Current Health Care Interns

Meghan Abate '25

Meghan Abate is a senior from Winchester, Massachusetts. She is pursuing a neuroscience major and an economics minor. She hopes to attend medical school one day, and believes that exposing herself to ethically challenging experiences and conversations will help her become an informed and compassionate physician. Meghan is especially interested in the use of algorithmic decision support systems, assistive reproductive methods, and stem cell research. At SCU, Meghan volunteers as an EMT with SCU EMS. Additionally, she is a research assistant in Dr. Lang Chen’s Lab of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, having contributed to a publication examining the impacts of age on the memory of autistic individuals. Meghan is also on the leadership team of a Planned Parenthood GenAction club. Outside of SCU, she works as an EMT at concerts and events. In her free time, she enjoys walking and catching up with family.

Harpreet Bhasin '25

Harpreet Bhasin is a senior from Livermore, California, majoring in Biology with minors in Biotechnology and Public Health. He aspires to become a physician, with current interests in Cardiology and Radiology. Harpreet is eager to join the Healthcare Ethics internship to engage in discussions about systemic issues in healthcare and to contribute in developing equitable solutions that improve the standard of care and pave the way for innovative medical advancements. He is particularly interested in exploring the ethics of organ transplantation and experimental technologies. Through the in-person internship, Harpreet aims to deepen his understanding of medical bioethics within healthcare settings and learn how current medical practices can adapt and evolve to future advancements and ethical standards. This summer, Harpreet trained to become a licensed EMT and interned with a consulting startup that integrates bitcoin and lightning payment systems with direct primary care providers. Additionally, he serves as the lead clinic coordinator for a medical clinic at the Livermore Sikh Temple.

Cassandra Blake '25

Cassandra Blake is a senior from Olympia, Washington, double majoring in biology and public health science. She is an aspiring physician and is interested in allergy, immunology, and obstetrics and gynecology. Cassandra is excited to embark on this internship to learn more about ethical issues surrounding patient pain management, reproductive rights, and palliative care. Outside of this internship, Cassandra is also a research assistant in a microbiology lab and public health lab, a Valeriote Goldman Fellow, a peer health educator with the Wellness Center, a volunteer for the Study Abroad department, a chemistry and biochemistry peer educator, and a member of the University Honors Program. She spent last summer interning for Recovery Cafe San Jose and hopes to continue to serve in a community health setting before attending medical school.

Mateo Fesslmeier '26

Mateo Fesslmeier is a junior from Palo Alto, California, majoring in Biology. On campus he is a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, and primarily focuses on distance events. This summer he will be working in Dr. Bayless’s cell biology lab which focuses on the function of cilia and how they relate to epilepsy. Mateo is keen on embarking on this internship to deepen his understanding of the multifaceted ethical issues that exist in the healthcare system. In the future, he hopes to work as a Podiatrist, provided dedicated care to his patients.

Krista Gorham '25

Krista Gorham is a senior from Albuquerque, New Mexico majoring in public health science with minors in biology and studio art. On campus, Krista is an EMT for the university's emergency medical team, a general chemistry lab TA, and an immersion coordinator for the Ignatian Center. This past year, Krista was the digital illustrator for an antenatal education app called "Maama Care," collaborating with Dr. Michele Parker and the Rose Academies based in Kampala, Uganda. Krista is particularly interested in the intersections of social justice and medicine, including the ethics of humanitarian aid, providing equitable care in underserved communities, and reproductive rights. As a Health Care Ethics Intern, she hopes to engage in meaningful discussion that challenges what it means to be a well-rounded provider, and take what she learns to inform future decision-making in a healthcare setting. Upon graduation, Krista hopes to attend nursing school and learn from those around her working in a community health environment.

Sarah Herrington '25

Sarah Herrington is a senior from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is majoring in Biology. On campus, Sarah is a research assistant in Dr. Pascale Guiton’s lab studying infection mechanisms of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. She is also the Philanthropy chair of Delta Epsilon Mu, a pre-health fraternity, a teaching assistant in the Introductory Biology series and Math 12 Honors, and she is a mentor in the University Honors program. Outside of SCU, Sarah is a volunteer at Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center, where she does patient transport. After SCU, she hopes to pursue a career in healthcare relating to pediatrics. Through the Healthcare Ethics Internship, Sarah hopes to improve her understanding of ethical dilemmas in order to be a more well-rounded and prepared healthcare professional. She is interested in the consequences of gender and racial biases, concerns in pediatric care and end-of-life decisions. She is excited to collaborate and discuss with her peers and get the opportunity to learn from the shadowing experience.

Tatum Holloway '25

My name is Tatum Holloway, and I’m a senior at Santa Clara University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Biotechnology. Originally from Fresno, California, I’m a student-athlete on both the cross-country and track and field teams, as well as a proud member of the pre-health sorority, Rho Psi Eta. This past summer I was an intern at GE Healthcare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I got to learn more about the world of biotechnology and how it is applied ethically and effectively to patients. With aspirations to attend medical school and eventually open a private practice, I’m deeply committed to making healthcare more accessible and equitable for all. In addition to my academic and athletic commitments, I’m passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. I serve on the SCU Athlete Diversity Council and am actively involved in Igwebuike, the Black student club on campus. As a Markkula Center for Applied Ethic Healthcare Ethics Intern for 2024-2025, I hope to gain valuable insights into the ethical challenges that healthcare professionals encounter while collaborating with peers to refine my own critical thinking skills. Outside of academics, I love hiking, trying new foods, swimming, and practicing hot yoga.

Karina Martinez '26

Karina Martinez is a junior from San Jose, California. She is a LEAD Scholar double majoring in Biology and Neuroscience. Karina aspires to become a physician and is interested in internal medicine or reconstructive surgery. On campus, Karina is in an undergraduate lab focusing on health materials, a Community Facilitator for the Magis RLC, and the National Liaison for the pre-health fraternity, Delta Epsilon Mu. Through the Health Care Ethics Internship, Karina hopes to deepen her knowledge of the ethical dilemmas in healthcare through discussions on systemic barriers, affordable healthcare solutions, and equitable access for patients.

Yeseñia Andrea Sandoval '26

Yeseñia Sandoval is a junior Biochemistry major with a minor in Biotechnology from East Bay California. She aspires to pursue her MD/PhD after undergrad. Yesenia is interested in equitable healthcare, treatment of patients, and ethical issues that face scientists in the laboratory. She hopes to gain a wide-range of knowledge about other ethical issues that healthcare faces. On campus, Yeseñia does research in Dr. Brunauer’s biochemistry lab, works as a chemistry peer educator, does public relations for the Chemistry/Biochemistry Dept. board, is part of the LEAD first-generation program and the Honors program. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys baking, cooking and exploring new places with her friends.

Aria Trivedi '25

Aria Trivedi is a Senior from Pleasanton, California, majoring in biology and minoring in biotechnology. On Campus, Aria works in Dr. Abbyad’s research lab in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and is a Clare Booth Luce scholar. She is a member of the Honors program and serves on the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department’s Student Advisory Board. Aria plans to go to graduate school for genetics and work in a professional biotechnology lab. Aria is very interested in the ethics of informed consent of novel treatments and ethics of biological research. She wants to understand multiple sides of complex problems, in understanding the literal way to do something along with the ethical consequences. Aria is excited to join the Health Care Ethics Internship to learn more about the ethical complexities of healthcare alongside her peers.

2024-25 Honzel Fellow

Sydney Shelby ’25

I am a senior with majors in Public Health Science and Biology and minors in African American studies and Medical and Health Humanities. My personal experiences have shown me the ways that health inequities disproportionately impact marginalized communities. These formative experiences have caused me to have a deep passion for implementing ethical and just practices into medicine.

Learn more about this year's Honzel Fellow.

Rebecca An '27

Rebecca is a junior from Los Gatos, California, majoring in biochemistry with interests in pursuing an MD to work in obstetrics and gynecology. She is particularly interested in discussing the unethical use of race in medical technology and the application of cultural competency with her peers. Additionally, Rebecca aims to learn how healthcare providers cope with moral injury. Outside of her studies, Rebecca researches in Dr. Korin Wheeler’s nanobiochemistry lab and spent the past summer researching nanopores in Switzerland. She also works as a chemistry peer educator, plays the cello in the university orchestra, dances in Daybreak, and is a member in the University Honors Program.

Gabrielle Arceo '26

My name is Gabby Arceo, and I am a Senior majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Biology and Public Health at Santa Clara University. I am from Redwood City, California, and my interests surround holistic and preventative healthcare. On campus, I am involved in Delta Epsilon Mu, the pre-health professional fraternity, as the Director of Internal Affairs. Outside of school, I volunteer at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center as a patient escort as well as the Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor. Through these experiences, I learned how to effectively communicate to a variety of people to meet their needs with kindness and empathy. In connecting with so many people and hearing their perspectives when it comes to their health, I gained a deeper understanding of how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s healthcare experience. Doing so has shaped my long-term goal of pursuing a career as a Cardiologist.

Michael Allen '26

Michael Allen is a senior from Pacifica, California, majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health Science. On campus, he is a research assistant in Dr. Pascale Guiton’s lab, where he studies gene regulation mechanisms in Toxoplasma gondii. Michael also serves as a campus EMT, a Violence Prevention Educator at the Wellness Center, and a teaching assistant for the Introductory Biology series, Biochemistry, and Organic Chemistry labs. Outside of SCU, he volunteers for the Crisis Text Hotline and works for Mutual Aid Response Services. After graduation, Michael hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in healthcare, with a focus on psychiatry. Through the Health Care Ethics Internship, he aims to deepen his understanding of the ethical complexities within medicine to help become a more compassionate and empathetic physician. He is particularly interested in topics surrounding minor autonomy and moral distress in healthcare workers. 

Megan Baldemor '26

Megan Baldemor is a senior from Honolulu, Hawaii, majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Medical & Health Humanities. She is particularly interested in the care of elderly populations, with an emphasis on ethical decision making in end-of-life care and in the context of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Following graduation, Megan intends on pursuing an M.D./Ph.D in Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine. She aspires to be a physician-scientist, studying the mechanisms of neural plasticity and how these processes are altered in neurodegenerative conditions. Outside of the classroom, Megan conducts research in the Cocas Laboratory, volunteers at Hearts & Minds Activity Center through the Ignatian Fellowship, and performs in seasonal productions by the Theatre and Dance Department. Megan is also a 2025 Goldwater and Strauss Scholarship recipient.

Alexis Corso '27

Alexis Corso is a junior from West Linn, Oregon, majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. She aspires to become a physician dedicated to providing care to underserved communities, with a particular focus on bridging language barriers in healthcare. Her passion for equitable care is reflected in her volunteer work at Oregon Health & Science University in the pediatric sedation unit, where she supports young patients and their families through medical procedures over the summer. She is eager to enrich her understanding of language barriers in healthcare through the Health Care Ethics Internship and explore how ethical frameworks can support more compassionate, accessible medical practices. Outside of her academic and volunteer commitments, she finds joy in working with children and is driven by a deep sense of empathy and service.

Sylvana Domokos '26

Sylvana Domokos is a junior from Mountain View, California, and is majoring in Neuroscience. On campus, she has worked as a Chemistry TA, as director of outreach for the Pre-Health Club, and enjoyed her time in Dr. Sabatier’s lab studying C. elegans. Sylvana’s favorite class so far has been Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and she is excited to explore its connections to healthcare ethics, as AI ethics is deeply rooted in the principles of bioethics. Outside of school, Sylvana works as an on-call events EMT for CrowdRx in San Francisco. In high school, Sylvana experienced a year-long recovery from a concussion that caused aphasia. After fully recovering, she became deeply interested in neuroscience and its potential to transform patients’ quality of life. Her academic interests include disability studies, the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare quality, and the autonomy of patients with complex psychiatric conditions and various forms of dementia. After graduation, Sylvana is driven to build a career focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, and will continue at Santa Clara to pursue an M.S. in Bioengineering to actualize this goal.

Evan Hackstadt '27

Evan Hackstadt is a Junior from Eugene, Oregon, majoring in Computer Science with minors in Biology and Math. Passionate about healthcare and science, he hopes to make a positive impact in a career applying technology to improve human health. He is considering attending graduate school for bioinformatics, genomics, epidemiology, or AI, and is highly conscious of the ethical issues of these fields. Evan is excited to join the Healthcare Ethics Internship and explore issues surrounding emerging technologies while gaining clinical experience. His past roles on campus have included SCCAP Environmental Action Coordinator and Ciocca Center Innovation Fellow, and he is a current Peer Tutor in the Drahmann Center and on the board of multiple clubs. After performing computational modeling research serving Oregon communities last summer, he hopes to perform biomedical-related research in the future. Outside of academics, Evan enjoys fitness, reading, movies & TV, traveling with family, and vegan recipes.

Andrew Kai '27

Andrew Kai is a Junior from Honolulu, Hawai’i, majoring in Neuroscience and Biology. He aspires to attend medical school and believes a strong foundation in bioethics will enhance his ability to build patient trust and improve health outcomes. At SCU, Andrew is a DeNardo Science Scholar and conducts computational chemistry research in Dr. Grotjahn’s lab. He also volunteers as an EMT with SCU EMS and tutors math in the MLC. As a Healthcare Ethics Intern, Andrew looks forward to engaging in discussions with peers and guest speakers to learn how healthcare professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in real-world settings. He is particularly interested in the ethical considerations surrounding prehospital care and clinical research. In his free time, Andrew enjoys spending time outdoors and trying new food spots.

Tiffany Kinyua '27

My name is Tiffany Kinyua, and I’m from New Castle, Delaware. I’m a Junior majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Ethnic Studies. I’m passionate about research that explores the intersections of STEM education, ethics, and mental health equity and how these areas impact students and future healthcare professionals. As a DeNardo Science Research Scholar and research assistant in the RE-designing Science and Society Lab (RESSL), I study how non-STEM minors shape STEM identity, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through this work, I’ve become increasingly interested in how ethical frameworks like justice, equity, and autonomy can inform the way we train and support the next generation of scientists, educators, and clinicians. I’m also a participant in SCU’s Possible Tech Career Accelerator and a 2024 Takeoff Institute Fellow, which have helped me expand my professional development and explore interdisciplinary approaches to tech, healthcare, and social impact. On campus, I stay involved through Igwebuike, the African Student Association, and the Neuroscience and Psychology Clubs.

Josh Omer '26

Josh Omer is a senior from Denver, Colorado majoring in neuroscience and biology with a minor in biotechnology. On campus, he serves as a research assistant in Dr. Leilani Miller’s genetics lab, where he uses CRISPR to study morphogenesis within the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. He is also actively engaged in designing a mini-GFP system for in vivo use. Josh has held leadership positions in Delta Epsilon Mu, a pre-health fraternity, serving as both Vice President and Director of Prospects. Outside of SCU, Josh volunteers at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, where he has worked in patient transport for over two years and currently shadows in the operating room. He also works as a phlebotomist and paramedical examiner. Through the Healthcare Ethics Internship, Josh hopes to deepen his understanding of medical ethics and how they intersect with real-world clinical decisions. He is particularly interested in the growing divide between private practices and hospital systems, the policy decisions that drive these differences, and their disproportionate effects on patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

2025-26 Honzel Fellow

Maria Sakurets ’??

Learn more about this year's Honzel Fellow.