Mentoring Scholars
Meet our Interns and Scholars
John Alexander
John Alexander is an undergraduate student at TTU, pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting with a pre-med focus through the Rawls College of Business. A graduate of Lufkin High School, where he was valedictorian, John is also a member of the Honor's College and the Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative (UMSI), which guarantees early acceptance to TTUHSC. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to both business and healthcare, aligning with his long-term goal of becoming a physician in Texas.
Brendan Burkholder
Brendan Burkholder is an MD candidate at TTUHSC School of Medicine interested in becoming a neurosurgeon. As an undergraduate who majored in Biology, he tutored students in organic and general chemistry while also assisting with research on potassium channel mutagenesis. He graduated summa cum laude in 2023 before matriculating into medical school. Additionally, he worked as a paramedic in Brownfield Texas while completing his undergraduate work. His current research interests are in neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, general surgery, and interventional cardiology.
Ananya Adusumilli
Ananya Adusumilli is a freshman at Texas Tech University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health through the Honors College. She is driven by a passion for science and medicine, aspiring to become a physician with a focus on reducing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Committed to academic excellence, Ananya looks forward to engaging in meaningful research and gaining hands-on clinical experience during her time at Texas Tech. Originally from Southlake, Texas, and a graduate of Carroll Senior High School, Ananya developed a deep interest in science and the natural world, which led her to pursue her studies at Texas Tech. She is currently active in several pre-medical organizations and is eager to make the most of the academic and extracurricular opportunities available to her. Her ultimate goal is to apply her knowledge and skills to make healthcare more accessible and impactful for communities in need.
Mary Elhawi
Hi, my name is Mary Elhawi, and I am from The Woodlands, Texas. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology from Baylor University in 2023. I am currently a second-year medical student at TTUHSC School Of Medicine and have particularly enjoyed research in Dermatology and Internal Medicine. In my spare time, I enjoy indoor cycling, reading, going on walks, and learning different languages.
Sonia Ballada
Sonia Ballada is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with dual degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts from the Plan II Honors Program. She also earned certificates in Pre-Health Professions and Core Texts and Ideas. Her thesis, "The Future of Prescription Drug Importation in the United States to Reduce Prices," highlights her commitment to addressing healthcare challenges. Sonia currently works as a Newborn Hearing Screening Technician and aspires to be a physician supporting a diverse patient population.
Rashmika Reddy-Mazzitello
Rashmika Reddy-Mazzitello is a highly motivated and driven Honors undergraduate student at Texas Tech University who is committed to making a transformative impact in the field of innovative medicine. She is currently majoring in Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences on the pre-medicine track and strives to pursue various clinical and non-clinical experiences that will equip her with the diverse skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional patient care currently and in the future. Alongside her interest in addiction medicine and gynecology, she is particularly passionate about cognitive health, in which she hopes to help advance the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through biomarker development and drug discovery, with the goal of improving the lives of patients suffering from debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders. Whether through direct clinical involvement or contributions to cutting-edge research, she is excited to play an integral role in shaping the future of healthcare and improving patient outcomes globally.