Cohort Two

Sara Al-Azzeh is a second-year Kinesiology student at the University of Illinois Chicago with a minor in Chemistry. She plans to pursue a career in medicine and is interested in research focused on orthopedic wellness, recovery after surgical procedures, and rehabilitation following neurological conditions such as stroke. Through her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in rehabilitation and hospice care, Sara developed a passion for supporting older adults and understanding the importance of dignity, empathy, and patient-centered care. She hopes to combine her clinical experiences and research interests to improve health outcomes for individuals across diverse populations.

Fatima Ali-Razvi is a second-year student at the University of Illinois Chicago majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Disability and Human Development. Her interest in healthcare and rehabilitation grew through experiences working with children with disabilities, including participating in physical therapy activities and providing behavioral support for children with autism. Fatima is interested in child development and hopes to further explore research related to improving health outcomes for individuals with diverse needs. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue medical school and a career in pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology.

Karla Chavira is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree in Nutrition and becoming a registered dietitian, with the long-term goal of opening her own wellness center. Through her experiences at UIC, EXITO, and working in a healthcare setting, Karla has developed a passion for understanding the social determinants of health and their impact on nutrition and wellness. She hopes to promote equitable, patient-centered care and support individuals in achieving healthier lives.

Sherise Collins is a second-year pre-med student at the University of Illinois Chicago pursuing a degree in Nutrition. As an EXITO Fellow, she participates in research training, mentorship, and professional development focused on increasing diversity in health-related professions. Through her experiences at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and as a Medical Assistant in elder care and dermatology, Sherise has developed a passion for understanding how communication, trust, and cultural awareness influence patient care. She is interested in the intersection of nutrition, health equity, and research and hopes to become a physician who provides compassionate, patient-centered care.

Brenda Flores is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago majoring in Kinesiology on the pre-nursing track. Through her experiences with the UIC Hispanic Center of Excellence, she has gained research experience in wet lab techniques and case study analysis, including projects focused on chemical interactions and clinical conditions. Brenda is interested in exploring medical technologies and approaches to improving responses to infectious diseases. She hopes to continue developing her research and healthcare skills while pursuing a career dedicated to advancing patient care.

Janikua Gutierrez is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish for the Professions on a pre-Physical Therapy track. Her interest in rehabilitation grew through her passion for helping individuals improve movement, manage pain, and participate in the activities that are meaningful to them. Janikua is also interested in bridging communication between healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking patients to promote more inclusive rehabilitation experiences. She hopes to pursue a career as a physical therapist focused on providing compassionate, accessible care for diverse communities.

Sophia Lopez is a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago majoring in Kinesiology, with minors in Psychology and Disability Inclusion. She plans to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy and is particularly interested in aging, rehabilitation, and promoting independence across diverse populations. Inspired by an internship at a rehabilitation center, Sophia developed a passion for patient-centered care after observing the meaningful impact occupational therapists have on individuals’ recovery and quality of life. She hopes to combine research and clinical practice to improve rehabilitation outcomes and support individuals in achieving greater independence.

Vincent Saam is a second-year Rehabilitation Sciences student at the University of Illinois Chicago. Inspired by his personal experiences with rehabilitation, he plans to pursue graduate training in Occupational Therapy or Prosthetics and Orthotics. His interests include neurology, assistive technology, and disability-centered rehabilitation research, with the goal of improving accessible, patient-centered care for individuals with disabilities. As an EXITO Research Fellow, Vincent developed and presented an independent research project at the Undergraduate Research Forum, further strengthening his passion for research and rehabilitation.

Viktoria Tocka is a Kinesiology major at the University of Illinois Chicago with a minor in Nutrition and plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. Her interest in rehabilitation grew through her own experiences recovering from injury and seeing the impact movement-based care can have on helping individuals return to meaningful activities. As an EXITO Fellow, Viktoria engages in research training, mentorship, and professional development focused on health equity. Through her work as a rehabilitation aide and volunteer experiences in her community, she has developed a passion for compassionate, patient-centered care. She hopes to become a physical therapist who helps individuals improve mobility, prevent injury, and enhance quality of life.

Alexandra Zamorano is a sophomore majoring in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago with a concentration in Occupational Therapy. Inspired by personal experiences that sparked her interest in pediatric rehabilitation, she plans to become a pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to supporting children’s development and empowering families. Alexandra is also interested in disability and rehabilitation research and hopes to contribute to improving accessible, evidence-based care for individuals with diverse needs.