2026 Presenters

Join our panel sessions to learn more about various educational programs leading to graduate, professional, and health-related degrees (PhD, MD, MPH, DDS, MD/PhD, etc).

Our expert panelists will share their insights, tips, and advice for students considering these programs so you can put your best foot forward to be a competitive applicant. These interactive sessions will cover topics ranging from, but not limited to:

• How to make your application stand out for a particular program
• Insights into the program-specific application process
• Tips on preparing for interviews
• Information on potential career paths/opportunities
• How to highlight your research experience
• How to identify a program that will be the best fit for YOU
• How to take care of yourself during this process

We encourage you to bring your questions pertaining to these topics or others you are curious about.

Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium 

Moderator

• Britney Hardy, Ph.D. - Educational Advising Director, Office of Intramural Training & Education, National Institutes of Health

Panelists

• Sandra Quezada, MD, MS, AGAF - Associate Dean for Admissions, Associate Dean for Health Strategy and Engagement, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Harpreet Singh - Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Harvard University School of Medicine
• Monique H. Aftimos, M.B.A. - Coordinator of Medical School Admissions, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
• Robin B. Clay, M.Ed. - Associate Director of Admissions, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine
• Anton D. Johnson - Admissions Recruiter, Medical College of Wisconsin

Room G

Moderator

• John G Taborn, PhD - Career and Educational Counseling, Office of Intramural Training & Education, National Institutes of Health

Panelists

• Pamela Rakhshan Rouhakhtar, PhD - Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County
• Alanta Hider, MBA - Director, Office of Admissions, Palo Alto University

Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium

Moderator

• Patricia L. Cameron, PhD - Vice Dean, The Graduate School, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University

Panelists

• Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez, Ph.D. - Associate Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Southwestern
• Bill Mahoney, PhD - Associate Dean for Research Education & Training
  University of Washington
• Cherilynn Shadding, PhD - Associate Dean, Graduate Education, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
• Nancy B. Schwartz, PhD - The University of Chicago, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Associate Dean of Basic Science, Postdoctoral Affairs
• Nicquet Blake, PhD, MS. - Vice Provost and Dean, Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA), University of California San Francisco

Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium

Moderator

• Megan Willams, PhD - Assistant Director MSTP, Director Vanderbilt MSTP SURP, Vanderbilt University

Panelists

• Santos Cayetano, M.S. - Director, MSTP Administration, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
• Mary-Claire Roghmann, MD, MS - Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist Training; Senior Associate Dean for Academic Advancement; Director Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Linda Varvel - Administrative Director, MSTP, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine
• Talia Swartz, MD, PhD - Senior Associate Dean for MD-PhD Education; Director, Medical Scientist Training Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Chris Williams, MD, PhD - Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist Training and Education; Director, Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Room G

Moderator

• Britney Hardy, Ph.D. - Educational Advising Director, Office of Intramural Training & Education, National Institutes of Health

Speakers:

• John Nwafor, MHRM - Assistant Director, Recruitment & Outreach, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
• William (Bill) King, MBA - Assistant Vice President for National Student Recruitment, The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Marie McGillycuddy, MS - Senior Director of Admissions, Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Craig Boyd - Admissions Officer, Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium

Session 1 - Research with Purpose: Communicating your WHY, 2:45 - 3:15pm

• Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez, Ph.D. - Associate Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UT Southwestern

Session 2 - Navigating your Education and Career Journey with Resilience, 3:20 - 3:50pm

• Erica Shirley, PhD - Well-being Advisor, Office of Intramural Training & Education, National Institutes of Health