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Past Trainees

Evan Dingle: A sophomore, majoring in Allied Health Sciences at University of Connecticut-Stamford, Evan Dingle was eager to learn more about careers in medicine. Having participated in several Yale Pathways to Science programs while at New Haven Academy, including the HPREP program, he was eager to join the INHCC DEI Summer Mentee Program. Evan was exposed to many potential career choices and his passion to help people was deeply energized from the experience. Prior to entering college, Evan received EMT certification in the state of Connecticut and will begin phlebotomy classes for certification this fall. Active in the UConn community, Evan serves as SGA Program Director and is engaged in several other clubs. In addition to learning more about the many roles in medical research, Evan enjoyed learning about basic science roles and research, while also learning about the studies being investigated by the INHCC team.

Taylor Tjosaas: The Spudich Lab hosted, Taylor Tjosaas; a Posse scholar and rising junior at Wesleyan University, majoring in neuroscience. Taylor joins the team through Yale’s Research Experience for Veteran Undergraduates (REVU) internship program, spearheaded by Dr. Marla Geha and Dr. Jeremy Bradford. Taylor was the Spudich Lab’s first REVU Mentee and contributed significantly throughout the summer. Taylor values programs like REVU, that offer veterans broader academic opportunities and actively volunteers with veteran educational programs, like Service to School and the Warrior Scholar Project. A Portland, Oregon resident since 2012, Taylor stays busy as an active member in the 304th Rescue Squadron. During his experience with the Spudich Lab, he assisted in several lab projects and studies, learning more about data interpretation and analysis. Taylor plans to continue his academics into medical school, to explore the cognitive aspects of resilience and risk-taking behavior, particularly in veterans.

Jocelyn Ramirez: Jocelyn Ramirez was a rising senior at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven, Connecticut. She was a member of Yale Pathways to Science and had participated in various programs like Brain Education Day and Girl Science Investigation. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Class of 2022 Treasurer. Her interest in neuroscience began in middle school, when she branched out to different programs and events related to neuroscience. After she graduates from high school, she plans to attend college and major in a STEM field.

Daiana Vasquez Bracero: Daiana C. Vasquez Bracero graduated from Hill Regional Career High School in the spring of 2021, and will be attending Quinnipiac University this fall as a Health Science major, working toward entry into the pre-med program. Throughout her high school years, Daiana participated in various health and science programs, building her knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as the various careers in medicine. One of the programs she enjoyed the most was the Yale Simulation Lab, where she became familiar with suturing, intubating, inserting IVs, and ultrasounds. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree, she plans to continue her career by studying medicine and pursuing a PhD. As an INHCC intern, she was interested in learning from a variety of accomplished researchers and having a closer look at the work of a research scientist.

Past Members

Ryan Handoko, Yale Medical Student

Current Position: Resident in Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine


Rachela Calvi, Postgraduate Assistant

Current Position: Nursing student, New York University, Rory Meyers College of Nursing


Payal Patel, Neuroinfectious Diseases Fellow

Current Position: Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine


Shelli Farhadian, Neuroinfectious Diseases Fellow

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Yale School of Medicine


Tess O'Meara, Yale Medical Student

Current Position: Resident in Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital


Tobias Kirchwey, Postgraduate Assistant

Current Position: Medical student, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University


Aveline Xiang Li, Yale Medical Student

Current Position: Resident in Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine