Takara O’Brien is a dedicated and ambitious fourth-year undergraduate student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, majoring in Aerospace Physiology with minors in Chemistry, Human Factors, and Psychology. With a strong passion for medicine, she aspires to become a medical doctor and aims to become a physician-scientist to continue conducting research in her fields of interest. Her research focuses on microbiology and biochemistry, particularly in treating inflammatory conditions and understanding immunity. She has been awarded numerous internal grants to support her investigations into the influence of extreme environments on mice lung macrophage populations, the increased virulence and antimicrobial properties of microorganisms, and optimizing drug-polymer complexes for sustained release in inflammatory bowel disease treatment. She has also attended conferences to present her research, including the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in 2024 in Long Beach, California, where she co-presented her drug-polymer research. Additionally, her research on Unaligned Hip Radiograph Assessment Utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks for the Assessment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip has resulted in a publication in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. As an advocate for interdisciplinary research, [Name] serves as the President of the Biomedical Engineering Society on campus, holding seminars to teach students valuable research techniques. Additionally, her role as a research peer mentor with the Office of Undergraduate Research has allowed her to mentor students on the intersection of medicine and space. Becoming the President of the Student Council at her College of Arts and Sciences has further emboldened her to advocate for her college’s professional development and opportunities, fostering an environment of growth and learning. Takara is committed to community service, volunteering at South Daytona Elementary to organize STEAM events that inspire students to envision futures in arts and sciences. Takara has joined Halifax Hospital as a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Department, where she assists doctors and nurses to provide patient care across a diverse range of cases, gaining extensive clinical experience with non-English speaking individuals, palliative care, geriatrics, hospice, and emergent patients. This hands-on experience has deepened her interest in emergency medicine, where the fast-paced and dynamic environment continuously challenges her and fuels her passion for providing critical care to those in need.

Dr. Alesha Fleming is an Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, as well as the Program Coordinator of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Aerospace Physiology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Dr. Fleming attended Mercer University in Macon, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in German. After graduation, she moved to Port Orange, Florida where she earned her Doctorate Degree in Chiropractic Medicine at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Fleming opened her private practice, Natural Health and Wellness Chiropractic in 2015, and began her teaching career at Embry-Riddle in 2017, where she teaches several courses including Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Behavior Neuroscience. Dr. Fleming has also designed and taught continuing education courses for the AAMA, and worked as an Adjunct Professor for Palmer College of Chiropractic, training Chiropractic Student Interns who have complete their final Trimester of Chiropractic education at her office. She is also the Team Chiropractic Physician for Embry-Riddle Athletics where she works with a team of doctors and athletic trainers to manage the care of student athletes. Dr. Fleming is currently working on her Diplomate in Neurology to become a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist. She lives in Daytona Beach with her husband and their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Athena and Doberman, Zoe. In her free time, she enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Madison Church is a third-year undergraduate majoring in Aerospace Physiology major and minoring in chemistry and human factors. She is on the human physiology track and plans on attending physician assistant school or medical school when graduating college. Madison has experience shadowing nurses, physical therapists and doctors at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. She had also worked as a Medical Assistant at a family medical clinic in Daytona Beach. Madison has been pursuing medicine since she joined a pre-medical academy in middle school and another in high school. She can’t imagine a career outside the medical community. By being a part of Medi-Futures Madison wants to expand the opportunity for pre-med students at her school to gain clinical hours and important insight about the medical field. Madison cares a lot about her community and participates in philanthropy opportunities within Greek life. Madison loves the outdoors and can be found at the beach, on a hike or reading.