Medi-Gators: Our Team » Medi-Futures » College of Medicine

Founder & Executive director

Alyson Moriarty

Alyson Moriarty graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2021. While completing her undergraduate education, Alyson majored in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and minored in Communication Sciences and Disorders on the pre-med track. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Science in Medical Sciences through the University of South Florida before applying to medical school. Alyson grew up in South Florida where she earned her AA degree along with her high school diploma in 2017, and upon graduating from the University of Florida, became the first in her family to graduate from college. She intends to continue her education on to medical school with clinical interests in pediatric surgery and emergency medicine. As an undergraduate student, Alyson served as a UF orientation leader and as the president of a gun violence prevention organization, among participating in other research and volunteer endeavors. She is passionate about improving access, equity, and diversity within education and healthcare. In her free time, Alyson enjoys playing sports, traveling and seeking adventurous experiences, musical theatre, and visiting new restaurants and coffee shops.

Contact Alyson at alysonmoriarty@ufl.edu

Founder & faculty director

Pouya A. Ameli, MD, MS

Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Florida College of Medicine

Dr. Ameli joined the University of Florida in 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at UF before pursuing graduate school and medical school at the University of Central Florida. He then completed residency in Neurology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, followed by Neurocritical Care fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Ameli serves in multiple leadership roles in Neurocritical Care Society. He is also a member of the American Academy of Neurology, American Heart/Stroke Association, and the Society for Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Ameli has participated in a variety of basic science and clinical research projects, ranging from the role of specific cell cycle kinases in the development of prostate and breast cancer and aquaporin protein response to acetazolamide in hydrocephalus, to the genetics of stroke outcome and management of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Outside of work, Dr. Ameli loves to spend time with his wife, daughter, and dog. He loves afternoon walks with the family, exploring new restaurants, attempting to make all kinds of food at home (with a lot of help from his wife), and doing his best to stay active in the Florida sun.

Internal vice president & medi-futures founder

Karlie LeFor

Major: Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience

Minor: Health Disparities in Society

Karlie LeFor is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Florida majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and minoring in Health Promotion. She is from Tampa, Florida and plans to specialize in neonatology or maternal-fetal medicine, after medical school. Karlie enjoys fitness, women’s health, reading, practicing mindfulness, and spending time with friends. She is particularly passionate about researching and practicing advocacy for migraine and headache disorders, entering her third year as an Ambassador for the American Migraine Foundation. Karlie’s other involvements include volunteering off-campus, cuddling infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UF Health Shands Hospital, and serving as Bid Day Chair on the Recruitment Committee of UF’s pre-medical chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon.

Contact Karlie at karlielefor@ufl.edu

external vice president & medi-futures founder

Sionika Thayagabalu

Major: Biology and Women’s Studies

Sionika Thayagabalu is a recent graduate of the University of Florida with majors in Biology and Women’s Studies on the pre-med track. She is from Weston, Florida and hopes to specialize in pediatrics in the future. Sionika enjoys being the point of contact for any current and potential Medi-Gators participants and encourages you to reach out with any questions and concerns. Additionally, she encourages you to get involved in our external programs, including Virtual Shadowing, Peer Mentorship, and Mentorship. Outside of Medi-Gators, Sionika has been involved in Dream Team, an organization at UF that volunteers with children in the PICU and Cardiac PICU at Shands. She was also a part of the TEDxUF operations team. Sionika hopes to continue building on the Medi-Gators mission of inclusion and accessibility. In her free time, Sionika loves to bike and explore the outdoors!

Contact Sionika at s.thayagabalu@ufl.edu

Vice President of Medi-Futures & medi-futures founder

Elizabeth Eberley

Major: Health Science

Elizabeth Eberley is a fourth-year undergraduate student from Orlando, Florida. She is majoring in Health Science in hopes to attend medical school. Elizabeth participated in the Medi-Gators Program and was previously a Medi-Gators Ambassador prior to her current role. She is very passionate about Medi-Gators and is excited to be a part of its expansion to bring accessible shadowing to more students. Aside from Medi-Gators, Elizabeth is involved in Small Bites Nutrition educating and mentoring young students on healthy eating. She is involved in nutrition research with the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. She is also is a medical assistant at Florida Skin Cancer & Dermatology Specialists. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, working out, watching new shows, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Contact Elizabeth at eberleye@ufl.edu

vice president of public relations

Abigail Eckhardt

Major: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

Abigail is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. She is extremely interested in pursuing a career related to women’s athletics as a physical therapist. Abigail also serves as Vice President of Public Relations, overseeing advertisement, outreach, social media, and various communication initiatives of Medi-Gators. She is in her second year of involvement with Medi-Gators, in addition to her involvements with the UF Rowdy Reptiles and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

Contact Abigail at abigaileckhardt@ufl.edu

Vice president of event programming

Maria “MJ” Gomez

Major: Psychology

MJ is a UF Alum in her gap year, currently applying to medical school. As Vice President of Event Programming MJ works with the Event Programming team to organize events that connect students to healthcare professionals and the medical field. She works as a support technician at UF Shands Hospital, as well as a Spanish interpreter. MJ is passionate about helping patients feel heard and cared for, whether its through patient care or creating opportunities for others to learn and grow.

Contact MJ at Maria.gomez@ufl.edu

Vice president of internal affairs

Gopika Pillai

Major: Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience

Minor: Spanish

Gopika Pillai is a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major with a Spanish minor on the pre-med track. After medical school Gopika plans to specialize in pediatric psychiatry. As Vice President of Internal Affairs she oversees UF Medi-Gators operations, as well as the Ambassador Program. On her free time Gopika enjoys reading and learning new cooking recipes.

Contact Gopika at g.pillai@ufl.edu

Vice president of finance

Anthony Scuderi

Major: Biology

Minor: Spanish

Anthony is a third year undergraduate student at UF majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med track. As the Vice President of Finance he oversees all merchandise and fundraising operations of Medi-Gators. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball, learning languages, and trying new foods around Gainesville.

Contact Anthony at anthonyscuderi@ufl.edu

Vice President of Mentorship Program & medi-futures founder

Hillary Aina

Major: Health Science

Minor: Spanish

Hillary is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Health Science and minoring in Spanish on the pre-medical track, with aspirations to become a General Surgeon. She has been a member of the Medi-Gators Executive Board for 3 years and currently serves as Vice President of the Mentorship Program. In this role, she oversees all Mentorship Program operations for Undergraduates, Health Professional Students, and Healthcare Professionals at the University of Florida and affiliated Medi-Futures institutions, alongside her team. On campus, Hillary is also involved in clubs such as Psychology Club, and the Neuroscience Club. At home in Georgia, Hillary has been involved by volunteering at her local food bank for the past 6 years and volunteers at a local hospital. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, watching TV, hanging out with friends, and traveling to new places. .

Contact Hillary at hillaryaina@ufl.edu

vice president of peer mentorship program

Priya Shah

Major: Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience

Priya is a UF alum currently in her gap year, as an undergraduate student she majored in Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track. WIthin Medi-Gators, she oversees the Peer Mentorship Program in close collaboration with the UF Career Connections Center. Currently, Priya works as a medical assistant at a dermatology office in Gainesville as she applies to medical schools.

Contact Priya at priya.shah@ufl.edu

Vice president of virtual shadowing program

Anne-Charles Zimmer

Graduate Focus: Health Education

Anne-Charles is a first year graduate student pursuing a Masters of Science in Health Education from Jacksonville, Florida. Within Medi-Gators, Anne-Charles oversees the virtual shadowing program each semester for our over 2000 participants!

Contact Anne-Charles at zimmera@ufl.edu

Director of website programming

Raymond Martucci

Majors: Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience & Microbiology
Minor: History

Raymond is a fourth-year undergraduate student on the Pre-Med track, planning to specialize in Neurosurgery. Outside of Medi-Gators he is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon, UF Neuroscience Club, UF Overwatch 2 Esports, and North Florida Integrative Medicine clinical volunteering. He also does research with the Department of Anesthesiology and works as a medical assistant at Gainesville After Hours Clinic. As Director of Website Programming he keeps the official Medi-Gators and Medi-Futures websites up to date.

Director of Campus Outreach

Andrea Mottau

Majors: Microbiology and English

Andrea is a third-year undergraduate student from Port St. Lucie, Florida. She is majoring in Microbiology/Cell Science and English on the pre-med track, and hopes to pursue a career as a physician specializing in Hematology. In her free time, she loves to write, spend time with family and friends, and explore the outdoors. She currently serves as Medi-Gator’s Director of Campus Outreach, connecting Medi-Gators to other student organizations. Outside of Medi-Gators she volunteers with Hospitaliteam, volunteering at UF Shands, and working as an RA.

Director of Social Media

Lauren Smith

Major: Behavioral Cognitive Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry

Lauren is a third-year undergraduate student who serves as the Medi-Gators director of social media. She runs the social media accounts of Medi-Gators as well as various graphics and creative pursuits of the program. Outside of Medi-Gators Lauren is involved in the UF Neuroscience Club and clinical volunteering. On her free time Lauren enjoys hiking and visiting national parks.

Director of Networking Banquets

Mia Corgliano

Major: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
Minor: Dance

Mia is a second-year undergraduate student on the Pre-Med track and serves as the Director of networking banquets on the events committee.

Director of Pre-Health Admissions Preview

Marisa Gonzalez

Major: Nutritional Sciences

Marisa is a third-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-PA track. As the Director of Pre-Health Admissions Preview she oversees the event and coordinates logistics with the events committee.

Director of Clinical Skills Workshops

Jae Sarner

Major: Health Science

Jae is a third-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Dental track. As the Director of Clinical Skills Workshops she oversees logistics, available clinical skills, and health professional staffing of the event with events committee.

Director of Education & Professional Development

Leah Baker

Major: Applied Physiology & Kinesiology
Minor: Nutritional Sciences

Leah is a second-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Med track. She has been involved in Medi-Gators since the beginning of her freshman year and enjoys the impact she can have on students through the program. Outside of Medi-Gators, Leah loves hiking, baking, art, discovering new music, traveling, and reading.

Director of Ambassador Recruitment & Social Engagement

Andrew Randolph

Major: Nursing
Minor: Food Science

Andrew is a third-year undergraduate student at UF and a current nursing student on the traditional BSN track. Within Medi-Gators Andrew is heavily involved in the ambassador program and Medi-Gators social events. Outside of Medi-Gators Andrew is a lifeguard in his hometown of Ormond and enjoys open water swimming, kayaking, reading, and walking his dogs.

Director of Sponsorship & Procurement

Alexandra Biela

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Alex is a second-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Med track also considering engineering. As Director of Sponsorship and Procurement of Medi-Gators she secures funding for Medi-Gators events and various other activities.

Director of Merchandise & Sales

Elie Nassif

Major: Biochemistry

Elie is a third-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Dental track. Elie has been involved with Medi-Gators for two years now, first serving as an ambassador on the finance committee. Now Elie serves as Director of Merchandise and Sales, running the Medi-Gators merchandise website and production.

Director of Professional Relations

Remington Monnett

Major: Nutritional Sciences
Minor: Environmental Justice and Policy

Remington is a third-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Med track, with plans to specialize in reproductive endocrinology. Outside of Medi-Gators she is involved in the Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical fraternity. Within Medi-Gators Remington assists in finding speakers for the virtual shadowing program as well as various other Medi-Gators events.

Director of Student Relations

Jonah Schwartz

Major: Nutritional Sciences

Jonah is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-PA track. As Director of Student Relations specifically for the Mentorship program he fields questions from students in the program as needed.

Director of Event Programming & Medi-Futures Mentorship & medi-futures founder

Veronia Sadek

Major: Biology
Minors: Spanish, Anthropology, Health Disparities in Society

Veronia is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Med track. As a director in Medi-Gators she runs many of the events of the Mentorship program and assists other Medi-Futures programs in their own mentorship programs. Veronia has been involved in Medi-Gator for several years now and has loved seeing it grow and assist a range of students. On her own time she enjoys painting, reading, and playing the piano.

Director of Peer Mentor Recruitment & Outreach

Kelsey Cook

Major: Anthropology
Minors: African Studies, Health Disparities in Society, and Statistics

Kelsey is a third-year undergraduate student on Pre-Med track, with plans to pursue a MD/PhD degree. She enjoys doing research on barriers to receiving equitable care for individuals with dementia.

Director of Education & Event Programming

Shree Patel

Major: Health Science
Minor: Business Administration

Shree is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-PA track. Outside of Medi-Gators, she is involved in the UF Pre-Physician Assistant Association and Indian Students Association. In her free time, she enjoys reading and cooking, as well as learning about different cultures through traveling around the world.

Director of Student Relations

Julia Gifford

Major: Biotechnology

Julia is a second-year undergraduate at UF on the Pre-Med track. She has a love for learning, especially for science and is excited to be a life long student as a physician.

Director of Professional Relations

Gabriela Kirby

Major: Nutritional Science

Gabriela is a second-year undergraduate student at UF, with plans to be a registered nurse. She is currently pursuing a BSN degree.

Director of Technology

Siri Yarrapatni

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Siri is a second-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Med track. She is originally from Jacksonville and on her free time loves to read books, watch sitcoms and explore new cafes with her friends. She enjoys helping other students through the Pre-Health track process and is looking to doing so through Medi-Gators.

Director of Communications & Creative Operations

Lauren Mickelson

Lauren Mickelson is a sophomore studying Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. She is also on a pre-PA track. Lauren is the Director of Communications and Creative Operations within the Medi-Futures Program!

Director of Institution Recruitment & Program Foundation

Rafael Garcia

Rafael Garcia is a 4th-year Microbiology major with a chemistry minor on a pre-med track. He currently serves as the Director of Institution Recruitment and Program Foundation for Medi-Futures.