Nothing fascinates Gvantsa Pantsulaia, MSBS, more than learning how immune cells  communicate, recognize threats, and coordinate responses, which she describes as “watching a movie unfold.” In the following Q&A, she discusses the experiences that shaped her and how she excelled in Mount Sinai’s program.

What is your academic and career background?

I attended CUNY Hunter College in the heart of New York City. After college, I found myself in an unusual but incredibly formative combination: teaching science by day and working as a research associate in the lab of Joshua Brody, MD, Director of the Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai. I got swept up in the world of immunotherapy: CAR-T cells, in situ vaccines, virotherapy, and bispecific antibodies. I loved every second of it and knew I wanted to deepen my understanding of the field and make impactful contributions at the intersection of science and medicine.

What first attracted you to this field?

 Science captivated me before medicine. In my biology courses at Hunter, I was completely taken by immunology. It was like watching a movie unfold, the way immune cells communicate, recognize threats, and coordinate responses fascinated me. In an immunotherapy course, I realized that this was where I wanted to focus. To build on this foundation, I then took graduate-level lab-intensive courses at Hunter, including microscopy, which gave me practical skills I carried into research.

My time in the Brody Lab, first as a research associate and then as a student, allowed me to apply what I had learned and deepen it. Working alongside experts in the field, I was inspired by their relentless energy and desire to understand why things work and their drive to turn those insights into therapies. That mindset continues to motivate me.

Who were your mentors and what are some of your research highlights?

Under Dr. Brody’s guidance, I contributed to projects aimed at optimizing T-cell priming for anti-tumor responses, including the development of bispecific antibody platforms and exploration of BTK inhibitors to enhance immunotherapy. My mentors in the Brody Lab, and across Mount Sinai, have championed me and helped me grow not only as a scientist but also as a leader and collaborator. Some highlights include:

• Co-authoring multiple publications, including first-author work in Methods in Cell Biology and Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.
• Presenting at leading conferences, such as the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer and the Cancer for Immunotherapy Conference (CICON) with recognition as a Top 100 Abstract, and receiving a Top Presentation award at Mount Sinai’s annual MSBS Research Symposium.
• Receiving the 2025 Award for Scientific Excellence in Biomedical Science at Commencement.

Why Mount Sinai—what are the strong points of the program?

Mount Sinai fosters a culture of academic rigor, innovation, and mentorship. It’s a place where translational science thrives and where students are encouraged to think across disciplines. I had the chance to meet one-on-one with faculty from areas such as drug discovery, genomics, global mental health, and immunology—experiences that shaped how I think about medicine holistically.

Experts in the field have opened up their labs and their time to me and invested in my growth as a scientist and student. In addition, Mount Sinai is not just a research powerhouse, it is also a deeply community-driven place. As a student, I’ve had the chance to be a leader in outreach programs such as the student-run, physician-supervised East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership, Chemo Companions, Story Time/Teen Talk, and MedDOCs, which allowed me to give back to the community, something I deeply value and want to carry over into every aspect of my career.

Any other highlights?

I’ve built a strong research foundation, published multiple papers, and received recognition at national and institutional levels. But more than that, I found a sense of belonging. I’ve made lasting friendships, mentored other students, led projects, and been a part of a collaborative community that has shaped who I am and who I want to be.

What’s Next?

I’m planning to attend a research-focused medical school where I can keep building on the immunotherapy work I’ve been a part of and help develop therapies that move from bench to beside. My goal is to carve out a niche where my curiosity and commitment to community can co-exist. Mount Sinai showed me that this kind of integration is not only possible, but it is where I do my best work.

Krystine Ferreira, who earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology in 2025 from Mount Sinai’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, wanted to further explore the intersectionality of sociology and biomolecular science. In the following Q&A, she discusses how she excelled in the program.

What is your academic / career background?

I received my Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering with a minor in Sociology in 2024. At Tandon, I delved into the molecular field and spent many hours in the lab, learning and refining meticulous techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and cell culturing.

What first attracted you to this field?

It was truly my immersion in sociology courses as I completed my minor that attracted me to public health. First, I began thinking about social roles and social groups and the impact these intangible yet persistent features in society have on how we interact and how we have developed. I took a course my senior year, “Sociology of Medicine,” in which we viewed medicine through a lens that I had never focused on before. We discussed cultural health capital, social determinants, as well as the readings of Helena Hansen, MD, PhD; Gil Eyal, PhD; and Paul Starr, PhD, among others. It was through these discussions and lectures that I developed an interest in the intersectionality of sociology and biomolecular science, which to me manifests as epidemiology.

Who were your mentors and what are some of your research highlights?

While at Mount Sinai, I began working with Homero Harari, ScD, Angeline Denouel, PhD, and outreach program coordinator Ana Gonzalez on a project to investigate the health outcomes and experiences of Latina housecleaners in New York City. This experience was unforgettable. I had the opportunity to welcome participants to Mount Sinai and later interview them in Spanish using REDCap. To be able to highlight a community that is often overlooked was a special experience every day I got to work with the team.

As I worked on this project, Dr. Harari was my mentor for my culminating experience— evaluating and describing occupational exposure to chemical biomarkers associated with cleaning and disinfectant products using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 – 2014. This has been extremely rewarding as I get to use the skills I learn in class to develop my own project of interest.

Why Mount Sinai—what, specifically, are the strong points of the program?

I chose Mount Sinai because of the unique experience of being able to attend school on a medical campus where research and patient care thrive on a day-to-day basis. I knew the campus would have so much to offer and a new opportunity around every corner.

The one-year Master of Science in Epidemiology program offers you the chance to dive into public health and, while the timeline may seem daunting, it is a comprehensive experience that allows you to make the most of your time at Mount Sinai.

Also, how did you excel at Mount Sinai?

 At Mount Sinai, I excelled in communicating, not just in the give-and-take within the classroom, questions in class, but to participants in a study, and for communicating learned skills to work outside of the classroom. I am a firm believer in the power of communication, and it has been very satisfying to be able to speak to people from all walks of life, to be not just the one speaking, but the one listening, and to apply my knowledge in ways that can make an impact on the future of public health.

What’s Next?

I will continue to work on projects at Mount Sinai and with communities that face great health disparities.

Harsev Singh, who earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Science (MSBS) degree in 2025 from Mount Sinai’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, says he was encouraged to explore his interests and ask big questions.

In the following Q&A, Mr. Singh reveals how an array of opportunities—and his curiosity—were fundamental in helping him shape the next steps in his career.

What is your academic background?

I graduated from Colgate University in 2023, where I majored in Physical Science and minored in Global Public and Environmental Health. During the summer of 2022 and senior year, I began conducting research in different labs, as well as for my senior thesis. Once completing my senior thesis, I realized I wanted to continue doing research, as well as pursue more clinical experiences. That’s when I found out about the graduate programs at Mount Sinai, where I would be able to get more hands-on research experience, as well as take some interesting classes and explore some clinical work, too.

What first attracted you to this field?

I was drawn to this field through my exposure to research that connected scientific inquiry with real-world health challenges. During college, I had the privilege to work on projects that combined elements of public health, clinical data, and biological research, which helped me understand and appreciate how research can uncover insights that directly impact patient care. I found it particularly rewarding to work with teams, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to work that had both scientific and human significance. These experiences inspired my interest in pursuing a path that would allow me to engage in research while working toward a career in medicine.

Who were your mentors, and what are some of your research highlights?

I had the privilege of working under James Iatridis, PhD, in his Spine Bioengineering Lab, who fully supported my transition into translational research, along with lab members Alon Lai, PhD,  and Denise Iliff, MSBS. One highlight was investigating the mechanisms of nerve ingrowth and inflammation in chronic low back pain, where I elucidated the role of guidance cue proteins, such as Netrin-1, in intervertebral disc degeneration in an in vivo rat model. My interest in musculoskeletal research only grew from these experiences and the mentorship I received, which helped me further develop my critical thinking skills and maintain a clinical viewpoint on everything we investigated.

Why Mount Sinai—what, specifically, are the strong points of the program?

I was trying to find a place that combined strong academics and strong research, and Mount Sinai checked off those boxes. The variety of research and classes you could engage in was profound and inspiring. But what really stood out to me was the sense of community and commitment to service. I had grown to realize that the faculty and staff were genuinely invested in my growth, both professionally and personally.

Mount Sinai fosters an environment where you are encouraged to explore your interests, ask big questions, and contribute to something larger than yourself, all while being surrounded by people who want you to succeed. Having groups, such as the MSBS mentorship program, allowed for peer-to-peer support. On the service side, being able to engage with the surrounding community through different programs was truly meaningful. I was able to connect with, learn from, and contribute to a community in an impactful way. The way that Mount Sinai integrates research, academics, community, and service is, in my eyes, what makes this program exceptional.

Also, how did you excel at Mount Sinai?

I think what really helped me thrive was being curious and getting involved with experiences beyond the classroom. I engaged in great research opportunities, which allowed me to develop new skills and combine them with critical thinking regarding real-world problems. However, I was also able to get involved with leadership roles and service programs, such as being one of the MSBS mentorship directors, which kept me connected to the community and allowed me to grow personally. Having a supportive group of peers and mentors who shared similar passions and goals created an environment where I felt motivated to keep pushing forward, even when things got hard. That sense of community, shared purpose, and curiosity is what led to my success while at Mount Sinai.

What’s Next?

I will continue in the Iatridis Lab for a bit longer to answer a few more questions about my project. Then, I will be applying to medical school. I am very excited to take the next step toward becoming a physician—to build on everything I have learned, both in and out of the lab, and to continue to grow in an environment focused on academic curiosity, clinical learning, service, and community.

Ahana Chowdhury, who earned an MPH degree in 2025 from Mount Sinai’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, started the program with a firm belief—that public health must extend beyond the clinic.

In the following Q&A, Ms. Chowdhury discusses what she learned and how her MPH can help advance her career.

What is your academic / career background?

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Business, from St. John’s University, graduating summa cum laude and being inducted into several academic honor societies. My background includes extensive patient care experience from years of volunteering and working in private clinical offices. Currently, I work part-time as a Cardiology Clinical Assistant and serve as Co-Director of the Programming Team for TCY Women, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for women.

What first attracted you to this field?

Growing up in New York City, I saw how health care often failed communities like mine. Living in boroughs such as Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, I witnessed firsthand how a person’s circumstances could determine their well-being. However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that my understanding of health, both personal and systemic, was reshaped.

During the peak of the pandemic, my mother faced a critical health scare and was placed on a ventilator. Navigating that crisis while isolated from her care team underscored the deep disconnect between patients, families, and the medical system. This combination of personal crisis and population-level devastation cemented my drive to understand how public health works.

Through my MPH at Mount Sinai, I was able to immerse myself in patient-centered roles: sitting with isolated patients as a Chemo Companion, supporting individuals through abortion care as a Doula Project volunteer, and managing referrals at the student-run, physician supervised EHHOP [East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership] Clinic. These experiences deepened my belief that public health must extend beyond the clinic and be embedded in our systems and communities. I took on leadership roles with the Student Council DEIA Committee, The Doula Project, Women in Science at Mount Sinai, and as a Student Ambassador. I also contributed to a maternal health quality initiative, developed a women’s cardiovascular health literacy program for my capstone, and revised emergency preparedness materials for dialysis patients as a North HELP Coalition intern.

Who were your mentors at Mount Sinai?

I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by several outstanding faculty members. Dr. Elizabeth Garland, [Elizabeth J. Garland, MD, MS] my track advisor, offered support and thoughtful insight throughout the MPH program. Dr. Nils Hennig’s [Nils Hennig, MD, PhD] global health course helped ground my work in equity and ethics, while Dr. Maya Korin [Maya Rom Korin, PhD] and Dr. Lauren Zajac [Lauren M. Zajac, MD, PhD] shaped my understanding of community health and student-centered teaching.

What are some of your research highlights?

My most impactful research experience was as a Quality Analyst for the Student High-Value Care Initiative at Mount Sinai Morningside. Working on a maternal health quality improvement project, I helped address alarmingly high postpartum readmission rates for patients with preeclampsia, particularly in publicly insured populations. Our team aimed to reduce these readmissions from 22.7 percent to 8.1 percent by implementing three targeted interventions: (1) a patient-facing educational video from the Preeclampsia Foundation, (2) a redesigned blood pressure tracker to promote effective home monitoring, and (3) an improved telehealth follow-up workflow. We also analyzed the impact of social determinants on postpartum care utilization. This work was accepted for presentation at the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved Conference, where it won the ACOG [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists] District II Medical Student Poster Contest.

I also served as a Research Assistant for a retrospective cohort study on the link between first-trimester pre-diabetic hemoglobin A1c levels and gestational diabetes risk. I conducted detailed chart reviews for more than 250 high-risk obstetric patients using EPIC and ECW, contributed to statistical analysis, and co-authored a manuscript currently in preparation for submission. These experiences deepened my passion for maternal health equity and translational research that improves outcomes for communities.

What are the strong points of the program?

Mount Sinai offered me an opportunity to explore the field of public health from multiple angles. One of the greatest strengths of the program was its ability to connect me with meaningful, hands-on experiences across departments and populations. Being part of a world-renowned health system in New York City gave me direct access to diverse patient populations and real-time public health challenges. The faculty were also a major highlight as their support helped me grow not just as a student, but as a practitioner. The program’s strong research infrastructure and academic resources were also key. I gained access to mentorship and institutional support that allowed my work to be presented at national conferences and prepared for publication.

In June 2025, Mr. Prieto Barreiro earned an MHA from Mount Sinai’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The program’s focus on innovation, equity, and operational excellence, he says, aligned perfectly with what he was seeking. In the following Q&A, he explains how the insights he learned will shape his career.

What is your academic background?

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Northeastern University, with a minor in Business Administration. This combination allowed me to develop a strong foundation in scientific thinking and research, while also gaining basic business and organizational skills that prepared me well for leadership-focused graduate study.

How did you become interested in Health Administration?

My interest developed as I was working as a medical assistant and I began to see firsthand how systems could affect patient outcomes—that issues such as affordability, supply shortages, and inefficient policies could create barriers for patients. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed hospitals struggle with basic resources—beds, supplies, electricity—which further exposed gaps in leadership and coordination. These experiences made it clear to me that improving care isn’t just about treatment—it’s about building systems that are equitable, efficient, and sustainable. That realization inspired me to pursue a Master of Health Administration and help drive change from within the system.

Why Mount Sinai—what are the particular strengths of the program?

Mount Sinai stood out to me because it bridges world-class clinical care with forward-thinking leadership in health care delivery. The MHA program’s focus on innovation, equity, and operational excellence aligned perfectly with what I was seeking—not just to learn the fundamentals of health administration, but to be challenged to think critically about real-world problems. The faculty’s deep industry experience, the program’s integration with a top-tier academic medical center, and the strong emphasis on analytics, leadership, and strategic planning made it the ideal environment for me to grow. I also appreciated how the coursework constantly encouraged us to connect theory with practice and apply what we learned to current health care challenges.

How did you excel?

Throughout the program, I made it a priority to bridge academic concepts with real-world practice. I currently work full-time at Mount Sinai as a Biospecimen Coordinator, where I oversee the logistics of research supply distribution across clinical trial sites. It’s a role that combines operational coordination, vendor management, and compliance—giving me valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes systems that support research and patient care. I was able to directly apply lessons from class to the operational challenges I encountered in research logistics. For my capstone, I conducted a detailed analysis of biospecimen supply chain inefficiencies and proposed a technology-enabled coordination platform to improve transparency and reduce delays across research sites, suppliers, and purchasing departments. The project was grounded in real institutional needs and developed through cross-departmental feedback.

One of the most influential mentors in my experience was Christopher T. Spina, MS, Senior Vice President of the Mount Sinai Health System, who was a faculty lecturer. He taught both Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System, and Health System Operations and Program Management. He brought deep knowledge and humility to the classroom, making each session feel like a thoughtful conversation. His ability to weave personal experience with practical tools—such as Lean and Six Sigma—made the content not only engaging but directly applicable. It was my first introduction to process improvement methodology, and it sparked a strong interest in operational strategy and systems-level thinking that I carried through the rest of the program.

How will the MHA help your career advancement?

I’ve gained a broader understanding of how different sectors of health care—policy, finance, operations—interconnect to impact outcomes. I now approach my work with a more strategic mindset, always looking for ways to improve processes and align stakeholders. I truly enjoy the work I’m doing now, however I am also excited about future opportunities in health care operations, policy, or finance where I can make a meaningful impact on system-level performance and equity. The MHA has helped prepare me to grow into those next steps, wherever they may lead.