2026 Intern Cohort

Education: Case Western Reserve University
MD Mentor: Dr. Kevin Harris
Staff Mentors: Katie Johnson & Abhishek Chandra
Projects: 

• Long term follow-up of patients in the MHI Aortic Dissection Registry with Imaging and Clinical Predictors of Adverse Outcomes
• Aorta size in marathon runners

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

Following my sophomore year, I was looking for research opportunities that felt more closely connected to medicine and the broader healthcare landscape, which led me to MHIF. My experience last summer was incredibly impactful and helped me grow both personally and professionally, so the opportunity to return, deepen that experience, and help lead a new cohort felt like an exciting next step!

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

I love food way too much not to have it be part of my daily life, which is one of the many reasons I am studying nutrition. Following my freshman year, I worked in community outreach for a food bank, and it was here I first saw how many barriers exist between people and the health knowledge or resources that could improve their well-being. That experience shaped how I think about medicine and made me realize how much impact exists outside of the clinic. It made me appreciate research not just as a way to answer unanswered questions, but as a way to shape how we approach care in ways that can actually reach and benefit the most people. Cardiology has felt like a really natural extension of all of that, sitting at the intersection of prevention, deeply researched clinical care, and community impact in a way that aligns with what excites me.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I see myself as an academic-physician balancing clinical care with research to help answer questions about how care is delivered and accessed. At the same time, I want my impact to extend beyond the clinic through things like community outreach, health education, and advocacy. What I really want is a career that blends patient care, discovery, and community impact.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m really excited to go through the program again! Having already experienced many parts of the internship once, I’m looking forward to seeing them through a completely different lens the second time around and picking up on things I probably missed the first time.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I want to keep building the kinds of relationships that contribute to both my professional and personal growth. Everyone I worked with last year was incredibly open to questions and generous with their time, and I’m excited to keep learning by picking people’s brains even more this year. I’m also really looking forward to a new intern class. One of the coolest parts of the experience was getting close with a group of driven students all at similar stages in their journeys toward medicine, and I’m excited to build another set of those connections this summer.

What are your plans after the summer?

A big part of what’s ahead for me is applying to medical school this cycle. In the fall, I’ll be a part-time student finishing my degree at Case while continuing to work with the Exercise Nutrition Research Group. I’m also currently training for an Ironman that I’ll be doing during my senior year, alongside fitting in some travel with friends.

What is a fun fact about you?

I used to be a competitive chef, won a state competition, and competed at the national level!

Education: Creighton University
MD Mentor: Dr. Kasia Hryniewicz
Staff Mentor: Melanie Sun
Project: Kidney Function Trajectories in Cardiogenic Shock (CS) Patients Supported with Impella 5.5

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I heard about the MHIF internship through a physician I shadowed at the Minneapolis Heart Institute. I wanted to participate because it seemed like a unique opportunity to gain exposure to clinical research and contribute to improving disease treatment and patient outcomes.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My interest in medicine and cardiology began when I had the opportunity to shadow several cardiologists and observe the meaningful, long-term relationships they built with their patients. My interest in research developed through my involvement in a neurorehabilitation lab at Creighton University. I hope to integrate research and clinical medicine to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I am interested in pursuing a career as a physician, with particular interests in cardiology, psychiatry, or gynecology.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I look forward to becoming involved in medical research and contributing to meaningful advancements in the treatment and care of patients with heart-related diseases. I also look forward to getting to know the other interns and learning from their experiences and perspectives.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I am very excited to work alongside an exceptional group of physicians and mentors. I hope to gain meaningful insight into the role and impact of medical research, better understand how it advances patient-centered care, and gain exposure to the many different roles within healthcare.

What are your plans after the summer?

I plan to return to Creighton University for my senior year of college.

What is a fun fact about you?

I am ambidextrous!

Education: University of Texas at Austin
MD Mentor: Dr. Yader Sandoval
Staff Mentors: Bavana Rangan / Pedro Carvahlo
Project: Complementary Role of AI-Enhanced CCTA Plaque Quantification and High-Sensitivity Troponin T in Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I learned about the MHIF internship while researching summer clinical research opportunities. This program immediately stood out to me not only because of its strong emphasis on clinical research and preparation for becoming a physician-scientist, but also because of the mentorship, physician shadowing, and hands-on clinical exposure offered through the program. I was drawn to the opportunity to learn directly from cardiologists and researchers while contributing to meaningful cardiovascular research.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

Having participated in a cardiology research internship previously, I developed a strong passion for clinical research, particularly within cardiology, where rapid technological advancements continue to transform diagnosis and treatment. Through shadowing physicians, I also became increasingly fascinated by cardiology procedures and the problem-solving involved in patient care. These experiences motivated me to seek further exposure to the field and deepen my understanding of the diverse techniques and approaches used to address cardiovascular disease.

What is your desired career in medicine?

Although I am not yet certain of the exact specialty I want to pursue, I am particularly interested in either cardiothoracic or trauma surgery.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

This summer, I am most looking forward to gaining deeper exposure to clinical research and cardiovascular medicine while working alongside physicians and researchers. In addition, I look forward to meeting and collaborating with other interns who share similar interests in medicine and research, as I value the opportunity to learn from their perspectives and experiences.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how clinical research is designed, conducted, and translated into improvements in patient care. I would also like to gain more clinical experience and exposure to the challenges of balancing research with patient care as a physician. Additionally, I aim to enhance my scientific communication skills through the poster presentations and manuscript writing at the end of the summer.

What are your plans after the summer?

I will return to UT Austin to complete the last semester of my undergraduate studies, and work as an EMT and travel during the spring semester.

What is a fun fact about you?

I was born in Canada and spent my early childhood living in Dubai.

Education: Georgia Institute of Technology
MD Mentor: Dr. Emmanouil Brilakis
Staff Mentors: Bavana Rangan / Theodoros Vichos 
Project: Efficacy and Safety of Drug-Coated Balloons in Coronary Artery Disease (PROGRESS-CATH)

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I found MHIF online when I was searching for clinical research internships. I was excited at the possibility to take a clinical research project to completion.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

Working with my mentor Dr. Hoang at Emory first excited me in clinical research as I could contribute to new findings in science! My interest in cardiology stemmed from my human pathology class.

What is your desired career in medicine?

Something surgical in academic medicine - currently neurosurgery and ENT - but am excited about exposure in cardiology with this internship.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Working on a clinical research project in coronary artery disease and meeting with all of the other interns.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to improve my clinical research skills, mainly regarding manuscript writing and statistical analysis.

What are your plans after the summer?

I am currently applying to medical school and will graduate college in the fall!

What is a fun fact about you?

I have a twin brother who goes to Emory.

Education: University of Delaware
MD Mentor: Dr. Michael Miedema
Staff Mentors: Gretchen Benson / Otto Sanchez
Project: From referral to completion: how many patients do we lose on the path to cardiac rehab?

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I came across the MHIF internship when looking for opportunities in cardiovascular research online. I have a strong interest in cardiovascular health due to personal experiences and after seeing the positive comments from past interns I knew this was something I wanted to apply to!

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

Right before starting my first year of my undergraduate degree, I was involved in a cardiovascular emergency that had a strong impact on me. Witnessing firsthand how cardiovascular disease can affect individuals who may appear healthy, yet remain undiagnosed until serious complications arise, sparked my interest in cardiovascular research.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I have enjoyed all the different specialties I have shadowed so far and am very excited to now explore cardiology. Although, I am still undecided on what specialty, I desire to provide patients with a voice and an understanding of whatever their diagnosis may be.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most excited to build lasting connections with both the MHIF mentors/staff as well as the other interns. I also am looking forward to gaining hands on experience in clinical research, as I have only had experience with benchtop research prior to this.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain insight into what a career in cardiology and research would look like while also gaining a deeper understanding of the cardiovascular system. I hope through the various components of the internship that it will allow me to grow both professionally and personally.

What are your plans after the summer?

After the summer, I will be finishing my senior year at the University of Delaware and running my first marathon.

What is a fun fact about you?

I run various races with an organization called Ainsley’s Angels. I absolutely love getting ready for race day dressing up in a pink tutu, hair bows, and lots of glitter!

Education: Johns Hopkins University
MD Mentor: Dr. Jay Sengupta
Staff Mentors: Dawn Witt / Matt Katsiyiannis
Project: Clinical Outcomes of WATCHMAN FLX Pro versus WATCHMAN FLX in Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I heard about the internship through a friend, and I was drawn to the cardiovascular focus of the program. My current research spans computational electrophysiology and cardiovascular medical device design, but it has all been framed from an engineering-heavy perspective. MHIF stood out to me as a place where I could approach that work from the clinical side, and the institute's close ties to the surrounding medtech industry felt like an ideal environment for me!

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

I have found the heart fascinating on both a mechanical and electrophysiological level, and I have great interest in how disturbances in one inevitably reshape the other, whether through arrhythmia, remodeling, or heart failure. What initially drew me to cardiology was learning how widespread sudden cardiac death is globally, and especially in India, where it remains a leading cause of mortality among young adults. That reality guided my engineering interests toward medical device design, computational methods for risk stratification, and advancing minimally invasive cardiovascular care. Cardiology has always felt like the field where my engineering and clinical interests most naturally come together.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I hope to pursue an MD-PhD and build a career in either cardiothoracic surgery or cardiac electrophysiology, while still being involved with engineering and medical device work. I would like to develop devices from a clinician's perspective, ideally through a more entrepreneurial path, and stay involved in clinical research on the translational side, particularly around bringing novel technologies into practice.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am looking forward to meeting my fellow interns and the clinicians I will be working with! I also hope to explore Minneapolis and try new places to eat!

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain experience working within a new clinical research environment! This summer will also be an important chance to learn what the clinician-scientist lifestyle actually looks like day to day and get a clearer sense of what that path may look like for me in the future.

What are your plans after the summer?

I plan to finish up my final year of undergraduate studies, and then likely take a gap year working in clinical research or the medtech industry before applying to medical school.

What is a fun fact about you?

The summer before college, I completed a half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) with a friend! Part of the (brutal) three months of training also meant teaching my friends how to swim, and it is one of the most rewarding things I have done!

Education: University of Minnesota
MD Mentor: Dr. Siu-Hin Wan
Staff Mentor: Melanie Sun
Project: Stratification of Risk for ATTR-CM utilizing cardiac MRI

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I first heard about the MHIF internship from a cardiologist I shadowed at the hospital and later learned more about it from a friend who completed the program a couple years ago. After hearing about the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities the internship offered, I became very interested in applying myself. I wanted to be part of an environment where I could learn directly from healthcare professionals, contribute to meaningful research, and grow alongside students who share similar passions in medicine.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My interest in cardiology started when my grand uncle had a quadruple bypass surgery in his early forties. Seeing how much that surgery changed his life really stuck with me growing up. Over the past couple years, I’ve had the chance to shadow physicians in the ICU, and those experiences made me even more interested in the field. A moment that really stood out to me was watching a cardiologist care for a patient with an aortic aneurysm while leading the whole team so calmly during a life-threatening situation. Seeing the way physicians can impact patients and their families during moments like that is a big part of why I’m interested in medicine and cardiology today.

What is your desired career in medicine?

Right now, I am interested in cardiology and orthopedic surgery. I know my interests may change as I gain more experience throughout medical school and shadowing, but I’m excited to continue exploring different specialties and finding the path that fits me best!

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m really looking forward to meeting and learning from the other interns, mentors, physicians, and staff throughout the program. I’m also excited to get more exposure to clinical environments, especially shadowing in the OR and cath lab. I think this summer will be a great opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a better understanding of cardiology, clinical research, and how research can directly improve patient care. I also hope to build meaningful connections with other interns and healthcare professionals while learning as much as I can from everyone around me.

What are your plans after the summer?

After the summer, I plan to return to the University of Minnesota to continue pursuing my degree in Biomedical Engineering. As I continue through college, I also plan to keep preparing for medical school while staying involved in research, volunteering, and clinical experiences.

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy Arabic calligraphy and have sold some of my artwork!

Education: University of Georgia 
MD Mentor: Dr. Jay Traverse
Staff Mentor: Opeyemi Akindumila
Project: Using AI to determine the presence of Intramyocardial hemorrhage on EKG following STEMI

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I learned about the MHIF Internship while researching clinical research internships for the summer - it stood out to me because of its integration of research and experiences in different areas of cardiology and medicine. I think the opportunities this internship provides to both conduct research and learn more about this field of medicine through activities like case studies and shadowing is very exciting. I am eager to learn more about medicine and cardiology this summer!

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

I am drawn to cardiology as a field particularly because cardiac disease is a common medical problem in my family. I have always been interested in researching cardiac disease disparity amongst different populations, especially in the South Asian community. I have always been interested in research, as I believe the intersection between scientific advancement and communication of such research to patients is an integral part of medicine. I hope that through these passions, I can learn more about cardiology research and use my experience to make a tangible impact as an aspiring physician.

What is your desired career in medicine?

While I am still exploring my options, I am most interested in working in Surgery or in Emergency/Space Medicine.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to meeting the rest of the intern cohort, building relationships with the physicians, mentors, and peers that I will work with, and becoming a better researcher and learner overall.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain further insight into medicine and what it really means to be a physician, both through improving my research and critical thinking skills, as well as learning more about cardiology and clinical research through opportunities such as visiting medical device centers and lectures with different physicians.

What are your plans after the summer?

I plan to return to UGA to finish my degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as work on my medical school application!

What is a fun fact about you?

I am a huge space and sci-fi nerd - it's not uncommon to find me reading science fiction novels and listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson podcasts in my free time.

Education: St. Olaf College
MD Mentor: Various
Staff Mentors: Kate Jappe
Project: Sponsored Clinical Trials

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I first heard about the MHIF internship through the nursing department at St. Olaf and I was encouraged by my advisor to apply. After looking into this opportunity, I knew this would be a great way to expand my nursing knowledge into the field of research. After a fulfilling summer as part of the intern cohort last year, I knew as soon as I left that I wanted to come back for another summer of learning and fun!

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

I have always been interested in the field of medicine and understanding the human body. I started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in high school because of this interest in medicine, which solidified my desire to be a nurse. I knew that I wanted to take on the role of caregiver, supporter, and advocate. Prior to last summer, I didn’t realize that nursing expanded into the field of research. But after a fulfilling summer as part of the MHIF internship cohort, working alongside so many supportive people and diving into multiple areas of research, I quickly knew that I wanted to pursue research further. My interest in cardiology closely couples my interest in research. After having the chance to dive into cardiology research last summer and absorb a deeper knowledge in this area, I gained a profound appreciation and interest in the field of cardiology. I am excited to dive back into this focus over the summer and gain knowledge that I can apply to my learning in the fall. 

What is your desired career in medicine?

I plan to pursue a career in nursing, though I am currently undecided on which field of nursing I want to pursue. One of the appeals of nursing is the wide range of areas to explore. I am very interested in cardiac nursing, and I hope that my experiences this summer as well as my schooling in the fall will help me grow my knowledge in this area. Additionally, after my wonderful experiences last summer, I hope to one day enter into the field of research nursing.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am excited to reconnect with the welcoming and kind people I met last summer, including my staff mentor, and I look forward to getting to know the interns in this year’s cohort.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

Now that I am further into my nursing education, I hope that I can apply more of my classroom learning to my experiences this summer and further appreciate all of the intricate details that are involved in research nursing. I am also excited to take my experiences this summer back to campus with me in the fall and use them to deepen my understanding of nursing from all perspectives.

What are your plans after the summer?

In the fall, I will return to St. Olaf to begin my senior year. I am looking forward to our cardiac nursing unit, gaining hands-on cardiac nursing experience, and applying my learning from this internship experience to the classroom setting.

What is a fun fact about you?

Music has always been an instrumental part of my life! I started playing piano when I was in kindergarten and French horn when I was in fifth grade, and I still play both today.

Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison
MD Mentor: Dr. Retu Saxena
Staff Mentor: Gretchen Benson
Project: Stratifying Hormone Therapy Risk with CAC: A Modern Framework for Menopausal Cardiovascular Care

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I first learned about the MHIF internship through a mentor who strongly encouraged me to apply. Once I looked into the foundation's history and the incredible work past interns have driven, I knew the internship was an unmatched opportunity. Ultimately, I want to become a physician who treats patients holistically while contributing to the science that keeps them healthy. I am excited to expand my knowledge of how to serve as a bridge between evidence and everyday patient care this summer.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My interest in medicine was first sparked at sixteen when I was taken in for surgery. The transparency and compassion I received from my physician transformed my experience, showing me that a doctor's greatest tool is the ability to treat a patient as a partner in their care. This encounter inspired a commitment to provide that same peace of mind to others. As I stepped into clinical roles, I realized quality care requires quality evidence that only rigorous research can provide. Through my work on a meta-analysis, I discovered a passion for the "detective work" of research in which uncovering patterns in vast datasets could improve patient outcomes.

What is your desired career in medicine?

Currently, I am most interested in the fields of OBGYN and cardiology, a passion stemming from my own medical experiences and clinical background. I am thrilled to be spending this summer working on a project focused on cardiovascular outcomes in women. While I am eager to dive into this research, I am committed to keeping an open mind as I explore various medical specialties and the many ways clinical research can improve patient care.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to connecting with and learning from my fellow interns, my physician mentor, and the research team. I am excited to collaborate with such driven individuals, each bringing a unique background and set of future goals to the table. Beyond the collaboration, I am eager to see the bench-to-bedside process unfold and gain a deeper understanding of how our research findings translate into improved outcomes for patients.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

Professionally, I hope to refine my technical research skills while contributing to a field where bench-to-bedside innovation happens in real-time and helping to close the gap in women's cardiovascular research. Personally, I look forward to further developing the resilience and independence required to be a leader in the medical field, building on my clinical and research experiences.

What are your plans after the summer?

Having just graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in Nutritional Science, I am currently in the process of applying to medical school. Following my time at MHIF, I plan to work full-time in a clinical or research setting to further refine my skills before starting medical school. Outside of my professional goals, I am also prioritizing a healthy balance by dedicating time to family and friends, staying active, and maintaining a focus on overall health and well-being as I prepare for the next chapter of my medical journey.

What is a fun fact about you?

I studied abroad in Rome, Italy during my junior spring semester. While I was there, I traveled across 17 different countries, navigating everything from solo adventures and group trips to a memorable visit from my family!

Education: Brown University
MD Mentor: Dr. Alan Bank
Staff Mentors: Dawn Witt / Fernando Santiago
Project: CRT Optimization in patients with mildly to moderately prolonged QRS

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I heard about it through an online website and wanted to participate because I have a lot of lab experience but not much clinical, and I wanted to see how my lab work translates directly into the hospital setting.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My dad is a scientist who works with pacemakers, so I’ve always been interested in this field, and this program felt like a natural progression into this career path.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I’m hoping to pursue an MD or maybe an MD-PhD and become a practicing physician and professor.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m most looking forward to applying my past research experience to clinical spaces and understanding how I can impact patients from the lab as well as the hospital.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain a clearer understanding of my future career plans and what I want for my future.

What are your plans after the summer?

After the summer, I plan to go back to school for my third year of undergrad and hope to continue with my research to begin my senior thesis

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I am a classically trained oil painter.

Education: Northwestern University
MD Mentor: Dr. Jay Sengupta
Staff Mentors: Dawn Witt, Kerollos Abdelsayed, Efrah Hussein
Project: Predictive value of early atrial arrhythmia recurrence for late recurrence across catheter ablation modalities: A retrospective cohort study

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

MHIF medical doctors Jay Sangupta and Edwin Zishiri recommended this internship as an impactful, mind-shaping experience that can create a clinical and research foundation before medical school.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

Studying neuroscience at Northwestern has shown me how early our understanding of the human body and disease still is, even in fields that seem highly advanced. Cardiology is no different, but with so much already known about how the heart works, prospective research can effectively tackle problems that affect large numbers of people.

What is your desired career in medicine?

I want to pursue surgery after medical school. With a research background involving neurosurgical procedures and injections in mice, I feel I'm comfortable and passionate about helping people through surgery.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I'm most looking forward to creating camaraderie between me and my cohort and between my lab group and me through shared challenges, wins, and experiences. I'm also looking forward to applying myself as diligently as I can to get the most depth and reward out of this experience.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to gain an experience that not only sharpens and hones my understanding of the scientific research method and clinical skills, but more importantly, helps build my teamwork and communication skills alongside a group of individuals working toward a common goal.

What are your plans after the summer?

After gaining insightful research and clinical experience with MHIF and reflecting on my experience and lessons, I intend to continue building up my character as well as my clinical experiences before applying to med school in the following spring.

What is a fun fact about you?

I was born in Oxford, England and support Liverpool F.C

Education: Rice University 
MD Mentor: Dr. Steve Bradley
Staff Mentor: Alexa Hunsinger
Project: ATTR Amyloid testing and prevalence among patients with high-risk features

How did you hear about the MHIF internship and why did you want to participate?

I heard about it from a family friend and then researched more about it. I wanted to join an internship diverse in what it provides. Allowing a recent grad intense research opportunity with possibility to publish, potential to see an open heart surgery, and access to many physicians, sponsors and donors for networking are the reasons I applied.

What sparked your interest in the field of research, medicine and cardiology?

My first research experience at the Texas Medical Center with the largest Cancer Research Organization in MD Anderson sparked my interest in research. My own experiences as a patient experiencing depression and anxiety drew me to medicine and my father's work in cardiology has always piqued my interest in that subject.

What is your desired career in medicine?

My desired career in medicine is in neurology.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I am most looking forward to refining my research skills, pushing for a publication, and networking with physicians to get a better sense of my future career goals!

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

I hope to learn more about what it means being a physician who conducts research to learn more about my career goals and to improve my network.

What are your plans after the summer?

I plan to conduct research for the NIH as a post-bacc researcher in January. I am studying for my MCAT and recertifying as an EMT in the space between January and the End of this internship.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have a twin! He is actually a part of this cohort which I am grateful for.