Rana Yousif
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Hi! My name is Rana Yousif, and I recently graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Biology. I am currently in my gap year studying for the MCAT, with plans to apply to medical school next May. For the past two years, I’ve been working in Dr. Sussman’s cardiopulmonary research lab, where my primary focus is on echocardiography. In addition to my research, I serve as the Undergraduate Coordinator, helping manage current lab members and onboard new students. Outside the lab, I work as a Medical Assistant at Health Ave Clinic and serve as the Chapter Development Chair for NAAMA NextGen National. I also volunteer weekly in the ER department at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and lead my church’s youth group by planning weekly events for the children. |
Sierra Pelleriti
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Hi!! I am a third year Kinesiology student and I am a hopeful PA student. I currently work as an EMT which allows me to gain valuable healthcare experience. I am beyond excited for this opportunity to learn in a research lab setting and can’t wait to further my knowledge. Vaping is an issue that surrounds my generation and I want to be able to advocate to others the consequences of vaping and cannabis use on our cardiopulmonary system. Outside of school, I love to travel, hangout with friends, and exercise! |
Donatella Daniel
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Hi! My name is Donatella Daniel and I am a pre-med student studying biology at SDSU. I am so excited to be a volunteer in Dr. Sussman’s lab and learn the effects of vaping on the cardiopulmonary system. I look forward to working with Dr. Sussman along with the masters/ PhD students and getting hands-on experience. Previously, I have volunteered at Scripps Memorial Hospital in the radiation center. I have shadowed Dr. Thomas, who is a neurologist, watching his work on nerve studies. In my free time, I love to run, go on hikes, go to the beach and spend time with my family and friends. |
Alberto Reyes
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Hi! My name is Alberto Reyes, and I am currently an undergraduate biology student at San Diego State University on the pre-med track. I am ecstatic to be joining Dr. Sussman’s cardiopulmonary research lab, where I look forward to learning more about the effects of vaping on the heart and gaining hands-on research experience. I’m excited to work alongside graduate students and contribute to meaningful research that has real-world impact. Outside of the lab, I also volunteer at Sharp Memorial Hospital at the cardiovascular rehab center, I am also a part of Matt Edwards CMIL lab where I do scientific work as a AAUS certified scientific diver and I had the opportunity to shadow many surgeons in Greece to get hands-on experience in the medical field. In my free time I also love running, hiking, going to the gym and spending time with friends. |
Farah Jaafar
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Hello! My name is Farah Jaafar, and I am a Biology major at San Diego State University. I joined Sussman’s laboratory as a senior in high school and am currently in my second year of undergraduate studies. My initial work focused on echo analysis, but my primary responsibilities now center on mouse care, including setting up breeding cages, weaning, and performing downstream molecular techniques. These include PCR, gel electrophoresis, and tissue digestion. I also gain valuable experience by observing surgical procedures performed by my mentors. Outside of academics and research, I enjoy spending time outdoors-whether hiking, running, or at the beach-and I also adore spontaneous nights with friends. |
Dylan Dawood
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As much knowledge or information I thought I had known about certain subjects, I have always been humbled by the great amount of information which exists and new discoveries being found at incomprehensible speeds. This realization ultimately guided me towards research and the biotech industry where I hope to someday make a difference. I, currently, am pursuing both my B.S. degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, as well as a B.A. degree in Physics at San Diego State University where I plan to graduate in 2026. Discovering how things work has always been a great passion of mine, and I believe that this education allows me to channel this interest to bring something new into the vast sphere that is scientific research. |
Lillian Salinas
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My name is Lillian Salinas, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at San Diego State University, with plans to graduate in Spring 2026 and continue to medical school at UCLA or UCSD. As a first-generation college student from Tijuana, Mexico, I am deeply committed to becoming a neurosurgeon, driven by a passion for helping others and advancing medical science. My experiences as an intern and volunteer in Dr. Sussman’s lab, where I study the effects of prenatal exposure to e-cigarette vapor on cardiac tissues, have provided me with valuable skills in tissue processing, staining, imaging, and data analysis. This work has inspired my interest in tobacco research and its impact on human health. While I understand the challenges ahead, I am determined to succeed, fueled by my dedication to science and medicine, alongside my love for Mariachi music and quality time with my family. |
Leavandra Eblahed
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My name is Levandra Eblahed, and I am a recent graduate from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology on the pre-medical track. I currently volunteer in Dr. Sussman’s cardiopulmonary research lab, where I study the effects of vaping on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. My responsibilities include mouse colony maintenance (breeding, weaning, and sacking), performing PCR, gel electrophoresis, and melt curve analysis for genotyping, and assisting with retroperfusion surgeries. I also work as a respite care provider for children with special needs, and I’m a licensed EMT actively building clinical experience as I prepare to apply to medical school. In my free time, I enjoy strength training, hot yoga, and spending time with friends and family. |
Tamara Jamil
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Hi! My name is Tamara and I am a third year pre-med biology student here at San Diego State. I’m excited that this year I finally found time to be able to join a research lab and I’m so excited that I found a lab I’ll enjoy. Working under Dr. Sussman I hope to understand the effects that vaping has on the cardiovascular system. Previously, I’ve had a lot of clinical experience as I’m a certified medical assistant and certified EKG technician and have worked as such for 2 years. I’m also the Vice President for Society of First Generation Pre-Health students & Special Events Planner for Careers in Health which are both clubs on campus. In my free time I like to hike, shop, and hang out with my friends and family. I’m very interested in anything to do with health and the heart is a major part of this so I’m excited to see the effects that vaping has on the heart! |
Rebecca Ferrer
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Hello! I am a second-year pre-med student at San Diego State. I am currently studying biology, with emphasis in molecular and cellular biology, and a minor in chemistry. I am super excited to join the Sussman lab to expand my understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiopulmonary system and gain hands-on experience. Outside of school and research, I am a sister of Chi Omega and an avid community service volunteer! In my free time, I love to try new coffee places and shopping. |
Cheyenne Compuesto
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Hi! My name is Cheyenne Compuesto and I am a fourth-year student at SDSU. I am majoring in Biology, hoping to study pharmacy after my undergraduate studies. I am excited to be a part of Dr. Sussman’s lab and gain hands-on experience while collaborating with my peers and working closely with the Masters/PhD students. Aside from school, I volunteer weekly at UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest at the Telemetry/Cardio Department and at a church! |
Jana Kazama
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Hi! My name is Jana and I am a second year biology major with a minor in public health, here at SDSU. I am on the pre-med track with a goal to become a radiologist, and additionally have become increasingly interested in doing public health advocacy work. I am super excited to start volunteering in Dr. Sussman’s lab and gain meaningful experience and knowledge in such an important field of study. My home, the state of Hawai’i, has been battling a huge youth vaping epidemic, with prevalence rates exceeding the national average. In a place where community and family is highly emphasized, I am enthusiastic about being given a chance to make a difference in my community’s health. Other than school and extracurriculars, I enjoy taking yoga & pilates classes, going to the beach, and trying new matcha cafes with my friends! |
Sophia Lam
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Hi, my name is Sophia Lam and I’m a third year student studying microbiology here at SDSU. Going forward, I’m so excited to be a volunteer here in the lab, being able to gain hands-on experience and work with other like-minded people! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as embroidery and crafting. |
Rhea Calva Despard
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Hello! My name is Rhea Calva Despard and I am a fourth year student on the pre-medical track, majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Spanish. I am beyond excited to be part of the Sussman lab and study the effects of smoking and vaping on the cardiovascular system, gaining irreplaceable hands-on experience. I’m excited to work with and learn from the masters and PhD students, as well as other like minded, passionate individuals. Outside of the lab, I am involved in APPHO, PMAC, and Flying Samaritans at SDSU, and love spending time with family and friends, reading, and being outdoors. |
Dalia Jazrawi
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Hi! My name is Dalia Jazrawi, and I’m a volunteer in Dr. Mark Sussman’s Lab. I’m a second-year pre-med student at San Diego State University, majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I was drawn to this lab because of my personal connection to heart-related health issues within my family and my interest in the growing impact of vaping in our society. I’m excited to explore the cardiopulmonary system more deeply through hands-on research. Outside of academics, I’m involved in Delta Gamma and Alpha Kappa Psi. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, crocheting, shopping, exploring local coffee shops, and going to concerts and music festivals. |
Iyaad Ahammed
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Hi! My name is Iyaad Ahammed. I am a first year student in the Webers Honors College as a Pre-Med Microbiology major with an emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science. Vaping is an epidemic that harms much of the youth and I am eager to explore the effects of vaping on the cardiopulmonary system. I am super excited to join this team to find new regenerative treatment for heart disease. Having family members that suffer heart disease I find this project heavily fulfilling as I get to help individuals recover from diseases that my loved ones suffered. I hope to pursue a future within Orthopedics as I love an array of sports ranging from track to football (fun fact: I have six screws in my right shoulder). I am also heavily involved within the Muslim Student Association, APPHO, and founded the Bengali Student Association. |