Voices From the Class of 2025 at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Commencement

Updated on May 23, 2025 | Featured, School

After years of medical and scientific learning, Thursday, May 8, was a day the class of 2025 of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai had been waiting for: Commencement. Held at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, the ceremony served as a reminder for the graduating students that they had overcome great odds to receive their diplomas.

Many in this class started their education amid great challenges—the COVID-19 pandemic was still going on, noted Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine. And even after they graduate, there will be more challenges to face in residency and postdoctoral training, he said.

The Icahn School granted a total of 173 degrees at the 56th Commencement: 95 MD, 55 PhD, 13 MD/PhD, four MD/MPH, and six MD/MSCR.

“What matters is how you meet disappointment and failure—which is far more important than how you embrace success,” said Dr. Charney. “To thrive, personally and professionally, you will have to accept disappointment and failure, learn from it, and move forward.”

The graduates will also be entering a political climate that has cast uncertainty over scientific progress, said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, who will become Interim Dean of the Icahn School when Dr. Charney steps down as Dean at the end of June.

“Disease knows no political party—it can strike anyone. As physicians and scientists, our allegiance is to humanity—to apply biomedical research to better understand disease so that we can end suffering, heal patients, and save lives,” said Dr. Nestler. “Science should not be politicized—not by the left, or by the right. Ever.”

The student speakers called upon their graduating class to draw courage as they step into a daunting future, but also to hold compassion for others and themselves.

“As we transition from students to doctors, let’s carry forward not just what we’ve learned, but how we’ve learned to think. The world doesn’t need more impressive credentials; it needs people who can navigate complexity with both intellectual rigor and humanity,” said graduating student Anina Lund, who represented the PhD class.

“And at the crossroads of patient care, we face a question: What kind of doctors will we be?” said graduating student Dorothy Adu-Amankwah, who represented the MD class. “The answer will look different for each of us. But at the core, I hope we choose to be doctors who embrace the gift of listening—because listening is the foundation of healing. And as we listen, may we also speak—and advocate—for those whose voices have been silenced by systems, by structures, and by history.”

In the slideshow below, we’ve gathered the stories of 10 graduating students on why they chose to enter the medical and research profession, and how their time at the Icahn School has shaped them.

DeAnalisa Jones, MD/PhD

Next step: Internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai, in the research track.

Why did you choose to enter your field?
The physician-scientist career path gives me the opportunity to combine my love of math and engineering with my interests in tribal, carceral, and cardiovascular health. My mentors at Mount Sinai are helping me carve out a career for myself that includes all these diverse interests.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
This graduation week has been one of the best weeks of my life. For the first time since I moved to New York City for college in 2011, all four of my siblings and my parents are here visiting at the same time. It has been so fun!

I would like to thank my parents, Donald and Deborah Jones; my siblings, DeAngela, Christopher, DeAnna, and Cameron; and the many friends I’ve made while at Mount Sinai.

Dorothy Adu-Amankwah, MD

Next step: Psychiatry residency at Stanford Medicine.

Why did you choose to enter medicine?
Medicine is where my intellectual curiosity and calling to serve meet. I’ve always felt drawn to healing. As a child, I watched my grandmother, a traditional healer in our community in Ghana, and I would say, “I want to heal people too.” Over time, I found other ways to offer healing—through poetry and creative writing—connecting with others and providing comfort through words. However, I was also very intellectually curious about the human brain and its functionality and I wanted to eventually be in a field of work that was service-oriented, but grounded in inquiry. Medicine felt like a calling from God. It offered space to be curious, compassionate, and impactful. Psychiatry, in particular, allows me to integrate my love for stories, language, curiosity, and service.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
One of my most meaningful memories is from an open mic night during my first year. It was a collaboration between the Academy for Humanities in Medicine, Music in Medicine, and the Med-Peds Interest Group. We organized it to raise funds for an organization supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration.

That night, I saw our Mount Sinai community at its best—coming together around art, advocacy, and mutual support. I felt deeply loved and safe during my performance, and I fell in love all over again with the power of art to connect and heal. It was a moment that affirmed both who I was, who I was becoming, and what mattered to me most.

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for carrying me through these years. I couldn’t have made it without His grace.

I’m forever grateful to my amazing brothers, who sacrificed so much so I could finish college and medical school. And to my friends—truly the best friends in the world—thank you for your love, encouragement, and for lifting me when I was down.

I would like to thank my mentors Jacob Appel, MD; David Heller, MD; and Lauren Linkowski, EdD, and the entire Office of Student Affairs—thank you for your constant support, encouragement, and care. I couldn’t have done this alone. I’ve been surrounded by a village, and I carry their love and wisdom with me as I take the next step.

Anina Lund, PhD in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience

Next step: Postdoctoral fellow at Mount Sinai

Why did you choose to enter your field?
I chose this field because the brain is incredibly complex, and despite all we’ve learned, so many fundamental questions still remain unanswered. Mount Sinai’s collaborative environment, exceptional resources, and strong focus on translating research into real-world impact make it the ideal place to pursue these questions and contribute to meaningful discoveries.

Mount Sinai’s culture is all about collaboration and curiosity. People here really care about pushing science forward and helping each other do their best work

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
It’s hard to pick just one. What really sticks with me is a collection of everyday moments: random conversations in the lab, figuring something out after weeks of troubleshooting, or getting that first glimpse of meaningful results.

I would like to thank my incredible mentors, family, and friends. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.

Jennifer Dias, MD

Next step: Emergency Medicine residency at Mass General Brigham in Boston.

Why did you choose to enter medicine?
I chose to enter medicine because of my cousin, Conner. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of science, service, and human connection. I wanted to be part of a profession where I could contribute to something bigger than myself. Medicine felt like a calling—one that challenges me intellectually while grounding me in a deep sense of purpose.

I’ve learned that the spirit of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is dynamic, eclectic, and grounded in a legacy of mission-driven care. It has been a place where bold ideas and rigorous science live alongside a commitment to questioning norms and advancing more just models of care. Mount Sinai didn’t just train me in medicine—it helped shape the foundations of my practice. Here, I learned to challenge the status quo, to bring my authentic self into every patient interaction, and to uphold equity and justice, even when doing so is uncomfortable. Mount Sinai’s culture instilled in me the responsibility to provide equitable, evidence-based care and to never lose sight of the humanity before me. It’s a community that taught me to listen with intention and to act with hope.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
There are so many: delivering food and cash grants to East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, being on Good Morning America, assisting in a tracheoesophageal fistula repair for a one-day-old newborn, my annual “surprise” birthday parties in Aron Hall, and presenting my scholarly year work at the National Academies of Sciences and Medicine.

I would like to thank my mom, Maura, and my dad up above, Waltair. My friends and family, both near and far. Many donors and mentors, deans and faculty, including Ellen Seely, MD; Valerie Parkas, MD; David Muller, MD and so many more. The Aron Hall community and staff, members of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Racism and Bias Initiative, Medical Education, as well as the Student and Trainee Mental Health Program and the Financial Aid Office. My patients and my classmates: the most incredible humans who I have had the distinct pleasure of growing with and learning from. To each person who walked alongside me—through challenges, growth, and countless moments of joy—thank you.

Michelle Mediolaza, PhD in Clinical Research

Next step: Exploring career opportunities involving patient-centered research, particularly around chronic immune-mediated conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Why did you choose to enter your field?
I was drawn to the Clinical Research Education Program at Mount Sinai because it offered a robust, hands-on curriculum and focused on turning research into tangible, impactful results to help improve patient outcomes. What really stood out to me was how much the program emphasized collaboration and gave me the opportunity to work across different disciplines, from learning about various clinical trial methodologies and statistical approaches, to applying these concepts to tackle complex and real-world health care issues.

While I’ve always been interested in gastroenterology—in fact my master’s thesis focused on the efficacy of different closure methods for GI perforations and leaks—it’s especially meaningful that Mount Sinai is the very place where Crohn’s disease was first described back in 1932. Since then, Mount Sinai has truly led the way in advancing research and treatment for IBD, including developing breakthroughs that have helped patients better manage their conditions. Being able to study IBD at such a historically significant and impactful clinic has been a true honor and highlight in my PhD journey.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
One memory that will always stay with me is the moment I presented our findings at a national conference and realized the impact our work was beginning to have. The Resilience Scale for IBD (RISE-IBD), which I developed alongside my incredible mentor Laurie Keefer, PhD, was gaining strong enthusiasm from respected researchers in the field. I was deeply moved to learn that two research teams outside of Mount Sinai wanted to use the scale in their upcoming research projects as well. It was one of those rare moments when all the long nights and tribulations felt worth it. That experience was such a powerful reminder that our work truly has the potential to reach researchers and patients across the country.

I would like to thank Dr. Keefer, who has shown so much kindness and grace throughout our journey together. Whenever we faced challenges in our work, she always responded with optimism, and that truly changed the way I approach setbacks. Her positivity helped me understand that it’s okay to fail, pivot, and grow from unexpected trials. Furthermore, she taught me how to face obstacles with resilience and grit. I also want to thank my incredible parents, family, and friends for their unwavering support and constant encouragement throughout these past few years. Without them, I truly wouldn’t have made it this far!

Jack Gomberg, MD

Next step: Neurology residency at Mount Sinai.

Why did you choose to enter medicine?
My first exposure to medicine was as a circus performer in pediatric oncology units. I loved connecting with patients on a personal level but was also drawn to the science and potential to directly improve lives. Every step along the way has reinforced that initial curiosity, and it’s a dream to have come so far.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
I got to bring out my gymnastics wheel—also known as a German wheel—into the Guggenheim Lobby for the admissions music video. Performing in scrubs was a very surreal experience.

I want to thank my wife, Devon, and my mom and dad for getting me through med school. I also want to especially thank my incredible, inspiring, and passionate mentors for their support.

Christos Sazeides, PhD in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience

Next step: Working for a pharmaceutical company in Boston as a R&D scientist developing therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Why did you choose to enter your field?
I chose Mount Sinai not just because of the exceptional research that goes on here, but also because of the collaborative environment it offers, not only within the institution itself, but globally as well. For example, we had collaborators based in Spain and Japan. Mount Sinai is a very inclusive institution where everyone is able to be who they are. It fosters a safe space for everyone.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
Truthfully, the relationships I formed with my lab mates. It felt like home. Besides my friends and family, who without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be able to do this, I do want to thank my PhD mentor, Dusan Bogunovic, PhD, who always pushed me out of my comfort zone and motivated me to go after the work and career that I truly wanted.

Michael Peruggia, MD

Next step: Psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai.

Why did you choose to enter medicine?
For me, it was a particular patient population that drew me in. My sister, Alexa, was diagnosed with autism just before I was born. Growing up, I saw both how the medical setting could be a scary place for her and her friends, and how medicine was pivotal in managing comorbidities, from epilepsy to anxiety. I am excited about the future of the autism field, have had amazing experiences with and mentorship from the Seaver Autism Center team here at Mount Sinai, and I’m endlessly fascinated by the relationship between neurobiology and human expression. I hope to be the kind of doctor that patients with neurodevelopmental disorders feel comfortable with, and families of these patients feel understood by.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
At the end of first year, some people in our class put together a field day in Central Park, where we played games like egg toss and tug of war. I have never laughed harder than I did during the watermelon-eating race, where we had to eat a quarter of a watermelon with our hands held behind our backs.

Medical school isn’t easy, and sometimes life and school can pile on top of each other, too. I owe it all to the friends I’ve had by my side for years and the lifelong friends I’ve made here at Mount Sinai. They kept me grounded and kept me laughing. And I thank my family for their constant love and support and macaroni and meatballs.

Sanan Venkatesh, PhD in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience

Next step: Postdoctoral fellow at Mount Sinai.

Why did you choose to enter your field?
I’m interested in understanding the etiology of neuropsychiatric disease so that we can develop novel therapies and help people find the therapy right for them. I came to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai since they had the best psychiatric genetics department I could find.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
When I went to conferences for the first time after the height of the pandemic. I was recognized by a lot more people than I originally expected, and I realized that, despite not seeing everyone face to face, I had become a member of the scientific community.

I would like to thank my wife, Richa; my cat, Chilli; my parents, and my sister’s family for their support during my graduate studies. I’d also like to thank my mentors, Georgios Voloudakis MD, PhD, and Panos Roussos, MD, PhD, as well as the many other members of the Center for Disease Neurogenomics, without whom my work would not be possible.

Lucy Schultz, MD

Next step: Internal medicine residency at NYU Langone, in the primary care track.

Why did you choose to enter medicine?
I was a middle school teacher for many years through Teach for America. I decided to make the switch from education to pursuing medicine after seeing how much health impacted my students and their families. Conditions like asthma, diabetes, sickle cell, and HIV caused so many challenges for kids and families. I also had loved science and biology since I was a little kid, so medicine had always been this personal dream as well. Now, I really love medicine for a lot of the same reasons I loved teaching: you get to build a lot of relationships and support people through difficult situations.

Describe a memorable experience at Mount Sinai, and who would you like to thank?
I will always remember my time working at our student-run free clinic, East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership (EHHOP). It is such a great experience to work with other students and faculty who believe health care should be accessible for all. At every EHHOP clinic, the hallways are buzzing with volunteers being energized by the mission. I also loved being on the leadership teams and seeing how students really are able to deliver quality care and keep the clinic running.

I want to thank my husband, family, and friends for sticking with me through all the ups and downs. I am also very thankful to the amazing Mount Sinai faculty for their teaching and advice, particularly those involved in EHHOP and the Primary Care Scholars Program. I am grateful to the residents, medical students, and nursing staff who were always willing to help me and answer my questions. Thank you also to our wonderful patients who trusted me to be a part of their care.

Navigate with the arrows to learn more about the Class of 2025 and their time in medical and graduate school.

How a Lifelong Passion for Addressing Acute Care and Trauma Led This New Yorker to an MD and MHA Degree

Updated on May 20, 2025 | Featured, School

“I hope to integrate these skills with my clinical and surgical training to identify gaps in violence prevention, particularly in areas touching New York—such as subway surfing, gun violence, and motorbike injuries—and improve outreach to the most affected populations.” – Ashley Brown, MHA and MD student

Ashley Brown is a second-year student in the Master of Health Administration program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she is also completing requirements toward her medical degree.

She received a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University in 2018, where she majored in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies focusing on reproductive justice in communities of color. She also completed a pre-medicine post-baccalaureate program at Fordham University in 2020, and then had a wide choice of medical schools. Two years after beginning her MD degree, she joined the MHA program in September 2024. She expects to complete the MHA program in June and complete the MD program in May 2026. Then she hopes to embark on a career in surgery and help others in need in her hometown of New York City.

Her interest in trauma medicine and public health began when she was a teenager, including a memorable introduction working with the local ambulance squad as a volunteer. In this Q&A, she explains how her quest led to Mount Sinai.

Why did you choose the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Icahn School of Medicine?

At fourteen, I stood in the back of an ambulance for the first time, sweating as a paramedic swapped me out for the next round of compressions. I had joined my local ambulance center as a junior volunteer, eager to learn how hands could save lives—unaware it would spark a lifelong passion for acute care and trauma.

At Emory, I majored in gender studies to better understand health disparities and to develop the language needed to communicate those disparities.

With my interest in urgent care and addressing social determinants of health, I was drawn to the Icahn School of Medicine for its commitment to training future leaders. Working alongside pioneers in the field taught me the weight of that mission. Exposure to cutting-edge research and practice has deepened my drive to uncover and address the root causes of care disparities, preparing me for the next stage of training.

Driven by a passion for urgent care and health equity, I was drawn to the Icahn School of Medicine not only for its leadership in research and clinical innovation but also for its commitment to equity, right in the heart of my home—New York City. It was here that I first donned a white coat, surrounded by pioneers in various fields dedicated to advancing health care while committing to health equity. Consistent exposure—and collaboration—with providers and researchers at the forefront of both medicine and advocacy has deepened my understanding of health care disparities and prepared me to address them in the next stage of my training.

How do you think an MHA will enhance your career in medicine?

The MHA program has been one of the most formative experiences of my graduate education. It helped me define my leadership style, learn from health care administrators, and strengthen my quality improvement skills through a capstone project exploring how language preference affects follow-up rates. Courses in health care promotion, policy, and health IT, along with strong mentorship, have taught me how to better communicate with the public using tools like apps, AI, and strategic messaging. In the next chapter, I hope to integrate these skills with my clinical and surgical training to identify gaps in violence prevention, particularly in areas touching New York—such as subway surfing, gun violence, and motorbike injuries—and improve outreach to the most affected populations. As my career progresses, I aim to step into leadership roles where I can leverage my expertise in quality improvement, stakeholder engagement, and policy to drive meaningful, large-scale change in communities disproportionately affected by violence.

What are some of your achievements in the MHA program so far?

One of my most meaningful achievements of the MHA so far has been leading my capstone project that examines how language preference influences follow-up rates at Mount Sinai Morningside. This is the first time I have led a research team as a principal investigator. This project has allowed me to directly apply what I have learned in the project management course and tie in quality improvement methodologies covered in various class to address real-world disparities in care. The MHA helped me identify my leadership style and strengthen my ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams through effective communication. My capstone project has helped me apply these leadership skills in a group context.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success in these programs?

The successful completion of this MHA program would not have been possible without Dean Charney’s support of the Leadership in Healthcare Equity and Administration Scholar Program, which enabled Dr. Yvette Calderon and Dr. Brian Nickerson to oversee and guide this initiative. The mentorship and guidance of Dr. Calderon, Dr. Nickerson, and Herb Lopez, a program manager, were instrumental, as they supported me through every step of this journey. I am also deeply grateful to the medical school and this program for providing the funding and resources that made it possible for me to benefit from such a transformative experience.

In a similar way, activities outside this program that I feel have contributed largely to my success include collaborations with my classmates. These collaborations have not only broadened my perspectives but also strengthened my ability to connect clinical care with administrative strategies. Engaging with classmates in discussions around health equity and actively contributing to projects and conversations centered on marginalized communities has been especially important. Through these experiences, I feel that I am walking away with a much more developed understanding of the health care system as a whole and a clearer sense of the different roles that individuals occupy within it.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MD or MHA programs?

Advice that I would give to prospective students considering the MD or MHA program is to:

  • Find your learning style and understand that, unlike undergraduate education, what you put into graduate school will ultimately determine how much you get out of it at the end of the day.
  • Value every moment and prioritize the people around you. Engage your professors and mentors early, because they will help guide you to opportunities that you didn’t even know existed.
  • Continue to expand your network, since your classmates today may be your colleagues, consultants, and even administrators in the future; get to know them on a deeper level by going out to lunch or starting a GroupMe that helps to develop camaraderie. When times get tough, you realize that it is the community around you that will lift you up and motivate you when times get tough.

What are your plans upon completing your MD and MHA programs?

Upon completing both my MHA and MD programs, I hope to move on to the next phase of my training by entering a general surgery residency program. During residency, I aspire to continue developing my leadership skills by taking on roles that involve educating and mentoring medical students, with the goal of eventually serving as a chief resident in my final year. Throughout these next few years, I plan to continue integrating my expanding knowledge of surgical management with my commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by patients who often fall through the cracks of violence prevention efforts. Following residency, I hope to further this trajectory by pursuing a trauma surgery fellowship, which will best position me to continue addressing social determinants of health on a broader scale. My ultimate goal is to lead departments that not only provide excellent clinical care but also play an active role in shaping policies and engaging stakeholders to create a safer and more just world, particularly for those living at the margins of society.

Learn more about the Master of Health Administration at Mount Sinai

How Mount Sinai Enabled One Data Scientist to Thrive in the Master of Biomedical Data Science and AI Program

Updated on Apr 23, 2025 | Research, School

“AI has infiltrated so many different aspects of everyone’s lives over the past few years, but seeing firsthand how it’s been able to make strides in virtually every field of science has been inspiring,” says Neeloy Bose.

Neeloy Bose, a first-year student in the Master of Biomedical Data Science and AI program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, was already working in a laboratory and understood the importance of “Big Data.” But he concluded that in order to reach his goals, he had to learn more about how to process these large data sets himself, and how that can help researchers like him make discoveries that can improve health and help people.

In a Q&A, he describes how he decided to study at the Icahn School of Medicine and how that has helped him understand the value of studying data science.

Why did you decide to study at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai?

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai gives me the opportunity to access the resources of a world-renowned medical and academic institution while offering me the flexibility to continue my research externally.  The program specifically offered me the flexibility to continue my master’s studies in a hybrid setting while I am also working at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, a non-profit research institute based in Manhattan. It’s an exciting time to work with these institutions while being able to see what I’m studying brought to life through real world applications in the field.

What attracted you to study Biomedical Data Science and AI? What inspires you?

Working at a high-throughput lab that harnesses the power of automated liquid handling robots, I’ve come to appreciate the process of casually creating terabytes of data. This has only made me more appreciative of the extractive and generative power of data science, especially using AI and machine learning tools. Being able to create “Big Data” as a biologist means that you need someone to be able to work with a humanly incomprehensible amount of information, and what could be better than learning how to do it yourself?

How do you think AI is going to impact Data Science moving forward?

AI has infiltrated so many different aspects of everyone’s lives over the past few years, but seeing firsthand how it’s been able to make strides in virtually every field of science has been inspiring. From high-content image analysis to looking for signatures of rare diseases to even creating tools to assist health care outcomes, the intersection of AI and science seems brighter than ever, and that can only increase the speed at which we make progress towards the greater good.

What are some of your achievements so far as a master’s student?

I’d say being a master’s student is an achievement enough at times, but being able to learn the cutting edge of new technologies and taking that knowledge to be able to apply it to real-world research is fascinating. It almost feels surreal at points to know that you’re always working to advance the future of the field.

What are your plans after you have completed your degree?

I hope to transition from more wet lab facing roles to better integrate computation into my research. With what I’ve learned and will continue to learn through the program, I hope to keep pushing forward what I’ve learned and thought to be the boundaries of what science is capable of. Being able to see my work improving the real-world prospects of patients and health care systems using this ever-evolving technology would be one of my greatest dreams that I think I’ll always be in pursuit of.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science and AI

How Mount Sinai Equipped Vibhor Mahajan, PhD, With the Skills to Bridge Clinical Research, Public Health, and Entrepreneurship

Updated on Apr 14, 2025 | Featured, Research, School

“The combination of research acumen and entrepreneurial thinking that I cultivated through my experiences has empowered me to drive meaningful change in both academia and industry,” says Vibhor Mahajan, PhD.

Vibhor Mahajan, PhD, earned his PhD in Clinical Research in January 2025 from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Healthcare Management. He now works as a Program Manager of Education and Entrepreneurship/Innovation with Mount Sinai Innovation Partners.

In a Q&A, he discusses what brought him to Mount Sinai for both degrees, why he selected this area of study, and how he expects this training to advance his career.

What brought you to Mount Sinai as a master’s student?

My decision to join Mount Sinai was driven by its reputation for cutting-edge research and its dynamic environment at the intersection of health care, technology, and innovation. Coming from an engineering background, I had already transitioned into health care through my work in quality improvement at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California, where I saw the potential for data-driven strategies to enhance patient care. Mount Sinai stood out not only for its focus on public health but also for its commitment to translating research into actionable health care solutions. The opportunity to learn from experts actively shaping health care policy and practice made it the ideal place to advance my knowledge and skills.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

During my MPH, I had the chance to work on several impactful projects. One notable achievement was my master’s capstone project, which I worked on under the mentorship of Kritina Monti, PhD, LCSW, and Alexander Preker, MD, PhD. This project involved developing a machine learning-based application aimed at providing personalized care pathways for individuals with substance use disorders. It required analyzing complex datasets to identify behavioral patterns and ultimately conceptualizing an algorithm to improve treatment linkages. Additionally, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of emergency department utilization patterns related to behavioral health, which revealed opportunities for cost savings and better care delivery.

These efforts were recognized with several prestigious awards, which further reinforced my passion for using data-driven approaches to solve complex health care challenges and improve patient outcomes. During my MPH, I also had the opportunity to present my work at the American Public Health Association’s Annual Conference, with a travel grant from the MPH Program. My time as a master’s student was defined by combining technical expertise with public health principles to address real-world challenges in health care. These experiences not only shaped my academic and professional journey but also deepened my commitment to leveraging data and innovation to address pressing healthcare challenges

Why did you choose the PhD in Clinical Research program?

The PhD in Clinical Research at Mount Sinai attracted me because it offered a unique blend of scientific rigor and practical application, which perfectly aligned with my goal of advancing health care innovation. Having already explored process optimization and data-driven decision-making in clinical settings, I wanted to dive deeper into the intricacies of clinical trials and health systems. The program’s focus on developing new methodologies to improve clinical research infrastructure resonated with my passion for enhancing operational efficiency in health care.

What truly set the program apart for me was the opportunity to deepen my clinical research skills and  develop an entrepreneurial mindset through various opportunities offered at Mount Sinai. Through opportunities like the Targeted Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (THRIVE) by Mount Sinai Biodesign, and the Fellows Program by Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, I was able to hone my skills in translating research into practical, market-driven solutions, complementing my academic experience. I give huge credit to my mentors in the areas of entrepreneurship and biomedical ventures, especially Brian Nickerson, PhD, JD (who was also my PhD advisor) and Dov Shamir PhD. Through their guidance, I realized how important it is to have entrepreneurial thinking to bring solutions from bench to bedside and how practicality can improve overall health and quality of life.

As part of my dissertation, I worked closely with the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network, developing a framework to evaluate the performance of clinical trial networks. This experience allowed me to combine both clinical research and entrepreneurial thinking, ensuring that the clinical trials I evaluated were not only scientifically sound but also strategically aligned with broader healthcare goals. The combination of research and entrepreneurial skills I gained throughout the PhD program has equipped me with a comprehensive skill set to drive innovation in both clinical research and health care entrepreneurship.

How did your public health experience help with completing your PhD in Clinical Research?

My public health training provided a crucial lens through which I approached clinical research. In the MPH program, I learned to evaluate health care interventions not only for their clinical efficacy but also for their economic and societal impact. This perspective allowed me to design a holistic evaluation framework for clinical trial networks during my PhD, integrating clinical, economic, and operational metrics to assess performance. Additionally, my experience in health data analysis during the MPH program helped me leverage large datasets to uncover insights about trial efficiency, patient recruitment, and resource allocation. The interdisciplinary nature of public health empowered me to think beyond the lab, considering broader policy implications and the real-world scalability of clinical research innovations.

How are you using your Mount Sinai degrees to advance your career?

My academic journey at Mount Sinai has equipped me with a versatile skill set that bridges clinical research, public health, and entrepreneurship. Today, as Program Manager of Education and Entrepreneurship/Innovation with Mount Sinai Innovation Partners, I help researchers and clinicians navigate the complex process of translating their innovations into viable health care solutions. The combination of research acumen and entrepreneurial thinking that I cultivated through my experiences has empowered me to drive meaningful change in both academia and industry, working to improve health care delivery and patient outcomes on multiple fronts.

Read more about the PhD in Clinical Research at Mount Sinai

How Mount Sinai Unlocked a Student’s Passion for Biomedical Research

Updated on Apr 7, 2025 | Featured, Research, School

“I decided to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences in hopes that I could gain…independence as a researcher, and make contributions to bettering human health,” says Henry Weith.

As he embarked on a career after graduating college, Henry Weith did not initially think about continuing his education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Instead, he focused on finding the right job in industry.

Now a third-year student in the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells (DRS) Multidisciplinary Training Area, he works in the laboratory of Alison May, PhD, studying exocrine gland development and preparing for a career that will allow him to address larger scientific areas of inquiry that could eventually improve human health.

“I decided to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences in hopes that I could gain…independence as a researcher, and make contributions to bettering human health,” he says. “Once starting my PhD at Mount Sinai, I found an additional passion for biomedical research that had been hidden under years of tedious, yet essential, courses in cell and molecular biology.”

In this Q&A, he discusses his journey towards a career in biomedical research, and how Mount Sinai is helping him achieve his goals. He explains how learning about what he calls the “innate beauty of developmental biology” demonstrated that unique patterns in nature, something as simple as the scales of a butterfly wing, could be important to understanding the workings of the human body, even something like the human salivary gland. And how working out in the gym is a bit like scientific research in the way hard work is eventually rewarded.

Why continue your education with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences?

Growing up I had never considered continuing my education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Career planning during my undergraduate education was mainly focused on finding a job, which in my major of bioengineering meant an industry position at a biotech company. In subsequent biotech research internships, I recognized that many of the scientists independently directing projects had attained PhDs, which not only gave them more responsibility, but expertise in complex subjects that allowed them to address expansive biological questions that contributed to essential therapies to treat diseases.

What made you interested in the Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells training area?

One of my first academic research experiences attempted to understand the genomics regulating wing patterning in tropical butterfly species of Central and South America. This experience taught me the innate beauty of developmental biology, not just in the colorful and diverse structures it generates, but also the intricate molecular dynamics that regulate it. Patterning in biology is not just relevant in determining the scales of a butterfly wing but is also crucial to define the body axis of a fly, organize the limb buds of a developing mouse paw, or regulate the branching of a human salivary gland—all of which I believe to be equally beautiful and complex.

Can you give an example in the work in your training area?

In the DRS training area, I’m able to ask fundamental questions and utilize approaches including live cell fluorescent imaging, high throughput transcriptional sequencing, and transgenic animal models to understand how cells are programmed, how they communicate with each other and their environment, and how they appropriately pattern to form healthy tissues. This understanding can then be used to develop regenerative therapies to restore damaged tissues and treat diseases. The faculty of DRS share and enhance this curiosity-driven research through engaging seminars with questions from audience members. In DRS, I’m surrounded by like-minded individuals passionate about teasing apart the basic principles of development and tissue homeostasis.

Why did you choose to study at Mount Sinai?

Mount Sinai offered rigorous research, a welcoming environment, and unbeatable location. I wasn’t certain what specific research I wanted to pursue for my thesis when applying to PhD programs. The number of laboratories at Mount Sinai is extensive and they cover many areas of biomedical science. I was certain I would easily find an interesting research home, which I did following four rotations which made it hard to pick just one. Not only were there lots of exciting and advanced research available, but also the researchers—the current PhD students, post docs, and faculty—were emblematic of an environment that valued collaboration, passion for science, and fulfilling lives outside of research. Everyone I talked to during interviews had a passion outside of research including art, food, athletics, and more. Not only did I feel I’d have adequate work-life balance at Mount Sinai, but its location in New York City meant I could truly make the most of my time outside of the lab, whether it’s running in the park, seeing movies weekly at local theatres, or going out to concerts on the weekend.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

Exercise, running or weightlifting outside of lab, has been crucial to maintaining adequate mental health—which I find to be incredibly important for success in research. I know exercise can be very cliché, but what I find most useful about exercise is how hard work is translated to progress in a very straight-forward manner. Biomedical research is full of ups and downs, and sometimes, no matter how hard you try, experiments just don’t work. With exercise, if I run one mile today, tomorrow I’ll likely be able to run 1.25 miles, and if I lift 50 pounds today, tomorrow I may be able to lift 55 pounds. This progress, achieved outside of lab, helps to maintain my self-confidence and assurance that I’m moving forward, even if it doesn’t always feel like my research is.

 What are your plans after you complete your PhD?

My current interests align with pursuing a faculty position at an academic research institution where I can split my time between running a lab and teaching. In academia, scientists can have control over their research and the questions they are driven to explore. I value being able to explore scientific phenomena based on curiosity and current health needs outside of the pressure of making profit. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed the experience of mentoring student trainees in lab. After working as a teaching assistant for the Development and Regeneration section of the first-year Biomedical Sciences core course, I want to continue educating budding scientists.

Any thoughts about future research projects?

I’ve enjoyed conducting basic biology research on epithelial development but would love to expand to different organ systems and cell types as well as other model organisms. I plan on pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship immediately following my PhD in hopes of gaining more independence as a research scientist and expanding my expertise to a wider breadth of research topics.

Learn more about the Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cells MTA within our PhD in Biomedical Sciences program

From Personal Tragedy to Life Purpose: How One Masters Student at Mount Sinai Was Inspired to Focus on a Career in Public Health

Mar 31, 2025 | COVID-19 Reflections, Featured, School

Brianna Sukhdeo, a second year Master of Public Health student

Brianna Sukhdeo is a second year Master of Public Health (MPH) student in the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention concentration. She is also the first student from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to be selected as an ambassador as part of a special program administered by the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health.

This honor is just the next step for her as she embarks on a career in public health.

She had been inspired to study public health during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as she watched her mother having trouble getting proper medical care. As soon as she arrived at Mount Sinai, she began pursuing opportunities outside the classroom to purse this goal.

For example, she has been working with Lauren Zajac, MD, MPH and Sofia Curdumi Pendley, PhD, MPH, on TEAM Kids (Team-based Environmental Asthma Management), a pediatric asthma clinic at Mount Sinai.

She found that mentors were willing to invite students into professional spaces to give them networking experiences and to develop new skills. Her mentors have been responsive to outreach from students and are willing to share professional opportunities, even to mentees they don’t work with directly.

The team that manages the Graduate Program in Public Health recognized that she would be a good fit for the This is Public Heath (TIPH) Ambassador Program run by the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health. So they met with her to explain the opportunity and then nominated her for it.

“I was excited to learn that I would be the first representative from Mount Sinai to participate,” she says of the program, which aims to raise awareness of the field of public health to students across the United States.

Embarking on a career in public health wasn’t always her primary goal.

“I want students to understand how foundational public health is to health care careers, along with how to make connections between this field and industries such as business, law, politics, and environmental science,” she says. “Public Health should be the lens through which we view health in our society.”

While completing her undergraduate degree in psychology, she thought about becoming a school psychologist or child psychologist. Her plans changed when her mom got sick and was hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. She saw how her mother wasn’t getting the care she needed and how resources were diverted during the pandemic.

Her mother had been living with liver problems and had been treated at other hospitals without a specific diagnosis. She finally came to The Mount Sinai Hospital, and her daughter credits this with saving her mother’s life. Her mother was diagnosed and treated for autoimmune hepatitis, a chronic liver disease. She has since recovered.

During the pandemic, Brianna Sukhdeo was inspired to help patients who were alone in hospitals due to COVID-19 restrictions, which led her to an internship at the Stony Brook University Emergency Department helping patients and families in the Emergency Department. Her supervisor, Samita Heslin, MD, MPH, MBA, was an Emergency Department doctor. “She explained how useful and versatile public health is in addressing the foundational issues of health and how these concepts can be applied to patient care,” she says.

While researching the next step in her educational journey, Brianna discovered many pediatric mentors were available at Mount Sinai.

“I was drawn to the fact that the Icahn School of Medicine was within the Mount Sinai Health System, which provides many opportunities for professional development, such as volunteering in clinical settings, research, and quality improvement,” she says.

“I often work with medical students, health administration students, and students from several other programs,” she says of her time at the Icahn School of Medicine. “The collaborative environment encouraged me to be an active participant as a student instead of just passive learning.”

After graduating from the MPH program in June, she hopes to attend medical school and become a public health pediatrician.

The goal of the This is Public Health Ambassador Program is to raise awareness of the field of public health. She believes this is crucial because she didn’t know much about the field until she was far into her academic journey.

“I want students to understand how foundational public health is to health care careers, along with how to make connections between this field and industries such as business, law, politics, and environmental science,” she says. “Public Health should be the lens through which we view health in our society.”

The TIPH Cohort runs from August through June, and the most important part of the experience is the networking. Participating schools have the chance to nominate one student a year. They meet once a month to discuss the similarities and differences of their programs, places of need, and to share resources. Brianna has enjoyed learning about the policy differences from ambassadors at schools in other states.

The TIPH Cohort provides advice to prospective public health students, such as why to study in this field, how to pick a school, how to successfully apply to programs, and more. Brianna has attended virtual and in-person recruitment fairs to answer these student questions. Each TIPH Cohort participant completes a presentation or project, which can include interviewing professionals in the field, educating students about public health topics, and more.

Learn more about the This is Public Health Ambassador Cohort
Learn more about the Department of Public Health at Mount Sinai

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