Rana Yousif
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Hi! I am a second-year pre-med biology student here at SDSU. I’ve been working in Dr. Sussman’s cardiopulmonary research lab for almost a year now and my main focus in the lab is echocardiography. I am also the new undergrad coordinator! I am currently involved in NAAMA Next-Gen as the co-president of the club. I volunteer weekly at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in the ER or SICU department and I run my church’s youth group by planning weekly events for the children. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family, friends, and spending time with my dog! |
Nicholas Konja
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I am a first-year pre-dental, biology student, and a member of the Sussman research lab studying the effects of vaping on the body. Vaping affects a majority of my generation and I want to learn how it will affect my peers later on in life. Outside of school I am a radiographer at Saint Orthodontics and also make patients retainers. I also teach church school to 1st graders every Saturday morning at my local parish. I look forward to learning about the effects of vaping and getting more hands-on experience in a lab. |
Ilayda Akdeniz
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My name is Ilayda Akdeniz and I’m going into my third year at SDSU. I am a biology major hoping to pursue a career in medicine after my undergraduate studies. I am very excited to be joining the Sussman Lab, researching the long-term effects of vaping on the heart, and expanding my knowledge and hands-on experience. I am also a part of other pre-health clubs on campus including APPHO and BPO. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family and being outdoors. |
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. |
Jake Tepper-DeCarlo
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Hi, my name is Jake! I am currently a first-year student here at San Diego State. I am currently studying cellular and molecular biology so I am very excited to get started doing research in Dr. Sussman’s lab. I’m eager to learn more about the effects of vaping on the cardiovascular system as I believe it’s a growing issue continuing to harm today’s youth. I have volunteered as an EMT and a Firefighter in my hometown and am currently working with the Flying Samaritans Club at SDSU. The Flying Samaritans Club delivers zero-cost health care to underprivileged communities in Tijuana, Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy surfing, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, and spending time with friends and family. |
Farah Jaafar
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Hi my name is Farah Jaafar and I am a volunteer in Dr. Mark Sussman’s lab. As a senior in high school, I can see how prevalent vaping has become in our society. I wanted to join this lab to learn more about how vaping affects the heart and the lungs in hopes to inform my fellow classmates on the topic to encourage them to quit or never start. Currently I focus on practicing echo analysis as well as shadowing other mentors and and aiding with their projects. Outside of the lab I work as a hostess at DiLeones, enjoy playing basketball, and volunteer for animal adoption centers! I’m excited to be a part of this lab and experience what it’s like to work in a research environment. Not only that but I hope I can spread awareness on the negative affects of vaping and why people should quit. |
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 Leavandra Eblahed and I am a third year 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 closely with the masters/PhD students and getting hands-on experience. Outside of school, I volunteer at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in the stroke/neurology department. I also work as a respite worker helping kids with special needs. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, going to the gym, and hot yoga! |
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. |
Olha Kushnir
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Hello! My name is Olha Kushnir, I am a second year student majoring in Biology with an interdisciplinary studies minor, on the pre-dental track. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Sussman Lab, studying the effects of vaping on the cardiovascular system. Collaborating with supportive and like-minded individuals, I am eager to develop valuable skills and immerse myself in the field of research. I look forward to gaining both knowledge and hands-on experience while offering my contributions to the lab. |
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. |