Erin graduated with her B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology at USF, and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Medical Sciences. She hopes to pursue a career as a physician in a surgical specialty and is applying to medical school this upcoming cycle. She currently works as an urgent care Medical Assistant and a Patient Advocate for Ro. Aside from her work commitments, she is involved in research at Moffitt Cancer Center, serves as a member of the USF Health Student InterCouncil, and volunteers with Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation providing financial assistance to cancer patients. Erin is passionate about mentoring others and providing guidance toward the right path for every individual, as shown in her growth from Mentorship Coordinator to Student Director. She is dedicated to furthering others’ education of the opportunities available in healthcare through virtual shadowing, mentorship, and networking opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring others, working on her mini-farm, reading, and spending time with her husband.

Contact Erin at erinmgregoire@usf.edu

Dr. Valerie Riddle is the Associate Dean for Alumni Engagement at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and she is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. In addition to her role with USF, Dr. Riddle is the President and Owner of BioPharmAdvisors. Dr. Riddle graduated from the University of South Florida in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, and then in 1989 with a medical degree.

Olivia Brennan, M.Ed. serves as the Director of the Office of Student Life and Engagement at USF Health. In her role, she plans, implements and evaluates programs, workshops, trainings, and events for students at Health that are centered on the four pillars of the WELL: Wellness, Engagement, Leadership, and Learning. In addition to her primary role, Olivia is a certified Health and Wellness Coach and certified Nutrition Coach through the National Academic of Sports Medicine (NASM). She enjoys promoting the eight dimensions of wellness and helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. In her personal time, Olivia enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and her rescue dog, a Rotteweiler Labrador mix named Tilly.

I’m Pierce Colo’N, the Social Media Director for Medi-Futures at USF. I love creating content and helping share all the cool things our members are doing in the medical field!

My name is Aaron Bijoy, and I’m a Biomedical Sciences major at the University of South Florida, Class of 2028. I’m passionate about fostering meaningful connections between students and researchers, with a strong interest in understanding the challenges, goals, and journeys that shape academic and research careers. Through my involvement with Medi-Futures, I have further developed this passion by helping bridge gaps between students and research opportunities.

My name is Ummay Rizanur, and I first joined Medi-Futures as a participant, where I quickly developed a passion for the organization’s mission of guiding students in healthcare. Now serving as Co-Secretary, I support the executive team by managing communication, coordinating initiatives, and ensuring that Medi-Futures continues to provide meaningful resources and connections for aspiring healthcare professionals. Through my ongoing involvement, I hope to foster a welcoming and inspiring community that encourages students to explore their interests and pursue their goals in medicine and beyond.

Hi, my name is Saranya Sriramula and I’m a freshman at the University of South Florida majoring in biomedical sciences. I’m deeply interested in pulmonology and aspire to become a physician one day. I’m very service oriented and loves volunteering across various organizations. I was drawn to the Medi-Futures virtual shadowing program out of the excitement of understanding what different specialties do and what makes them interesting. Through the program, I’ve gained insights into what a day in the life of a physician was like. I hope to be able to bring the same if not better experience to other aspiring students.

My name is Bhargav Kadiyala and I’m a third-year undergraduate at the University of South Florida, majoring in Biology and Biomedical Anthropology and a proud member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. I currently serve as Outreach Co-Chair for Medi-Futures USF, where I help lead initiatives focused on healthcare innovation and student engagement.
I am actively researching physician–patient interactions, with an interest in improving communication and trust in clinical care.


Contact Bhargav at brkadiyala@usf.edu

Hi, my name is Arjun. I am a freshman from Tampa majoring in Biomedical Sciences, and I will be serving as one of the new Tampa Outreach Chairs for Medi-Futures here at USF!

My name is Hajar Abdelqader and I am currently a junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences, while double minoring in Environmental Health and Children Behavioral Healthcare. I hope to attend medical school after graduation, and hope to pursue pathology. I joined Medi-Futures during my freshman year at USF, and loves the idea of being able to virtually shadow medical professionals. It allowed me to get a start on my extracurriculars for medical school, while also connecting with physicians to hopefully shadow in person. As the outreach chair, I hope to spread awareness about Medi-Futures to other students who are also wanting to get a start on their path to success!

My name is Lindsay Page and I’m a senior studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida. I currently serve as the Medifutures Outreach Chair for the Sarasota-Manatee campus and am a member of the USF Honors College. In addition, I serve on the Student Government Campus Council within the Legislative Branch and am an active USF Ambassador. I aspire to attend medical school, with a strong interest in pursuing a career in surgery.

Contact Lindsay at lindsaypage@usf.edu

Hi! My name is Phoebe Montiague and I’m a Chemistry major planning to pursue pharmacy school. I’m especially interested in clinical pharmacy and love combining science with hands-on patient care.

Hello, everyone! My name is Julian Barakat, and I am a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Sciences. I am really excited to serve as one of the Mentorship Coordinators, and I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you this year! Fun fact about me is that I used to play the piano for 5 years.

My name is Arabella Williams! I’m a senior biology major at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, on the pre-med track with aspirations to attend medical school and pursue a career as a surgeon/anesthesiologist. Passionate about giving back, I volunteer weekly at a local food pantry, dedicating time and energy to supporting the community. In addition to academics and service, I enjoy reading, going to the movies, and spending quality time with friends

Hi, my name is Jade Bared Perez! I’m a senior at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in nutrition. I serve as one of the Live lecture coordinators for Medi-Futures, where I help bring educational opportunities to fellow students. For over a year, I’ve volunteered at LifePath Hospice, supporting patients and their families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Each summer, I also volunteer at a Hispanic clinic, helping immigrant families access healthcare and manage disease prevention. I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in oncology. Outside of academics and service, I love reading and writing, they keep me grounded and inspired.

Contact Jade at jb25@usf.edu