Our Scholars | School of Medicine | School of Medicine

Scholar Outcomes

74 total Scholars admitted to PREP over 12 cohorts
- 28 males & 46 females
- 33 Puerto Rican students
- 21 African American/Black students
- 18 Hispanic students, non-PR
- 2 Native American student
73 of 74 Scholars completed PREP (99%)
62 of 73 Scholars entered PhD or MD/PhD programs (85%)
57 of 62 Scholars earned PhD or remain in a PhD program (92%)
- 8% attrition versus 30% attrition in STEM PhD programs nationwide
14 PREP Scholars earned a PhD thus far
- Ramos, Muniz, Reyes, Criado, DeLeon, Babilonia, Ward, Rodriguez, Perez, Allen, Santos, Hernandez, Garcia, Lopez
19 of 62 Scholars that entered PhD programs chose CWRU (31%)
8 of 74 Scholars spent 2 years in PREP (11%)
- 3 entered PhD programs
- 3 entered MD/PhD programs
- 2 entered other programs
6 of 74 Scholars entered MD/PhD programs (8%)
- 3 spent two years in PREP
- 3 spent one year in PREP

2019-2020 Scholars

Amy Aponte

Amy Aponte is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2020 and her PREP mentor is Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from Indiana University Northwest. She is currently a PhD student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Reina Desrouleaux

Reina Desrouleaux is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2020 and her PREP mentor is Maria Hatzoglou. Her undergraduate degree was from Carleton College. She is currently a PhD student at Yale University.

Stephanie Laureano Figueroa

Stephanie Laureano Figueroa is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2021 and her PREP mentor is Anthony Wynshaw-Boris. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus.

Adrianna Rivera Leon

Adrianna Rivera Leon is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2021 and her PREP mentor is Drew Adams. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.

Luis Rodriguez-Ramos

Luis Rodriguez-Ramos is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2020 and his PREP mentor is George Dubyak. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. He is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Maryssa Shanteau-Jackson

Maryssa Shanteau-Jackson is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2020 and her PREP mentor is Marcin Golczak. Her undergraduate degree was from Winthrop University. She is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Anibal Tornes Blanco

Anibal Tornes Blanco is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2020 and his PREP mentor is Jason Mears. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Michigan.

Alexander Weingart

Alexander Weingart is attending CWRU PREP from 2019-2021 and his PREP mentor is David Wald. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Vermont. He is currently a MD/PhD student at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

2018-2019 Scholars

Alicia Aguilar

Alicia Aguilar attended CWRU PREP from 2018-2019 and her PREP mentor is Alex Huang. Her undergraduate degree was from Oklahoma State University. She is currently a MD/PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Nelson Garcia-Vazquez

Nelson Garcia-Vazquez attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2019 and his PREP mentor is Derek Taylor. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. He is currently a PhD student at New York University.

Giancarlo Gonzalez-Areizaga

Giancarlo Gonzalez-Areizaga attended CWRU PREP from 2018-2019 and his PREP mentor is David Wald. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh.

Shekina Gonzalez-Ferrer

Shekina Gonzalez-Ferrer attended CWRU PREP from 2018-2019 and her PREP mentor is Carlos Subauste. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh.

Natasha Ingles-Martinez

Natasha Ingles-Martinez attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2019 and her PREP mentor is Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a MD/PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Brenda Rios

Brenda Rios attended CWRU PREP from 2018-2019 and her PREP mentor is Mark Jackson. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Vanderbilt University.

Cheyanne Shinn

Cheyanne Shinn attended CWRU PREP from 2018-2019 and her PREP mentor is Jason Mears. Her undergraduate degree was from California State University, Stanislaus Turlock Campus. She is currently a PhD student at the University of California, San Diego Campus.

Franklin Staback Rodriguez

Franklin Staback Rodriguez attended CWRU PREP from 2018-2019 and his PREP mentor is Parameswaran Ramakrishnan. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania.

2017-2018 Scholars

Annalyn Brown

Annalyn Brown attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2018 and her PREP mentor was Analisa DiFeo. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Darwin Carbajal

Darwin Carbajal attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2018 and his PREP mentor was Agata Exner. His undergraduate degree was from Stony Brook University. He is currently a PhD student at Georgia Tech/ Emory University.

Jose Diaz-Aponte

Jose Diaz-Aponte attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2018 and his PREP mentor was Arne Rietsch. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. He is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Danielle Ferguson

Danielle Ferguson attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2018 and her PREP mentor was Maria Hatzoglou. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Cincinnati. She is currently a PhD student at the Ohio State University.

Nelson Garcia-Vazquez

Nelson Garcia-Vazquez is attending CWRU PREP from 2017-2019 and his PREP mentor is Derek Taylor. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.

Natasha Ingles-Martinez

Natasha Ingles-Martinez is attending CWRU PREP from 2017-2019 and her PREP mentor is Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus.

Alejandro Sosa

Alejandro Sosa attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2018 and his PREP mentor was Goutham Narla. His undergraduate degree was from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a medical student at the University of Boston.

Juan Valentin-Goyco

Juan Valentin-Goyco attended CWRU PREP from 2017-2018 and his PREP mentor was David Wald. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Michigan.

2016-2017 Scholars

Crystal Colon Ortiz

Crystal Colon Ortiz attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and her PREP mentor was Johannes von Lintig. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Columbia University.

Joel Encarnacion Rosado

Joel Encarnacion Rosado attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and his PREP mentor was Mark Jackson. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. He is currently a PhD student at New York University.

Kristen Lozada-Soto

Kristen Lozada-Soto attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2017 and her PREP mentor was George Dubyak. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Se is currently a MD/PhD student at the University of Michigan.

Kristen Navarro

Kristen Navarro attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and her PREP mentor was Paul Tesar. Her undergraduate degree was from Rochester Institute of Technology. She is currently a PhD student at the Ohio State University.

Lenitza Nieves

Lenitza Nieves attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and her PREP mentor was Agata Exner. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Victoria Osorio

Victoria Osorio attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and her PREP mentor was Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from Kalamazoo College. She is currently a PhD student at New York University.

Candilianne Serrano Zayas

Candilianne Serrano Zayas attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and her PREP mentor was Alex Huang. Her undergraduate degree was from Universidad Metropolitana. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Michigan.

Chase Webb

Chase Webb attended CWRU PREP from 2016-2017 and his PREP mentor was Rajesh Viswanathan. His undergraduate degree was from Saint Mary's College of California. He is currently a PhD student at the University of California, San Francisco Campus.

2015-2016 Scholars

Stephen Carney

Stephen Carney attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2016 and his PREP mentor was Anthony Wynshaw-Boris. His undergraduate degree was from Michigan State University. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Michigan.

Gil Covarrubias

Gil Covarrubias attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2016 and his PREP mentor was Efstathios Karathanasis. His undergraduate degree was from Boston University. He is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Angelica Cruz Lebron

Angelica Cruz Lebron attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2016 and her PREP mentor was Donald Anthony. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Kristen Lozada-Soto

Laura Menocal

Laura Menocal attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2016 and her PREP mentor was Alex Huang. Her undergraduate degree was from Stony Brook University. She is currently a PhD student at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Ilza Medina-Ortiz

Ilza Medina-Ortiz attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2016 and her PREP mentor was David Buchner. Her undergraduate degree was from Fayetteville University.

Myrielis Rivera

Myrielis Rivera attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2016 and her PREP mentor was Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus.

Owen Shelton

Owen Shelton attended CWRU PREP from 2015-2016 and his PREP mentor was Richard Zigmond. His undergraduate degree was from Denison University. He is currently a PhD student at Northwestern University.

2014-2015 Scholars

Yalitza Corcino

Yalitza Corcino attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2015 and her PREP mentor was Carlos Subauste. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. Yalitza earned her PhD in Pathology from Case Western Reserve University. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow at Case Western Reserve University.

Angelica Cruz Lebron

Kali Dale

Kali Dale attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2015 and her PREP mentor was Johannes von Lintig. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Minnesota, Morris Campus. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Utah.

Valery Lozada-Fernandez

Valery Lozada-Fernandez attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2015 and her PREP mentors were Eric Pearlman and Arne Rietsch. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Iowa.

Erika Ramos

Erika Ramos attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2015 and her PREP mentor was Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of California, Irvine Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Northwestern University.

Ruth Silimon

Ruth Silimon attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2016 and her PREP mentor was William Schiemann. Her undergraduate degree was from the New College of Florida. She is currently a PhD student at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Kaba Tandjigora

Kaba Tandjigora attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2015 and her PREP mentor was Chris Dealwis. Her undergraduate degree was from Montclair State University. She is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Jorge Toro-Zapata

Jorge Toro-Zapata attended CWRU PREP from 2014-2015 and his PREP mentor was Mark Jackson. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Jorge received a MS from the Ohio State University.

2013-2014 Scholars

Leslie Cuellar

Leslie Cuellar attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and her PREP mentor was Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from San Francisco State University. She is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Tristan de Jesus

Tristan de Jesus attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and his PREP mentor was Eric Pearlman. His undergraduate degree was from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Erin Garcia

Erin Garcia attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and her PREP mentor was Eric Arts. Her undergraduate degree was from New Mexico State University. Erin received a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Washington. She is currently a science writer with UCSC science communication and a science reporter intern at Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Binta Jalloh

Binta Jalloh attended CWRU PREP from 2012-2014 and her PREP mentor was Peter Zimmerman. Her undergraduate degree was from Montclair State University. She is currently a PhD student at Emory University.

Sandra Mantilla

Sandra Mantilla attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and her PREP mentor was Agata Exner. Her undergraduate degree was from Florida International University. Sandra received a MS from Case Western Reserve University.

Izmarie Poventud

Izmarie Poventud attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and her PREP mentor was Shigemi Matsuyama. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Gwendolyn Quintana

Gwendolyn Quintana attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and her PREP mentor was George Dubyak. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Texas, San Antonio Campus. Gwen received a MPH from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a medical student at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara.

Tiffany Rolle

Tiffany Rolle attended CWRU PREP from 2013-2014 and her PREP mentor was Jeff Coller. Her undergraduate degree was from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently a PhD student at Baylor College of Medicine.

2012-2013 Scholars

Kokou Adompreh-fia

Kokou Adompreh-fia attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2013 and his PREP mentor was Eric Arts. His undergraduate degree was from the City College of New York. He is currently a MD student at Wright State University School of Medicine.

Valery Adorno-Cruz

Valery Adorno-Cruz attended CWRU PREP from 2012-2013 and her PREP mentor was Ruth Keri. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Christopher Hernandez

Christopher Hernandez attended CWRU PREP from 2012-2013 and his PREP mentor was Agata Exner. His undergraduate degree was from Boston University. Chris earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently an Analyst with Herspiegel Consulting.

Wilnelly Hernandez-Sanchez

Wilnelly Hernandez-Sanchez attended CWRU PREP from 2012-2013 and her PREP mentor was Mark Jackson. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University.

Binta Jalloh

Joshua Jones

Joshua Jones attended CWRU PREP from 2012-2013 and his PREP mentor was Mark Chance. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Illinois, Chicago Campus. He is currently a MD/PhD student at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Isaiah Morales

Isaiah Morales attended CWRU PREP from 2012-2013 and his PREP mentor was Kenneth Gustafson. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Texas, San Antonio Campus. Isaiah earned his MS from the University of Texas, Austin Campus. He is currently a Data Scientist at Brighter Brain in Atlanta, GA.

Lilinete Roldan-Hernandez

Lilinete Roldan-Hernandez attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2013 and her PREP mentor was Richard Zigmond. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. Lilinete earned her MD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and is currently in the Department of Pediatrics Residency Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

2011-2012 Scholars

Kokou Adompreh-fia

Ismail Ahmed

Ismail Ahmed attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2012 and his PREP mentor was Matthias Buck. His undergraduate degree was from the City College of New York. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Nilmarie Ayala-Fontanez

Nilmarie Ayala-Fontanez attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2012 and her PREP mentor was Gemma Casadesus. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. Nilmarie earned her MS in Pathology/Immunology from Case Western Reserve University and is currently a PharmD student at the University of Illinois, Chicago Campus.

Ashley Conoway

Ashley Conoway attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2012 and her PREP mentor was Amy Hise. Her undergraduate degree was from Xavier University of Louisiana. Ashley earned her MS in Pathobiology & Molecular Medicine and PhD in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Alabama, Birmingham Campus.

Mojibade Hassan

Mojibade Hassan attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2012 and her PREP mentor was Stan Gerson. Her undergraduate degree was from Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently a MD/PhD student at Emory University School of Medicine.

Ashanti Matlock

Ashanti Matlock attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2012 and her PREP mentor was Jeff Coller. Her undergraduate degree was from Indiana University. She is currently a PhD student at the Ohio State University.

Stephanie Shaw

Stephanie Shaw attended CWRU PREP from 2011-2012 and her PREP mentor was Danny Manor. Her undergraduate degree was from Florida State University.

Lilinete Roldan-Hernandez

2010-2011 Scholars

Frederick Allen

Frederick Allen attended CWRU PREP from 2010-2011 and his PREP mentor was Henri Brunengraber. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Akron. Fred earned his PhD in Pathology from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and a Captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Christian Castro-Ruiz

Christian Castro-Ruiz attended CWRU PREP from 2010-2011 and his PREP mentor was Paul Tesar. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus.

Jessica Perez

Jessica Perez attended CWRU PREP from 2010-2011 and her PREP mentor was Derek Abbott. Her undergraduate degree was from New Mexico State University. Jessica earned her PhD in Pathology from Case Western Reserve University. She currently is a researcher at Microchem Lab in Texas.

Susana Rodriguez

Susana Rodriguez attended CWRU PREP from 2010-2011 and her PREP mentor was Johannes von Lintig. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Susana earned her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She currently is a Medical Associate at the Scienomics Group in Connecticut.

Gabriela Santos Guasch

Gabriela Santos Guasch attended CWRU PREP from 2010-2011 and her PREP mentor was Stan Gerson. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Gabriela earned her PhD in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University.

2009-2010 Scholars

Melissa Babilonia-Rosa

Melissa Babilonia-Rosa attended CWRU PREP from 2009-2010 and her PREP mentor was Michael Maguire. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. Melissa earned her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After receiving her degree she was a postdoctoral fellow at North Carolina State University.

Cisley Cardwell

Cisley Cardwell attended CWRU PREP from 2009-2010 and her PREP mentor was Amy Hise. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus. Cisley earned her MD from Wayne State University. She is currently a Physician in Detroit, MI.

Alyssa Ward

Alyssa Ward attended CWRU PREP from 2009-2010 and her PREP mentor was Suzanne Brady-Kalnay. Her undergraduate degree was from Claremont McKenna College. Alyssa earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is currently a Program Director at the Organ Preservation Alliance in Berkeley, CA.

2008-2009 Scholars

Ernestine Chaco

Ernestine Chaco attended CWRU PREP from 2008-2009 and her PREP mentor was Richard Hanson. Her undergraduate degree was from Swarthmore College. Ernestine earned a MS in Medical Science from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, and a MD from the University of California Davis School of Medicine. She is currently a JD candidate at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Marangelie Criado-Marrero

Marangelie Criado-Marrero attended CWRU PREP from 2008-2009 and her PREP mentor was Gary Landreth. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus. Marangelie earned her PhD in Neuroscience from Ponce Health Sciences University. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of South Florida.

Luis Muniz-Feliciano

Luis Muniz-Feliciano attended CWRU PREP from 2008-2009 and his PREP mentor was Peter Zimmerman. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Luis earned his PhD in Pathology from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Washington University in St. Louis.

Jason Robinson

Jason Robinson attended CWRU PREP from 2008-2009 and his PREP mentor was George Dubyak. His undergraduate degree was from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a science teacher with the School District of Palm Beach County in West Palm Beach, FL.

Zachary Wilkerson

Zachary Wilkerson attended CWRU PREP from 2008-2009 and his PREP mentor was Maria Hatzoglou. His undergraduate degree was from Hiram College. Zachary earned a DO from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine and is a Resident Physician in Parker, CO.

2007-2008 Scholars

Fernando Xavier Cuascut

Fernando Xavier Cuascut attended CWRU PREP from 2007-2008 and his PREP mentor was Jerry Silver. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Fernando earned his MD degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. He is currently a Neurology resident at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Carlos De Leon

Carlos De Leon attended CWRU PREP from 2007-2008 and his PREP mentor was Ruth Keri. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. Carlos earned his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is currently a Postdoctoral ORISE Fellow with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Andrea Ramos-Serrano

Andrea Ramos-Serrano attended CWRU PREP from 2007-2008 and her PREP mentor was Tony Berdis. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus. Andrea earned her PhD in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. She is currently a Research Scientist at Roche Sequencing Solutions.

Angel Reyes-Rodriguez

Angel Reyes-Rodriguez attended CWRU PREP from 2007-2008 and his PREP mentor was Eric Arts. His undergraduate degree was from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. Angel earned his PhD in Molecular Virology from Case Western Reserve University. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.