meet the medi-gators Senior leadership team
Executive director
Remington “Remy” Monnett
Remy graduated from UF with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and is now in her gap year while applying to medical school. Remy currently serves as Executive Director, as which she oversees the Medi-Gators and Medi-Futures Leadership Teams’ and program operations. Outside of Medi-Gators, Remy works as a Research Coordinator for a Clinical Psychology Lab in UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions and volunteers with PEAK Literacy. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and spend time outside.
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 Senior vice presidenT
Katie Kavanagh
My name is Katie, and I am a first-year graduate student in the University of Florida’s Master of Health Administration program. I serve as the Internal Senior Vice President for Medi-Gators, where I support and engage fellow members. I am on the pre-medical track and am interested in pursuing a career in psychiatry or geriatric medicine. Outside of Medi-Gators, I conduct research with the PGENeS Lab at the UF College of Medicine and volunteer at Shands Hospital and the local Humane Society. In my free time, I enjoy solving puzzles, reading, and exploring new places.
external Senior vice president
Luke Zhang
My name is Luke, and I am a UF graduate currently taking a gap year after majoring in Health Sciences and Economics. I serve as the External Senior Vice President for Medi-Futures, where I oversee the Virtual Shadowing, Mentorship, and Peer Mentorship programs and help expand opportunities through partner institutions. I am currently applying to medical school and am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy working out and traveling.
Senior Vice President
Lauren Mickelson
My name is Lauren, and I am a fourth-year majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. I serve as the Medi-Futures Senior Vice President, where I oversee partner institutions and help expand access to pre-health resources nationwide. I am on the pre-medical track and am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy weightlifting, spending time outdoors, exploring new cafés, and making memories with family and friends.
medi-gators executive board
INTERNAL BRANCH
vice president of public relations
Murphie MacDonald
My name is Murphie, and I am a fourth-year majoring in Nursing with a minor in Sociology. I serve as the Vice President of Public Relations for Medi-Futures, where I oversee the Public Relations branch, collaborate with other teams to promote the Medi-Gators Program, and lead the approval process for newsletters, graphics, outreach events, and tabling opportunities. I work to expand program visibility, increase engagement and retention, and promote the organization’s mission and brand values. I am interested in becoming an Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy reading, working out, painting, and traveling.
Vice president of event programming
Mia Corigliano
My name is Mia, and I am a fourth-year majoring in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a minor in Dance. I serve as the Vice President of Event Programming for Medi-Futures, where I oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of Medi-Gators events alongside my team. I am on the pre-medical track and am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy running, drinking a good matcha, hanging out with friends, and seeking out new experiences.
Vice president of internal affairs
Jean Augustin Jr
Jean is a third-year Sociology major pursuing a career in healthcare administration. In his third year on the Medi-Gators leadership team, he serves as the Vice President of Internal Affairs, overseeing the recruitment of incoming Coordinators and fostering team morale through social events and team-building activities.
Vice president of finance
Tara Muthuswamy
Tara is a fourth-year Health Science major and Economics minor on the pre-medical track. She currently serves as the Vice President of Finance on the Executive Board for Medi-Gators, where she oversees sponsorships, merchandise, fundraising initiatives, and our scrub donation program in partnership with the UF Career Connections Center. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and psychological thrillers!
EXTERNAL BRANCH
Vice President of Mentorship Program
Kamilah Carnegie
My name is Kamilah, and I am a graduate student pursuing my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree while continuing on the pre-med track. I serve as the Vice President of the Mentorship Program, where I lead and develop a team, providing mentorship, coaching, and opportunities to support their growth and success. My goal has always been to work in primary care, and I hope to use my public health training to provide the highest quality care to future patients. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and listening to music.
vice president of peer mentorship program
Taylor Baker
My name is Taylor Baker, and I am a senior majoring in Biology. I serve as the Vice President of the Peer Mentorship Program for Medi-Gators, where I help connect and support pre-health students through mentoring initiatives and professional development opportunities. I am passionate about healthcare and plan to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. Outside of Medi-Gators, I volunteer with Peaceful Paths, work as an undergraduate research assistant at the UF College of Medicine, and enjoy giving back to my community. In my free time, I love reading, traveling whenever I have the opportunity, and staying active by taking workout classes.
Vice president of virtual shadowing program
Jessica Zhou
Hi! I am Jessica Zhou and I am excited to serve as your Vice President of the Virtual Shadowing Program this year. As a third-year student on the Pre-Med track, I am pursuing a major in Biology, and minors in both Statistics and Health Disparities in Society.
MEDI-FUTURES BRANCH
Vice president of operations
Sydney Davis
My name is Sydney Davis and I am a rising 4th year – 2nd year nursing student in the TBSN program. I serve as the Vice President of Operations for the Medi-Futures branch.
Vice President of Institution Foundation
Brielle Perini
Hello! My name is Brielle and I am a fourth-year APK major on the pre-med track. I will serve as the VP of Institution Foundation with Medi-Futures, meaning I will oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new institutions to our program.
vice president of institution development
Siri Yarrapatni
My name is Siri Yarrapatni and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Art History on the pre-medical track. I currently serve as the Vice President of Institutional Development for the Medi-Futures Branch.
Medi-gators directors
PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM
Director of Campus Outreach
Mallory Youngblood
My name is Mallory, and I am a third-year majoring in Health Science. I serve as the Director of Campus Outreach for Medi-Futures, where I lead campus outreach efforts for Medi-Gators. I am on the pre-PA track and am interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, and hanging out with friends.
Director of Social Media
Sofia Franklin
EVENT PROGRAMMING TEAM
Director of Event outreach
Rebecca Brakefield
Hello, my name is Rebecca Brakefield and I am a rising junior Health Science major on the Pre-PA track! For the 2026-2027 school year I will be serving as the Director of Event Outreach!
Director of Event Logistics
Jeremiah Samuel
My name is Jeremiah, and I am a second-year Health Science major with a minor in Health Disparities in Society on the pre-med track. I serve as the Director of Event Logistics, where I increase access to pre-health opportunities through Medi-Gators event logistics. I am currently interested in pursuing a career in family medicine, but I am actively exploring other medical specialties to see which ones I like! I really enjoy hanging out with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and watching TV shows and movies.
Director of Event Operations
Valentina Calleja
Valentina Calleja is a sophomore at the University of Florida studying Health Science on the pre-med track with a minor in Public Health. As Director of Operations for the Event Programming team, she enjoys connecting students with opportunities to explore various careers in healthcare. Valentina hopes to pursue a career in pediatrics and is passionate about service and mentorship.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS TEAM
Director of Education & Professional Development
Kelsey Cook
My name is Kelsey Cook and I will graduate in the Summer of 2026 with an Anthropology major and minors in African Studies, Health Disparities, and Statistics. I am a part of the Medi-Gators Internal Affairs team. My passion for health equity has led me to pursue an MD-PhD in Anthropology to focus on improving healthcare for vulnerable geriatric populations.
Director of Recruitment & Social Engagement
Neel Shah
I am a fourth-year Biology and Nutritional Sciences major on the pre-medical track. This is my second year in Medi-Gators, and I am proud to serve as the next Director of Recruitment and Social Engagement. I’m excited to bring fresh ideas to our team, welcome new members, and help create a welcoming community within the team!
FINANCE TEAM
Director of Sponsorship & Procurement
Samuel Schweitzer
My name is Samuel, and I am a third-year Biomedical Engineering major on the pre-medicine track with a clinical interest in emergency medicine. I serve as the Director of Sponsorship, where I lead sponsorship and procurement for financial pruposes. Outside of Medi-Gators, I enjoy rock climbing, long-distance biking, and playing music with my friends.
Director of Merchandise & Sales
Sophie Beatrice Fernandes
Hi! My name is Sophie Beatrice Fernandes, and I am a third-year student majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and a minor in Early Childhood Studies. I am on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. I am part of the Medigators team serving as the Director of Merchandise and Sales. I am excited to continue growing as both a student and future healthcare professional while contributing to the Medi-Gators community!
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TEAM
Director of Professional Relations
Ceri Sonnemann
My name is Luke Zhang, and I am a fourth-year Health Science and Economics major on the pre-med track. I am originally from New York and currently serve on the Medi-Gators leadership team, where I work closely with healthcare professionals participating in our mentorship program.
Director of Student Relations
Keira Seow
Keira is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology with a minor in Sociology on the Pre-CAA track. Keira has been an active member in the Medi-Gators Virtual Shadowing and Mentorship Program. She now serves as the Director of Student Relations for the Mentorship Program. Outside of Medi-Gators, Keira is involved in the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory, Haven Hospice, and Student-Led Academic Peer Study.
Director of Event Programming & Medi-Futures Mentorship
Claire Dean
Hi! My name is Claire Dean! I am a senior studying Health Education and Behavior on the Physicians Assistant track! I am on the leadership team for the Mentorship Program!
PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TEAM
Director of Peer Mentor Recruitment & Outreach
Christy Shao
My name is Christy Shao and I am a fourth-year pre-med student studying Microbiology & Cell Science with a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This year, I’ll be serving as MG’s Director of Peer Mentor Recruitment and Outreach.
Director of Education & Event Programming
Hitika Gandhi
My name is Hitika, and I am a second-year graduate student in the combined Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Public Health program with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I serve as the Director of Education and Event Programming for Medi-Futures, where I lead education and event programming for the Peer Mentorship Program. I am on the pre-medical track and am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy dancing, cooking, and trying new restaurants. A fun fact about me is that I have a fraternal twin sister.
VIRTUAL SHADOWING PROGRAM TEAM
Director of Student Relations
Sharon Arreaga
Sharon is a 3rd year Health Sciences major and serves as the Director of Student Relations for the Medi-Gators Program.
Director of Professional Relations
Heer Patel
I am a third-year student pursuing a dual degree in Anthropology and Business, with my sights set on an MD/PhD in Medical Anthropology. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of cultural health impacts and strategic leadership.
Currently, I serve on the MediGators leadership team as the Director of Professional Relations for the Virtual Shadowing Program. I enjoy bridging the gap between clinical medicine and professional outreach, and I’m dedicated to making healthcare exposure more accessible for fellow students.
Director of Technology
Jena Brooks
Jena is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Florida, currently majoring in Nursing on the traditional BSN track. She is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and loves to go to the beach on her free time! As the Director of Technology on the Medi-Gators Leadership Team, she manages the Canvas page and Zoom account for the Virtual Shadowing Program, and she’s excited to continue helping the program grow!
MEDI-FUTURES INSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Director of Program Foundation
Madeline Webb
Director of Program Foundation
Emilia Peralta
My name is Emilia, and I am a third-year majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience with a minor in Anthropology. I serve as the Director of Institutional Development for Medi-Futures, where I support recruitment and oversee newer Phase 0 schools, helping guide their growth and integration into the organization. I am on the pre-medical track and am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and being by the ocean.
Director of Program engagement
Smriti Seshadri
Smriti is a third-year pre-medical student majoring in Microbiology and Cell Science with a minor in Anthropology. As Director of Program Engagement, she collaborates with Medi-Futures institutions to cultivate effective outreach and strengthen institutional connections.
Director of Program Engagement
Harini Rajmohan
Hi everyone! My name is Harini Rajmohan, and I am a junior at the University of Florida majoring in Health Science. I serve as the Director of Program Engagement for MentorGNV. Outside of school, I enjoy rock climbing, exploring Gainesville’s local coffee shops, and spending time outdoors.
Director of Success and Retention
Emma Betances
My name is Emma, and I am a second-year majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I serve as the Director of Program Success and Retention for Medi-Futures, where I support program success and retention as a member of the leadership team. I am on the pre-medical track and am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy participating in UF Club Rowing.
Director of Success and Retention
Madeline Banks
My name is Madeline Banks, and I am a senior majoring in biology and minoring in educational sciences. This year I will be serving as the Director of Program Success and Retention for Medi-Futures.
MEDI-FUTURES OPERATIONS TEAM
Director of Finance
Jin Jin Eastman
My name is Jin Jin, and I am a third-year Health Science major on the pre-med track. I serve as the Director of Finance for Medi-Futures, where I oversee sponsorship, funding, and promotion for parterning Medi-Future institutions. I’m passionate about healthcare, leadership, and creating opportunities for students interested in medicine. In the future, I hope to pursue a career as a pediatric physician.
Director of Communications
Sidha Manepalli
My name is Sidha, and I am a second-year majoring in Health Science with a specialization in Applied Brain Science and Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. I serve as the Director of Communications for Medi-Futures, where I manage social media, website updates, and student communications. I am interested in neuroscience, research, and medicine, and I enjoy helping pre-health students explore healthcare careers. Outside of Medi-Futures, I enjoy staying active, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.