Volunteers

Sophie Rokaw
I am a third-year Pre-Medicine Honors Biology Student, and have been in the Sussman Laboratory since my first year! I currently help with Lung & Heart Histology, Imaging/Imaging Analysis, and the managing/genotyping of our colony in the vivarium. I am eager and excited to continue the growth of my skills within the Lab.  I volunteer at Scripps Memorial La Jolla in my free time and am an active member of the Kappa Delta Sororit
Sama Mikhail
I am a third-year student at SDSU studying microbiology and an undergraduate researcher in the Sussman Lab studying the cardiopulmonary effects of vaping. I started my work in the lab six months ago, and I am passionate about continuing my studies and growth in the lab as a student researcher. I also love to be involved in my campus community, and I am passionate about gender equality, cultural awareness, and reproductive rights.
Ariana Mardani
I am a third-year student at SDSU studying Kinesiology. I have been working in the Sussman lab for a year now and have loved learning the long term effects of nicotine as well as have enjoyed the hands on experience I’ve been able to provide all throughout. Research has always been an interest of mine and so this lab has really gifted me the ability to experience what I love, alongside a crew of extremely welcoming people. This past year a majority of my work was done in the basement, making sure the mice were kept in good conditions. Aside from that, I have had the pleasure of assisting the Master and PhD students in any way I can. I cannot wait for my next year in this lab and the knowledge to come from it!
Haley Mathews
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I am a fourth-year Pre-Medicine, Microbiology student. As a member of the Sussman Lab, I am researching the effects of heart disease using flow cytometry and machinery to determine the ploidy of healthy/ diseased hearts. I work alongside the Masters and PhD students, gaining knowledge and experience. I am eager to continue to grow my skills and knowledge through the lab. When I am not in the lab or studying, I coach competitive team gymnastics and volunteer with adolescents wishing to pursue a career in STEM fields.
Rana Yousif
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.
Gina Jerjees
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Hi! I am a fourth year pre-med biology student with the privilege of working under Dr. Sussman and his master/PhD students in hopes to continue to learn the effects of vaping on the cardiopulmonary system. I am also involved in WSS since 2021, social media coordinator on NAAMA Next Gen, and served as community service coordinator in AMSA in the Spring of 2022. I am excited to expand my knowledge of the cardiovascular system that I have gained through being a medical assistant at the office of Dr. Kafri’s Heart and Vascular Clinic and hopefully make a difference among my college peers. In my free-time, I like to learn the effects of self-care, exercise, go shopping in my free time, and read a good book 🙂
Parker Amburn
I am a third-year honors Biology student excited to be working in the Sussman lab! I’m interested in Genetics and Virology, and I look forward to gaining in person experience in a lab setting. Since I’m an insatiable learner and I’m passionate about all things Biology, I hope to pursue a masters/PhD in the future. When I’m not studying or in a lab, I’m often at the zoo or the aquarium reading the placards and studying the animals.
Kylie Farber
My name is Kylie Farber, and I am thrilled to be a member of the Sussman lab. I am dedicated to investigating the intricate impacts of vaping on cardiovascular and respiratory health. I have been conducting research utilizing image flow cytometry and machine learning to explore ploidy in the myocardium. As an aspiring scientist, I am passionate about unraveling the mysteries of human physiology. I am going into my 4th year studying biology at SDSU. So far in the lab I have thoroughly enjoyed applying everything I have learned in school to real lab practices, and I am eager to learn more.
Lena Adnan
Hi! I am a second year pre-med biology student and am part of Sussman’s Lab researching the effects of vaping on the cardiopulmonary system. I love being in a laboratory setting, and I’m excited to be a part of this lab to learn and get hands-on experience researching something so prevalent in my generation. Apart from the lab some things I do is volunteer at my local hospital in the ER department and I enjoy being a part of clubs such as NAAMA Next Gen. I also enjoy hanging out with family, friends, and playing sports/ exercising whenever I can!
Morgan Wright
Hi! I am a systems neuroscientist from UCSD (2017). Using neuroprosthetics to modulate autorhythmic neurons, I explored neural circuits underlying the oscillitory governance of spike timing in the hippocampus, and clarified their role in processing of episodic memories. I also recently assisted with SARS CoV 2 aerosol collection under Dr. Rohwer and Dr. Mokili at SDSU. Currently, I am an instructor for lab courses at SDSU and community colleges across San Diego county while I apply to MD/PhD programs. In my spare time, I help people with disabilities race Martin 16 sail boats, and I’m also on a S2 Racing Yacht team (Team Fiasco). When I’m not on the water I am usually under my car or elbow deep in an engine bay.
Dylan Dawood
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.
Farah Jaafar
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.
Rosemary Annunziata
Hello! I am a fourth-year Cellular/Developmental Biology Major + Chemistry Minor. I am so excited to be part of such a big and collaborative lab. I wanted to join Dr. Sussman’s lab so that I could gain more laboratory experience and know what working in a lab may look like, before searching for a job. I love that everyone is willing to teach each other new skills. I come into the lab to shadow Grads/ PH.D students and assist them with any tasks they may need done. I have already learned a lot!
Olha Kushnir
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.
Mena Mechael
I’m a second-year Biology student at San Diego State University. I’ve been volunteering in the Sussman Lab for a few months now, and I’m thrilled to be contributing to research projects that delve into the impacts of vaping on the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, given it’s widespread use in today’s society. I’m eager to deepen my involvement in the lab and gain hands-on experience. Outside of research, I love participating in on-campus clubs, discovering great coffee spots, and spending time outdoors.
Leona Bazzi
Hi, my name is Leona Bazzi, a Biology student here at SDSU and a member of the Sussman Cardiopulmonary Lab. I am the founder and President of the Society of First Generation PreHealth Students, focused on aiding others on their journey to find their place in the healthcare field by listening to guest speakers and offering community service and volunteer opportunities. Outside of school, I teach Catechism at my church, love going on hikes, being at the beach, and spending time with family and friends. I am thrilled to contribute my dedication and skills to the forefront of cardiovascular and pulmonary research.
Tamara Jamil
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!
Leavandra Eblahed
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!
Cecilia Rosas Cortez
Hi! I am a third-year student at SDSU studying microbiology. I am pursuing a pathway in pre-medicine with the hope of going to medical school in the future. I am thrilled to be working in Sussman’s lab, researching the effect of vaping on the cardiopulmonary system. This will be my first year volunteering in the lab. I’m very excited to gain more hands-on experience and knowledge during my time in this lab, along with getting more involved on campus. Aside from school, I have a part-time job at Javiers in La Jolla. In my spare time, I enjoy staying active and spending time with my family and friends.
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