Hi! My name is Hailey Kim and I’m from Hoover, Alabama. I recently graduated from Hoover High School where I worked towards the AP Capstone Diploma and IB Courses Certificate. In school, I served as the Captain of the Debate Team, and was involved in the Student Diversity Council, AP Ambassadors, and multiple honor societies and clubs. Outside of school, I enjoyed tutoring ESL students and volunteering around my church and community. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, reading, crocheting, painting/drawing and hiking! I found my passion for dentistry through shadowing dentists and seeing the first-hand difference that patient care can provide and further loved the artistic mixed with scientific side of dentistry. Over the summers, I was also an intern at UAB where I did hands-on research with dental pulp filling which further solidified my interest. At UAB, I plan to major in Immunology with a minor in public health and I plan to continue volunteering and get involved in the city. I was drawn to EDSAP with the interdisciplinary aspect, community with like-minded people and freedom to grow in my interests. Go Blazers!!

Hi! My name is Daniela Chapa, and I’m from Auburn, Alabama. I recently graduated from Auburn High School, where I was actively involved in academics, leadership, and service. I served as an Auburn Ambassador, competed in forensic science through HOSA, and participated as a section leader for the Auburn High School Marching Band. I was also a member of honor societies like Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the National Honor Society, as well as service organizations such as Key Club and Beta Club.

Through my school’s Health Science program, I earned CNA and EKG certifications. The CNA course gave me hands-on experience caring for residents in a nursing home, while the EKG course deepened my clinical understanding. I also interned at East Alabama Health, where I shadowed medical professionals in multiple departments. This experience confirmed my passion for medicine and my goal of becoming a physician.

At UAB, I plan to major in neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. I was drawn to the EMSAP program by its strong sense of community, academic rigor, and the opportunity to grow alongside other students committed to medicine. I’m excited to be part of a program that will challenge and support me as I pursue my dream of becoming a physician. Go Blazers!

Hello! My name is Madeleine Smith, and I am a graduate of the Land O’ Lakes High School International Baccalaureate Program in Florida. I am excited to be majoring in Immunology as part of the UAB Personalized Path Honors Program. Over the past four years, I have been involved in my school and community through clubs, volunteering, and leadership roles. I was President of the Teen Advisory Board of Kids Helping Kids Pasco County, a local charity serving families in my area. I volunteered at Moffitt Cancer Center and shadowed local healthcare practitioners, both of which gave me even more of a drive to pursue medicine. As a member of my school’s HOSA club, I won regional competition events in the Clinical Specialty category. My independent research on misophonia, as well as my experience as an American Society for Suicide Prevention walk team leader, motivated me to add a Psychology minor to my undergrad plans.

During high school, I was a member of the Société Honoraire de Français, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. One of my favorite parts of high school was being deeply involved in theatre arts, serving as an officer in my school’s International Thespian Honor Society and earning awards at the state level for my costume designs. I am especially excited to be part of EMSAP at UAB because of the university’s strong reputation in both the medical and arts areas, as well as the supportive community of collaborative learners on campus. Go Blazers!

Hi! My name is Sai Susritha Daka, and I’m from Suwanee, Georgia. I attended the Alliance Academy for Innovation, and throughout high school, I explored the healthcare field through a wide range of experiences. I volunteered at the Northeast Georgia Health System in Gainesville and with my local hospice, interned at an allergy clinic, worked as a clinical assistant at a pediatrics clinic, and partnered with my local Medical Reserve Corps to help lead community events. I also had the opportunity to conduct research on cancer-related proteins through the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program and on plant proteins through a project with Western Carolina University. Additionally, I founded a nonprofit organization called Humanizmo, where I wrote, published, and donated children’s books about the human body. At UAB, I plan to major in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and later pursue a Master of Public Health. I’m incredibly excited to be part of EMSAP and to continue exploring my interests both in and beyond medicine. I look forward to growing into a compassionate and well-rounded physician. Go Blazers!

My name is Matthew Ponder, and I was born and raised in Madison, Alabama. I attended James Clemens High School, and was a varsity wrestler for all four years. Along with athletics, I was involved in a wide range of different organizations. I competed with JC's HOSA chapter and JCL Latin Club, securing state titles in Healthy Living and Rebuilding Pompeii in Minecraft, respectively. Additionally, I completed the James Clemens Biomedical Academy, completing an internship and earning patient care tech and EKG tech certifications. Outside school, I sought insight into medicine through physician shadowing and volunteering at Madison Hospital's Endoscopy Center during summers. I was heavily involved in First Baptist Huntsville's youth group, where I served on the student leadership committee and sang in the choir. Through the church, I was able to actively serve my local and global community through mission work, including hospital visitation. I also regularly volunteered at Manna House, a food insecurity center in downtown Huntsville. During my free time, I enjoy lifting heavy weights at the gym or spending time with friends and family. At UAB, I plan to major in neuroscience. I am excited to join the EMSAP program and utilize it's unique opportunities during my undergraduate years and beyond!

Hello! My name is Ali Fathallah-Shaykh and I’m from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. At Vestavia Hills High School, I explored as many opportunities as possible—becoming a member of the Math Team, Scholars Bowl, Track and Field team, and even the Board Games Club—before finding my passion for medicine and engineering as Chemistry Club President, HOSA public health state finalist, and Captain of the state champion robotics team 99040N. Recently, I was named a National Merit Finalist and awarded the VEX Robotics World Design Award. Outside of school, I have volunteered at the McWane Science Center as a Teen Leader by teaching science experiments, supervising summer camps, and training hundreds of volunteers. At UAB, I have shadowed Neurosurgeons, Pediatric Nephrologists, Pathologists, and Family Health Clinicians. As a bioinformatics research volunteer at UAB, I aided in analyzing GBM brain tumor gene expression trends in RStudio to develop a radiomics model.

In my free time, I enjoy staying organized, going to the gym, playing the cello, and making incredibly corny jokes. Once, I made a chemistry joke… there was no reaction.

EMSAP at UAB offers me the unique opportunity to combine my passions for engineering and medicine, enabling me to pursue a Biomedical Engineering degree and apply it to the medical field. At UAB, I plan on starting a VEXU robotics team and continuing to shadow and conduct research with physicians. I am so excited to see how I will grow as part of the EMSAP community! Go Blazers!

My name is Mridul Sangroula, and I am from Huntsville, Alabama, where I went to New Century Technology High School. Outside of school, I spent most of my time leading the Biotechnology Club and Environmental Club, volunteering with local organizations, shadowing one of my favorite dentists, and doing research. During my time at UAB, I really want to involve myself with research and with the community of Birmingham city. I’ve never been much of a city person, but after walking through campus and actually traveling throughout the city, I am excited for all the possibilities that await me, and not to mention the thousands of new people there. I think UAB’s EMSAP program offers a great opportunity for students to further delve into their future goals, and with such amazing instructors along the way, you won’t feel scared to take those extra steps you never knew you needed.

Hi! My name is Manasa Vadapalli, and I am from Madison, Alabama. I graduated from James Clemens, where I was president of HOSA, executive vice president of SGA, and a co-founder of Youth4Neuro – a non-profit organization tasked with teaching and inspiring the next generation of leaders in neuroscience. In my free time, I tutored elementary students in mathematics. Throughout high school, I volunteered with the United Way Youth Leaders’ Council as the James Clemens Chair and with the Children’s Hospital right here in Birmingham. Most importantly, I have shadowed and worked at various clinics over the past few years, solidifying my aspirations to enter the medical field. Outside of school, I love weight-lifting, screaming to music, hanging out with my friends, and watching sunrises and sunsets. I even ran my first marathon in December! One of my favorite things about the EMSAP program is the chance to connect with a community of similarly passionate students, while pursuing other interests to better shape me as a future physician. I plan to major in Neuroscience through the Personalized Honors Program and earn a Master’s in Public Health. Hoping to take a holistic approach to medicine, I am confident that the education and opportunities offered at UAB will equip me with the knowledge to treat people as individuals, not just their diagnosis. Go Blazers!!

Hi, I’m Andrew Au. I was born in Brownsville, Texas, but I’ve lived in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, for as long as I can remember. My interest in medicine began with my mom, who was an OBGYN in China and oversaw multiple hospitals before deciding to leave that field to become a missionary doctor. She worked in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and India, and growing up, her stories inspired me to pursue medicine with the same heart for helping others. I attended Vestavia Hills High School, where I was captain of the robotics team. I’ve been involved in robotics for eight years, competing on a global level and mentoring younger teammates. Over the summer I also work as a counselor at Camp Briarwood where I am able to share an otherworldly experience with hundreds of campers and various co-counselors and thank the Lord for the life he has given us. I also had the opportunity to shadow several doctors at UAB, which gave me a firsthand look at what life in medicine looks like—and made me even more certain that UAB was where I wanted to be.

At UAB, I’m planning to major in chemistry. I also hope to start a VEXU robotics team with other students and continue volunteering and gaining experience in the Birmingham area, especially downtown. Looking ahead, I want to be part of the journey to find lasting solutions instead of cheap fixes to the modern issues that affect millions of lives.

Hello! My name is Anika Prasad and I’m from Tampa, Florida. I graduated from Strawberry Crest High School in the International Baccalaureate Program where I focused on chemistry and biology. Throughout high school, I explored my interest in medicine through my clinical experiences at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Lakeland Regional Health. I also conducted research on the early diagnosis of breast cancer through machine learning, which deepened my appreciation for the potential of innovation in healthcare. I co-founded Project Pink, an initiative to raise awareness for breast cancer and support patients, and founded the Crest chapter of Student Organ Donation Advocates (SODA) to promote advocacy around organ and tissue donation. With over 1,000 hours of community service, I was committed to outreach at both local and national levels. I have held leadership roles in organizations such as Interact Club, robotics, and served at the state level in FBLA. At UAB, I plan to major in Biology and continue exploring research in impactful fields. I hope to contribute to projects that not only advance science but create a lasting impact on the Birmingham community. I was drawn to EMSAP for its strong sense of community, extensive opportunities, and the close connection it fosters between students, faculty, and alumni. I’m excited to learn and grow alongside like-minded peers while preparing for a meaningful career in medicine. Outside academics, I enjoy baking, painting, and reading. Go Blazers!

Hi! My name is Srimayi Kukkadapu and I am from Suwanee, Georgia where I attended Lambert High School. In high school, I was actively involved in HOSA, various honors societies, and served as the president of the VT Seva club. Outside of school, I led a team to develop public health campaigns in Nigeria, completed a Carnatic music diploma, took part in research, and regularly spent time in clinics and hospitals. I was drawn to the EMSAP program due to its flexibility, tight-knit community, and opportunities for growth and exploration that would enable me to become a well-rounded physician. At UAB, I plan to major in Cancer Biology through the Personalized Honors Program. I’m excited to be a part of the UAB community and look forward to my next years in Birmingham. Go Blazers!

Hi! My name is Esha Patel, and I’m from Greenville, Alabama. I attended the Alabama School of Math and Science, where I served as class vice president and STEM ambassador. There, I also led student organizations like Desi Club, Spanish Club, and Green Club, which allowed me to further my passion towards cultural connection and environmental advocacy. Alongside this, I organized school-wide blood drives as a Red Cross Coordinator and worked with sponsors to advertise them to faculty and parents. Outside of school, I served my community by tutoring students from Title I schools in math and volunteering as a patient companion at my local nursing home. At UAB, I plan to pursue a double major in Cancer Biology and Spanish. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of EMSAP and look forward to the unique experiences, mentorship, and opportunities it offers. Go Blazers!

Salutations! My name is Novita Whillock, and I’m from Mobile, Alabama. I graduated from the Alabama School of Math and Science, where I served as the Sergeant at Arms for the SGA and held leadership roles as treasurer of both the Green Club and National Honor Society.

Apart from school, I volunteered in Greensboro, Al through Project Horseshoe Farm where I spent a very impactful week learning about the organization and connecting with the community. I also volunteered with the USA Health Teen Volunteer Program at University Hospital, gaining firsthand exposure to patient care which led me to pursue my interest in healthcare.

At UAB, I plan to major in Immunology with a minor in Philosophy. I am overjoyed to be apart of this program and I cannot wait to start my journey! Go Blazers!

Hi! My name is Aditya Anandakumar, and I’m from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. I attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts and plan to major in Biomedical Sciences at UAB. Outside of school, I’ve dedicated a lot of my time to volunteering at Children’s of Alabama and other local organizations, shadowing physicians, and conducting research at UAB. At Children’s, I volunteered as a greeter and in the Emergency Department, where I had the opportunity to support patients and families during some of their most difficult moments. Through both volunteering and shadowing physicians, I discovered my passion for medicine.

As part of my research, I’ve worked on muscle stem cells, melanocytes, and pigmentation restoration. I love how research allows me to explore complex problems and make fascinating discoveries, especially because these findings have real-world applications in advancing medicine. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball, going to the gym, and watching the GOAT (Stephen Curry) play basketball. I can’t wait to join the EMSAP family and learn alongside others who share my passion for medicine! Go Blazers!

Hello! My name is Lillian Hollowell, and I am from Nashville, Tennessee. I attended Ensworth High School, where I played volleyball and was the editor for our literary magazine as well as a writer. I volunteered at the Adventure Science Center to help teach STEM concepts and facilitate independent learning. I also helped head the TWISER conference, which encourages hundreds of middle school and high school girls to consider STEAM fields. I will be majoring in Chemistry with an English minor through the Personalized Pathway Honors Program. EMSAP fit perfectly for me due to UAB’s boundless opportunities and incredible reputation throughout the South. UAB’s EMSAP provides lots of flexibility in scheduling, something that allows me to pursue my passion for writing alongside my love of medicine. I am so excited to join UAB’s diverse community through clubs and grow my fascination with chemistry through research driven by UAB’s talented professors. I am so ready to thrive at UAB. Go Blazers!

Hello! My name is Bagneten Bakoyema and I am from Montgomery, Alabama. I attended Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School, where I was co-captain of the Science Olympiad and Cross-Country teams, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General of LIMUN (LAMP Invitational Model United Nations, the school’s annual student-run MUN conference). I spent my summers volunteering at local hospitals and shadowing physicians, deepening my passion for and interest in the medical field. I also developed and conducted an AP Research project focused on patient perceptions of medical doctors and patient-provider trust, which, for me, reinforced the importance of the relational aspects of medicine. In my free time, I enjoy going on runs, baking needlessly complicated desserts, and reading for extended stretches of time. At UAB, I plan on majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology on the Honors College Personalized Path. I look forward to expanding my understanding of and experience with the medical field through EMSAP. I am so grateful to be a part of the program and cannot wait for the years to come! Go Blazers!

Hi! I’m Aanchal, and I’m from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. I previously attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts and am majoring in Neuroscience at UAB! I’m interested in the intersection of medicine, research, and policy--especially how structural inequality affects health in the Deep South. I currently work in a neurodegeneration lab, where I study how molecular mechanisms contribute to cognitive decline. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, watching movies, and reading mystery novels. I’m excited to join the EMSAP family!