Kenneth Kim
President

Ken is a 4^th year PhD candidate in the Microbiology and Immunology program at Drexel University College of Medicine. He graduated with a BS in general biology from The Pennsylvania State University. He then received the Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA) post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Cancer Institute and graduated with MS in biomedical science at Hood College. His research focuses on translational applications harnessing biomaterials, immunology, and immune engineering to develop antigen-specific immunotherapy for autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. He is committed to advancing BSGSA’s mission through strong leadership and strategic initiatives. He has successfully driven impactful initiatives and fostered community engagement. He is eager to contribute to BSGSA’s ongoing success and ensure meaningful progress for the organization.

Nichole Yakas
Executive Vice President

Nichole is a 4^th year PhD student in the Neuroscience program. In the lab, she uses a rat model of spinal cord injury to study the mechanisms of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation as it relates to the treatment of spasticity. As executive vice president, Nichole coordinates communications between program and first year liaisons to the BSGSA to assess the needs of students and helps determine how the BSGSA and Biomedical Sciences Division can better serve them.

Tyler Gray
Vice President of Finance

Tyler is a 3^rd year PhD student in the Neuroscience program. Her research interests center on plasticity of spinal networks following spinal cord injury. Using a rat model of spinal cord injury, she evaluates how stimulation and activity-based therapies can contribute to functional recovery. In her role as vice president of finance, Tyler manages allocation of funds and maintains a record of spending with the goal of giving students access to shared resources, adding to meaningful events and contributing to a sense of unity.

Arden Edgerton
Vice President of Operations

Arden Edgerton is a PhD student in the Microbiology and Immunology program at Drexel University College of Medicine, researching strategies to enhance CD8+ T cell function in chronic infection and cancer. Her work focuses on translational immunology, lipid nanoparticle delivery systems and nucleic acid vaccines. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Drexel University, where she was also a student-athlete on the women’s lacrosse team. Before starting her PhD, she contributed to the development of gene-edited, iPSC-derived immune cell therapies at Century Therapeutics. She currently serves as vice president of operations for the Biomedical Science Graduate Student Association and is committed to fostering scientific collaboration and mentorship.

Mary Marino
Vice President of Event Management

Mary is a 3^rd year PhD candidate in the Microbiology & Immunology program at Drexel. Her research aims to elucidate the genetic components of the opportunistic pathogen Haemophilus influenzae that contribute to persistent infections. By studying mechanisms leading to antibiotic resistance and tolerance, Mary hopes to someday improve treatment strategies for infections caused by this bacterium. In her role as the vice president of event management for BSGSA, she creates engaging events that foster a sense of community among graduate students. Through this role, Mary strives to make graduate education at Drexel a more enriching experience academically, professionally and personally.

Felicity Tso
Vice President of Public Relations and Communication

During her undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas, Felicity worked to characterize the soil microbiome and its phenotype to confer drought resistance to Zea mayes and Tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gamagrass) in Dr. Maggie Wagner’s lab. After graduating, she worked for a year as a laboratory technician to finish her work in the lab. She completed her Masters degree in Microbiology at Drexel University College of Medicine and matriculated into the PhD program shortly after. She is now a 3^rd year PhD student in the lab of Dr. Donald Hall Jr. and Dr. Garth Ehrlich. Her current research focuses on exploring new drug targets for the treatment of bacterial biofilms and chronic infections. Her overall interests are understanding host-pathogen interactions and the human microbiome with an emphasis on bacterial pathogens.

Emily Konopka
Vice President of Professional Development

Emily is a 4^th year PhD candidate in the Microbiology & Immunology program at Drexel University. She graduated with a BS in cell and molecular biology from Lycoming College in 2021 prior to joining the PhD program at Drexel. Her research interests are focused on immune correlates of protection and the effects of aging on Clostridioides difficile infection and recurrence susceptibility in addition to vaccine efficacy. Emily enjoys networking with other researchers and getting to know her fellow BSGSA board members.

Taylor Flynn
Vice President of Community Service and Outreach

Taylor is a 3^rd year PhD student in the Neuroscience department, where she studies the behavioral, electrophysiological and epigenetic effects of the psychedelic psilocybin in rodent models of depressive-like behavior. As service chair, Taylor works to organize community service events where Drexel graduate students give back to their Philadelphia community. In her free time, Taylor enjoys reading, writing and crafting of any kind.

Ijeoma Okoye
Vice President of Student Culture and Community

Ijeoma is a 4^th year PhD candidate in the Microbiology and Immunology program at Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at Vassar College, graduating with a BA in biochemistry. She is passionate about global infectious diseases such as malaria. As her undergraduate thesis project, she determined the structure and antioxidant activity of bioactive compounds in traditional medicinal plants used to treat malaria in endemic regions in Africa. At Drexel, her doctoral research focuses on investigating the mitochondria of malaria-causing parasites, Plasmodium falciparum, to contribute to the discovery of antimalarial targets and development of new antimalarials. As VP of student culture and community, Ijeoma is committed to organizing events and providing the resources needed to foster a supportive learning environment and build a safe community for all students within the division. Outside of the lab, Ijeoma loves to watch movies, read books and crochet.

Shirley Barrera
Alumni Representative

Shirley is currently a 3^rd year Microbiology & Immunology PhD student. As a member in Dr. Will Dampier and Dr. Brian Wigdahl’s lab, her current research focuses on a computational approach improving CRISPR-associated HIV-1 proviral targeting. As a Master’s student at the University at Buffalo, she worked on characterizing bacteriophages of oral Tannerella. Prior to Drexel, she had the pleasure of working with middle and high school students in a STEM-focused program in NY for several years. She looks forward to connecting with alumni and current students in her role as alumni representative.

Henok Ermias

President

Henok Ermias is a second-year master’s thesis student in Drug Discovery and Development at Drexel. He is from Seattle, Washington, and has lived in New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Texas before Philadelphia. He graduated from Weatherford, Okla. with his BS in Chemistry and plans on applying to the PhD program in Physiology and Pharmacology during the 2024-2025 cycle. He currently works in a research lab on a debilitating psychiatric disorder here at Drexel focusing on Schizophrenia. He is excited to work with the ICO GSA executive board this upcoming year and looks forward to helping put together plenty of engaging events and activities for our students.

Lucie Stein

Vice President

Lucie Stein is a second-year student in the Pathologists’ Assistant program. She grew up in a family of artists in Vermont and in 2017 earned her BS in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Vermont. After working in Boston, Mass. for a year at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in hematology, she worked at the University of Vermont Medical Center in microbiology for four years before applying to Drexel. With her background in art, she delights in the detail-oriented work of pathology and enjoys educating others about science. In her free time Lucie loves rock climbing, tennis, hiking and making art and rave costumes for her and her husband.

Samantha Heinlein

Treasurer

Samantha Heinlein is a second-year student in the Pathologists’ Assistant program. She was born and raised on Long Island, N.Y. and earned her BS in Psychology at Fairfield University in Connecticut. She had been working as a licensed pharmacy technician prior to moving to Philadelphia to start the MS in PathA program at Drexel. Being here for over a year with her husband and two dogs, Philadelphia is now home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, true crime podcasts and exploring the city. She was introduced to GSA last year as a class representative and is excited to be more involved this year as a board member.

Jesty Patel

Event Coordinator

Jesty Patel is a second-year year Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Development student at Drexel. She is a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from India and moved to Philadelphia in the fall of 2023. She has prior event management experience and is looking forward to working as an event coordinator for ICO-GSA, organizing meaningful as well as fun events for students.

Younes Labsh Abazid

President

Younes Labsh Abazid is a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program, where he is passionate about bridging clinical care, health equity, and community engagement. He earned his BS in Human Biology with a minor in Health, Medicine, and Human Values from NC State University and has experience in patient advocacy, research, and academic mentorship. His current capstone explores the long-term health impacts of chemical weapons in Syria—a project that reflects his commitment to global health justice.

As President of the Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Graduate Student Association, Younes is dedicated to building community, advocating for meaningful opportunities, and creating platforms that empower future healthcare leaders. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring Philadelphia’s local coffee shops.

Michel Kane-Jackson

Vice President

Michel Kane-Jackson is a second-year MS student in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Baltimore, MD. They earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Towson University, where their passion for healthcare and community first began to take shape.

As Vice President for the 2025–2026 school year, Michel is committed to ensuring that every student feels included and engaged within the PMPH community. They are also deeply invested in raising awareness and educating others about healthcare crises affecting underserved populations.

Outside their academic and leadership roles, Michel K enjoys playing tennis, exploring video games, and watching horror movies!

Grace Adeleke

Events Coordinator

Grace Adeleke is a second-year MS student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she earned her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she first discovered her enthusiasm for building community through shared experiences.

As the Events Coordinator for the 2025–2026 school year, Grace is excited to create inclusive, engaging, and memorable events that unite the PMPH community. She believes meaningful connections start with thoughtful planning—and is committed to making every gathering an opportunity for growth, celebration, and belonging.

When she’s not planning events or diving into coursework, Grace enjoys trying new restaurants, roller-skating, shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Kaitlyn Feliciano

Secretary

Kaitlyn Feliciano is a second-year MS student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program. She holds a BS in Biological Sciences and Health Professions from Penn State University. Her clinical interests include supporting underserved communities facing healthcare disparities. While at Penn State, she volunteered with the LION Mobile Clinic, a student-led free clinic that provided blood pressure screenings and helped connect individuals to available healthcare resources. Currently in the Philadelphia area, she volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, bringing comfort and hope to families during their hospital stays. As Secretary, she hopes to foster a sense of connection within the PMPH program and to contribute a thoughtful and dependable voice to the team. She also aims to help students create lasting memories and stay informed about the many resources and activities available to them during their time at Drexel. In her free time, Kaitlyn loves shopping, traveling, and making sweet treats for her friends to enjoy.

Stephanie Kosashvili

Treasurer

Stephanie Kosashvili is a second-year MS student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program at Drexel University. She earned a double Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology from Temple University, combining her interest in the brain with insights into human behavior. Stephanie is a first-generation immigrant from Eastern Europe whose multicultural background has deeply influenced her passion for improving healthcare for lower-income communities.

Outside the classroom, Stephanie volunteers with the American Red Cross as part of the Disaster Action Team and holds a national phlebotomy certification. She also works in neuropharmacology research at Drexel College of Medicine, focusing on drug interactions. As PMPH GSA Treasurer, Stephanie is excited to help create a vibrant and supportive graduate community. She looks forward to collaborating with other GSA members to create opportunities and experiences that foster both academic success and personal connections for current and incoming students.

Sara Flynn

Philanthropy and Community Outreach Chair

Sara Flynn is a second-year graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) program, where she is earning her master’s degree with a focus on integrating science, healthcare, and community advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Pathology from Drexel University and brings experience from Penn Medicine as a Clinical Service Representative, GlaxoSmithKline in pharmaceutical R&D, and from Bristol Myers Squibb in CAR-T cell therapy manufacturing.

As a Philadelphia native, Sara has always been driven by a commitment to service and equity. As Philanthropy and Community Outreach Chair, she is excited to strengthen the IHS community’s connection to the broader city through meaningful service opportunities. Her goal is to create accessible, consistent, and impactful volunteer initiatives that reflect the values of compassion, collaboration, and social responsibility. Sara believes that giving back is not just something we do, it's who we are. She is eager to help students find joy and purpose through service.

Ella Ageh

IHS Representative

Ella Ageh is a second-year MS student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) program at Drexel University. She earned her BS in Biology with a minor in Studio Art from Baylor University. Her academic interests center on pediatric health disparities and community-centered care. Ella is deeply involved in student advocacy, serving as a mentor and resource for incoming IHS students while working to strengthen collaboration across PMPH programs. A passionate volunteer, she contributes to church leadership, youth mentorship, and healthcare pipeline initiatives. In her free time, Ella enjoys tutoring, Legos, naps, and DIY projects.

Daniel Lim

MBS Representative

Daniel Lim is a second-year MS student in the Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program. He earned his B.A. in Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside, with a focus on health and population policy. His research interests lie in addressing health disparities through community-based research and examining the longitudinal effects of regional/national health policy implementation. As the MBS representative, he hopes to advocate for student needs, strengthen relationships within the PMPH programs, and foster a supportive environment where mental well-being and academic success are equally prioritized.