meet the medi-gators Senior leadership team
Executive director
Remington “Remy” Monnett
Remy is a fourth-year Nutritional Sciences major with a minor in Sociology. She is on the pre-medicine track with clinical interests in women’s health. She serves on the Senior Leadership Team as the Executive Director of the Medi-Gators and Medi-Futures Programs and is passionate about equalizing opportunity within the pre-health community. In her free time, Remy enjoys reading, working out, travelling, and spending 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
Abigail Eckhardt
Abigail Eckhardt is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Florida studying Applied Physiology and Kinesiology on the pre-physical therapy track. A Gainesville native, she plans to specialize in sports and orthopedics after earning her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She serves as the Internal Senior Vice President for Medi-Gators and works as a marketing assistant at a local physical therapy clinic. When she’s not in class or hyping up the crowd as UF’s Mic Ma’am (yes, that is as fun as it sounds), Abigail enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active.
external Senior vice president
Marisa Gonzalez
I’m Marisa Gonzalez, an incoming senior majoring in Nutritional Sciences. I serve as the External Senior Vice President of Medi-Gators. After graduation, I intend to pursue a Masters of Science in Anesthesiology and become a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant.
Medi-Futures Senior Vice President
Lauren Mickelson
My name is Lauren Mickelson and I am an incoming third-year majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience on a pre-med track! I am on Senior Leadership and I currently help in leading the Medi-Futures team. I am so excited to see all that Medi-Gators and Medi-Futures accomplishes this year!
medi-gators executive board
INTERNAL BRANCH
vice president of public relations
Lauren Smith
Vice president of event programming
Mia Corigliano
Mia is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology as well as minoring in Dance on the pre-medical track. She has been a member of Medi-Gators for 2 years, and she currently serves as the Vice President of Event Programming. In this role, she oversees all planning, coordination, and execution of Medi-Gators events at the University of Florida, alongside her team. On campus, Mia is also involved in clubs such as GEMS (Girls Empowered by Math and Science) and Delta Zeta Sorority. In her free time, she enjoys running, drinking a good matcha, hanging out with friends, and seeking out new experiences.
Vice president of internal affairs
Kelsey Cook
Kelsey Cook is a fourth year Anthropology major on the pre-MD/PhD track. She serves as the Vice President of Internal Affairs, a part of the Executive Board. She has minors in Health Disparities, African Studies, and Statistics.
Vice president of finance
Anthony Scuderi
Anthony is a fourth year undergraduate at UF pursuing dual degrees in Biology and Spanish on the pre-med track. He currently serves as the Vice President of Finance on the Executive Board for Medi-Gators, where he oversees sponsorships, merchandise, fundraising initiatives, and our scrub donation program in partnership with the UF Career Connections Center. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball, learning languages, and trying new foods around Gainesville.
EXTERNAL BRANCH
Vice President of Mentorship Program
Jean Augustin Jr.
Jean is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Health Science with a minor in Disabilities in Society on the pre-Dental track. Jean was an ambassador in Medi-Gators previous to his role as Vice President of the Mentorship Program. Aside from Medi-Gators, Jean participates in the Bilangual Access and Outcomes Research Lab focusing on Haitian bilingualism in healthcare. He is also a Peer Coach for the Promise Program through the UF Office of Academic Support. His career aspirations are to work as a pediatric Dentist.
vice president of peer mentorship program
Taylor Baker
Taylor is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish on the pre-med track.
Vice president of virtual shadowing program
Siri Yarrapatni
Siri is a third-year undergraduate student at UF majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the Pre-Med track. She serves as the Vice President of the Virtual Shadowing Program and oversees over 2000 participants each semester!
MEDI-FUTURES BRANCH
Vice president of operations
Sydney Davis
Hey there! I’m Sydney Davis, the VP of Operations for Medi-Futures. I was a Health Science major, and am now a student in the Traditional Nursing Program here at UF! I am a 3rd year undergraduate – 1st year nursing student. If you have any questions or would like to chat, feel free to reach out to me!
vice president of institution development
Gabriela Montalvo
I am from Miami, Florida and am a rising 4th year biology major on the premed track. I intend to pursue a career as a pediatric intensivist once I graduate. This school year, I am incredibly excited to work with such an inspiring and driven team and I look forward to expanding our virtual shadowing program and mission to empower pre-health students with impactful mentorship nationwide!
Medi-gators directors
PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM
Director of Campus Outreach
Katherine Kavanagh
I am a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience with a minor in Deaf and Hearing Sciences on the Pre-med track. Outside of Medi-Gators I am an ambassador for the UF CWC, volunteer at Shands, and a research assistant for sexual health research!
Director of Social Media
Murphie MacDonald
Murphie is a third year undergraduate student majoring in Nursing and minoring in Sociology. As Director of Social Media, she runs the various Medi-Gators social media accounts and makes graphics for the creative engagement of the student and healthcare professional population. Outside of Medi-Gators, she is involved in CHAARG, PSO, and volunteers at Wilmot Botanical Gardens. In her free time, she loves to read and paint.
EVENT PROGRAMMING TEAM
Director of Networking Banquets
Denise Romero
Hi, my name is Denise! I am a third-year Biochemistry Major with minors in Health Disparities in Society and Bioinformatics on the MD/PhD track, with a special interest in neurosurgery and Alzheimer’s research! I’m so excited to be this year’s Director of Networking Banquets on the Leadership Team!
Director of Pre-Health Admissions Preview
Camila Guerrero
Hi, I’m Camila! I’m a post-graduate research scholar in neurocritical care with the UF College of Medicine and Director of the Pre-Health Admissions Preview. I’m excited to keep growing with Medi-Gators, expanding our impact and helping pre-health students build meaningful connections for their academic, professional, and personal growth through interactive and innovative means.
Director of Clinical Skills Workshops
Jae Sarner
Jae is a fourth-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 the events committee.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS TEAM
Director of Education & Professional Development
Leah Baker
Hello! I’m a third-year Biochemistry Major minoring in Nutritional Sciences on either the pre-med or pre-PhD track. Medi-Gators has been crucial to my professional development and helped me explore fields to have a career in one day, which I am eternally grateful for. I volunteer in a chemistry research lab and am in the pre-medical fraternity PhiDE. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, crocheting, baking, cooking, & painting!
Director of Recruitment & Social Engagement
Parker Blomquist
I am a third year Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience student on the Pre-Physicians Assistant Track. I am part of this year’s Leadership Team!
FINANCE TEAM
Director of Sponsorship & Procurement
Alexandra Biela
Alex is a third-year undergraduate biomedical engineering student at UF. As Director of Sponsorship and Procurement of Medi-Gators she secures funding for Medi-Gators events and various other activities.
Director of Merchandise & Sales
Tara Muthuswamy
I am a third-year Health Science 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 Merchandise and Sales. I am looking forward to bringing fresh ideas to our merch line and help make Medi-Gators’ mission more visible in our community and beyond!
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TEAM
Director of Professional Relations
Luke Zhang
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
Sarah Newcomb
Sarah is a third-year undergraduate student studying Microbiology and Cell Science on the Pre-Med track. Sarah has been involved with Medi-Gators for two years and now serves as Director of Student Relations for the Mentorship Program. Outside of Medi-Gators, Sarah is involved in the University Research Scholars Program, Stoppel Lab, and MentorGNV.
Director of Event Programming & Medi-Futures Mentorship & medi-futures founder
Giovanna Santana
Giovanna is a second-year Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major on the Pre-Med track. She serves as the Director of Event Programming and Medi-Futures Mentorship and is passionate about helping students find their interest for health professions. Outside of Medi-Gators, she is also involved at the Equal Access Clinic, Martinez-Rivera Lab, and Burke Lab.
PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TEAM
Director of Peer Mentor Recruitment & Outreach
Christy Shao
My name is Christy and I’m a third-year Microbiology & Cell Science major at UF! I have a minor in Computer Science and am on the Pre-Med track. I’m originally from St. Augustine, FL and love spending my time traveling. I’m honored to serve as the Medi-Gators Director of Peer Mentor Recruitment and Outreach this year!
Director of Education & Event Programming
Andrea Mottau
Andrea is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing dual degrees in Microbiology & Cell Science and English on the pre-med track, with plans to attend medical school. She is representing the Peer Mentorship team as the Director of Education & Event Programming for the 2025–2026 school year. Across campus, she is also involved in Resident Life as a Resident Assistant, volunteers with Shands through Hospitaliteam, and participates in undergraduate research. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing, doing pilates, taking nature walks, and spending time with family and friends.
VIRTUAL SHADOWING PROGRAM TEAM
Director of Student Relations
Kelly Van Sciver
My name is Kelly Van Sciver and I’m a senior Health Science major with a minor in Early Childhood Studies on a Pre-PA track. I am on the Leadership Team.
Director of Professional Relations
Jessica Zhou
Jessica is a second-year undergraduate student at UF on the Pre-Med track. She is pursuing a major in Biology and minors in Statistics and Health Disparities in Society. As the Director of Professional Relations for Medi-Gators, she assists in finding and communicating with speakers interested in the Virtual Shadowing Program.
Director of Technology
Jena Brooks
Jena is a third-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
Brielle Perini
I am a third-year Applied Physiology and Kinesiology major on the pre-med track. I will be a part of the Medi-Futures team and will work to recruit and orient Phase 0 institutions. I am very excited to have this role and to serve with such incredible people!
Director of Program Development
Carolina Paz
Hi! My name is Carolina Paz and I am a rising Junior at UF. I am a Psychology with an emphasis on Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major with a spanish minor on the Pre-Med track.
Director of Program Success & Retention
Eva Galvez Moreno
Eva is a 3rd year pre-dental student majoring in business administration. When she’s not in the dental space working as a dental assistant you can catch her on the water rowing with Florida Club Rowing!! #rowgators
MEDI-FUTURES OPERATIONS TEAM
Director of Finance
Aidan Vaughan
My name is Aidan Vaughan and I am a member of the Medi-Futures leadership team, serving as Director of Finance. I am a Nutritional Science major entering my 4th year and I am also pursuing a minor in Philosophy. I am on the pre-med track, and am excited for this year!
Director of Communications
Cecelia Oneid
Cecelia Oneid, Director of Communications, is a second-year Health Science major with a minor in Public Relations.