We are thrilled to announce the incoming 2023 cohort of Anesthesiology Summer Research (ASSURE) fellows, marking the third year of the program at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
This research opportunity offers college students from the St. Louis metro area the chance to participate in basic, clinical, and translational research projects. Guided by faculty members, fellows will conduct research in either laboratory or clinical settings, attend journal clubs and professional development workshops, receive graduate school preparation, and gain invaluable research experience.
Learn about our six ASSURE fellows:
Karrington Green
Institution: Tennessee State University in Nashville
Karrington Green will graduate from Tennessee State University in Nashville this spring, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. She then plans to pursue a master’s degree, as she aspires to follow her grandmother’s footsteps and become a nurse anesthetist. Karrington’s ultimate goal is to provide equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare to low-income African Americans from all walks of life, a mission inspired by her grandmother’s service. In addition to her academic pursuits, Karrington is an active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Organization for Black Struggle.
In her free time, she enjoys exercising, shopping, spending time with friends, and watching documentaries.
Teniya Lewis
Institution: University of Missouri-Columbia
Teniya Lewis is a junior at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she serves in the Minority Women in Medicine Association and Mizzou Baking for a Cause. Her passion for Obstetrics and Gynecology sparked when her sister became pregnant, and Teniya enjoyed researching different vitamins and foods to support her sister and the baby’s health throughout the pregnancy. She plans to attend medical school in the future and become an Obstetrician Gynecologist. Before becoming an OBGYN, she hopes to train as a Doula to help guide and support young women during pregnancy, just like she did with her sister.
In her free time, Teniya enjoys cooking and catching up on her favorite shows.
Devin Macklin-Jackson
Institution: Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans
Devin Macklin-Jackson is a senior at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, studying chemistry with a minor in biology. Devin has kept busy at Xavier, taking part in and holding various positions in Cross Country, Xavier Harold, Pre-Pharmacy Student Association, Collegiate 100, bEHR Health Systems, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Devin’s passion for helping others began at a young age when he took part in the BESt Program while in high school, then further developed when he shadowed an anesthesiologist at a local hospital. After enrolling in the College of Pharmacy at Xavier, he quickly realized he wanted more patient interaction and switched to pre-med. Devin aspires to be a physician and hopes the ASSURE program will lead him closer to his goal.
Devin is a freelance photographer, runner, and writer in his free time. Multiple on-campus organizations have recognized Devin; he has had photos featured on the school website and in the yearbook.
Ridwan Oyebamiji
Institution: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Ridwan Oyebamiji is a junior at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, pursuing a degree in biomedical science with minors in chemistry, public health, and forensic science. At SIUE, Ridwan is active in various organizations, including the Pre-Health Hub and Muslim Student Association. He also works as a research assistant in the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program and is a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Team Leader for biology and organic chemistry classes. Outside of SIUE, Ridwan is involved in the Muslim Interscholastic Competition of St. Louis and teaches Qur’an at Al-Iman Saturday School.
Ridwan first became interested in pursuing a career in medicine after tearing his lateral meniscus while playing soccer in high school. The sense of ‘helplessness’ he experienced during his recovery ignited his passion for serving others with similar experiences through medicine, especially those in marginalized groups. He is highly passionate about topics in microbiology and infectious diseases, immunology, and physiology.
During his free time, Ridwan enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and reading.
Chloe Thomas
Institution: Saint Louis University
Chloe Thomas is a sophomore at Saint Louis University, pursuing a double major in neuroscience and Spanish, and expects to graduate in spring 2025. Her ultimate goal is to work in clinical psychology, and she plans to enroll in a postgraduate program in clinical neuroscience after graduation. At SLU, Chloe is an active member of the Micah Program, a live-in community for students passionate about social justice and community service. Currently, she is working with seniors who have mental disabilities, and she values the friendship and gratitude they have taught her. Chloe is also an active member of Labre, an outreach community that provides services to individuals who are unhoused.
In her free time, Chloe enjoys spending time outdoors and listening to podcasts that cover a variety of topics, including mental health and neurobiology.
Sofía Angulo-Lopera
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Sofía Angulo-Lopera is a junior at Washington University in St. Louis, pursuing a double major in comparative literature and cognitive neuroscience. She anticipates graduating in the spring of 2024. At WashU, Sofía is an active member within the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), volunteers with the Food Recovery Network as well as Heart for the Unhoused and is a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society and Medical Organization of Latino Advancement (MOLA). She also serves as the internal vice president for Washington University Student Interpreters, the service chair for ALAS’s Community Engagement Committee, and the magazine director for Latinxpresíon.
Sofía’s passion for research began when she joined the Complex Memory Lab as an undergraduate research assistant in October 2021. While working on her summer research project on narrative memory, she became increasingly interested in how her research impacted patients and, ultimately, the community. Sofía’s long-term goals are to become a physician-scientist so that she can practice both clinical and academic medicine along with translational research.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing, biking, and trying new food with her friends.
The ASSURE executive committee and the advisory board would like to congratulate the incoming fellows and thank all excellent applicants on behalf of the Department of Anesthesiology. We are thrilled to welcome this year’s cohort and eagerly await the impact they will make within their respective fields of study.
The fellows will showcase their accomplishments and share their experiences during the end-of-program poster presentation on August 10.