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Meet the Vanderbilt MSTP Incoming Class of 2023!

Posted by on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in Student Spotlight .

The Vanderbilt MSTP is excited to introduce the incoming class of 2023, who started the program orientation on June 12th. We are delighted to have such a diverse group of people join our program. Welcome, new M1s!

 

Cassandra Atzrodt (she/her)
Hometown: Bradenton, FL
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Major: Biochemistry and Chemical Biology, French
Hobbies: Go to a concert, Outdoors activities (e.g. hiking, camping). Acrylic painting & weaving (I have a little tapestry loom and am trying to build a larger one soon!)

 

 

Sam Bogdanov (he/him)
Hometown: Hewlett, NY
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Major: Chemical Engineering, Biology
Hobbies: Exercise, TV/Movies, Video Games, Go to bar/club, Try a new restaurant, Time alone, Hang out with friends, Outdoors activities (e.g. hiking, camping)

 

 

 

Katherine Burelbach (she/her)
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Undergraduate:  Case Western Reserve University
Major: Biomedical Engineering – biomaterials (minors in dance & chem)
Hobbies: TV/Movies, Artistic endeavors, Try a new restaurant, Ballet and Writing

 

 

 

Channing Chi (he/him)
Hometown: Denver, CO
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Major: Biology/Medicine, Health and Society
Hobbies: TV/Movies, Artistic endeavors (Musicals), Travel, Try a new restaurant, Hang out with friends, Outdoors activities (e.g. hiking, camping)

 

 

 

Albert Cordoves (he/him)
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergraduate: University of Miami
Major: Microbiology and Immunology
Hobbies: TV/Movies, Cook/Bake, Hang out with friends

 

 

 

Emma Fritsch (she/her)
Hometown: Newton, NJ
Undergraduate: Boston College
Major: Neuroscience
Hobbies: Guitar/singing, mixed martial arts, hiking, backpacking, biking, camping, kayaking

 

 

 

Claire Hanson (she/her)
Hometown: New Prague, MN
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Major: Neuroscience
Hobbies: I am primarily a digital artist, but I also draw and paint on physical canvas from time to time. I love taking my iPad or sketchbook to a park or museum and drawing my surroundings.

 

 

 

Kristen Harris (she/her)
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate: University of Houston
Major: Biochemistry/Molecular biology, genetics, virology
Hobbies: Love kayaking/hiking, visiting new areas, etc.

 

 

 

Peyton Hickman (he/him)
Hometown: Dyersburg, TN
Undergraduate: University of Tennessee
Major: Biochemistry/Molecular biology, genetics, virology
Hobbies: Read, Hang out with friends, Outdoors activities (e.g. hiking, camping)

 

 

 

Gabby Longway (she/her)
Hometown: Lake Mary, FL
Undergraduate: Mercer University
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hobbies: Spotify calls my favorite genre folk pop, and I am planning on going to the Mt. Joy and Vance Joy concerts! Also, country music has a special place in my heart.

 

 

David Nemoto (he/him)
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate: Rice University
Major: Chemistry
Hobbies: Long-distance running, Hang out with friends, Outdoors activities (e.g. hiking, camping)

 

 

 

Peggy Randon (she/her)
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Undergraduate: University of Michigan
Major: Microbiology/Immunology
Hobbies: Painting, hiking trails to waterfalls/beaches, swimming, self-care

 

 

 

Sara Stiens (she/her)
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Undergraduate: University of Missouri
Major: Biochemistry and Writing
Hobbies: I enjoy group fitness classes of all kinds and went with friends a lot during college. I used to be a ballerina, and I still love taking dance classes of all types as well. I read frequently even during school, mostly about history, popular math, and history of science.

 

 

Michael Valencia (he/him)
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergraduate: University of Mississippi
Major: Chemistry
Hobbies: Video Games, Try a new restaurant

 

 

 

Price Withers (he/him)
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University
Major: Neuroscience
Hobbies: Exercise, Time alone, Hang out with friends