Even before attending college, Nitika Kamath, MSBS, says she knew she wanted to pursue a research-focused career. But would it be in genetics, or neuroscience, her two passions? And how would she get there?

In the following Q&A, she explains how curiosity and pivotal research opportunities, first in college and later, through Mount Sinai’s Master of Science in Biomedical Science program, have put her firmly on her own career path—in neuroscience—at the intersection of neurobiology and molecular biology.

What is your background?

I completed my undergraduate studies at Sarah Lawrence College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Going into college, I knew I wanted a research-focused career in either genetics or neuroscience. Through my pre-med coursework and hands-on lab experiences, my passion for neuroscience ultimately took center stage.

What first attracted you to this field?

My fascination with neuroscience truly sparked when I discovered the intersection of neurobiology and molecular biology—I was captivated by how molecular mechanisms manifest in complex behaviors and pathology. This curiosity led me to two pivotal research experiences. The first was at Sarah Lawrence during the summer of 2022 where I investigated the molecular biology of the vestibular system using zebra fish models in the lab of Cecilia Toro, PhD. Wanting to expand on this model, the subsequent summer I joined the lab of David Schoppik, PhD, at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where I studied the effects of tau accumulation on swimming behavior. Investigating tau really solidified my desire to focus on molecular biology through the lens of neurodegenerative models, which is exactly what brought me to Mount Sinai, where I joined the lab of neuroscientist Zhenyu Yue, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience, and Neurology, which is where I completed my MSBS thesis research work and other collaborative projects.

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

My MSBS thesis research focused on elucidating the complex molecular pathways that mediate the prevalence and signaling capacity of primary cilia, utilizing sophisticated Parkinson’s disease mouse models to better understand neurodegenerative mechanisms. My contributions to the lab’s fast-paced environment resulted in some of the following highlights:

• Co-authored a primary literature article titled, “Targeting specific kinase substrates rescues increased colitis severity induced by the Crohn’s disease-linked LRRK2-N2081D variant,” which was published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation
• Co-authored a review paper titled, “The emerging role and therapeutic targeting of autophagy-lysosome pathways in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease,” published in the journal Translational Neurodegeneration
• A research poster presentation at the 17th Annual Friedman Brain Institute Neuroscience Retreat.

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

Mount Sinai provided the ideal ecosystem for me to elevate my technical expertise and grow as a researcher, largely due to the exceptional culture of mentorship and collaboration. Although I entered the program without an extensive background in neuroscience, the rigorous environment gave me the training and confidence to truly define myself as a neuroscientist. Beyond the bench, Mount Sinai’s vibrant community allowed me to forge deeply meaningful professional connections and lifelong friendships. I was eager to pour back into this community by stepping into leadership roles. As the Mentorship Director for the MSBS and Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science and AI programs, I designed initiatives to connect incoming students with peers to ease their transition into graduate school. Additionally, I served as the Social and Mentorship Chair for the Women in Science club, facilitating community-building events both within Mount Sinai and across neighboring New York City institutions. My passion also extended to the First-Generation Scholars program, where I mentored local high school students navigating the college application process. Ultimately, Mount Sinai’s unique balance of high-impact science and dedicated community advocacy is what makes its programs so profoundly strong.

How else did you excel at Mount Sinai?

My two years of dedicated research ultimately culminated in receiving the Award for Scientific Excellence within the biomedical science cohort. Furthermore, I had the distinct honor of being selected as the commencement speaker, where I had the privilege of representing the graduating Class of 2026.

What’s Next?

While my immediate next step is to secure an associate research scientist position, my long-term goal is to return to graduate school within a few years to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience. Ultimately, I want to dedicate my career to investigating neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on basic science research with a strong emphasis on translational applications.

Rohitha Ravisekar, MBBS, MHA, MS, is a physician and health care administrator from India, with expertise in patient care, disease diagnosis and management, health care quality, patient safety, and hospital administration.  

However, she wanted to know more—much more—about the environmental, social, and systemic forces that can shape individual health outcomes. In the following Q&A, Dr. Ravisekar discusses how Mount Sinai’s Master of Science in Epidemiology program has given her the tools she needs to improve health at the population level.

You have accomplished much in your career. What is your background?
Most recently, I worked in a dual capacity as a clinician and quality manager, leading patient management, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation efforts. I also worked as a research consultant with a firm that delves into data-driven health care analytics projects. However, I have become increasingly interested in the larger factors that influence health long before patients enter the health care system.

What first attracted you to medicine and epidemiology?
As a child, I was fascinated by blood. When I or someone got hurt, instead of only sympathizing, I would be immediately engaged in how to stop it, and I would ask a lot of questions.

It was a curiosity that would eventually grow into a deeper interest in how the human body works and led me to get a medical degree. Years later, while working in a community hospital, I began to realize that many of the factors influencing health exist long before a patient ever enters a hospital, and that environmental, social, and systemic forces shape health outcomes. Epidemiology gave me the tools to explore these bigger questions and understand health beyond the “one patient” approach. I became focused on improving health at the population level.

Who were your Mount Sinai mentors, and what are some of your research highlights?
I was quite fortunate to have outstanding mentors. My faculty advisor, Vishal Midya, PhD, introduced me to a fascinating way of thinking about health through the lens of the exposome and elemental biodynamics. Working with him was akin to learning a new language, one spoken by code, metals, and time. I am also incredibly grateful for the guidance of Francheska Merced-Nieves, PhD, Program Director, MS in Epidemiology, who somehow always seemed to have the answer to whatever question I was about to ask next. Apart from faculty, the program manager and several student mentors helped me successfully navigate the program, manage expectations, and answer the many questions I had being an international student entering a new field. My research is essentially centered around outcomes associated with elemental biodynamics, more specifically how the elemental signatures preserved in children’s teeth can provide clues about dynamic patterns of metal uptake and metabolism during critical developmental windows. Using advanced statistical and machine learning methods, my work aims to establish their relationship to future health outcomes.

Why Mount Sinai—what, specifically, are the strong points of this program?
New York City has some of the world’s leading centers for health care, biomedical research, public health innovation, and scientific collaboration. There is an unparalleled environment for learning, discovery, and application. Mount Sinai sits at the heart of that ecosystem. One of the program’s greatest strengths is its integration within a state-of-the-art academic medical center where research questions arise directly from real-world clinical and public health challenges. The MS in Epidemiology program combines rigorous epidemiologic training with access to exceptional faculty, groundbreaking research, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries and apply epidemiologic methods to complex health problems. Being able to learn in an environment where scientific discovery, patient care, and public health intersect every day makes Mount Sinai an ideal place for training.

How else did you excel at Mount Sinai?
I participated in a variety of activities, including a community walk and community health screening events, and I supported conferences and academic events as a volunteer. I was part of the Students for Equal Opportunity in Science peer mentorship program, which allowed me to connect with fellow students and mentors, share experiences, and help build a supportive learning environment. I also enjoyed participating in cultural and community activities that brought together students from diverse backgrounds.  These experiences helped me build friendships, strengthen my leadership and communication skills, and reminded me that graduate school offers students opportunities that extend beyond academic courses.

What’s Next?

I want to build a career at the intersection of epidemiology, environmental health, and health care improvement, with a particular focus on translating research findings into meaningful changes in clinical care. I am especially interested in risk prediction and identifying early life factors that can help detect disease before symptoms emerge. Long term, I would like to work with organizations that operate on a global scale, where research can inform policies, programs, and clinical practices that improve health outcomes across populations. Whether through research, implementation, or education, my goal is to ensure that scientific discoveries do not remain in journals but ultimately reach the patients and communities they are meant to serve. And, as I continue to pursue new avenues, I want to remain grateful for my children, family, friends, and mentors for their continued support and encouragement. I could not have done any of this without them.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, Taylor Ward, MSCR, came to Mount Sinai’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences with a dual passion for nutrition and health equity. As a student in the Master of Science in Clinical Research program, she conducted cardiovascular disparities research, working directly with cardiology patients, and developing Soulfully Nutritious, a culturally responsive nutrition education framework designed to help adults living with cardiomyopathy make sustainable dietary changes while honoring their cultural food traditions. Her work bridges clinical research, community engagement, and patient education, earning her Mount Sinai’s 2026 Commencement Award for Community Service and Engagement in Clinical Research.

In the following Q&A, Ms. Ward discusses what she has learned, the mentors who shaped her experience, and her vision for advancing cardiovascular health through research, education, and community partnership.

What is your background?

I developed a strong interest in nutrition, health equity, and community-based research at Cornell University, and my experiences there helped me understand that health outcomes are influenced not only by biology, but also by access to resources, education, culture, and the broader social determinants of health. That foundation led me to Mount Sinai’s Master of Science in Clinical Research program where I focused on cardiovascular health disparities, clinical research, and community engagement, with a particular interest in improving outcomes for historically underserved populations. My work has allowed me to combine research, patient-centered care, and health education in ways that directly benefit the communities most affected by cardiovascular disease.

What first attracted you to this field?

I wanted to better understand why some communities experience worse health outcomes than others. As I learned more about nutrition and cardiovascular disease, I became increasingly interested in the social, cultural, and environmental factors that shape health long before someone enters a hospital or clinic. Cardiovascular disease has a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. I wanted to contribute to work that not only advances our understanding of disease, but also improves patient care and helps people take an active role in their health.

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

I had the privilege of working with two exceptional Mount Sinai mentors: Janice L. Gabrilove, MD, Director of the Clinical Research Education Program, and Icilma V. Fergus, MD, Director of Cardiovascular Disparities at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital. Dr. Gabrilove’s leadership in clinical and translational research helped shape my understanding of how rigorous study design and scientific inquiry can ultimately improve patient care. Under her guidance, I developed the skills needed to transform a research question into a meaningful and impactful clinical research project. Working with Dr. Fergus allowed me to explore the intersection of cardiovascular medicine, health equity, and community engagement. As a nationally recognized leader in cardiovascular disparities research, she inspired me to think beyond traditional clinical outcomes and consider how cultural, social, and structural factors shape cardiovascular health. Her mentorship helped shape both my research interests and my commitment to reducing health disparities in underserved communities.

With their guidance, I developed my master’s thesis, Soulfully Nutritious, which investigates culturally tailored nutrition education as a strategy for improving cardiovascular self-management among adults living with nonischemic cardiomyopathies, including transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. The project integrates cardiovascular medicine, nutrition science, and community-based health education to address disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. It emphasizes culturally responsive nutrition education that supports sustainable dietary changes while preserving cultural food traditions.

The project integrates cardiovascular medicine, nutrition science, and community-based health education to address disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. It emphasizes culturally responsive nutrition education that supports sustainable dietary changes while preserving cultural food traditions. Beyond developing the framework, I conducted community health seminars and educational initiatives designed to improve cardiovascular health literacy and bridge the gap among evidence-based medicine and real-world patient experiences. That experience reinforced my belief that research is most impactful when it extends beyond academic settings and directly benefits the communities it seeks to serve.

Night sweats. Hot flashes. These are the symptoms that most women associate with menopause. However, many women experience these—and other symptoms that they may not recognize as related to menopause—for as many as 10 years before the onset of menopause.

In this Q&A, Kumi Yuki, MD, Director of Mount Sinai’s Virtual Primary Care for Menopause, discusses what you should know and what you can do about symptoms related to perimenopause—the time before menopause.

“It’s important for women to educate themselves about perimenopause. But it’s equally important to make sure that your sources of information are reputable,” Dr. Yuki says. “Social media and word of mouth may not be your best sources of information. Whenever you are going through something you don’t understand, it’s best to speak with your doctor.”

What should women know about perimenopause?

There is an interesting recent study that highlights the fact that many women don’t associate the symptoms they are experiencing as part of perimenopause. While physical changes such as hot flashes, weight gain, and sleep disturbances are widely recognized, other prevalent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, and anxiety often go overlooked.

Kumi Yuki, MD

Women in their 40s and 50s often don’t know what’s going on with their bodies because no one teaches them “this is menopause.” In a sense, it’s like having their first menstrual period, because their body is going through a change for the first time that they have never experienced. And if women are still having their period, they may not associate these symptoms with the gradual changes of perimenopause. It is essential that we address this knowledge gap through targeted education to empower women and promote their overall wellness during this transition.

What are some common symptoms of perimenopause that women might overlook?

There are a number of symptoms, including:

• Pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal dryness
• Joint pain and fatigue
• Brain fog, irritability, mood changes, and anxiety

Women may not realize that this transition into menopause affects the whole body—and mind. Many women may experience symptoms and not associate them with a transition their body is going through. Sometimes, these mood changes may occur around the menstrual cycle and may make it easier to realize the cause, but not always. Many women may not seek treatment and try to push through on their own.

Why is virtual care for perimenopause a good option?

Virtual primary care for menopause increases access and convenience. Often, same-day appointments are available, whereas that’s usually not possible with a gynecologist. If a patient has questions about the way they are feeling, or has basic questions about perimenopause, virtual care provides a great entry point for care. A patient can test the waters, find out options for evaluation and treatment, and start their personal path to managing their symptoms. If a case is more complex, they can see their gynecologist for in-person care. No matter what you are feeling, it is always good to talk to a health care professional because there are options for care.