Class of 2027

I’m from Dallas, TX and graduated from UT Dallas with my bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Studies. I’ve worked as a medical assistant and scribe in a variety of healthcare settings, and also as a panelist recruiter in the clinical research industry. Shadowing an anesthesiologist helped me discover my passion for the science behind anesthesia and the ability to translate this into providing safe care for patients at their most vulnerable moments, and I knew the CAA profession was the perfect fit for my goals. In my free time, I love reading, working out, and exploring new food and matcha spots.

I was born in India and raised in Houston. I attended the University of Houston and graduated in May 2025 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Public Health. During undergrad, I worked as a medical scribe at the Pain and Headache Centers of Texas and was involved in lab research. Outside of academics, I founded Layamandir Fine Arts, a music school that teaches mridangam, a South Indian percussive instrument traditionally used in classical music, to students of all backgrounds. I’m also extremely involved in my local temple, where I helped organize Kirtan Fest, one of our largest community events, as well as serving as a Sunday School teacher. I enjoy traveling, adventure sports, and movies. I’m excited to begin this program and be part of this cohort!

Originally from Dallas, TX, I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin where I received my degree in Chemistry and a minor in Health Communications. During this time, I worked as a pharmacy technician and learned a lot about medicine and patient care, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in anesthesia. After graduating, I worked as a chemistry technician for a food science company. I'm so excited to find my way back to healthcare and continue my education at UTHealth Houston! In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and hanging out with my cat!

I was born and raised in DFW and received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in chemistry from Texas Tech University in May of 2023. After high school, I earned my EMT certification and later broadened my experience in the ER and the OR, where I worked as an anesthesia technician at the Baylor S&W Heart Hospital. My hobbies include exercising at the gym, competing in country swing dance, and coaching little league baseball. I am eager to join the class of 2027 to continue my education at UT Health and further my career in anesthesia.

I was born and raised in the small town of Livingston, Texas where I was and continue to be active in the community’s agricultural industry. In May 2025, I graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Public Health. During my undergraduate education I earned my EMT-B certification from Texas EMS School, which helped me develop my goal of becoming a CAA. I’m thrilled to be a part of the UTHealth MSA program and look forward to the opportunity to live in Houston!

Hi, my name is Jake! I was born in New Orleans and have lived most of my life just southeast of Houston. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in biology. I’ve always loved patient care and anatomy and physiology. My passion for anesthesia grew through shadowing anesthesia professionals. I’ve worked as a lab technician in a metabolomics lab, school tutor, and interpretive naturalist. I’m so excited to begin my journey toward becoming a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant! In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors, playing sports, training mixed martial arts, and being with family and friends.

I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science and Arts in Biology with a minor in History from The University of Texas in 2025. During my time there, I volunteered with people affected by Dementia and interned at a Urology and Urogynecology clinic. As a native Houstonian who has benefited from the incredible medical community in this city, I am excited to be starting out my career with the UTHealth Houston MSA program!

Hi! My name is Elyse and I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. I graduated in 2022 from the University of the Incarnate Word where I received my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. My mom is a respiratory therapist, so my interest and passion for healthcare started at a young age. After graduating, I worked as an optometric technician and personal caregiver before choosing the anesthesia pathway. Some of my hobbies include traveling, baking, and boxing.

I’m Alyssa, a native Houstonian, who graduated from the University of Houston with a Major in Public Health and Minors in Biology and Nutrition. I then earned my Master of Medical Science from UNTHSC. My healthcare background includes working as a medical scribe and as an EMT through Community Volunteer Fire Department and NRG Stadium. These experiences sparked my interest in airway management and patient care, leading me to pursue a career in anesthesia. Outside academics, I enjoy playing piano and exploring Houston’s diverse food scene. I’m honored to join this cohort and excited to embark on this new journey!

Hi, I’m Delaney! I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and attended the University of Florida, earning my degree in Biology. Since graduating, I've been working as a scribe/medical assistant at an orthopedic clinic. My childhood eye surgery inspired my desire for a healthcare career. Upon learning about the CAA path, it felt like the perfect fit, allowing me to give patients the same comfort and care I experienced. In my free time, I love being in the sunshine and trying new foods and restaurants. I’m thrilled to start this new chapter in Houston as a Student Anesthesiologist Assistant!

I’m Shawn. I grew up in Chengdu, China, and moved to Houston during middle school. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2025. Through various clinical experiences during my undergrad, I developed an interest in anesthesia. Discovering the CAA profession during a C-section confirmed it was the right career for me. Outside academics, I enjoy staying active with weightlifting, running, sports, wilderness adventures, and whitewater rafting. I also enjoy reading, cooking, chess, poker, and board games. I'm thrilled to be a part of the UT MSA program!

Hello! I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where I studied Biology at the University of Houston. Growing up in a Vietnamese refugee family, I’ve always been curious about diverse communities and learning from different cultures. During college, I contributed to stroke research on brain function, worked at a radiology clinic in Chinatown, and mentored refugee youth. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, learning about history, and collecting blind boxes. I’m excited to take this next step in my journey and look forward to continuing my education at UTHealth Houston!

I was born in South Korea and moved to the United States with my family when I was nine. We settled in Arlington, Texas. Later, I moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where I earned a degree in microbiology. Growing up, I helped out at my parents’ donut shop. I also began tutoring, starting with younger students in math and science and later helping classmates with biology and chemistry in college. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, playing tennis and badminton, and playing bass guitar on my church’s worship team.

Hi, I'm Ashley! I’m from Plano, TX and earned my undergrad degree from UT Dallas in 2011. I’ve always been interested in healthcare but followed a different path and taught for nine years in both elementary and middle school classrooms. While teaching, I earned a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins. I’m excited about transitioning into a completely new world to pursue a career in anesthesia. In my free time, I love finding the best local coffee shops and spending time with my dogs.

My name is Sophie Nedwed, and I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biology and a minor in Health Communication. While in Austin, I worked as a medical assistant in both a cardiology clinic and a primary care clinic, strengthening my clinical skills and passion for patient care. I also conducted stem cell research as a Texas Heart Institute Student Scholar. In my free time, I like to spend time outdoors, travel, and exercise. Originally from Houston, I’m excited to move back and be closer to family — and our golden retriever, Daisy.

Born in the Philippines and raised in the Houston area, I earned my BSN from UT Austin and MSN from Texas Tech. I spent my nursing career working in various ICUs, PACUs, anesthesia clinic, and with ENT. Through this work, I developed a fascination for the airway and the perioperative process. My experiences have fueled my drive to learn how to be a direct anesthesia provider where I can help patients have a safe and comfortable surgical experience. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends and discovering hidden food gems around the city.

I’m Linda Okoye, a native Houstonian and proud Texas State University graduate (Go Bobcats!) with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. During undergrad, I conducted molecular biology research and published in my university’s undergraduate research journal. Clinically, I’ve supported patients through roles in patient sitting, physical therapy, and podiatry, and I’ve shadowed anesthesiologist assistants in the OR. I’m passionate about advancing equity in healthcare and hope to champion patient advocacy through anesthesia. When I’m not in scrubs or studying, I enjoy working out, cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones.

Hi! My name is Eniola. I was born and raised in Nigeria and moved to Houston at age 9. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in psychology from the University of Houston. My healthcare journey began as an EMT at a transfer company and eventually I transitioned into working as an emergency room technician at Houston Methodist, where I gained experience in in-hospital care and emergency medicine. Outside of school and work, I like to think of myself as a hobby collector, I love to play the guitar, I read books and I collect plants. I am honored to be part of the UT MSA program and I am so excited for what lies ahead.

I am from Plano, Texas, and earned my B.S. in Biology from UT Dallas. During undergrad, my experiences as a pharmacy technician, teaching assistant, and medical-surgical volunteer shaped my path toward healthcare. I was drawn to the CAA profession for its blend of pharmacology, patient care, and technical precision. My shadowing experience confirmed my desire to pursue a career that relieves pain and brings comfort during life’s most vulnerable moments. In my free time, I enjoy watching shows, solving puzzles, doing henna, and reading books and comics.

Hello, I’m Anh Thu (“Tea”) Pham. I was born in a fast-paced, dynamic urban area of Saigon, Vietnam. The upbringing in the vibrant city shaped my perspective on life. Before moving to the US, I worked in hospitality management and felt lost in the service industry. I found my true calling through an overseas volunteer experience in the Philippines, serving a underserved community and reconnecting with nature. In 2017, my family abruptly moved to the US, leaving everything behind. Facing a significant milestone, I decided to embark on a new life journey. I returned to school, earned my Bachelor of Science in Cytotechnology from MD Anderson in 2022, then worked at the same hospital. I’ve worked with amazing coworkers, doctors, residents, assistants, technologists, and technicians, who hold a special place in my heart. Cytopathology has allowed me to unleash my potential in higher education within the medical field. Now my journey continues, and I am proud to join the UT MSA and eagerly anticipate becoming a future Anesthesiologist Assistant.

Originally from Chicago, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences from UH while exploring different aspects of healthcare. I volunteered at a free clinic, worked as a telescribe, and served as a medical assistant in a neurology clinic before discovering the CAA profession, which was the perfect fit for me. I also developed a love of teaching through being an organic chemistry workshop facilitator, an ESL teacher, and a peer tutor. Outside of academics, I enjoy baking, reading, crocheting, and knitting. I’m excited to further my education and clinical skills as part of the UT MSA program!

Hi, I’m Aliah! I was born and raised in Houston, TX. My passion for healthcare began at a young age, inspired by many years spent in hospitals with my grandmother who suffered from Polycystic Kidney Disease. I earned my BA in Medical Humanities from UT San Antonio, where I balanced science courses with a focus on the human experience of medicine. In my free time I enjoy music, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. I’m very honored to fulfill my life-long dream of providing comfort and exceptional healthcare to others as a future Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant from UTHealth Houston.

Hi, Everyone. My name is Duy Tran. I am a first-generation immigrant. I was born in Vietnam and came to the US when I was four years old. Besides playing and napping with my dog, I enjoy reading fantasy and horror books and am an avid collector of board/party games. Whenever I have time, I like to go to Chinatown with friends to sing karaoke, refresh ourselves with milk tea, and since we're all foodies, we rush to try out the new eateries that're always popping up.

My name is Mackenzie and I grew up in a rural town named East Bernard. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at Texas A&M in 2021 while working for the Statistics department and participating in Psychology research. After completing a master’s degree in Medical Science at UNTHSC in 2023, I began working as an ophthalmic technician and scribe. This position is where I found my passion for being in the operating room and providing excellent patient care. In my free time I enjoy reading fiction and going on adventures with my husband and our 2 dogs.

Hi! I am a native Texan with a diverse background— my mother is from India, and my father is from Arkansas. I’ve had the opportunity to visit both places and feel fortunate to be molded by both cultures. I have always been passionate about healthcare, making this an exciting new chapter in my life. A couple fun facts about me: I have the cutest Russian tortoise, and I love to travel. One of my goals is to visit all seven wonders!

My name is Chris Williams, I was born in Oklahoma City but raised in New Braunfels, Texas. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in May of 2024. I have always had an interest and desire to work in healthcare, with my interest in anesthesia stemming from my job as an anesthesia tech at a hospital in New Braunfels. Outside of that, my hobbies include being outdoors in any capacity, spending quality time with friends and family, and being an avid fan of all things UT and Houston professional sports.

Hi, I’m Nina! I was born in China and raised in El Paso, Texas. I attended the University of Texas at Dallas, where I graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. My passion for science and patient care grew through working as a behavior technician and a chronic pain research lab assistant, which introduced me to the awesome field of anesthesia. In pursuit of more direct clinical exposure, I became a medical assistant for an anesthesiologist specializing in pain management. In my free time, I love exploring cafes, binge-watching shows, traveling, reading, and collecting jellycats!