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Meet the PSI Leadership:

Sofia Vignolo, the PSI program coordinator

Sofia Vignolo

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Program Coordinator

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Sofia Vignolo (she/her) is a 5th-year MD/PhD student in the OHSU Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program.

Her research focus is on bone regeneration with a clinical application in reconstructive surgery. She has experience in teaching under the Science Made Sensible program at the University of Miami as well as involvement in tutoring and mentorship throughout her career development. She aims to take an active role in inspiring the future generation of researchers to advance their scientific curiosity. 

Viviane Cahen, a PSI teaching assistant

Viviane Cahen

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Teaching Assistant

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Viviane Cahen is a 5th-year MD/MPH student in the OHSU School of Medicine. Her research focus is on various areas of public health including depression, healthcare access, and addiction medicine. She has experience in teaching as a former Upward Bound College Coach at Tulane University and as an academic tutor. She continually provides mentorship throughout her career. She aims to encourage future generations to believe in their capabilities, pursue a career in STEM, and be leaders in their field. 

Erin Santos, a PSI teaching assistant

Erin Santos

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Teaching Assistant

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Erin Santos is a 3rd-year PhD student in the OHSU Neuroscience Graduate Program. Her research focus is on studying the role of glial cells in regulating neural circuits and their impact on brain function. With an academic background in education, she collaborates nationally to provide mentorship and academic support to underserved communities. Passionate about increasing the accessibility of STEM opportunities, Erin encourages lifelong learning and  enthusiasm for science. 

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Kareem Woods

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Teaching Assistant

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Kareem Woods is a 1st-year MD/PhD student in the OHSU School of Medicine. His previous research focused on learned associations between cues and rewards in the context of drug relapse. He has previous mentoring and community outreach experience as a post-baccalaureate fellow at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) under the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He aims to encourage students of underrepresented backgrounds to pursue opportunities in STEM. 

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Madison Hupp

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Teaching Assistant

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Madie Hupp (she/her) is a 3rd-year PhD student in the OHSU Neuroscience Graduate Program. Her research focus is on understanding how the brain undergoes developmental neuronal remodeling through neuron-glia communication and how perturbing necessary remodeling affects behavior. She has experience teaching, tutoring, and mentoring at different stages throughout her career. Madie is passionate about mentoring the future generation of STEM leaders and providing accessible opportunities to help all young researchers succeed.

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Sam King

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Teaching Assistant

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Sam King is a 1st-year MD/PhD student in the OHSU School of Medicine. His previous research centered on developing drugs designed to target epigenetic complexes involved in cancer, and he is now focusing on understanding the mechanisms of cachexia in pancreatic cancer. Sam has mentoring and teaching experience as a lab mentor at Purdue University, a Supplemental Instruction Leader for anatomy and physiology, and a tutor in science and math. He is passionate about encouraging students to explore careers in science and medicine, aiming to make these fields more accessible.

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Alyssa Granados

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Teaching Assistant

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Alyssa Granados (she/her) is a 2nd-year PhD student in the OHSU Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, focusing on immune-cancer interactions in lung cancer. She brings extensive mentoring and outreach experience, from virtual tutoring during COVID to guiding undergraduate researchers and volunteering with OnTrack and PSI’s mentor team. Alyssa is passionate about supporting students on their path to reach their goals, fostering interest in science among young learners, and breaking down barriers to scientific careers.

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Kevin Elk

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Teaching Assistant

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Kevin Elk is a 2nd-year PhD student in the OHSU Neuroscience Graduate Program. As a member of the Mishra Lab, he is currently studying the molecular mechanisms underpinning the regulation of blood flow to the brain. Kevin is passionate about teaching and is committed to increasing the presence of underrepresented voices in STEM. He believes that in addition to providing information about our natural world, effective science education can develop skills in collaboration and critical thinking, and foster curiosity for life.

Previous leadership:

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The PSI program has an extensive history spanning over two decades, previously directed by a distinguished line of individuals: James Rosenbaum, MD, Edward Neuwelt, MD, Richard Rosenbaum, MD, Tammy Martin, PhD, Leslie Muldoon, PhD, DreeAnna Morris, BS, CPIA, & Hayleigh Ast, ND.

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Past Teaching Assistants (TAs):

We also want to acknowledge the contributions of our past TAs who played a vital role in shaping the program's success: Brittny Flynn, Lola Sosanya

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We are always looking for more TAs and

support, so email us if you are interested!

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