healthcare venture capital space, where he hopes to invest and develop groundbreaking healthcare solutions. In his free time, Andy enjoys working out, practicing martial arts, and traveling the world, embracing new experiences and perspectives.
Favorite Quote: “To be horrified by inequality and early death and not have any kind of plan for responding – that would not work for me.” – Dr. Paul Farmer
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ANANYA DEWAN
Ananya is excited to explore the intersection between translation, entrepreneurship, and medicine to advance patient care as a medical student. Previously, Ananya earned a BS in Economics from the Wharton School and BA in Biology from the Vagelos Life Sciences and Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, you might find Ananya enjoying the Great British Bake Off, weightlifting, or attempting to make new culinary creations.
Favorite Quote: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt
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ALEKSANDRA DRMANOVIC
Sandra is a MD/MBA candidate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Prior to medical school, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. She spent her first year at the Carey Business School completing her Master of Business Administration in the Analytics, Leadership, and Innovation track. She joined Rock Springs Capital as a Summer Research Associate in 2023 and 2024 where she worked on multiple investment projects in immunotherapies and biotechnology ventures. Sandra is passionate about the intersection of patient care, healthcare administration, and innovation. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, learning new languages, traveling, and trying new bakeries in town.
Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt
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SARAH GRAHAM
Sarah Graham is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis research, under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Wood, focuses on using 3D multi-omics to investigate precursor lesions in pancreatic cancer. Before beginning her graduate studies, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Leadership Studies and Practices. Sarah is deeply interested in cancer heterogeneity, molecular genetics, and precision medicine. She is also passionate about mentoring and co-founded and currently runs PATCH, a peer mentoring group designed to support incoming students in her program. Outside the lab, Sarah enjoys hiking, mountaineering, weightlifting, baking, reading, and spending time with her two cats.
Favorite Quote: “Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.” – Rosalind Franklin
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NICK HANUS
Nick is passionate about bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and clinical application. Nick is an undergraduate double-majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics with minors in Accounting and Financial Management and Financial Economics. At the Commercialization Academy, Nick is excited to analyze novel biotechnologies developed at Johns Hopkins and evaluate strategies to accelerate their path to market. Outside of the academy, Nick is an Associate at HopStone Capital, a Research Assistant in Professor Steve Hanke’s Applied Economics Bullpen, and competes at the NCAA level on the Johns Hopkins Varsity Men’s Soccer team.
Favorite Quote: “I do not wish to go out into the world with an insurance policy in my pocket guaranteeing my return in the event of a disappointment, like some cautious traveler who would be content with a brief glimpse of the world.” – Hermann Hesse
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EMMANUEL LEBLOND
Emmanuel is an undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering at Hopkins and is interested in aerospace and patent law. At the Commercialization Academy, he is excited to learn about the patenting process and study Hopkins’ latest technological developments. In his free time, he enjoys competing in Cross Country and Track at the NCAA level, hiking and rock climbing outdoors, and playing the guitar.
Favorite Quote: “Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you are undisciplined, you are a slave to your moods and your passions.” -Eliud Kipchoge
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ERICA LEE
Erica Lee is an M.D. Ph.D. candidate in the Cross Disciplinary Graduate Program in Biological Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the labs of Dr. Sami Tuffaha and Dr. Ahmet Hoke investigates surgical interventions and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for the improvement of functional motor recovery and prevention of chronic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Prior to medical school, Erica received a Combined BS/MS in Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University with a minor in Visual Arts. Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling and learning new culinary and artistic techniques.
Favorite Quote: “Science for me is very close to art. Scientific discovery is an irrational art. It’s an intuition which turns out to be reality at the end of it – and I see no difference between a scientist developing a marvelous discovery and an artist making a painting” -Carlo Rubbia, Nobel Prize in Physics
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ARIEL LEONG
Ariel Leong is a medical student interested in taking part in the conversation of how technology, especially artificial intelligence, is best contributing to medical improvements. She came to Hopkins after five years in sunny California, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in computer science from Stanford University.
Favorite Quote: “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” Vernon Howard
GRANT MCLOUGHLIN
Grant McLoughlin is a Ph.D. candidate in the molecular microbiology and immunology program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. His thesis work in the lab of Andrew Pekosz, Ph.D. uses fluorescent microscopy and primary cell culture models to study mitochondrial-mediated innate immune signaling during influenza infection. Prior to training at Hopkins, he received a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from the University of Georgia.
Favorite quote: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” Tanzanian Proverb
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PALLAVI MENON
Pallavi Menon is a medical student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Previously, she completed a BSc in Economics Wharton School and a BA and MS in Biology, as part of the Vagelos Life Sciences and Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania. She then pursued an MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention at the University of Oxford. Pallavi’s previous research projects include in-utero gene therapy and systematic reviews on impacts of climate on health. She is passionate about innovative health tech solutions, specifically in the climate and global surgery space. In her free time, Pallavi enjoys kickboxing, trying new vegan recipes, and traveling.
Favorite Quote: “My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.” Jane Austen
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ERIN MIHEALSICK
Erin Mihealsick is a Ph.D. candidate in the graduate program in immunology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in Eileen Scully’s lab involves the understudied role that sex plays in altering HIV transcription. She received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and genetics from Clemson University in 2020. Outside of lab, Erin enjoys volunteering with outreach organizations to introduce science to underrepresented groups and exploring Baltimore’s brewery scene.
Favorite Quote: “And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) Dr. Seuss
KEVIN NGUYEN
Kevin Nguyen is an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins studying biomedical engineering, focusing on genomics and systems biology. A researcher in the Carl Wu lab, he seeks to understand the dynamics of gene regulation using single-molecule imaging and chromatin profiling tools. He is also passionate about biomedical innovation, having engineered a device that increases the accuracy of post-biopsy site localization and a mechanism that increases patient safety and stability during IR procedures. Now, he is leading AdiCleanse to create a novel adipose tissue processing system for structural fat grafting procedures. Outside of work, Kevin is invested in Vietnamese Student Association, working out, rock climbing, and advocating for Vietnamese worker health.
Favorite Quote: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
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BONITA H. POWELL
Bonita is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biochemistry Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) graduate program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the functional role of small non-coding RNA in cancer, viral infection and neurological disorders. Prior to graduate school, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology and Applied Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). In her free time, Bonita likes to volunteer, work on arts and craft projects, and exercise.
Favorite Quote: “We can respond to misfortune by learning more, working harder, and being more creative.” – Katalin Karikó
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MARK SCHUWEILER
Mark Schuweiler is an M.D. student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is excited to be working at the intersection of technology and clinical care. Prior to medical school, he worked as a consultant for Optum. There, he worked on projects designing health technology products and optimizing clinical delivery systems. He earned bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Business Management from the University of St. Thomas. Away from work, you can find him enjoying the sunshine on a hike, thrift-shopping for books, or taking in a baseball game.
Favorite Quote: “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” – Yogi Berra
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ANDRE SEO
Andre Seo is an MBA candidate at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School focusing on the Analytics, Leadership, and Innovation pathway. He holds a Master of Science in Real Estate from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fordham University. Andre currently runs a social media consulting business where he leverages his social media expertise to drive substantial engagement and revenue through strategic content and data analysis. His prior professional experience also includes managing key accounts and enhancing client relationships at Debauve and Gallais. Outside of work, Andre loves to spend his free time traveling, reading manga, and finding new hobbies.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t forget to smile in any situation. As long as you are alive, there will be better things later, and there will be many.” – Eiichiro Oda
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JESSICA STELZEL
Jessica is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Engineering program within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her thesis work in the labs of Dr. Joshua Doloff and Dr. Hai-Quan Mao investigates how the immune system responds to biomaterials and the mechanisms behind biomaterial-induced tissue remodeling. Prior to beginning her doctoral work, she received her bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Georgia Tech. In her free time, Jessica enjoys traveling, waterskiing, bowling, and kayaking.
Favorite Quote: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton
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VANIA WANG
Vania Wang is a Ph.D. candidate in the Cellular and Molecular Medicine program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is currently conducting her thesis work in the laboratory of Dr. Ashani Weeraratna under the department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the School of Public Health. Her research focuses on UVA induced photoaging in skin fibroblasts in the context of the tumor microenvironment in melanoma progression. Prior to coming to Johns Hopkins, Vania received her bachelor’s in science at the University of California, San Diego in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Outside of research, Vania enjoys exploring the outdoors, running, yoga, and trying new baking recipes.
Favorite Quote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
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LUKE ZHAO
Luke Zhao is a medical student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, he earned bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and in biotechnology. Post-college graduation, he joined Putnam Associates as a life sciences consultant and worked on multiple commercialization projects of immunotherapy and gene therapy products. Outside of school and work, Luke enjoys mixing music, climbing and running his photography Instagram page.
Favorite quote:
Master Oogway: “Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me, nor make it bear fruit before its time… No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.”
Master Shifu: “But a peach cannot defeat Tai Lung!”
Master Oogway: “Maybe it can… If you are willing to guide it, to nurture it. To believe in it.
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Jun received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public Health and Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. He completed the Commercialization Academy Fellowship in 2022 and prior to rejoining JHTV, Jun worked in corporate development and strategy, mergers and acquisitions, management consulting, and strategic initiatives for Booz Allen Hamilton and MGM Resorts International.
