Health Professions Advising

Hello everyone! My name is Khaylia Bullen, and I am a third-year Biology major on the pre-clinical track. I am proud to be a part of the 2025 JAMP Cohort and strongly believe in their mission to help socioeconomically disadvantaged students achieve their career goals and dreams.

As a first-generation pre-medical student, I understand how confusing and difficult it can be to navigate the path to medicine on your own. I am happy to serve as your mentor and help guide you along your journey to medicine!

In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, crocheting, volunteering, and spending time with friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

Hi! My name is Noor Maraqa and I am a pre-dental student majoring in Public Health! I love to hang out with friends and family in my free time! I've learned a lot here at my time at UTA, and I can't wait to be a resource for those who are going through the same journey! 

Hello! My name is Sahrish Akhtar and I am a second year Biology major with a pre-clinical concentration. I am part of the EY2026 JAMP cohort as a first-generation pre-medical student. In addition, I will start UTA’s Pre-Med Preceptorship Program in Fall 2026 and am currently part of the Honors College and UTA's inSTEM program. 

I understand building a well-rounded application and resume for medical school can be intimidating, especially as a first-generation student. However, I am here to be a mentor and help!  If you have questions about JAMP essays, interviews, applications, or anything else related to JAMP or pre-med in general please feel free to schedule an appointment with me! 

Hi everyone! My name is Adam Mahmoud, and I’m a senior biology major on the pre-med track, planning to apply in the coming cycle. I’m passionate about helping others navigate the pre-health path—whether it’s finding extracurricular opportunities, staying on top of classes, or learning how to manage everything without burning out.

Through my experiences in clinical work, research, and teaching, I’ve learned the value of balance, perspective, and staying connected to your goals. If you ever need guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Hi! My name is Vaidehi, and I am a junior majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. I know how overwhelming and uncertain the pre-health journey can feel at times, especially in the early years, and I’m excited to share my experiences to help support you in any way I can!

During my time as an undergrad so far, I’ve been fortunate to explore a variety of roles that have shaped my path such as working as a CNA, working as an SI Leader and Mentor, a UGTA for microbiology lab, volunteering and research. I am also very excited to be serving as the social chair for AFM and the external coordinator for HOSA this year. 

In my free time, I enjoy thrifting, hiking, and spending time with friends! If you’re looking for help finding clinical experiences, balancing your academic and extracurricular commitments, or just someone to talk to, I’m here for you! Feel free to reach out with any questions or just to chat. I can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your journey!

Hi everyone! My name is Emma Lou, and I am a dental student at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. I graduated UTA in December 2024 with my Honors B.S. in Biology. As a first-generation student with a passion for dentistry, navigating college came with its challenges. Thankfully, the incredible support from the pre-health team helped guide me every step of the way. 

During my time at UTA, I was given the opportunity to serve as Vice President and President of the Pre-Dental Society, become a teaching assistant for Biology, and conduct research for the Honors College. These experiences allowed me to build meaningful connections with others who shaped and encouraged my growth. 

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, playing pickleball, and discovering new food spots!

I am excited to be able to give back and support you on your journey towards a career in healthcare! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or if you just want to chat! You can email me at emmaloudds@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @emmaloupes 

Howdy everyone.

My name is Ryan. I’m an old (no, really) non-traditional student doing a career change, and I graduated from UTA in May of ’22 with a second degree under the Academic Fresh Start Provision. More importantly, I just survived the 2022-2023 TMDSAS cycle, and will be attending Long School of Medicine (UT Health Science Center San Antonio) in July of 2023. I’m both relieved and ecstatic! I did full-time school while working full-time (24 hour shifts) as a firefighter/paramedic, and my wife and I had two kids during this period. We just had our 3rd in February of 2023 – thus my medical school years are guaranteed to be a circus.

Optimizing my efficiency was required to make all of this work, and it was not without some pain and sacrifice, but I did it and you can too! While your life no doubt looks different than mine, I am happy to answer questions about any of the pre-med stuff or just give pep talks if needed during this whole ordeal (and it is an ordeal). If I can make any of you feel better about the process, I will consider that a win. My email is gallagherr@livemail.uthscsa.edu. 

Keep your chin up and ask for help if you need it! AND LISTEN TO MS. HOBART!!! She will not steer you wrong. Good luck!

Hi everyone, I’m Lydia and I will be attending USUHS starting this summer. I am a non-trad student, career changer, military veteran, and married with 2 kids and 4 pets. 

While at UTA, I was involved in different student orgs, volunteered at the free clinic at Mission Arlington, worked in a genetics research lab, and so many more things! I don’t think it’s necessary to “check every box” on your application but I think it is important to try new things because how else are you going to meet new people, gain experiences/perspective, and be more well-rounded? This journey has helped me grow as an individual and I have learned so much along the way.

I would like to mention that when I decided to quit my banking career and dive into the pre-med world full-time, I chose to do my post-bacc coursework at UTA because I saw how involved Sandy is as a pre-health advisor. I cannot stress this enough: take advantage of the pre-health advising office and all the other FREE opportunities and resources that UTA throws at you! Sandy, Dr. Gellman, and the rest of their team are here to help you achieve! Use them, use people you can trust to give you unbiased feedback on your application, and, of course, use us alumni mentors who have been in your shoes. Feel free to email me at lydia.luu@usuhs.edu - I would love to hear how things are going and try to help in any way I can. Good luck everyone and remember to have fun!

Hello everyone! My name is Christopher Dao, and I'm a student at Baylor College of Medicine. I went through this whole process from UTA just like y'all and would love to give any insights or answer any questions you may have. Some of my hobbies include video games and traveling and feel free to reach out to me via christopherdao34@gmail.com. Feel free to reach out!

Hello everyone!! 

My name is Lyla Ve, and I graduated from UTA in the Fall of 2025 with my bachelor’s degree in biology. During my undergraduate years, I was heavily involved in the Pre-Optometry Professional Society, starting out as a general member and eventually serving as President for nearly two years!

Funny enough, it was actually my involvement in the organization, while I was still trying to figure out what I truly wanted to pursue, that solidified my passion for optometry. Being surrounded by motivated students, mentors, and opportunities really helped me find my direction. 

As a fellow pre-health student, I completely understand the stress and self doubt that can come with this path, constantly wondering if you are doing enough or making the right choices. Trust me, I was never the perfect all star student either. But through hard work, perseverance, and staying true to my goals, I have ended up exactly where I am meant to be, and I truly believe that you will too!! 

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or even if you just need reassurance. You can contact me via email: velyla2003@gmail.com. I am more than happy to support you throughout your pre-health journey.

You’ve got this!!! 

My name is Jacob Litsey, and I am part of the 2026 graduating class at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Biochemistry, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2021. After graduating from UTA, I took a year off from school and worked as a veterinary technician at a general practice clinic. During that time, I realized that veterinary medicine perfectly aligned with my personal interests and career goals and decided to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. 

While the journey of becoming a veterinarian demands an incredible level of dedication and mental fortitude, I cannot think of a more fulfilling career. I look forward to having the opportunity to help others along their journey through veterinary medicine. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions at: jmlitsey@vet.k-state.edu 

Hey, I’m Reggie! I’m an MS4 at UCSF (Class of 2027). I graduated from UTA in May 2022 with an Honors B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. I was a traditional applicant, four years at UTA followed by one gap year.

During undergrad, you could usually find me in the SEIR and ERB working on bench research, or in the MAC. Outside of campus, I spent my time gaining a variety of clinical experiences, volunteering, and making frequent trips to Whataburger (which I still miss).

I’m always happy to talk through questions about pre-med timeline, BME, and gap years. I have mentored a number of pre-med students who are now in medical school, reach out if you would like constructive feedback on personal statements and your application. My email is reginald.conley@ucsf.edu. And last but not least, apply for HPAC!

My name is Stephanie Elbanna and I'm a 1st year Internal Medicine resident at UTMB. Originally graduated from UTA in 2020 with B.S. in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Arabic Language and completed medical school at TCOM. I've spent almost my life in Fort Worth and am passionate about primary care and education. If you need tips, tricks, or help structuring a plan for how to boost your GPA, reach an MCAT target, LOR hunting, interview prepping or personal statement/other essay writing - I'm happy to help. Have extra life stuff that is causing more obstacles? I've been there and we'll get through it together. I'm here to make sure you have the best possible chance to reach your dream. You can reach me via phone: 682-564-2576 or email: stephanie.elbanna@gmail.com. Anytime. Can also meet in person or virtually. We'll make it work.

Hey y'all, my name is Caroline, and I'm currently a family medicine PGY-1 at Abrazo Health Network in Phoenix, Arizona! Going backward, I graduated from UTMB's John Sealy School of Medicine this past May 2025. I graduated from UTA in December 2020 with a BS in biology and minor in biochemistry. I was involved in MAPS (fundraising director), Academic Success Center (tutor), and biology dept (lecture TA, recitation leader).

My core values in my personal and professional life are purpose and authenticity. I'd love to talk about lifestyle balance and mental health within medical school if this resonates with you.

I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of numerous mentors, and I'd love to pay it forward. Please feel free to email me at caroline.nguyen@abrazohealth.com.

Please note that I will have very limited availability during August, September, and December 2025 and January, March and May 2026 due to very demanding rotations.
Also, please note the time difference between Arizona and Texas.

Hello everyone, my name is Brendon, a UTA alum with a BS in chemistry. I'm a non-traditional applicant with 2 gap years and a first-gen student.  My premed journey started at community college in 2020, and I transferred to UTA in 2022. I am an EMT working for the city of Arlington, and I will be a paramedic in October 2025. I am also working towards becoming a firefighter for Dallas Fire Rescue. I'll be applying to medical school and the Army HPSP during the 2026 cycle. I did research for a while at UNT Health Science Center and UTA, with a publication on the way. If you have any questions about leadership, research, clinicals, volunteering, or just developing a timeline, please send me an email, and I will gladly assist you! This path is even more difficult alone, so utilize every resource you have here at UTA. Just remember, countless students were in your shoes once, including myself, so feel free to reach out! brendonhatfield123@gmail.com