The Wake Forest Biomedical Graduate Programs Ambassadors are current students who love being a student with us so much that they volunteered to represent our biomedical graduate programs and serve as a resource to prospective students. Each of them is eager to answer any question that you may have about being a student here. Ambassadors help with a variety of events including campus tours, open house events, and assisting with formal Biomedical Graduate Programs events. If you schedule a tour, you’re likely to meet an ambassador.  

Have a question for a current student? We encourage you to reach out to any of the ambassadors listed below via email regarding questions about the program, application process, career resources, life at Wake Forest, living in Winston-Salem, or any other questions you may have.
 
Evelyn Anaafi Amoabeng

Evelyn Anaafi Amoabeng
eamoaben@wakehealth.edu

Program: Medical Physics MS

Hometown: Ghana

Undergraduate School: University for Development Studies

Why Wake? After reading about the Medical Physics program at Wake I got to understand that the program is built of the fundamentals of physics but engrossing on application to medicine.

Jordis Blackburn

Jordis Blackburn
jeblackb@wakehealth.edu

Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: Maryville, TN

Undergraduate School: University of Tennessee

Why Wake? Following my undergraduate career at Tennessee, I knew that I wanted to continue my passion for research in the regenerative medicine field. After attending the BMES conference and visiting the Wake Forest table, I learned about the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and knew this was the place I wanted to be. I have been extremely impressed by the collaborative approach that WFIRM takes because it allows me to interact with many different people outside of my research focus. I have also enjoyed the city of Winston-Salem because of the hiking nearby, the Saturday farmer’s market, and the many events around town.

Bailey Brennen

Bailey Brennen
bbrennen@wakehealth.edu

Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: New Hartford, NY

Undergraduate School: Clarkson University

Why Wake? Having previously spent a summer at the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, I was captivated by the cutting-edge research and the collaborative environment. The intersection among researchers, faculty, and students allowed for a dynamic environment where ideas seamlessly intersect, fostering innovative approaches to scientific inquiry. The unique blend of pioneering research and a collaborative community solidified Wake Forest as my top choice for graduate school.

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Logan Cave

Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Undergraduate School: NC State University

Why Wake: I was really interested in a grad program that would better prepare for med school. I learned about the Wake Forest program and fell in love. I love the atmosphere of Wake and the community that I am surrounded with. Wake has provided me with an abundance of opportunities to grow personally and professionally as well as strengthen my resume for my future goals!

Favorite Spot in Winston: Debeen Espresso, Reynolda Campus Gym

Fun Fact: One of my favorite things to do is travel and experience new places! I love trying new foods from different cultures
Kelly Contino

Kelly Contino
kcontino@wakehealth.edu

Program:Cancer Biology PhD Program (Previously BMSC)

Hometown:Cary, NC

Undergraduate School:Penn State University

Why Wake? As much as I loved undergrad at Penn State, I knew I wanted to come back to the Carolinas (if possible) for graduate school. At the time I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue a PhD or medical school, and Wake’s Biomedical Research program was the perfect option for me to explore both interests. I ended up loving my lab and research so much that I ultimately decided to stay to pursue my PhD.

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Jossiell Cortes

Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Mount Airy, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Charlotte

Why Wake: I wanted to attend a master’s program that would help prepare me for medical school. During my interview, I noticed how cohesive the whole program was, and I instantly wanted to get accepted here. The entire program here really shows you that they care about your future. I have been able to find shadowing opportunities much easier here at Wake and have been able to start working alongside an Endocrinologist for my capstone project.

Favorite Spot in Winston: Barnes and Noble

Fun Fact: I enjoy working out during my free time
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Beatrice Gar

Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Columbia, SC

Undergraduate School: NC A&T State University

Why Wake: In undergrad, I was a summer research intern for two years through the ENGAGED Program here at Wake Forest. I fell in love with the school and the overall environment. Everyone here was so welcoming and nurturing. I felt like the faculty and mentors truly cared about my success. My research mentor encouraged me to apply to the master's program after graduating from A&T and it was the only program I applied to.

Favorite Spot in Winston: Remedy Café, it is a great study environment and atmosphere

Fun Fact: I'm obsessed with all things true crime. I frequently listen to true crime podcasts and watch true crime documentaries.
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Rachel Lynn Graves, MD

Program: Translational and Health System Science MS

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Undergraduate School: Boston College

Why Wake: I work as an emergency medicine and addiction medicine physician in Winston Salem, NC. My research focuses on developing community-based interventions and systems of care for people with substance use disorders who present for care in the emergency setting. Wake's THSS program has provided me with the necessary skills to advance my research and the mentorship to support my professional development. 

Favorite Spot In Winston: Camino Café on 4th Street

Fun Fact: I have walked the Camino de Santiago in France/Spain and trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp!

 
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Hannah Menaker

Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University

Why Wake: Wake Forest has met my needs at pivotal moments in my life. The undergraduate campus allowed me to be closer to my family in Charlotte after completing high school in Houston. As a graduate student in the school of business, WFU was a safe haven from the difficulties of COVID-19. Now, it is a step in my path toward becoming a physician. The smaller class sizes and exceptional mentors have continuously aided in my success and development not just as a student, but also as a person navigating various passions and interests.

Favorite Spot in Winston: Reynolda Village

Fun Fact: I began dancing when I was three and haven’t stopped since!
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Olivia Michael

Program: Microbiology and Immunology PhD

Hometown: Hickory, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Wilmington

Why Wake: I loved the approach to learning so much, after doing my masters here I stayed for my PhD!

Favorite Spot in Winston: Tucker’s Tap Yard

Fun Fact: I have a golden retriever named George
Justin Napolitano_392x510
Justin Napolitano
jmnapoli@wakehealth.edu

Program: Medical Physics MS/PhD

Hometown: Deer Park, NY – Waxhaw, NC

Undergraduate School: Clemson University

Why Wake? I joined Wake’s Medical Physics program for the opportunity to learn from the accomplished faculty and staff in a highly active clinical environment.
Tyler Parrish

Tyler Parrish
typarris@wakehealth.edu

Program: Biomedical Research MS

Hometown: Durham, NC

Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Why Wake? I chose Wake for its welcoming community that is dedicated to helping students blossom and excel. As someone who went to a large undergraduate university, I greatly appreciate how engaged I can be at Wake, as well as how they have many resources to help students succeed both in academia and in their own wellness. There are many opportunities for improving my research skills in amazing facilities, as well as for building a solid network of peers. Additionally, the world class faculty is doing exciting, innovating research on the forefront of biomedical science, which I wanted to be involved with. The faculty I met before accepting my admissions offer were very open to chat about their work, and through talking with several students I learned that they foster a friendly work environment yet also consistently challenge students to help them grow—something that I now can attest to firsthand. Also, my program, Biomedical Research (BMR) was a good fit for me, as BMR’s a la carte approach to classes allows students with various interests, like me, to find their best fit by taking classes from many of the PhD programs (which also count towards program requirements if you choose to continue at Wake for your PhD!) Adding to that, Wake offers a lot of great career preparedness training through courses like GRAD 715, which helps us figure out what careers are good fits for us, both inside and beyond academia.

Holland Tapp

Holland Tapp
hatapp@wakehealth.edu

Program:Genetic Counseling

Hometown:Birmingham, Alabama

Undergraduate School:Auburn University

Why Wake?The values of Wake Forest and the resources that come with a world-class biomedical facility led me to investigate the genetic counseling program here. I really admired the emphasis on ethics and health equity, and the opportunities to receive valuable feedback from faculty. Mentorship has always been an important value in my life, and I really saw many touchpoints for that outlet, with leadership, fellow students, and professionals outside of the program. During interviews, it was clear that the faculty cared genuinely to know their students and support them, and I have found that to be abundantly true since being here!