Stella Bilirakis is the Student Director of Medi-Futures USF at the University of South Florida. She is a junior in the Honors College studying Biomedical Sciences on the pre-medical track.

Contact Stella at bilirakis@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.

Hi, my name is Yuanna Benjamin and I am going into my third and final year as a Biomedical Sciences Major. I am on the pre-dental track and am passionate about equitable healthcare access. During my study abroad with the Honors College to the Dominican Republic, I got to serve in underserved Haitian and Dominican communities where I met the nicest people and learned so much, which ignited my passion in promoting equitable healthcare access to all. 
I love to spend time with family and friends, go to the beach and try new foods. I also serve as a Sunday school servant at my church. I am super excited to participate as secretary of Medi-Futures USF and look forward to an awesome semester!

I am Gabriel Bedros, an Honors Student majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Entrepreneurship in Modern Innovation here at the University of South Florida. I am passionate about joining and starting my position as Secretary for the Medi-Futures USF team where I will help advance and foster new ideas to other pre-health students. I love to serve by leading and exploring innovative solutions to help those around me. With a contribution to the pre-health students here at USF, I look forward to making a difference in mine and everyone’s journey.

Merola Ishak is a second-year student majoring in Biomedical Sciences in the pre-dental track. She is a Provost Scholar and part of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Apart from Medi-Futures USF, she has been a part of Red Cross for five years, International Humanitarian Law for four years, and is EMT certified. She is very excited to help lead this amazing organization and bring it to its full potential this year!

Shanzay Khan is the Programming Chair of Medi-Futures at the University of South Florida. She is a Sophomore studying Biomedical Sciences on the pre-medical track. Shanzay plans to go to medical school and pursue her dream of becoming an Anesthesiologist. Shanzay plans to become a primary advocate for individuals with special needs and incorporate that in her life as a future medical professional. In her spare time, she loves being with family, friends, watching a tv show, or learning new skills.

Kai is a graduate of USF (Tampa Campus). She majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. She is a member of multiple honors society and is currently finishing up her prerequisites for medical school. Go Bulls!

My name is Avyi Hareas, I’m a senior at the University of South Florida majoring in Biology with a medical concentration on the pre-med track. I am of Greek Cypriot descent and love being involved in my culture through the language and Greek dancing. I have a brown belt in tae-kwon-do and love going to the beach and doing yoga. So excited for an amazing year with Medi-Futures USF!

Maegan Durinzi is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of South Florida, majoring in Biology in hopes to attend medical school. She is from Sarasota, Florida, and before then, Fairport, New York. Maegan is delighted to be a part of the Medi-Futures USF Executive Team after participating in the program herself for two terms. Maegan is very passionate about Medi-Futures’ accessible and inclusive shadowing experience to all pre-health fields. On the Sarasota-Manatee campus, Maegan is also involved in Student Government as a Campus Council Representative and is the General Physics I and II Laboratory TA. In her free time, she volunteers at her local hospital and Special Olympics and enjoys reading books and cooking.