Meet the PSI Leadership:
Sofia Vignolo
Program Coordinator
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.
Previous leadership:
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.
Viviane Cahen
Teaching Assistant
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
Teaching Assistant
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.
Brittny Flynn
Teaching Assistant
Brittny Flynn is an OHSU medical student alumni and a current general surgery resident at University of California, San Diego Health. Her research focus includes improving access to healthcare and helping to minimize the impact of social determinants of health through advocacy and legislation. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment for students to thrive in. She helped to implement the peer support program for medical students at OHSU and teaches a course to train students to become peer supporters.
Lola Sosanya
Teaching Assistant
Lola Sosanya (she/her) is a 3rd-year MD/MPH student in the OHSU School of Medicine. Her research interests are rooted in public health, specifically in addressing health disparities in reproductive care and maternal/infant health outcomes through advocacy and legislation. She has experience as a learning assistant/peer mentor for Seattle Pacific University’s BioCORE Scholars Program, as well as a teaching assistant and peer career advisor. Having benefited from early scientific educational opportunities, Lola is excited to mentor and support students in their scientific pursuits.