Dr. Kurt Denninghoff, Distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine and Associate Head of Research
As a distinguished professor of Emergency Medicine, a collaborator of the Pediatric Emergency Care Research Network (PECARN) Southwest node, and Associate Head of Emergency Medicine Research at the University of Arizona, I have more than 30 years of experience mentoring students as they progress towards their goals of pursuing higher education. I am the founder of the University of Arizona's Research Associates Program (RAP), which provides undergraduate students the unique opportunity to function as clinical research partners, and assist with selection of patients for studies, conduct clinical research, and perform data collection projects in Banner's Emergency Department. I also teach an upper-division Clinical and Translational Research Experience course in University of Arizona's Bioengineering Department, which allows students valuable exposure to clinical research, emergency medicine, and interaction with faculty and clinical staff.
Jeremy Wilson, RAP/BME Coordinator
Bachelor’s in Science in Health Sciences from the University of Arizona
I’m Jeremy, the RAP/BME coordinator. Prior to this position, I gained research experience through working two years in a psychology lab during undergrad, and professionally as a clinical research coordinator (both for clinic trials and research programs). I worked with the All of Us Research Program as a CRC for the last year, and I am excited to bring my knowledge to BME/RAP students! My goal as coordinator is to give students the opportunity to explore the medical field, working with a diverse group of patients within the Emergency Department. In addition to TAing BME 493B, I also assist RAP students in their daily roles within the ED, maintaining the success of the students and the program. In the future, I hope to expand RAP, offering students the chance to explore other departments at different Banner hospital locations across Tucson. Professionally, I will be attending medical school beginning this summer, exploring my interests in underserved communities, and analyzing the effects of healthcare inequity in minority populations.
Rishika Bysani, RAP Senior
Senior
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Minor: Psychology and Public Health
I'm Rishika! I'm hoping to go to medical school after I graduate which was the reason for my initial interest in the Research Associate Program (RAP). I've gotten a lot of unique exposure from RAP, especially with understanding the relationship between research and medicine and the importance of clinical research. Being a Research Associate has allowed me to become more comfortable in emergency departments which helped me become a medical scribe in two other Tucson emergency departments. It has ultimately given me a lot more confidence and exposure with patient and physician interaction. As RAP senior, I am the student advocate for the program and work closely with the RAP coordinator. I also work with the other mentors and help them train new RAP students every semester. Additionally, I help all the other Research Associates organize and schedule their shifts every month.
Yira Yakpogoro, BME Preceptor
Senior
Major: Care, Health, and Society
Minor: Biochemistry
My professional goal is to get into medical school. I am very interested in the field of medicine specifically pediatrics. I have been able to further explore this interest through RAP, as I have had the opportunity to interact with pediatric patients and screen them for studies they might be eligible for. RAP has also allowed me to improve my communication skills, especially with hospital staff like nurses, physicians, and residents. I additionally work with the BME 493B class under Dr. Denninghoff as a preceptor and help students with the onboarding process. Furthermore, I am a RAP Mentor and I help train new RAP volunteers on current active studies and communication with patients and hospital staff. In my free time I like to read, draw, or watch games like hockey and basketball.
Anusha Basak, Mentor
Senior
Major: Public Health
My name is Anusha. I am currently a public health student with a health promotion emphasis and hope to attend Physician Assistant school in the future. The Research Associate Program has allowed me to build upon my knowledge and skills regarding the process and implementation of clinical studies. Through this experience, I've gained familiarity with the critical clinical care environment in the Emergency Department and developed positive relationships with medical professionals as the screening process is a joint effort between nursing staff, residents, and attendings.
Madi Fahrenbruch, Mentor
Junior
Major: Physiology and Medical Sciences
My name is Madi! I have been studying physiology here at the University of Arizona and have developed a great passion for medicine. I hope to attend medical school and become a physician in the future! I joined the Research Associate Program (RAP) to become active in clinical research and appreciate how a single research question can significantly advance patient care. I also currently work as a scribe and gymnastics coach.
Airen Fortunato, Mentor
Sophomore
Major: Neuroscience & Cognitive Science and Classics
Minor: Biochemistry
I’m Airen! I intend to pursue an MD/PhD to satisfy my own curiosity as a researcher, while also caring for and interacting with patients. I originally joined RAP to simply gain research experience, but quickly fell in love with the work and learning opportunities. I love having the chance to work alongside physicians and researchers and witness the intersection of research and medicine. I took on being a mentor to share my enthusiasm and experience with other students and help the AEMRC continue to succeed. On campus, I am a member of the Neuroscience & Cognitive Science Association of Students, a Neuroscience & Cognitive Science Ambassador, a preceptor for SCI 299, and work on Dr. Denninghoff’s Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Children study. When I’m lucky enough to have free time, I enjoy hikes, reading history and sci-fi, and practicing one of the six instruments I play!
Emma Harbour, Mentor
Senior
Major: Physiology and Medical Sciences
I am Emma Harbour, a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences. My goal is to continue my education by getting my Masters in Anesthesia and become a certified anesthesiologist assistant and work in a pediatric hospital setting. I have always had an immense passion for healthcare and research which lead me to the RAP program. This program has taught me numerous lessons I hope to carry with me in my future endeavors such as: what a crucial role research plays in medicine, becoming comfortable and flexible in a Trauma 1 setting, as well as gaining confidence in speaking to medical professionals and patients. Overall, I am beyond grateful to be a part of such an amazing program!
Halle Kirk-Tiefenthaler, Mentor
Junior
Major: Physiology and Medical Sciences and Classics
Minor: Biochemistry
I plan on attending Medical School to obtain my professional goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. Alongside being a RAP Mentor, I am involved in the Physiology Club, Street Medicine Tucson, and am working on a Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Children study. I also hold a position as an undergraduate research assistant in the office of Community Outreach and Engagement at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. I joined RAP to gain experience interacting with doctors, nurses, and patients, as well as to gain insight on the doctor-patient relationship.
Terese Kulangara, Mentor
Senior
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Family Studies and Human Development
I am a senior at the University of Arizona seeking to pursue a career in medicine after my graduation in May 2023. Because of my interest in medicine, I became greatly interested in the Research Associate Program (RAP) as I value the role that research plays in medicine. Beyond wanting to be an integral part of the Emergency Department’s clinical research recruitment, I was incredibly excited about the opportunities RAP offered for patient interactions, research from a clinical lens, and indirect shadowing. Beyond RAP, I am also involved as a Research Associate at the Simpson Lab, a Learning Instructor for the Introductory Biology labs, a PATH Mentor for the Honors College, a CBC Mentor and Ambassador, the Vice President of Giving a Little Arizona Magic, and the President/Founder of Dosed with Happiness.
Itsel Leyva, Mentor
Junior
Major: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
Minor: Spanish
My name is Itsel and I am a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science and minoring in Spanish. I hope to attend med school after I graduate and am interested in the field of neurosurgery. At the moment I am also involved with other research projects pertaining to both COVID-19 and the effectiveness of stem cells. RAP was alluring to me because it was my first clinical research involved experience. Working in the ED has strengthened my passion for working in the medical field.
Rujula Manjarekar, Mentor
Senior
Major: Physiology and Medical Sciences
I joined RAP because I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some volunteer and clinical hours. After I graduate, I plan to take a gap year to work on my medical school application.
Abby Martinez, Mentor
Sophomore
Major: Biology, Biomedical Sciences Emphasis
Minors: Spanish and Biochemistry
My professional goals are to go to medical school one day and become a pediatrician. I am also involved in the PSIO club, GLAM club, Lideres Avanzando, flying SAMS, Clinica Amistad, I am a gen chem preceptor, EEB ambassador, and RISE leader.