Meet the 2025 Vanderbilt MSTP Incoming Class!
We are so excited to welcome 12 new students to the MSTP! This outstanding class began orientation on June 16th. Read more about them below, and be sure to give them a warm welcome when you see them on campus!
Julia An (she/her)
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology; International Studies
Research interests: Cancer, immunology, epigenetics, immunotherapies
Hobbies: I love classical music and going to the symphony and opera! I’m always down for a hike!
Cathy Chen (she/her)
Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Research interests: Microbial metabolism, microbiology, infectious diseases
Hobbies: Reading, trying new restaurants, and outdoor activities
Sophia Chou (she/her)
Hometown: Los Altos, CA
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Major: Biology and Health Policy
Research interests: Immunology
Hobbies: Going to concerts, reading, travel
Abhirupa Dasgupta (she/her)
Hometown: Plano, TX
Undergrad: University of Texas, Austin
Major: Neuroscience and Biochemistry
Research interests: End of life decision-making, family caregiving for older adults with dementia, health policy
Hobbies: I love rewatching movies, especially with new friends, because I feel like I always notice something new and learn something about whoever I’m watching with!
Emil Dominguez (he/him)
Hometown: La Puente, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Biochemistry
Research interests: Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Diabetes
Hobbies: Pokémon GO, Chess.com (10 minute rapid), Acoustic Guitar
Jack Engel (he/him)
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Major: Biochemistry and Music Performance
Research interests: Cancer therapeutics, cancer biology, genomics, translational research
Hobbies: Exercise, cooking, music, you name it. Honestly the activity doesn’t matter as much as the people I’m with!
Jessie Grewal (he/him)
Hometown: Center Valley, PA
Undergrad: Lafayette College
Major: Neuroscience
Research interests: Brain networks in neurological diseases like epilepsy, plus neuroimmunology, and neuroinflammation
Hobbies: Exercise- I really enjoy weightlifting! I also love playing and watching basketball- favorite teams are the 76ers and the Lakers. Plus TV/Movies and Bhangra dancing.
Hannah Luviano (she/her)
Hometown: Roanoke, VA
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Major: Human Biology
Research interests: Cardiovascular medicine
Hobbies: Exercise- Artistic endeavors, concerts, TV/Movies, and trying new restaurants
Andrea Mancia (she/her)
Hometown: Sharpsburg, GA
Undergrad: Emory University
Major: Chemistry
Research interests: Pharmacology (cardio or neuropharm), chemical biology, medicinal chemistry
Hobbies: I like to do a lot of exercise classes like dance, yoga, and Pilates to keep myself moving (I formally did ballet!). Love exploring new places to eat and trying new coffee shops around the city!
Saksham Saksena (he/they)
Hometown: Germantown, TN
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology and Medicine, Health, & Society
Research interests: Cancer Biology
Hobbies: Video games, trying new restaurants (founded the Vanderbilt Association for South Asian Cuisine!)
Tristan Sealy (he/him)
Hometown: Katy, TX
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Major: Biochemistry
Research interests: Diabetes and cell metabolism
Hobbies: Reading, video games, travel
Suraj Upadhya (he/him)
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Undergrad: Duke University
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Research interests: Neuroscience
Hobbies: Enjoy watching sports (except baseball), learning to play an Indian drum called tabla, discovered I like hiking and being outside after moving to a city