Our Admissions Experts

Dr. Behrouz Moemeni is the founder and CEO here at BeMo. He is compelled by a vision to change the education system. He believes everyone deserves access to higher education. Specifically, he is determined to create and provide admissions and educational training programs that reduce the social barriers at professional programs. He is also driven by a mission to create the next generation of admissions/candidate screening tools that are more fair, while technologically and scientifically light years ahead of current admissions screening tools out there. 

Dr. Moemeni is meticulous about scientifically proven programs, services and products created here at BeMo. He blames this on his training as a scientist and he holds a Ph.D. in the field of Immunology from the University of Toronto. He is the recipient of 19 awards for his work during his undergraduate and graduate years, including the Prize in Biology. He has delivered several presentations at international scientific conferences and his scientific work in the areas of cancer biology and immunology, has culminated in several discoveries and the publication of 3 peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Moemeni has also taught a course at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and an undergraduate level course at the University of Toronto.

He is one of the world’s most expensive and sought-after admissions screening experts and is hired by institutions around the world for his expertise. His motivation-based admissions screening strategy has appeared in Diverse Issues in Higher Education, University World News, CMAJ News, and Nature Jobs. He regularly presents thought-provoking presentations to an international audience including appearances at TEDx WLUBrantford and Beyond Sciences Initiative. Click here to watch his TEDx talk. 

Dr. Moemeni continues to make time to directly interact with our students here at BeMo and he takes their success personally and advocates on their behalf.

Follow Dr. Moemeni:

Follow Dr. Moemeni on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, & Instagram.

Select Publications & Presentations:

Behrouz Moemeni, 14 Rules for Admissions Screening in Higher Ed: An Antidote to Bias. Pick up a copy on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com.

Behrouz Moemeni, Intrinsic Motivation: The key to revolutionize education, work and life. TEDx WLUBrantford. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjC7cM8a5zU

Behrouz Moemeni, Why I became an advocate for change in university admissions & employee selection (and why you should too). BSI International Conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irDvhC7CE_k

Behrouz Moemeni, etc. Ultimate Guide to CASPer Test Prep. Available on Amazon. 

Behrouz Moemeni, et al. Ultimate Guide To Med School Admissions. Available on Amazon. 

Behrouz Moemeni, Vacaresse, N. , Vainder, M. , Wortzman, M. , Watts, T. , Veillette, A. , Gajewski, T. and Julius, M. Fyn Expression Predicates Both Protective Immunity and Onset of Autoimmunity. Open Journal of Immunology, 5, 244-259. doi: 10.4236/oji.2015.55020.

Behrouz Moemeni. Unique and interdependent roles of Lck and Fyn in TcR Signalling. PhD Thesis. University of Toronto.

Behrouz Moemeni*, D.F.*, et al. Lck-dependent Fyn activation requires C-terminus-dependent targeting of kinase-active Lck to lipid rafts. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 238(39): 26409-26422. (*Equal contributions)

P.Y.B.A., N.M., H.C., Behrouz Moemeni, et al. The oncogene PDGF-B provides a key switch from cell death to survival induced by TNF. Oncogene, 24(19): 3196-3205.

Guest Posts and Contributions:

"Top 8 Strategies to Prepare for and Ace your Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)", The Student Doctor Network, https://www.studentdoctor.net/2017/08/30/multiple-mini-interview-mmi/

"How to Ace CASPer Without Reading a Single Book on Ethics or Improving Your Typing Speed", The Student Doctor Network, https://www.studentdoctor.net/2017/08/15/casper-scenario/

"Anatomy of a Successful Medical School Resume" USA News & World Report, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/articles/2017-05-25/anatomy-of-a-successful-medical-school-resume

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mary Christine (Chris) Zeise completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1994 and her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Duquesne University in 1999.

Following a career in the U.S. Air Force—as well as a variety of positions in accounting, teaching, and administration—Chris joined Carnegie Mellon University in 1994 as the Assistant to the Department Head. She was then promoted the Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations. During her 19-year tenure with Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, Chris was very active in addressing graduate student issues. She served on a number of committees, including the President’s Diversity Advisory Committee for Graduate Education, the Foreign Student Advisory Committee, and the Engineering Advancement Committee and continued to actively participate in meetings pertaining to graduate education policies.

 In May 2009, the Dean for the College of Engineering appointed Ms. Zeise as the Director of Admissions and Alumni Relations for Carnegie Mellon University at their Silicon Valley campus (CMU-SV) where she remained until February 2019. Here, she was responsible for student recruitment, application review, admissions, and commencement activities, specifically for students enrolled in the Integrated Innovation Institute that offers a Master of Science in Software Management and Master of Science in Technology Ventures and a Master of Integrated Innovation for Products & Services. She enjoyed maintaining contact with students from their arrival to departure, assisting in all steps in between whenever she could.

In 2017 Ms. Zeise was a nominee for the College of Engineering Continuous Excellence Award. The Staff Recognition Awards honor staff members who demonstrate outstanding qualities such as innovation, leadership, dedication, positive attitude, and being a team player.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Zeise also initiated the American Football 101 workshop for new students at CMU-SV and worked to implement other alumni events such as Carnival West. The goal of these social events was to provide a sense of belonging to all of the students and alumni for the numerous global locations of CMU.

From February 2019 to December 2020 Ms. Zeise served as the Director of Operations for MD Admissions at Stanford University from. During that time, she was responsible for project management of activities such as application review, admissions committee meetings, student decisions and notifications; recruitment events such as graduate fairs, Multi-Mini Interviews (MMIs), virtual fairs and interviews during the COVID pandemic, as well as coordinating the Committee of Admissions (COA) Working Group to assist in generating recommendations to the School of Medicine Faculty Senate, and developing the MD Admissions Staff Policy and Procedures Guidelines.

Overall, Ms. Zeise she has 26 years of admissions experience. Currently, she is volunteering at Bella Terra Stables, an Equine-Assisted Therapy organization that offers assistance to children in crisis.

Dr. Martin Weaver is a Sports Medicine physician in South Florida. He is double board-certified in Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

After receiving his Bachelor's Degree from Yale University as a Science Technology, and Research Scholar he then completed his Medical Degree as a member of the charter class of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. While at both Yale University and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Dr. Weaver served on the admissions committee, interviewed, and recruited students with a focus on STEM and multicultural outreach.

He performed his residency training at University of Miami, where he was elected Chief Resident and provided medical care for several teams and organizations including the Miami Marlins and U.S. Sailing. He then continued his post-graduate training, completing an ACGME Sports Medicine fellowship at Emory University where he provided medical care for many teams and organizations including the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Dream, and Ladies Professional Golf Association. He also served as medical director for the athletics departments of Clark Atlanta University and Tucker High School.

Dr. Weaver practices musculoskeletal sports medicine and has produced copious award-winning research in, and lectured nationally on, regenerative medicine, orthobiologics, and concussions. His approach focuses on the non-surgical and utilizes cutting-edge technology for minimally invasive treatment of orthopedic injuries, including the use of stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma, ultrasound, and percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. He treats patients with orthopedic injuries of all age ranges and activity levels. He is also a Certified CrossFit Level 1 Healthcare Professionals Trainer, FIFA Diplomate in Football Medicine, and a former section editor for the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Dr. Amundam Mancho grew up in the suburbs of Northern NJ. She attended Cornell University for her undergraduate studies, and majored in Biology and Society, with a double minor in Global Health and Applied Economics and Management. She then completed her Masters of Public of Health at The Dartmouth Institute of Clinical Practice and Health Policy. She completed her medical school training at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester NY. She is currently a second-year pediatrics resident at the Boston Combined Residency Program in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital/Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

Amundam is passionate about mentorship and promoting diversity in medicine. She worked nationally on the board of SNMA as a medical student and was actively involved with recruitment as a medical student. She genuinely believes that anyone can become successful with the right guidance, and has benefited immensely from strong mentors in her own career path. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places, hiking or playing soccer outdoors, reading for pleasure, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Maria Hataier, a distinguished academic leader with over two decades of experience in educational administration, is renowned for her expertise in inclusive education and community-based learning. A strategic visionary, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to aligning academic programs with diversity and inclusivity goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

With a proven track record in leadership roles, Dr. Hataier has significantly contributed to the success of educational institutions throughout her career. During her tenure at Teachers College, Columbia University, She has held progressive roles, ultimately contributing to the institution's status as the largest standalone graduate school of Education, Health, and Psychology in the United States. As Senior Director and in other director roles, she oversaw various facets of student affairs, implementing policies, managing human resources, and delivering personalized academic and career consultations to students.

Dr. Hataier is a proud holder of a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and holds master's degrees in Psychology and Education, as well as Counseling & College Student Personnel. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the academic realm, with involvement in professional associations such as NASPA, NACE, ACHA, and NODA.

With a rich tapestry of experience, a dedication to student success, and a proven track record of transformative leadership, Dr. Hataier is poised to bring her wealth of knowledge and skills to continue fostering student success and supporting talent development. During her free time she enjoys exercising, running, thrifting, traveling and spending time with her two teenage children.

Imade Iyamu is an MBA Candidate at Columbia University. She works in the Asset and Wealth Management Division of Goldman Sachs. This year, Imade served as an instructor at Yale University, where she teaches and mentors young African girls to make a meaningful impact in Africa.

In 2023, Imade also became the first Nigerian alumni President of Junior Achievement Africa, an organization that has reached and impacted over 1 million young Africans and whose global body was nominated for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize.  

She was recognized as #2 in Involve UK and Youtube’s List of 2023 Global Top 100 Women Role Models and as a McKinsey Next Generation Women Leader in 2022. 

Dr. Richa John has always been captivated by the intersection of science and storytelling, with a passion for shaping human experiences through narratives. From an early age, she excelled at working one-on-one with individuals, identifying their unique strengths and challenges to help them realize their full potential.

Dr. John pursued her Bachelor of Health Sciences, specializing in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, at McMaster University. During her undergraduate years, she tutored elementary and high school students, particularly those navigating academic difficulties or adjusting to unique learning needs. Her dedication to fostering growth extended to her role on the admissions committee for her competitive undergraduate program, which processes 4,000 applications annually for approximately 200 seats.

Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. John earned her Medical Doctorate at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and completed her Family Medicine Residency at one of the university's suburban training sites. She completed her fellowship training in Child Health at the University of Western Ontario, given her passion for the pediatric population. She then went on to locum as a rural family physician in South Western Ontario.

Throughout medical school, she contributed as a Multiple-Mini-Interview (MMI) assessor, playing a key role in selecting future cohorts of medical students. She also mentored junior learners, offering guidance on extracurricular activities, academic planning, research opportunities, stress management, and career development.

During her residency, Dr. John further demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence by participating in the Canadian Residency Matching Selection Committee, where she collaborated on designing Modified Personal Interview questions for applicants.

Dr. John finds profound meaning and motivation in empowering others to succeed and thrive. Her journey reflects her unwavering dedication to fostering individual growth and shaping environments where potential is realized and celebrated.

Dr. Adrian Kuchtaruk is a dedicated family medicine resident at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, with a strong academic foundation in the sciences and extensive experience in premed counselling. He completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Queen’s University before earning his medical degree from the Schulich School of Medicine. With firsthand experience navigating the medical school application process across Canada and the United States as an applicant himself, Adrian offers invaluable guidance to prospective medical students.

Having served two years on the admissions committee at Western, where he conducted interviews for aspiring medical students, Adrian understands what admissions teams seek in applicants. He has several years of experience helping students craft competitive applications and sharpen their interview skills, offering specialized coaching for traditional panel, MMI, and virtual interview formats. Adrian's expertise, combined with his commitment to mentorship, makes him an exceptional guide for those students aspiring to enter professional programs.

Dr. Abed Baiad is an Ophthalmology Resident Physician at the University of British Columbia. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at McGill University and was accepted into several top medical schools, including the University of Toronto and McGill University. Upon beginning his medical studies at McGill, Abed was elected Class President, a role he embraced with the goal of driving positive change within the medical student community. Over four years, he led initiatives that significantly enhanced medical education and student wellness.

Abed’s leadership and academic achievements have been recognized with several awards, including the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Leadership Award, the National Canadian Federation of Medical Students Leadership Award, Dr. Mark Cohen Prize in Ophthalmology, and Ronald Douglas Naymark Graduation Award. He has also contributed to his field through publications and presentations at renowned international conferences, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, where he received the Best Poster Presentation Award in 2023.

Leveraging his leadership experience, Abed has successfully mentored and guided numerous students through the demanding medical school admissions process. During his senior years, he evaluated applicants as part of the admissions team, gaining valuable insight into what it takes to become a successful applicant. Moreover, his extensive background in volunteering and mentorship has given him the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support many aspiring physicians.

In his free time, Abed enjoys kayaking, swimming, hiking, skiing, and loves playing tennis and squash.

Abed remains committed to supporting future medical professionals, eager to share his knowledge and experience to help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Dr. Shannon received his PhD in Pathology from the University of Cambridge. His research explored immune mechanisms controlling or exacerbating viral infections in barrier tissues. Throughout his PhD, he contributed to 14 publications and earned recognition through the Norman P. Salzman Memorial Graduate Student Award in Basics and Clinical Virology. Dr. Shannon actively mentored numerous recent undergraduates, not only within the lab environment but also in guiding their future aspirations. This included formulating individualized career plans, selecting schools aligned with their interests, providing assistance with personal statements and application reviews, conducting interview preparation, and aiding in decision-making for the best next steps. Now serving as an Academic Consultant, Dr. Shannon is enthusiastic about leveraging his expertise to mentor students in cultivating transferable skills that will empower them to realize their future ambitions.

Dr. Camille Vasquez was born and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Behavioral Neuroscience. While pursuing her undergraduate studies, Camille completed co-ops at Bicon Dental Implants and Boston Center for Oral Health which exposed her to various sides of the dental field.

 Dr. Vasquez relocated to Pittsburgh, PA for dental school in 2019. During dental school, she served on the admissions committee from 2021-2023. She was also a dental ambassador where she regularly answered applicants’ questions on Q&A panels and lead tours of the school. Dr. Vasquez was also involved in dental educational research through the Dean’s Summer Research and independent study selectives. In 2023, she graduated and obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

 Dr. Vasquez is currently pursuing her residency in pediatric dentistry at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Vasquez can be found playing with her Shih Tzu (Scrappy), swimming outside, listening to podcasts on her long walks, or exploring new restaurants. She is excited to work with BeMo Academic Consulting and use her experience and passion to help students reach their career goals!

Dr. Jessica Johnson was born and raised in Kansas City and is a proud Kansan. She started her college career at a community college in Overland Park while playing college soccer. This then led her to another college in Wichita, KS for a semester before ultimately graduating from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. She worked as a medical scribe and lab technician for two years before starting medical school at the University of North Dakota. She is currently completing her training in pediatrics at the University of Missouri. She understands how difficult the process of applying to medical school can be, particularly for college athletes and those who take courses at multiple colleges and don’t have the opportunity to develop lengthy relationships with pre-med advisors. In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading nonfiction, running, cooking, and watching sports. 

Nafisha Haq is a fully-funded Ph.D. candidate at Western University in London, Ontario. She is pursuing her accelerated doctoral degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering and working to develop fluid flow control techniques that can potentially contribute to energy savings associated with their transportation. Currently, as a graduate research assistant, she has prepared and published 6 scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals, where she not only worked independently on her project but also collaborated with several other graduate students. In her role as a graduate teaching assistant, she conducts tutorial lectures, monitors lab experiments, and holds office hours for students to have one-on-one meetings for academic assistance and to discuss student-specific strategies for overall improvement in academics.

Before joining Western, Nafisha was a Lecturer and Assistant course coordinator at Military Institute of Science and Technology (Bangladesh), where she supervised and mentored undergraduate students for 3rd year engineering capstone project, counseled students from all years to personalize courses based on their merits and career goals and held discussion sessions on graduate school application. She completed her BSc from the same institution as a Valedictorian in 2018, where she was also the student body president during her senior year. 

Outside of Academia, Nafisha enjoys exploring different parks with her husband and watching movies with her family. She loves cooking and is always trying new recipes!

Dr. David Schulze is a recent graduate of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Currently he is doing his internal medicine intern year in Weatherford, Texas and will be moving to Los Angeles, California for his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency. Before entering medical school David was an actor, an EMT, a tutor, a lab manager, a cartoonist, and an English major. He knows what it’s like to have a different career before medicine!

In 2014, David attended the medical science master’s program at the University of Texas Health Science Center and was elected president of his class. After graduating he would become an advisor and mentor to the multiple classes that came after him. He helped them navigate the difficult waters of applying to medical school, dental school, podiatry school, graduate school, nursing school, and PA programs.

As a medical student David was proactive and severed as the class president all four years. During that time he got to see behind the scenes and learned what faculty, administration, and admissions directors are looking for in future students. He also continued to mentor the upcoming classes and was always available to answer a question or read over an essay. Now as a resident David continues to help advise those applying to residency.

David is happiest when the people he’s helped have achieved their goals. He has been on all sides of the application process and has gained many helpful insights. Let him use those insights to help you get the career of your dreams!  

Dr. Tawanna Charlton (she/her) is originally from Tallahassee, FL, and proudly represents the first generation of college graduates in her family. She embarked on a remarkable educational journey, starting with a Bachelor’s degree in biology (minor in chemistry) from Florida State University, and then pursued a Master of Medical Science at Hampton University. This academic foundation paved the way for her admission to the University of Florida Medical School, where she became a member of the esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA).

Currently, as a resident in anesthesiology at Emory University, Tawanna continues to excel in the medical field, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional patient care and medical knowledge. However, her passion extends beyond her own accomplishments, as she actively engages in educational endeavors. In 2021-2022, she served on the MD Medical Student Interview Committee, helping select the next generation of medical professionals.

In addition to her clinical pursuits, Tawanna is dedicated to nurturing the educational journeys of students. She has made a substantial impact by enriching the academic experiences of middle and high school students and providing mentorship to undergraduates interested in STEM fields. With a deep understanding of testing strategies, she also empowers students to excel in standardized exams. Tawanna offers a unique blend of educational excellence, mentorship, and testing expertise that has helped students achieve their educational goals. She is excited to continue to be a source of support and guidance for those looking to excel in their respective educational journeys.

When not providing patient care, Tawanna enjoys spending time with her family, spoiling her nieces and nephew, crafting, baking, and shopping.

Russ was born and raised in the Greater Cleveland, Ohio area and obtained his Bachelor Degree in Biomedical Engineering from University of Akron. He received his M.D. from University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (UTCOMLS) in Toledo, OH where he took on various tutoring responsibilities, began freelance admissions counseling work, and participated in recruiting/application preparation for the MedStart program, UT’s early medical school admission cohort. Russ is now a pediatric resident physician training at Stanford Children’s Healthcare in Palo Alto, CA and is eager to work with the team at BeMo Academic Consulting to help other prospective professional students realize their dreams. Russ enjoys cycling, running, gardening, and spending time in the Bay Area with his wife.

Sidney Idemudia is a highly accomplished individual with a remarkable academic background and a strong commitment to empowering others through education and advocacy. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering from Dalhousie University in 2014, laying a solid foundation in the technical aspects of the field. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive business knowledge, Sidney obtained an MBA from Cornell University and Queens University in 2023. This dual-degree program enabled him to develop a strategic mindset and acquire the necessary skills to lead organizations effectively. Sidney is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), equipping him with the skills to effectively plan, execute, and deliver complex projects.

For seven years, Sidney served as the Executive Director of Imhotep's Legacy Academy (ILA) at Dalhousie University, a non-profit organization focused on increasing the representation of people of African heritage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) studies and careers. Under his leadership, ILA has made significant strides in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in STEM education and careers. In 2014, Sidney embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by founding SeeMeNow Apparel, a socially conscious fashion-forward brand. In 2019, he established the Mudia Innovation Center to provide Nigerian youths with the educational support necessary for academic success and career development.

Sidney’s volunteer experiences exemplify his commitment to community service. He serves on the Council of African Canadian Education (CACE) board to advise the provincial minister of education on African Nova Scotian youth education matters, working towards equal opportunities for academic advancement. Furthermore, Sidney actively contributes to enhancing youth education in STEM as a volunteer board member of the Discovery Centre in Halifax. His involvement in the Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) Advisory Committee at Dalhousie University has proven instrumental in advising the Deans of Dentistry, Health, and Medicine on programs that drive increased student enrollment and improved health outcomes for African Nova Scotians. He previously served on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee for the faculty of Engineering to improve campus engagement and student and faculty relationships.

Sidney Idemudia's exceptional academic background and extensive experience in non-profit leadership, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism make him a driving force for positive change. With his skills, expertise, and unwavering dedication, Sidney continues to make significant contributions to educational equity, empowerment, and community development.

Erik was born in Vancouver, BC and grew up between Canada and Brazil. He received his Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Honours Political Science and International Relations with a Minor in French from the University of British Columbia in 2016. He was also a senior editor for the Undergraduate Journal of Political Studies and president of UBC's campus and community radio station, CiTR 101.9fm. 

Erik attended the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University from 2017-2020 and was a recipient of the prestigious Schulich Scholarship in Law. While in law school, he was on the executive of the Refugee Advocacy Association Dalhousie and the Dalhousie Employment and Labour Law Association, volunteered as part of the Tenant’s Rights Program at Dalhousie’s Legal Aid Clinic and helped organize the inaugural Canadian Animal Law Conference.

After graduating with his law degree in 2020, Erik articled with Bennett Jones in Vancouver. Erik was called to the British Columbia Bar in August 2021 and began his practice at Bennett Jones. Erik's main areas of practice include corporate law and regulatory law, with a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters.

In his free time, Erik enjoys music, film, reading, writing, and sports.

Erik has always had a passion for mentoring and passing on his knowledge to help others. In high school, Erik was a Big Brother and continued mentoring students during his undergraduate degree in his roles at the Undergraduate Journal of Political Studies and CiTR 101.9fm. As a lawyer, Erik played a key role in mentoring incoming students. 

Erik is a patient and diligent advisor who has gone through the stresses of undergraduate and graduate school application processes and strives to help his clients' succeed through their own application processes. He is here to help you achieve your goals. 

Phoebe A. Gilmore is a Pittsburgh-based lawyer whose practice is focused on the intersection of medicine, public policy, and the law.

Phoebe earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 2018. Following her undergraduate career, Phoebe earned a full-tuition scholarship to attend Penn State Law, where she graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2021. 

While in law school, Phoebe was an advocate for the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court team, served indigent clients as a clinical student for Penn State Law’s Family Law Clinic, and worked as a health law research assistant, specifically focusing on the regulation of state-funded methadone clinics. During law school, Phoebe also completed internships with Elliott Group and Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, where she primarily focused on regulatory compliance and corporate affairs.

Phoebe advocates for the demystification of the graduate law school admissions process to promote equity in higher education and help more students recognize and reach their full potential. In her free time, Phoebe enjoys painting and spending time with her loved ones (and cats).

Raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Fatima's academic journey began at McMaster University, where she diligently pursued both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Subsequently, she furthered her academic pursuits at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, in 2020.

During her time at the University of Ottawa, Fatima's dedication as a student was recognized through a prestigious fellowship offered by the Centre of Technology, Law, and Society. Under this program, she had the privilege of collaborating closely with the esteemed Dr. Michael Geist, the Canadian Chair of Internet and E-commerce Law. This experience provided her with a global perspective as she actively contributed to significant international initiatives. Notably, she played a pivotal role in recommending bylaws for Cambodia's first e-marketplace, a commendable state-led initiative known as cambodiatrade.com. Additionally, she contributed her expertise to provide analysis and recommendation of a bilateral free-trade agreement for the Government of Sri Lanka.

Concurrently with her academic pursuits, Fatima demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen by establishing an AI Startup during her first year of law school. She was inspired in her in contracts law class, which led to the creation of an innovative AI software designed to streamline research and review processes for both students and professionals. This entrepreneurial venture was further highlighted when she was invited to CBC's Dragons' Den, where her pitch captured the attention of investors, resulting in an investment offer. 

After law school, Fatima articled at a medium-sized law firm, specializing in corporate, commercial, real estate and condominium law. Drawing from her own challenging journey, she embraced the role of mentorship, recognizing the transformative potential of guidance in shaping the trajectory of aspiring students. As the first lawyer in her family, she understands the struggle and remains determined to equip deserving students with the resources, information, and mentorship that were once inaccessible to her.

Outside of work, Fatima spends her time at the gym, and learning new musical instruments.

Joseph David Narusis is currently finishing his doctorate in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois. Additionally, he works as an academic consultant at BeMo Academic Consulting and teaches advanced statistics and methods at SIU. As a teacher, he firmly believes that every student has the ability to succeed with the right instructions and motivation. One of his favorite sayings is, “It’s only a mistake if you do not learn from it.” He takes this approach when working with his students and focuses on using mistakes as opportunities to improve and develop. There are few things he enjoys more than watching that “lightbulb” click in a student’s head or watching them progress over time.

Joseph grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, southern Wisconsin, and central Florida. He has counts himself lucky to be able to spend extensive time overseas with his extended family in Lithuania. He loves to travel, play sports, and spend time outdoors in Southern Illinois. 

Dr. Shiti Malhotra earned her PhD in Theoretical Linguistics from University of Maryland, with specialization in Syntax and minor in Psycholinguistics. In her doctoral thesis, she reviewed how human mind processes complexities of the verb structure; how it handles the grammatical features of the verbs and how the complexity affects the overall sentence structure. Dr. Malhotra has published her research in various peer-review journals and has also presented at various International conferences. Alongside, she has also served as a reviewer at well-established journals, in addition to working as an Editor at multiple publications. 

Dr. Malhotra is currently teaching Linguistics at Sant Mary’s University- Nova Scotia. She has moved to Canada recently after working at Northeastern University-Boston for over a decade. 

Dr. Malhotra has a long established career at University teaching, where she has extensively advised and supervised students. She has also helped many undergraduate students in their Graduate School Applications. Her students have been successful in getting into top-ranked graduate programs in the field of Linguistics, Psychology, Speech Pathology, Neuroscience, and Computer Science.

Dr. Malhotra is passionate about her work. She believes that mentoring helps her build a strong connection with the students. She loves to help students to achieve success in their career goals.

Dr. Reem Sabry completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Reproductive Biology and Molecular Biology, from the University of Guelph, where she conducted ground-breaking research in her fields of specialization. Reem has also earned a Master's degree from the University of Guelph, a Bachelor's degree with Honours from the University of Waterloo, and a diploma in Biotechnology from Conestoga College.

Reem possesses a wealth of experience as a dedicated educator. Her passion for teaching led her to instruct undergraduate courses including Animal Reproduction, Biomedical Histology, and Medical Embryology. She is also a recurring guest lecturer for several graduate courses allowing her to guide and inspire students to achieve academic excellence. Her contributions extend beyond the lecture hall. Throughout her academic journey, Reem has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students in realizing and achieving their career goals. With an extensive publication record, she demonstrated remarkable skills in scientific communication. 

Born in Egypt, raised in Dubai, and ultimately settling in Canada for her education, Reem embodies a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and global perspectives. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, long walks with her dog, and a good game night!

Dr. Monyka L. Rodrigues earned her PhD in Education from Concordia University, specializing in print exposure and the effects of context on reading processes. In her doctoral thesis, she examined how the brain processes words in and out of context—think words within the context of a story versus words in a list. This provided insights into the effects of self-teaching on the formation of orthographic representations in memory. Dr. Rodrigues’s work is published in various peer-review journals and has presented at several developmental and reading conferences. During her graduate career, she won several national and university-level scholarships and awards for her research across two provinces, including SSHRC and MITACS. Beyond research, she tutors inferential statistics and has taught over 300 undergraduate and graduate students as a course instructor, teaching assistant, and thesis mentor.

Dr. Rodrigues joined BeMo because of her long-standing belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to attend higher education. She is a first-generation scholar and was fortunate enough to receive guidance from an expert writer and an experienced graduate student who provided feedback during the application. Since then, she has been seeking opportunities to support her community of future scholars and professionals by coaching students on effective communication strategies. Like you, she keeps learning and thrives on the idea of making the seemingly unattainable a reality.

Dr. Luke Shenton graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Neuroscience and subsequently an M.P.H in Epidemiology. After graduation, he went on to work as an epidemiologist and clinical trial researcher in oncology before attending medical school. He earned his M.D. from Drexel University. He is currently an internal medicine resident in San Diego, California, with plans to pursue a fellowship in hematology and oncology afterwards. He is also a dedicated researcher with a track record of multiple peer-reviewed publications spanning topics from vaccine hesitancy to smoking cessation in oncology patients. 

Dr. Shenton has a passion for education and has taught many undergraduate science classes and served as a teaching assistant for patient care courses during medical school. He also has experience serving on admissions committees both in medical school and during his MPH program. These experiences have given him a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs and challenges that students encounter throughout their educational journeys. He looks forward to making an impact mentoring aspiring physicians on their journey to medical school.

 When not providing care or mentoring aspiring physicians, he enjoys traveling, with 30+ countries visited, cooking, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Deepa Bhat was born in India and subsequently grew up in Michigan. She attended the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor for her undergraduate studies, and double-majored in Spanish as well as Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science. She then completed her medical school training at Rush University in Chicago, IL. During residency, she completed a one-year basic science research fellowship in the Tissue Engineering lab at Johns Hopkins University. She is currently an integrated plastic surgery resident in upstate New York.  

Deepa is passionate about mentorship and promoting diversity in medicine and surgery. She genuinely believes that anyone can become successful with the right tools, and has benefited from strong mentors in her own career. In her free time, she enjoys reading for pleasure, traveling to new places, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Dr. Thomas Fusillo is an Internal Medicine resident physician at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, earning both his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degrees. Prior to medical school he earned a Master of Science in Law (MS) degree from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. He received his undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Adithya Shekhar is currently a first-year orthopedic surgery resident at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Oregon. He grew up in Fremont, California, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology with Minors in Evolutionary Medicine and Biomedical Research at the University of California, Los Angeles. He subsequently completed medical school at California Northstate University. 

During his time in medical school, Dr. Shekhar served on the admissions committee, published numerous scientific articles in orthopedic journals, and was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He has years of experience as a mentor for individuals applying to medical schools and is very excited to empower motivated students with the tools necessary to achieve their professional goals through BeMo. 

Shreya (Sona) Nuguri is currently a medical student at OUHSC. Although born in India, she has spent every other living moment in OKC, Oklahoma. At the University of Oklahoma, she pursued a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Microbiology, graduating with Honors. During her undergraduate studies, she exclusively worked at OU Writing Center and thoroughly enjoys helping students with their academic goals. She also has a special interest in healthcare business consulting and was paired up with 5+ business companies to offer real-world solutions to drive organizations forward. Growing up, she was an avid dancer and still practices multiple forms today including teaching Zumba. Her current goals are to specialize in a surgical specialty at a well-known academic center and to serve on admission committees/ teaching faculty for medical students and residents.

Dr. Benita Kapuku holds a double honours Bachelors of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from Maynooth University, Ireland. She recently graduated from her doctoral studies in Chemistry at McGill University, Canada. Her research centred around discovering novel therapies for a tropical infectious disease. In her pursuit to gain laboratory experience during her undergraduate studies, Dr. Kapuku applied to 2 dozen internships with a low response rate. Having learnt from that experience, she was successfully accepted into several doctoral programs. These experiences fuel her passion for helping students in their pursuit of higher education.

Rohan completed his Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science with a concentration in Neuroscience and a minor in Global Health Technologies from Rice University and graduated cum laude. After working at a financial healthcare consulting firm, he is now a medical and MBA student at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Kellogg School of Management. At Northwestern, he is an active member of the Second Opinions Consulting Group and served as president of the Medical Innovations and Business Club. He has a plethora of experience guiding and coaching students to get into their top graduate program and is passionate about mentorship. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, reading, cooking, and watching sports. You can also find him producing music and exploring the intersection of innovation and medicine!

Dr. Bryan Shin is a first-year pediatric dental resident at Harvard University/Boston Children’s Hospital. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Dentistry.

 Dr. Shin completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his master’s degree in Kinesiology with two graduate concentrations at Miami University. During his undergraduate study, he was selected to serve as Pre-Health Living Learning Community Liaison to mentor pre-medicine/dental students in college residential communities to develop customized roadmaps during undergraduate studies. While obtaining his graduate degree, he worked as a graduate academic coach, mentoring undergraduate students in reviewing academic/job applications, CVs/resumes, personal statements, and interviews. During dental school, Dr. Shin served as a mentor for pre-dental students in Memphis, TN. He was also selected to serve as a teaching assistant for the pre-health scholars’ program at the University of Tennessee. 

He is originally from South Korea and moved to the States when he was fifteen. As a first-generation immigrant who overcame different obstacles, he understands each individual’s diverse cultural and learning backgrounds. He is passionate about helping students to achieve their goals and mentoring them closely to pursue their dream of becoming healthcare providers.He enjoys listening to his students’ stories and focusing on their strengths to customize the strategies for their applications/interviews. He looks forward to getting to know you better and being part of your incredible journey!

Mohammadreza earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from York University in Toronto. His doctoral dissertation focused on how heat is conducted in nano-scale materials. During his Ph.D. studies, he received university-level and provincial scholarships in recognition of his excellent academic record and research contributions. He has more than 10 years of experience in conducting research as well as mentoring students as a teaching assistant in several topics. Mohammadreza was also the recipient of an honorable mention for the best graduate teaching assistant in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at York University. Prior to his Ph.D. studies, Mohammadreza received his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Physics.

As a member of BeMo family, Mohammadreza is excited to use his experience to help students of all backgrounds achieve their academic goals. 

Michela Insenga is currently completing her Ph.D. at the University of Leicester, in the UK. Her research investigates the different factors and emotions that have an influence in women’s choice to pursue a career and persist in the highly male-dominated engineering industry. Michela has a keen interest in social justice and equality of educational opportunities and she is passionate about challenging societal stereotypes and norms.

After earning her Master’s Degree in Politics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, she became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a lecturer in Education at Edge Hill University. She has designed, implemented and evaluated several modules in the teacher training program (PGCE), while mentoring students and assessing their final dissertations. She now acts as an academic reviewer for some of the most prominent international associations in the field of educational research, such as the American Educational Research Association (AERA).   

Having worked as a research assistant for several European Commission-funded programs at the University of Liverpool, she developed a lifetime commitment to widening access to Higher Education for all. Michela is devoted to (and slightly obsessed with) her never-ending personal and professional development. In her free time, she turns into an amateur writer, an animal rescuer and the world’s most passionate traveller. She is very excited to help student articulate their life stories and succeed in their academic career, and she is thrilled to join the BeMo team.  

Samira Lavei was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario to Kurdish immigrants from Iran. She is fluent in four languages, English, Kurdish, Farsi, and Spanish, and hopes to master Arabic and French in the coming years. She has extensive and diverse experience in a wide range of job fields including, administration, retail, legal research, fitness coaching, and non-governmental organizations including the Spanish Red Cross and UNICEF. Samira holds both a Bachelor and Master degree in Political Science and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at York University. She currently specializes in Women and Politics and International Relations, and her dissertation focuses on gender within Latin America. She has experience participating in international conferences and plans on publishing her academic work soon. She is excited about applying many of her skills acquired from her experiences as a consultant here at BeMo!  

Outside of academia, Samira is a dedicated karate athlete and a two-time Canadian medalist. She has previously represented Team Canada at the 2019 Pan-American Championships in Panama. She has been featured on the York University Faculty of Graduate Studies website for her simultaneous dedication as a karate athlete and a Ph.D. candidate. Her photos have been featured on ShePowerSport, a platform dedicated to educating the public on the health rights of female athletes. When Samira is not training, she likes to give back her athletic knowledge to various communities in need. Examples of this would be, teaching female refugees self-defence in Spain and co-instructing an after-school karate program for kids in Colombia. 

When Samira is not studying, training, or working, she loves taking part in activities such as salsa dancing, creative writing, and cross-cultural observations. Samira has traveled to over 14 countries and is hoping to diversify her list within the coming years.

Dr. Roma Stephen is a Toronto resident who graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Double major in Neuroscience & Psychology) and later obtained a medical degree by completing medical school training in the Caribbean and the United States. She is currently in her hometown preparing for Canadian medical board exams. She has worked with United Nations Development Team in regards to mental health reforms in developing countries as well as been an active COVID-19 contact tracer during the pandemic in South Florida. Her goals are to serve people and educate them in any way possible. Through BeMo she plans on sharing some of her knowledge that she has acquired over the years and relieve stress for individuals who are seeking professional advice when it comes to admissions or enrollment.

Kedija Abdella is in her final year of medical school at the University of Toronto. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Trent University in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and was accepted to medical school after three years of undergraduate studies. Kedija has been involved in numerous mentorship and teaching initiatives throughout her undergraduate and medical studies. Her passion for advocacy, diversity, and inclusion has led her to obtain notable experience in supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds pursue careers in medicine. Kedija is thrilled to be able to use her experiences to help more students achieve their academic and professional goals. 

Nyasha Gondora has a PhD in neuropharmacology from the University of Waterloo. During the course of her graduate career she won several national and university-level scholarships and awards for her research, research presentations and community involvement, including being a two time recipient of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR-DSECT) scholarship. Over the past few years, Nyasha has worked closely with a total of >950 students in her capacity as a course instructor, teaching assistant and research mentor. Alongside teaching and mentorship, Nyasha enjoys public speaking and in 2016 was selected to deliver the official video pitch for a 100 million dollar grant application to the MacArthur Foundation on behalf of The Council of Scientific Society Presidents (Washington, DC).

Nyasha completed her Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas where she studied on scholarship. During her undergraduate studies, Nyasha pursued a broad range of experiences from interning in a public health organization in Washington, DC, doing ecology research and working in a top-tier HIV research lab. Through these experiences she earned a competitive undergraduate research fellowship and two prestigious awards. Texas is where Nyasha first discovered her love for science (and Mexican food!). In her free time Nyasha enjoys reading, jogging and is always ready for the next episode of Grey's Anatomy!

Nyasha believes in the power of effective mentorship and is a strong advocate for student success. She looks forward to channeling her wealth of experiences to help YOU achieve your dreams! 

Dr. Abha Sood is a chemist with experience in biological sciences. She obtained her Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts Boston in 2012. Her area of research was in the synthesis, design and structure activity relationship studies of small molecules against multiple targets involved in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis. After completing her Ph.D. she went on to pursue her post doctorate from University of Texas Medical School. Her research work has been published in various peer reviewed journals. Sharing her knowledge with others has always been her priority therefore, her passion lies in teaching and mentoring students towards career advancement in the field of sciences. She has over 4 years of teaching experience at Georgia Southern University (GSU) as an assistant professor. During her stay at GSU she taught General Chemistry I and II course and laboratory, Advanced Organic chemistry laboratory and nursing chemistry. Along with teaching she has mentored undergraduate and graduate research students. As a teacher she was greatly admired for her availability, giving extra time to students struggling in some areas and listening to students’ needs. As an MCAT instructor here at BeMo, she is ready and excited to instruct, help and mentor students.

Dr. Fernando received her PhD in Biological Sciences (Plant Developmental Genetics) from the University of Manitoba, Canada in 2016. She has been teaching Biology and Genetics in the same University since 2013, transitioning to a full-time instructor position in 2018. Dr. Fernando has taught Genetics, Cell Biology and Introductory biology courses to thousands of undergraduate students including pre-med and honours students, in the past 8 years. She obtained Certification in Higher Education Teaching from the Centre for Advancement of Teaching and Learning, University of Manitoba, in 2014. In addition to teaching, she has also been involved in curriculum development and facilitating teaching labs. She worked as the lab coordinator for Genetics for two years where she was responsible in planning and supervising the teaching laboratory component. She has mentored undergraduate summer students and has briefly supervised two Masters students during her time as a PhD student.

Before moving to Canada, she completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka with first-class honours, specializing in Botany and Molecular Biology. She has worked at two different universities and at the Department of Agriculture in Sri Lanka after her graduation. Dr. Fernando has received several awards and scholarships for academic excellence and many travel awards to attend local and international conferences. She has presented her PhD research in many conferences in the form of oral and poster presentations. She has 8 first author peer reviewed publications including 3 book chapters from her doctoral research which was focused on genetic interactions between genes involved in light and plant-stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) signalling and ABA mediated stress responses in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

As a very energetic and talkative person from childhood she thought teaching and mentoring would be a great profession for her. She believes a good teacher/mentor is someone who inspires the students, sets a good example to them and makes a remarkable change in their lives. Any person can be a teacher, but not everyone can be a good teacher. Teaching is adynamic process and building up a strong yet professional relationship with the students is the best approach to help them succeed. In her spare time, she loves travelling, watching movies with her family and also playing the piano. She also enjoys dancing and has performed and choreographed traditional dances to showcase Sri Lankan dance styles, in Manitoba.

Tyler was born in Halifax and grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. He obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from Cape Breton University in 2016.

Tyler attended the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University from 2017-2020 and was one of only four students in his incoming class to receive the prestigious Law Foundation of Nova Scotia entrance scholarship. While in law school, he volunteered as part of the Tenant’s Rights Program at Dalhousie’s Legal Aid Clinic and participated in the inaugural Canadian Animal Law Conference. 

After graduating with his law degree in 2020, Tyler articled with a boutique immigration and real estate law firm in Halifax before returning home to Cape Breton. Tyler was called to the Nova Scotia Bar in June 2021 and began his practice at a small firm in his hometown of Glace Bay soon after. Tyler’s main areas of practice include wills and estates, real estate, and family law.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys photography, birdwatching, nature walks with his dog and video gaming.

Tyler has always had a passion for mentoring, advising, and using his knowledge to help guide others. Prior to attending law school, Tyler worked as a driving instructor in a small business, teaching new drivers the rules of the road. In his role at the law firm, Tyler has played an instrumental role in training new staff and mentoring paralegals and junior lawyers.

Tyler is a patient and thorough advisor who can relate to the stress students experience during the grad school application process, and strives to make his clients’ experiences as satisfying as possible as they pursue their academic and professional goals.

Fatima earned her Bachelor of Applied Sciences with a specialization in Justice Studies from the University of Guelph. She also received a Diploma in Community Service at Humber College before receiving her law degree from the University of Windsor in 2021.

Fatima worked as a peer mentor, researcher and intake coordinator for Community Legal Aid in Windsor. She also volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada, completed a practicum in Dispute Resolution, and earned a certificate in Domestic Violence Training from the S.T.A.R. Program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Before and during law school, Fatima worked as a law clerk at Ruso & Associates. She completed her articles with the firm and was called to the Bar in 2022.

In her spare time, Fatima enjoys exercising, travelling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Shehnoor Khurram is a PhD candidate at the Department of Political Science at York University studying the contemporary intersections of religion and politics. Her doctoral research examines how militant Islamist movements respond to neoliberal globalization and its corrosive impact on the social life, ecology, politics, and economy of the Muslim world. She holds an (Hons.) B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto and an M.A. in Political Science from York University. Her writing has been published in the Huffington Post, Canadian Dimension, and Briarpatch Magazine. Shehnoor is also a passionate educator and community organizer working with social movements across the GTA, including the Peoples Pantry and $15 and Fairness. Outside of academia, Khurram is a lover of culture, movement, and the outdoors. She spends her time adventuring in the backcountry of Canada  - hiking, running, paddling, swimming, cycling, eating, and exploring wherever she can.

Dr. Marianne Mugabo holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology of Organisms from University Paris 11, a Master of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Sorbonne University (former University Pierre et Marie Curie) and a Ph.D. in Ecology from École Normale Supérieure de Paris.

After completing her Ph.D., she joined the School of Biology at the University of Leeds in the UK for 6 years as a postdoctoral researcher. In her research work, she has focused on understanding the effects of environmental variation (e.g.: food availability, habitat degradation, climate change) on individual traits in animal species such as survival rate, body size and reproductive performances and on identifying their consequences for the fate of populations (i.e.: population dynamics and risk of extinction). Her scientific achievements in the fields of evolutionary biology and population ecology have led to 13 publications in peer-reviewed journals. In recent years, Marianne has also worked as a freelance English-to-French technical translator and has specialized in software localization.

Throughout her academic training and career as a researcher, Marianne has mentored several undergraduate and graduate students. She has also taught lectures and practical classes in undergraduate and graduate programs, both as a teaching assistant and as a guest lecturer. She was also involved in multiple outreach and science communication events in France and in the UK. After enjoying a successful early career as an academic researcher, Marianne is delighted to help others achieve their own academic and career pursuits as an academic consultant at BeMo.

Dr. Amanda Thompson is a general dentist practicing in New Jersey.

Dr. Thompson grew up at the Jersey Shore. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Boston University, Master of Biomedical Sciences from Rutgers (formerly University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey) and attended Case Western Reserve University’s School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland for her Doctor of Dental Medicine. She returned home for a general practice residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Dr. Thompson has experience mentoring students of all ages, including as a nanny for several young children over several years. She participated in club activities during her undergraduate years aimed at introducing elementary-aged students to science and provided tours and assisted in interviewing prospective students in dental school. Most recently, Dr. Thompson served on the admissions committee at her former residency, helping hand select the future doctors for the program.

In all these experiences, Dr. Thompson has enjoyed connecting with students on a personal level and helping them achieve their academic goals. She became a mother in 2022 which strengthened her desire to help mentor the next generation.

When she’s not practicing dentistry, Dr. Thompson enjoys spending time with her husband and baby daughter, running local road races and baking sweet treats.

Dr. Africa earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry and a minor in Communication Studies from the University of Houston-Downton. These allowed her to apply her scientific skills in various industries—environmental, electrochemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical—as an Analytical Chemist. Her interest then evolved from using scientific skills to teaching others how to develop and apply them correctly. 

This budding passion was the catalyst that initiated her transition from industry into the classroom, where she taught undergraduate chemistry for four years and became increasingly fascinated by the learning process. Dr. Africa’s quest for a deeper understanding of learning, education, student evaluation and assessments, and academic achievement was fueled, leading her to pursue a master’s and then a doctoral degree in psychology, both with a specialization in educational psychology. Her doctoral degree culminated with a quantitative study titled, ‘Intelligence Mindsets, Psychological Needs Satisfaction, and Academic Achievement Among Dominican Secondary School Students.’ 

One of the theoretical tenets which have grounded her research is the growth mindset. Consequently, strengthening her belief that with the right resources and effort, everyone can excel, should have access to higher education, and the opportunity to achieve their goals. Thus, her interests deepened to include the publishing industry, where she has had extensive experience as an academic editor, working with researchers worldwide helping them achieve their dreams of becoming published authors in high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Dr. Africa is intrinsically motivated, curious, and focused. She thrives in a learning environment and continuously identifies new opportunities to learn and grow within a specific context. She loves learning and embraces every aspect of the learning process: challenges, researching, making mistakes, getting feedback, unlearning, relearning, and disseminating knowledge. Dr. Africa pursues excellence.

Naeha was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She attended Vanderbilt University where she graduated with Honors in Neuroscience and Medicine, Health and Society. Following undergraduate education, she matriculated to George Washington University, where she is currently a fourth-year medical student with career interests in Emergency Medicine and Health Policy. Naeha has tutoring experience with high school, college and medical school students in subjects including Math and English. She has also served as a medical student interviewer, and has experience advising students on medical school applications and personal statement writing. Naeha is excited to work with BeMo Consulting and help students on their path to testing and applying for graduate school! 

Chavonne was born and raised in NYC. Chavonne attended Eckerd College for undergrad where she majored in Biology. Chavonne was able to obtain her Master’s in Public Health and Medical degree from St George's University in a dual degree program. Chavonne was able to complete her pediatric residency and chief resident year at St Joseph's Regional Medical Center. Chavonne is now completing her Pediatric Gastroenterology fellowship.

Chavonne has a great interest in affordable, healthy nutrition for all. During fellowship she has joined and started various multidisciplinary teams working to improve access to healthcare for minority patients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, trying new restaurants and cooking at home.

Aali completed his undergraduate and graduate studies from Concordia University, Montreal, QC. While completing his MBA from the John Molson School of Business he was an organizer for the John Molson MBA International Case Competition which is recognized as the largest and oldest case competition in the world. Aali maintains a keen interest in B-School literature and is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. Having held management and leadership positions with the TD Bank Group, Canada, Aali has also worked internationally in operations and project management roles focused within the energy and healthcare sectors. Outside of professional activities, Aali enjoys speaking on wide-ranging business topics and networking with aspiring students to help them achieve their higher education goals. He also enjoys travelling and playing squash as well as tennis at every opportunity possible!

Dr. Michael Chung earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College in New York, and his Bachelor of Science degree from University of California Berkeley. He is currently a resident physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Chung has years of experience as a tutor and mentor for individuals applying to college and medical school.  In addition, he has successfully mentored medical students through the residency process.  He enjoys working with motivated students to empower them with the tools necessary to achieve their academic and professional goals. 

Simon Marmura is a SSHRC (CGS-D) funded Ph.D. candidate at Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario. There, he studies fascist and far-right political and social movements in Canada and abroad. As a Teaching Assistant, Teaching Fellow, and Graduate Mentor, Simon has taught or mentored hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. He teaches courses on public debate, deliberation, and political discourse, as well as on theories of International Relations. Simon holds an (Hons.) B.A. from the University of New Brunswick and an M.A. from Queen’s University. He has studied and worked in Austria, Greece, the Netherlands, Ecuador, is a Junior Affiliate at the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security, and Society, has served on countless departmental and university committees and boards, and is the current President of the best student space in Kingston: The Queen’s Grad Club.

Outside of Academia, Simon is an exercise enthusiast: soccer, trail marathoning, and lifting. He spends an inordinate amount of time cooking and loves to play the guitar, which he has been teaching to students for a decade.

Dr. Jacquelyn Paquet is a medical resident at the University of Alberta.

Jacquelyn grew up in rural Alberta and completed her undergraduate degrees in psychology and nursing both at the University of Alberta. While in undergraduate training, she was involved in career mentorship, crisis intervention and teaching, honing skills in teamwork and communication. She then completed her medical degree at the University of Alberta. During her medical training she was involved in a large research study on the impacts of mental health and substance use on academic performance, furthering her academic endeavours. She then successfully matched to the Psychiatry residency program at the University of Alberta.

Dr. Paquet is excited to help students achieve their professional aspirations as a consultant with BeMo. She understands the importance of structured and specific feedback and focused practice in developing confidence in interview settings. She aims to support student’s development of succinct writing skills to approach applications.

Outside of medicine, she can be found doing art, playing with her cats and spending time with her family. 

Jonelle Ward is a PhD Candidate at McMaster University in the Department of Health, Aging and Society. Her research explores informal youth-based caregiving, specifically the experiences of young adults (ages 18-25) who provide care for older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease or a Related Dementia. Jonelle also holds a Master’s in Gerontology and Health Administration from the College of New Rochelle and a Bachelor of Arts from York University.

Jonelle is a dedicated to improving the social welfare of individuals across the life course through education, advocacy and community organizing. As a former program director at the Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter, Jonelle directed and administered several grants to address diversity and disparities in dementia care as well as increasing access to services for caregivers. Jonelle developed the chapter’s first Alzheimer’s Association faith-based initiative in Westchester County, which is now a national signature event. 

Jonelle has been acknowledged for her community advocacy and leadership from the WestFair Business Journal, Westchester Business Council and she is also an Ontario Graduate Scholarship recipient. Currently she serves as Chair of the Gilbrea Student Group at McMaster University and is a member of the African Health and Ageing Research Centre.

Jonelle has a keen interest in teaching and learning pedagogies, as well as fostering opportunities for student research, engagement and skill building. She has taught courses in Social Work, Aging, Ethic Relations, Social Policy, Psychology, and Gerontology Field Practicum.

Jonelle has lived experience navigating the various pathways to higher education and is a proponent of equitable access to education for all students.  As such, she is excited to join the BeMo team and support students in reaching their academic and professional goals.

Outside of academia, Jonelle enjoys teaching creative writing to youth, basketball, salsa dance, yoga and spending time with her family.

“The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.” Paulo Frier

Dr. Rolando Gerena is a current medical resident at Indiana University. He will be attending the University of Colorado next summer to join their Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program.  His interest in education and mentoring stem from his upbringing in South Florida. His mother’s passion for teaching and his father’s love for agriculture motivated him to join the BeMo family. He aspires to mentor students who are interested in gaining acceptance into higher-learning programs. 

Dr. Gerena’s passion can be seen through his serving of others, including patients and colleagues. He was elected by his peers to serve as class president for his four years of medical school. Dr. Gerena also had the privilege of being selected as an ambassador to the admissions committee at his school. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gerena worked with education leaders to develop a COVID-19 pandemic course for over 700 medical students. The creation of this course provided all third- and fourth-year students with a solid base of knowledge for reintegration into the clinical setting. 

In his free time, Dr. Gerena enjoys going to the gym and hanging out with his dog. He also loves to eat so you can likely find him trying out a new restaurant every weekend.   

Laura is passionate about policy, societal and private initiatives that build more inclusive and egalitarian societies. She is an economist and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Development at the University of Ottawa. She analyzes public policies that promote greater accessibility and use of financial services by people and businesses in vulnerable socio-economic situations. Her work focuses specifically on the case of Mexico, where she works episodically in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics at the University of Anáhuac.

Before emigrating to Canada, Laura obtained a Master's degree in Economics at the University of Toulon, France, studying niche markets that enhance fair remuneration for producers and entrepreneurs. Here in Canada, she has evolved between Quebec and Ontario through research contracts and has become a trilingual researcher specializing in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

She spent 4 years teaching and mentoring university students and worked as an academic supervisor for 2 years. She knows how to guide the work of others and how to actively listen to ensure that candidates bring out the best in themselves and achieve their goals.

Outside of the academic world, Laura is a circus arts aficionado. She specializes in the discipline of aerial silks and delights in the circus atmosphere of the city of Montreal. Her daily life is also punctuated by the study and practice of yoga.

Laura has obtained multiple scholarships and funding to achieve her dream of becoming the first female graduate in her lineage. She is determined to support future students, regardless of their cultural, racial or socio-economic background, to access the higher education programs they choose.

Gautham is currently a Psychiatry resident at Queen's University in Kingston. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto and his medical school from the Caribbean along with a Masters level post graduate certification course from Harvard Medical School. Gautham is passionate about medical education and promoting health literacy. He was previously involved in medical education, including admissions and clinical affairs. He hopes to bring his experiences to BeMO and help facilitate students achieving their goals.

Francesco Zangari completed an Honours Bachelor of Science: Biomedical Stream at York University located in North York, Ontario. Currently, Francesco is a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Toronto. He studies the intersection between RNA/Protein biology by building new tools to survey their interactions. These mapping efforts will serve as an atlas that can be referred to in diseased states when often these interactions are altered. He’s received numerous awards for his work from agencies like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

When not doing experiments, he has spent time making science accessible through writing covering an array of topics like the microbiome, COVID-19 and Canada’s biotechnology sector for outlets like the National Association of Science Writers, Signals Blog and Massive Science. Through writing, Francesco has also become involved with science outreach groups towards on fostering scientific literacy throughout the education system. He’s also mentored students throughout his mentees as they navigated coursework and applying for graduate school. As a leader within the science communication field, Francesco is excited to use his skills to mentor and guide students to reach their academic/career goals. 

Emily (she/her) is currently completing her PhD at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, British Columbia. Her research focuses on supporting the development of authentic, equitable, and meaningful research partnerships between non-profit disability organizations and researchers, and has been funded through governmental and university grants and fellowships. Emily has also earned a Master of Science in Health and Exercise Sciences, for which she was awarded the UBC Okanagan Master's Student of the Year and the MITACS Award for Outstanding Innovation - Master's Category; and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Kinesiology from McMaster University.

During her time in post-secondary education, Emily has provided mentorship to a large number of students as a teaching assistant, practicum supervisor, and orientation leader. With her role at BeMo, she is excited to provide mentorship and support the professional growth of her student mentees.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, gymnastics, and hanging out with friends. 

Dr. Jaafar Hachem graduated with a PhD in Chemistry from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan in December of 2021. His research was about understanding what happens to the insulin signalling effect on the metabolic pathways inside liver cells under type 2 diabetes.

To carry out his research, Dr. Hachem utilized many research lab techniques including non-survival rat surgeries, hepatocyte isolation and cell culture, RNA and protein isolation, RT-PCR and western blots. Dr. Hachem presented his research in various conferences such as the American Chemical Society National conference, and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During his research career, Dr. Hachem supervised many undergraduate students and helped them learn critical and independent thinking skills which are a must to have a successful career.

Dr. Hachem has a very extensive teaching experience in various chemistry and biochemistry lab courses including chemistry for health profession courses where he interacted with many students with various career goals, particularly students that have career goals in the health field. As part of his teaching experience, Dr. Hachem was given the opportunity to be the MCAT Chemistry instructor for several prospective MCAT test taking students for one semester at Western Michigan University.

Outside of his professional career, Dr. Hachem loves watching sports and analyzing climate and weather models to do his own prediction of the weather and climate forecast. With being an Academic Consultant for BeMO, Dr. Hachem is ready to use his extensive experience to teach, help and mentor students to help them achieve their career goals.

Veronika Brejkaln completed her PhD in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures at the University of Toronto. Specializing in the area of Mexican revolutionary literature and culture, her research focuses on discursive constructions of individual and collective identities as seen through transdisciplinary readings of ideology and aesthetics. Veronika is a seasoned educator, with over 10 years of teaching experience in public institutions as well as the private sector.

Throughout her career she has coached students of all ages and backgrounds on subjects ranging from foreign languages and linguistics to academic writing, literature and public speaking. As a first-generation immigrant, Veronika is most passionate about working with non-native speakers and newcomers to Canada. Regardless of the subject she is teaching, Veronika is always dedicated to helping students overcome personal challenges in order to become better versions of themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga and martial arts, cooking up the best tacos in town, and experimenting with different pairings of wine and cheese.

Ruth Martinez completed her PhD in Spanish and Portuguese Linguistics at the University of Toronto. Specialized in phonetics, her research focused on pronunciation difficulties encountered by second language learners of Spanish and Portuguese when acquiring nasal sounds. Ruth has also earned a Master’s degree from the Université de Montréal, a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours from McGill University, and a Diploma of College Studies from Vanier College.

 During her academic journey, she was the recipient of numerous scholarships, she published research papers, presented at international conferences, and taught language and linguistics courses. Ruth has also worked in the Artificial Intelligence field, contributing to the development of voice recognition systems and building machine learning solutions for data analysis.  

Ruth is originally from Argentina and grew up in Montréal. She has also lived in Brazil, Uruguay, and Germany. In her spare time, she loves dancing, biking, practicing yoga, and traveling.

Dr. Austin Hancock completed his undergraduate work at Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, receiving a bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs and French Studies. He then earned a master’s degree in French Studies from the University of New Mexico before completing his PhD in French Languages and Literatures at Princeton University, where his dissertation research focused on the relationship between sport and modernist art and literature. While at Princeton, he had the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduate students as they applied for competitive graduate programs in the United States and abroad. The author of three peer-reviewed articles, Dr. Hancock was also the recipient of Princeton’s prestigious honorific fellowship for graduate research and has presented his work at international conferences in the U.S., the U.K. and France. He is currently pursuing his passions for teaching and research full-time.

As a linguist and as a scholar of the humanities, Dr. Hancock firmly believes in the power of human connection. As a BeMo team member, he is thus excited to use his expertise to help you communicate the best version of yourself as you forge your ideal path through the world of academia.

When he is not in the classroom or at his desk, Dr. Hancock pursues his passion for sport by doing and can usually be found working up a sweat on the basketball court or in the boxing ring.

Victoria studied Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Throughout this university degree, she also performed more than 200 hours of research in Applied Microbiology, culminating in a written thesis and 2 peer-reviewed scientific research articles published in high-impact journals. Her thesis and research articles are based on the study of media culture optimization for the wine-making process. Importantly, Victoria found that using food waste products like whey permeate (from the cheese industry) and apple pomace (from the juice and cider industry) could increase the production of wine-fermenting bacteria to similar values as commercial media, reducing 90% of the cost.

Recently, Victoria finished her Master’s in Biochemistry and Neurobiology in Montreal, Canada, where she studied the development of the nervous system using C. elegans as a model organism. Although most of the results are unpublished, Victoria has exciting results that might link certain routes of the metabolism of RNA to the correct and functional development of healthy neurons. Thus, these results might potentially help to understand neurodevelopmental diseases.

Throughout her high-school and university years, Victoria realized that her interpersonal skills and fluency in different languages (English, Spanish and French) were strong and thus she was always involved in mentoring, tutoring students, as well as volunteering in different non-profit organizations (both in Argentina and in Canada). She strongly believes that education should be accessible and inclusive, therefore she has always participated in education-related activities, science outreach, and science communication. Her life objective is to make science (and overall education) accessible and inclusive by sharing her knowledge and having a direct impact on society.

During her free time, she is a passionate Cuban Salsa dancer, as well as other Latino rhythms. She also loves to hang out with friends, watch movies and walk under the sun (during winter).

Dr. Alexandre Benoit was born in Montreal, Quebec. He completed an M.S. in Biochemistry at the Université de Montréal and completed his PhD in Experimental Medicine at the McGill University. His research focused on mutations enriched in relapse/refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). He characterized how the mutations would affect the activity of the mutated proteins and investigated how it could promote resistance in DLBCL. He also collaborated on projects focused on Melanoma and Leukemia and has experience with Neuroblastoma and Diabetes. He had the opportunity to present his work at national and international conferences such as the Canadian Cancer Research Conference and the International Conference on New Concepts in Lymphoid Malignancies. He cofounded a sustainability committee called the Green Labs Initiative at the Lady Davis Institute (GLI@LDI). He also was part of the Lady Davis Institute Trainee Committee where he could contribute to the social environment and career path of graduate students.

In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling to new countries, cooking, listening to music, or watching movies with friends and family. He also enjoys learning new subjects and sharing his experience and knowledge with students, friends, and family.

An international citizen, student and engineer! Ahmed is currently pursuing his PhD degree at the Department of Civil Engineering at McGill University. His area of research and expertise is numerical modeling of geotechnical and hydraulic systems. Previously, Ahmed participated as a member of the river engineering and management laboratory at Kyoto University in Japan. Throughout his academic and professional career, he was closely involved in several water-related projects, ranging from designing water supply systems to arid regions to designing flood protection systems in flood-prone regions.

Ahmed served as an industry consultant for various civil engineering entities in the middle east, Japan and Canada. He is recognized as an outstanding professional engineer and academic. He was a recipient of the ABE initiative award for African professionals and the Honorable Urban Management Engineer (HUME) award from Kyoto University.   

Dr. Shasta Webb is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. In her position in Dr. Elizabeth Archie’s lab, she researches microbiota dynamics across the life course in wild baboons. She completed her PhD in biological anthropology at the University of Calgary in 2022. She earned a Master of Arts in biological anthropology the same department in 2017 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in biological anthropology from Macalester College in 2013. During her PhD, Shasta was awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the National Science and Engineering Research Council from the Canadian federal government as well as an Alberta Innovates scholarship from the province of Alberta, in addition to a PEO Sisterhood Scholarship. During graduate school, Shasta served as co-chair for the Graduate Leader’s Circle, which provided peer mentoring for students applying to fellowships and scholarships.

Noah grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University, where he worked on a variety of research projects and actively participated in journal clubs. Noah is currently a medical student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and hopes to work in a surgical specialty back in his hometown of Marquette. He has experience volunteering as a mentor for high school students, helping them to achieve success in their academics and encouraging them to pursue careers that interest them. As a medical student, he holds group review sessions to cover high yield topics and strives to make sure his peers are comfortable with the material, answering any questions that arise.

 Outside of class, Noah loves watching movies (especially Star Wars), trying out new cooking recipes, and hiking with his fiancé and dog. Noah is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and believes everyone should have the opportunity to learn!

Dr. Joshua Osika is currently a resident in psychiatry at McMaster University.

Joshua was born and raised in Northern Ontario and completed his Bachelor of Science as well as a graduate diploma in Science Communication at Laurentian University. He then went on to study economics, completing his B.A. at Laurentian and his M.A. at the University of Waterloo. He completed medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Prior to medicine, Dr. Osika has many years of experience working with students as both an economics instructor at Laurentian University as well as a teaching assistant in both biochemistry and economics, and as a tutor from elementary to undergraduate levels.

Joshua has a passion for medicine and for teaching. He is bringing experience helping students from a variety of backgrounds to BeMO where he hopes to continue helping people to achieve their goals.

A New York City native who currently resides in Boston, Sophia (she/her) completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University in 2021. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences and minored in Nutrition and Developmental Sociology. Her favorite class at Cornell was called "Art of Teaching", where she grew to love working with others. She has experience working as a Teaching Assistant, private tutor, and a notetaker for her university's disability services. Sophia's hobbies include figure skating, fencing, and doing escape rooms with friends. 

Lekha Reddy is a medical student who is passionate about teaching and education. She was born and raised in New Jersey and earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in Medicine, Health & Society with a minor in Quantitative Methods. She is currently completing her final year at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School with interests in emergency medicine, narrative writing, and education. Lekha has had extensive experience with tutoring and mentoring learners of all levels. She also served as a writer and editor for an online medical literary magazine and genuinely enjoys helping individuals craft personal statements and professional application materials. Outside of medicine, Lekha enjoys dancing, traveling, exercising, and reading. She looks forward to helping aspiring students reach their professional goals with BeMo! 

After being the lead prosecutor in a mock trial in grade 7, Kelvin became very interested in criminal law. He pursued this passion by taking Criminology at York and completing law school at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. 

Kelvin has been with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada since 2015, starting as a summer and articling student, and now a member of the Anti-Organized Crime team in the Ontario Regional Office in Toronto. His practice focuses on high complexity wiretap cases involving conspiracies, large-scale drug trafficking and importing, organized crime, search warrants and emerging Charter issues. Kelvin has appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal on a number of occasions and has conducted several jury trials. He is also member of the PPSC Student Committee and mentor to prospective and current law students.

Nirusan Rajakulendran is a Product Manager at Inkblot Labs. Prior to Inkblot, Nirusan was the Manager of New Ventures at Green Shield Canada, a not-for-profit health insurance company. At Green Shield, Nirusan drove partnerships and helped to build a pipeline of innovative digital health products. Nirusan has been active in the startup space, having spent over six years at MaRS Discovery District in both market research and venture capital. Nirusan has a Masters in Biotechnology and a Masters in Business Administration, both from the University of Toronto. 

Dr. Trevor Blanchard is currently a resident in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Western Ontario.

He was raised in Northern Ontario, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Masters in Human Kinetics. He subsequently attended the Northern Ontario School of Medicine before venturing to London, ON, for residency.

Dr. Blanchard has given several oral and poster presentations at national and internal conferences with current research interests in sports medicine, arthroplasty, and quality improvement.

Dr. Blanchard has helped mentor many students along their medical journey, whether getting into Medical School or preparing for the residency match. He looks forward to working with BeMo to help others reach their goals. 

Bianca Orlan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Law and Business from Ryerson University, Ted Rogers School of Management in Toronto. It was during her undergraduate studies that she discovered her passion for the legal field and creating greater access to justice. She went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law.

Throughout Bianca’s undergraduate and graduate studies, she took on various work and volunteer opportunities that allowed her to develop her legal knowledge and critical skills, as well as pursue her passion for helping others. These opportunities involved working both for the private and public sector, assisting various members of the public, including underprivileged individuals, children, and adults who are mentally and/or physically incapable. Bianca was selected to participate in her law school’s Externship Program. As part of the program, she worked at a government-funded Community Legal Clinic in Toronto that provides legal advice and representation to clients in financial need. Additionally, one summer she worked in the legal services division of a provincial government office that is committed to protecting the rights and interests of adults who are mentally incapable.

Bianca is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their academic success and professional goals. She thoroughly enjoys reviewing documents and providing feedback, whether it be from her work experience or simply lending a helping hand to her fellow classmates during her studies. She knows firsthand how overwhelming the law school application process can be and is dedicated towards mentoring and helping other applicants navigate through it as seamlessly as possible.

Dr. Greg Shinaman is currently completing his intern year in internal medicine at the University of Rochester and is looking forward to completing a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the coming years. He is lucky to have been able to stay in his home town of Rochester NY for most of his education including his undergraduate studies, medical school, and now, residency. He completed his B.S. in Environmental Sciences at the University of Rochester in 2017 and recently graduated in May 2022 from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. While in medical school, he served as the Wellness Committee Chair of his class for three years and he was able to mentor and guide the classes below him as well as undergraduate students applying to medical school.

In his free time, Greg is an avid hiker and skier. He recently completed hiking the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondack Park! He also enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with his family and dog whenever he can. 

Greg's passion for equity in professional fields motivated him to join the BeMo team. Having completed the process of medical school and residency application so recently, Greg is well equipped to offer current advice for aspiring applicants. Greg looks forward to meeting you and helping guide you through your process of attaining higher education!

Dr. Jennifer Lipiec received her Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Health Studies (Co-op option) from the University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario, in 2007. While obtaining her degree, Dr. Lipiec was selected as a Teaching Assistant within the Faculty of Health Studies, as well as acting as a Mentor within the Health Mentorship Program. Completing the co-op option afforded Dr. Lipiec the benefit of exploring potential career opportunities during the course of her studies, which re-affirmed her desire to pursue a career in dentistry. 

In 2008, Dr. Lipiec relocated to New York City and obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2012. While earning her degree, Dr. Lipiec participated in several mentorship programs including within the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, the American Dental Association, and the Student National Dental Association. Subsequent to her studies at Columbia, Dr. Lipiec completed a General Practice Residency at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City in 2013. 

Following her residency, Dr. Lipiec began in private practice in 2013 in New York City, and was shortly thereafter offered a position of Assistant Professor at Columbia University within the College of Dental Medicine. She held this role of Assistant Professor through 2017 at which time she accepted a position as an Assistant Professor/Care Coordinator at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. She acted in this role until 2019 when she ultimately decided to return to Ontario and begin her tenure with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario where she acts as a Dental Consultant within the department of Professional Conduct and Regulatory Affairs. After returning to Ontario in 2019, Dr. Lipiec has also been actively involved with the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR), the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB), the University of Waterloo Toronto Alumni Chapter Mentorship Program, and as a guest facilitator in respect of ethics and jurisprudence within the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. 

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Lipiec is a sports and music enthusiast and remains very active. She also enjoys drawing, baking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Dr. Elissar Sayyed Kassem completed her Bachelor of Law degree in her home country Lebanon, followed by an LLM at the University of Aberdeen in the UK. Striving to combine legal research with the fast-paced growth of online commerce, she completed her PhD in Law at the University of Liverpool, with her thesis tackling the complexities of online contractual relations and internet governance. 

Dr. Sayyed Kassem worked as a consultant for a parliamentary committee in Lebanon, contributing to drafting a law on information technology and e-commerce. She then took an academic position as an assistant professor at the American University of the Middle East. Moving to Canada, Dr. Sayyed Kassem made Halifax in Nova Scotia her home. She now focuses on legal writing and editing. As an academic consultant at BeMo, she is armed with her strong belief in the importance of education, alongside her experience in advising university students. 

Outside work, she is a dedicated mom and a very active volunteer in her community.

After working for several years in New York City's beauty industry, Sofia completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Creative Writing at Columbia University. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a peer mentor, teaching assistant, and high school equivalency instructor for adults in continuing education. Sofia also conducted independent research concerning medical stigma and unequal access to medical care in the United States. While at Columbia University, she spent two years working as a student advocate for working, parent or otherwise nontraditional students by alleviating barriers, fostering diversity, and creating inclusive policy practices within the university. As a BeMo consultant, she is passionate about helping students of all backgrounds fulfill their academic potential.

Beyond the classroom, Sofia enjoys many hobbies, particularly home cooking, reading and young adult fiction writing. Recently, she has taken up learning how to code video games with her seven-year old son. 

Alizeh is an MD candidate at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Prior to medical school, she obtained a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Spanish. This was followed by a research year in trauma surgery at the University of Michigan. She also has years of research experience spanning the fields of neurosurgery, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, genetics, interventional radiology, metabolomics, diversity & equity in medicine, and health disparities. She has authored several peer-reviewed manuscripts and has presented at multiple national and international research conferences. 

At Brown, she is the Director of Operations of the Brown Human Rights Asylum Clinic and serves on the school-wide committee dedicated to enhancing the learning environment. She has done years of volunteer work in Spanish-speaking communities to assist with immigrant-assimilation programs and decrease academic barriers among first-generation students. She has combined her interest in the Spanish language with her desire to address health disparities by volunteering as a patient translator at multiple clinical sites and has assisted with grant-writing and clinical research at the Latino Cancer Disparities Center. She volunteered as an EMT at Princeton EMS for five years and was promoted to a senior crew member, through which she led patient assessment and management during medical emergencies. She loves mentoring students and sharing her expertise in crafting competitive, unique applications with strong writing.

Anant completed his MBA at Georgia Tech in Atlanta in 2013. He is an experienced entrepreneur and has established and supported multiple successful ventures. He is currently the co-founder of a food startup in Vancouver. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he helped grow the adoption of many new technology products.  

 Anant started his career working at Pearson on the administration and adoption of the GMAT and LSAT tests. He has worked with many University Deans and Presidents on their admissions process. Anant also has extensive experience interviewing candidates for various positions across sectors and understands what the admissions committees look for in candidates. With his experience and insights into the admissions process, his goal is to help applicants succeed in their careers.  

He also volunteers as a mentor for small businesses and not-for-profits. While he has always been a prolific cook, Anant has taken up Latin dancing and skiing since moving to Vancouver, British Columbia. 

 Peter is currently completing his doctoral studies at Western University in London, Ontario. His research focuses on using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI and MRS) to investigate the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. His multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches have led to numerous peer-reviewed publications and awards.

Along with his Ph.D. candidacy, he is also currently being trained in a CAMPEP-stream (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs) program, which allows him to apply for residency and, eventually, a career as a medical physicist. 

Having experienced both victories and defeats in his academic career, Peter is knowledgeable in leveraging personal experiences and narratives when communicating in a professional setting. He has a passion for helping the next generation achieve their fullest potential (and helping them enjoy the journey in the process)!

Duaa Syed is a 2021 JD Graduate from Osgoode Hall Law School. During her time at Osgoode, Duaa worked as an Anti-Discriminatory Intensive Program (ADIP) student at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre (HRLSC) and advised over 150 clients on legal and procedural human rights issues. Through her work at the HRLSC, She has developed a deep and functional understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code and learned how to deal with emotionally complex clients.

Duaa strongly believes in volunteerism and spent her time volunteering at the Toronto Small Claims Court, Toronto SSP, and the Canadian Council of Muslim Women. Duaa also has a keen interest in ADR and actively seeks out opportunities to hone her mediation skills.

Duaa aims to infuse her legal career with her emotional intelligence and make law a more compassionate field for clients and practitioners. As an immigrant with a diverse background, Duaa aims to bring meaningful insight as a future lawyer in the Canadian Law society. Duaa's drive to help people and keen intuition makes her an asset for clients.

Before law school, Duaa lived in Saudi Arabia up until high school and moved to India to pursue Bachelors in Journalism. After completing her Bachelor’s, Duaa decided to pursue her law degree in Canada to develop and hone legal skills.

Being an international student who moved to Toronto for law school, Duaa appreciates and understands the challenges that come with moving to a new country and navigating the unfamiliar terrain of law school.

In her free time, Duaa likes to learn languages and spend time learning about mental health and wellness.

Emily Tang is in her final year of PhD in biochemistry at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Her doctoral project focuses on investigating the regulation of cell behaviours during embryonic kidney development using mouse as model organism. This study led to a few publications in peer-reviewed, high impact journals in the field.

Emily also had extensive experience in teaching and mentoring. She was a teaching assistant for multiple biological courses spanning from the introductory to more advanced levels. During her graduate study, she’s led student associations where their goal was to help new students orient and succeed graduate school. She values diversity and inclusion and believes that everyone should have equal opportunities for education.   

With excitement, Emily can’t wait to share her experiences and help students succeed in their educational goals!

Dr. Arrash Allahyar obtained his MD at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is currently at Oregon Health and Science University, where he works as psychiatry resident and teacher to third- and fourth-year medical students completing their psychiatry rotations. 

Arrash has led and been involved with many mentoring and tutoring programs since his undergraduate years. During medical school, he helped pioneer a project called the REV UP program, where he worked closely with a group of undergraduates that were preparing to apply to medical school. He provided them with interview practice, personal statement review, AMCAS preparation, and held monthly check-in meetings to help ensure all students were on track with their applications. He looks forward to bringing this experience with him to BeMo.

 Through his personal experience and experience in mentoring others, Arrash is aware that the path into medicine can be quite challenging if one doesn't have the appropriate guidance and resources available. He believes that any student who dreams to become a doctor should not be held back by the complexities of the admissions process. Thus, it has been one of his goals since medical school to ease the path for future doctors, and he is excited to continue working towards this goal as a BeMo admissions expert.  

Eric Pecile is a born, raised, and educated-in Torontonian. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto specializing in History with minors in medieval studies and statistics. Following the conclusion of his undergraduate degree, he completed his Master of Arts in History there as well. His research was a comparative study of the business networks and technical practices of Florentine and Hanseatic merchants from 1400 to 1600. The MA thesis won a department award for most innovative and original graduate research piece. Currently, Eric is a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto. His SSHRC funded doctoral thesis, Private Wealth, Public Profits, analyzes the contributions of wealthy Italian patricians to the development of the early modern welfare state. He is completing his dissertation revisions and looking to graduate at the end of the 2022-23 academic year. Beyond his academic work, Eric works in communications and marketing, while enjoying archery on the weekends.

Urmila completed her MBA from Schulich School of Business, Toronto. She also holds a Chartered Accountancy, and a Bachelor & Master of Commerce. During her MBA, Urmila was the winner of a market penetration case competition, received a scholarship that is awarded to one MBA student from Latin America or Asia, and was nominated for her school's executive presence award. She was also a research assistant for international negotiations during her MBA. 

She now works as a Management Consultant with Accenture and provides Finance Transformation consulting to global organizations. She has also had prior consulting experience with Deloitte and KPMG.

 Urmila has also tutored as an instructor and career coach at residential schools in rural and socio-economically backward communities. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking and has biked the 150 km stretch from Toronto to Niagara in support of the Ride for Cancer initiative 

Raminder K. Hayre is a Vancouver-based lawyer that currently runs a consulting company which is focused on life purpose and mentoring individuals through life and/or career changes. Prior to that, she practiced in leading firms where she litigated insurance defence files ranging from arson and theft, to personal injury. Raminder held several positions including director and chair roles for equity and inclusivity among the Canadian Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association.

She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at UBC, and did her MBA and J.D. in Australia. 

Outside of work, Raminder enjoys watching movies, cooking, reading, and getting exercise. She is a strong believer in personability, and is passionate about morphing institutions to be more empathetic, and approachable for people of all backgrounds. She is active on her blog where she gives free information on law, and policy, and has become an activist for human rights and accessible information. Raminder is a spiritual healer, and brings her healing modalities into coaching to ensure that clients and engagers are fulfilling their highest potential, while not burning out in the process. 

Kashish is an insightful professional with an MBA from University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering. Starting off as a Quality Assurance Engineer, he has a versatile career providing consultation to multiple companies in IT and Telecommunications industry while working in Canada, United States, India and China. He enjoys building relationships with businesses across the community. 

Voluntarily, he has worked with several Non-Governmental Organizations to promote sustainability initiatives at various sporting events including the Indian Premier League where he was the youth ambassador. 

Kashish believes that it becomes easier to achieve career goals when one can concentrate on the right things at the right time. He thrives most when mentoring students get accustomed to new study and work environments, simultaneously helping aspiring students navigate through to achieve their education goals. 

In his free time, Kashish loves to cook, travel, play cricket and spend time with his loved ones. 

Mr. Mehdi Khalfallah holds a Bachelor's in Finance and an MBA. Mehdi has several years of rich work experience. He was an International consultant in Haiti, Portugal and Brazil. Additionally, Mehdi had several years of experience across Canada within the Real-Estate, Finance and Consulting industries.

As a passionate person about outreach programs and human rights, he went on a humanitarian mission to Haiti and found himself at the age of 22 managing a hospital with 40 employees. Using his consulting and leadership skills, he managed to improve the entire hospital's recruitment and management processes and saved the hospital from closing its door due to its previous mismanagement of leadership. 

In his spare time, Mehdi likes to learn new languages and travel. He currently speaks 5 languages: Arabic, French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

Tyler Hosie completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Adelaide in Australia. While undertaking his MBA, he participated in an exchange program at the European Business School in Wiesbaden, Germany. Throughout his academic career, Tyler earned multiple awards in various subjects, such as Management Accounting, Commercial Law, and International Financial Institutions & Markets.

Professionally, Tyler has worked across a wide range of industries. He began his career as an Auditor at KPMG straight after high school, and subsequently worked in the Health and Fitness, Retail, and Tech sectors. As an Entrepreneur, Tyler established his own mental health initiative and acted as an Owner/Operator of a plant-based foods business in his current home of Canada. Tyler's previous experience as a tutor has motivated him to continue helping others in his role as an Admissions Consultant with BeMo.

Personally, Tyler is an ex-Athlete with a strong passion for sports. He enjoys playing, watching, and discussing sports. In addition to this, Tyler has interests in music, particularly attending live events, travel, and meeting new people.

Dr. Anurag Agrawal received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019 in Chemistry. His research was multidisciplinary combining analytical chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and data analysis. He worked towards understanding the mechanism of action of an alternate class of antibiotics. He was awarded The Wisconsin Initiative for Science Literacy award for Communicating Ph.D. Research to the Public for including a thesis chapter to explain his scholarly research to non-science audiences (http://scifun.org/Thesis_Awards/agrawal.html). He also taught multiple courses as a teaching assistant during his PhD that includes Advanced Gen Chem and Advanced Physical Chemistry Lab. Anurag passionately believes in the importance of education and is excited to help students to the best of his capabilities.

Steven is currently an Internal Medicine resident at the University of Toronto after having completed his medical school training at McMaster University. He is quite familiar with the pre-med journey having seen, mentored and taught thousands of students as they successfully entered medical school.

Having previously taught MCAT classes, Steven always found engaging with students’ career aspirations to be more rewarding than the content itself. He is very excited to take on this position with BeMo and support students in this manner going forward.

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Megan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Western Ontario in 2019, and her Juris Doctor degree from Queen’s University in 2023. Megan was an active member of the Queen’s Law community, working as a caseworker for the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, a teaching assistant for an undergraduate international law course, and an editor for the Queen’s Law Journal and Legal Style Guide. Megan also volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada and competed as an oralist in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot. 

Megan is now pursuing her passion of criminal justice and correctional reform while articling for a non-profit organization that promotes policy change to ensure fair treatment of incarcerated people and rehabilitation to support individual and community needs. Her other areas of interest in law include international law and real estate law. 

In her spare time, Megan enjoys painting, reading, and travelling. Having spent a few years as a barista, she is also a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur. 

Aaron Schulze is a practicing attorney in Los Angeles, CA where he primarily works on talent agreements, employment contracts, and all things related to the entertainment industry. 

Aaron earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Texas in Psychology, and Theater & Dance. He then attended the University of Texas School of Law. While in law school, Aaron took part in an International Entertainment Program in London that focused on Negotiating and Drafting International Entertainment Contracts. In Austin, Texas, he represented indigent clients charged with misdemeanour offences in the Texas Law Criminal Defense Clinic. 

Aaron understands what it's like to have a non-traditional career path. He has used his love of the arts to help guide him in his legal career by offering a unique perspective. He loves sharing his passion with others, whether it be through music, film, or the law. 

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Alexia (she/her) completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. She earned a B.A. in Comparative Literature with a focus on Latinx Studies and Identity, and completed her certification in Spanish Language and Literature through her semester abroad in Seville, Spain.

 Alexia is the first in her family to attend and graduate from a four-year university. She is a recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship, and she is incredibly passionate about diversity and equity in education. As a BeMo consultant, she is excited about supporting students across diverse backgrounds in achieving their academic goals. She loves reading fantasy novels, going to concerts, and traveling. 

Dr. Jelena Jelušić is a media researcher and teacher. She recently received her Ph.D. in Radio/TV/Film from Northwestern University and her B.A. in Modern Culture and Media and Comparative Literature from Brown University, with honors in both concentrations.

 Jelena’s research and teaching focus on how media shape our politics and values. Her work focuses on media that question the dominant views of their time and address underrepresented and marginalized communities. Jelena received over ten research grants to explore these issues, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at many international conferences. She also worked in a funded partnership with the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and coordinated its research on gender-based violence. Jelena enjoys writing columns and delivering talks on gender representation in the media, media literacy, regulation of social networks, and similar issues to academic and non-academic audiences. 

 She is an experienced college teacher, and her courses range from introductory surveys to specialized seminars. Jelena teaches in a way that honors and values students’ existing knowledge while tutoring them to cultivate new competencies for reading and producing a particular kind of comprehension and analysis. The experience of being an international student taught Jelena that first-generation, international, and a variety of other students may have varying levels of familiarity with the classroom protocol and writing conventions commonly expected of those enrolled at prestigious US universities. While working with her students on developing this knowledge, Jelena is particularly excited to help them present their unique backgrounds and skill sets as valuable assets in college applications.

 In her free time, Jelena enjoys reading fiction, playing piano, snowboarding, and spending time with her husband and their dog.

​Danielle (she/her) is currently completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology in Education at Columbia University. Her research focuses on equitable educational social justice, as well as examining and enhancing the psychological relationship between physicians and their LGBTQ+ patients. While pursuing her undergraduate degree she worked as a crisis counselor on the Trevor Project’s suicide hotline which informed her research interests and professional educational goal of pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology, focusing her work on queer adolescents facing instability.

​As a first-generation college graduate and a trained critical thinker, Danielle understands the importance of having both creative, and encouraging, guidance throughout the application process. This mindset informs her strong passion for teaching and mentorship. She particularly enjoys being able to provide collaborative assistance to students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. She firmly stands with the BeMo’s mission that everybody, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education.

​Outside of academia, Danielle makes sure to foster her love of food, cooking and dancing as often as possible.

Ella is currently pursuing her DDS degree at the University of Toronto. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at McGill University. During her undergraduate studies, she pursued a variety of extracurriculars including rowing, triathlon, volunteering and several school clubs.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Ella has always had a passion for teaching. She has worked as a tutor for several years, assisting students in a variety of subjects and helping them achieve their academic goals. She is excited to bring her passion and enthusiasm to BeMo to continue helping students work towards their professional school dreams.

When Ella is not busy with her studies and tutoring, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid runner and loves to explore the city on foot. Ella shares a beautiful Bernedoodle with her boyfriend, who keeps her company during her walks and runs. In her free time, she also enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes.

Jamie (she/her) is approaching her first year of dental school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. She previously completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Business Administration from Northeastern University. During undergrad, Jamie was involved with research with the Garlick lab at Tufts School of Dental Medicine where she studied skin tissue development. She also enjoyed mentoring younger students in the pre-dental program and is looking forward to helping more students on their pre-professional journeys. 

Jamie is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but currently resides in Boston where she is spending her gap year working as a dental assistant. In her free time, Jamie is a yoga instructor and teaches yoga sculpt and vinyasa classes. She also enjoys taking yoga, pilates, and spin classes. 

Dr. Melody Chung majored in Bioengineering as an undergraduate at University of California San Diego and attended medical school at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She completed Internal Medicine residency training at Kaiser Santa Clara and will be pursuing Rheumatology fellowship in Maryland. Throughout her training, she was involved in mentoring and teaching students of various stages. She is delighted to combine her clinical work with working with the BeMo team to help aspiring students achieve their career goals. 

Dr. Isabella Graham is currently a first-year surgical resident in Michigan, USA. As a recent residency applicant, she has first-hand experience with the virtual interview process and evolving residency application. As successful categorical surgical applicant, she is well-versed in what it takes to succeed in a competitive applicant pool.

Dr. Graham completed her medical school training in an international scholars program which allowed her to complete her studies in the UK, the Caribbean, Canada and the United States. During medical school, she was involved in several research projects and published numerous manuscripts and case reports across several medical disciplines. Her main goal is to use her skillset to empower individuals in unlocking their full potential as an applicant.

During her free time, Dr. Graham enjoys trail running with her Golden retriever and exploring new restaurants. She is excited to draw from her past experiences as a graduate researcher, medical student and resident to help students succeed in their own professional journey.

Shaheen is a materials science scientist currently working at the New York University (Abu Dhabi campus). She has been an active researcher in the areas of water treatment, desalination and electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. Shaheen completed her PhD. with a major in Materials Science and Engineering from Khalifa University of Science and Technology in 2018. Her research was focused on heterogeneous catalysis during which she developed novel hydrocracking fibers for petroleum cracking, and patented the work under US Patent 10,850,262. During her MSc. in Materials Science and Engineering, she controlled the swelling behavior of PVA polymer through Networked Cellulose, for which she was awarded the best thesis award in her department.

As a materials science enthusiast, Shaheen is constantly seeking to solve critical problems related to energy and water. Recently she has discovered a new application of novel inorganic nanoparticles for which the U.S patent application is under filing. During her course of research, Shaheen has presented her findings in several international and national conferences, and has published numerous scientific journal papers.

Apart from research, Shaheen also has a strong passion for teaching and mentorship. She has been a teaching assistant for various graduate and undergraduate subjects till date including mechanical properties of materials, thermodynamics and environmental engineering. She also had the opportunity to mentor Masters and PhD. Students with diversified backgrounds and cultures. Shaheen values and enjoys cultural diversity and always looks forward to work on tangible projects which can eventually have a significant impact on the scientific community globally.  

Dr. Momin Samad is an internal medicine resident at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, nearby where he was born and raised. He completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience. He then continued at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine for medical school. He hopes to pursue a career in gastroenterology. From his undergraduate to residency years, Momin was involved in career mentorship, medical education, and leadership positions. He enjoys working with highly motivated students to help them achieve their true potential, whether that is in their professional and personal lives. Outside of medicine, Momin enjoys writing, video editing, and basketball. Before medical school he helped produce videos for various channels and creators. He enjoys creative outlets that include music and content creation with his friends and family.   

Andrea holds an MBA from George Washington University with over ten years of business operational experience in hospital administration and nonprofit landscapes. She has a multifaceted career providing strategic consulting services to hospitals, new entrepreneurs, and startups. As a passionate business woman, she is invested in students having equally accessible mentoring resources and opportunities to achieve their educational goals. Andrea’s expertise in building leadership skills and honing in on intrinsic attributes to navigate the academic and business environment has led to mentoring multiple students and early career professionals.

Andrea has held several positions as a National Director and Vice President of Operations. Through her entire career, one thing was clear to her and that is business comprehension and operations is the foundation to any organization’s success. She has recently launched her own company which provides corporate accommodations to traveling business professionals. Andrea also volunteers by providing strategic planning to new minority owned businesses.

In her spare time, Andrea loves to travel and cook. She enjoys learning about new cultures through both activities.

Dr. Nicholas B. Conway is an incoming obstetrics & gynecology resident at Rutgers University. He earned his medical degree from the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, graduating with a certificate and distinction in leadership. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Conway has a passion for education, mentorship, and innovation.

 During medical school, he served in various leadership positions, including his class representative to the Association of American Medical Colleges and President of the medical school’s American Medical Association Chapter. He was an Admissions Committee Interviewer, Peer Tutor, and Medical Student Ambassador. Before matriculating into medical school, he was a Lead Teaching Assistant, teaching thousands of students in the laboratory setting. He was also invited as a guest lecturer in multiple didactic courses during this time.

 Dr. Conway has been actively involved in various research projects throughout his education. His research has received multiple first-place poster awards, a national travel award, and a program committee's blue-ribbon pick. He has been invited nationally to speak on his research. His award-winning curricular research is now part of his medical school’s curriculum. In addition to his research, Dr. Conway served as Editor-in-Chief for the Florida Medical Student Research Journal, a peer-reviewed PubMed-indexed journal.

 His significant contributions to his alma mater were recognized at the highest level as he was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Leadership Award for a Graduate Student and the Real Triumphs Graduate Presidential Commencement Award. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology honored Dr. Conway with its 2022 Medical Student Award for Outstanding Achievement. He is also a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Dr. Justin Ficor was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. Justin worked towards a degree in Geology at the University of Regina, but later decided to shift towards a career in Dentistry in 2012. In 2016, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry. After graduating from dental school, Justin decided to move to British Columbia to experience life on the West coast of Canada. He practiced in Whistler, BC for 3 years, which allowed him to both advance his skills in dentistry, and also take advantage of a mountain lifestyle. In 2019, Justin moved to Vancouver, BC and continued his role as an associate Dentist at a new dental clinic. He aims to provide a wide scope of general dentistry, with excellent quality for his patients.

Justin takes pride in his dental work and is always expanding his knowledge in dentistry through continuing education courses and dental conferences. He looks forward to expanding into areas of dentistry such as Botox and Implants in the future. Justin is also excited to expand into a new area of Dentistry with Bemo Academic Consulting!

 In his spare time, Justin enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding. He also loves to experience travelling to other countries, and has been to several including Vietnam, South Korea, Croatia, and Nicaragua to name a few.

Pauniz (Paw-neez). was born in Texas, but she has lived in New Jersey, California, and New York! Pauniz graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in May 2021. She majored in Human Biology, Health, and Society. She took two gap years, which she spent in New York City. Pauniz will be attending the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California in fall 2023. Her hobbies are horseback riding, traveling, pilates, reading, and learning new languages. Pauniz is looking forward to helping everyone pursue their unique path to healthcare!

John Atytalla was born in Egypt and grew up in London, England. He received his MA in philosophy from University College London and his Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Ottawa. From a young age, John was concerned with large scale questions about the origin of the universe, the place of human beings within it, and the foundations of our moral conduct. This curiosity has followed him throughout his life. During his high-school years, he found himself as interested in physics and biology as he was psychology and literature. When he took his first philosophy class, he realized that he could commit his resources to the investigation of this world without having to choose between the arts and sciences.

Specializing in the philosophy of mind, epistemology, and the philosophy of cognitive science, his research focuses on the complex relationship between biological, linguistic, and social dimensions of human knowledge. In an attempt to bridge the vast divide between the research programmes of cognitive scientists, social scientists, and those doing research in the humanities, his work focuses on developing interdisciplinary models of the mind in an attempt to integrate these distinct ways of understanding human nature. John has worked as a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa for the last five years and has worked as a tutor for more than a decade. During this time, he has mentored and tutored countless students in a wide range of disciplines including psychology, philosophy, anthropology, political science and English literature. He believes that learning is a collective process, and he is an exceptionally passionate and enthusiastic educator. Aware of the fact that his own success is indebted to those who encouraged, inspired, and mentored him, John seeks to commit his life to aid others in their own journey toward intellectual excellence.

Dr. Christian Cuevas is currently finishing up his transitional year before heading to Madison, Wisconsin to begin his radiology residency at the University of Wisconsin. He completed medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and obtained his undergraduate degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. 

 Dr. Cuevas has a passion for seeing others succeed. Being the first person in his family to graduate from college, he understands the difficulty in coming from a disadvantaged background. He has experience in mentoring students through the medical school application process, as well as mentoring medical students to succeed in their transition into medical school. His passion is in helping others achieve their academic and professional goals by providing insight from his own personal experience and resources he has encountered over the years. He is looking forward to meeting you and working alongside you!

Noor Dahrouj is currently pursuing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Toronto. Prior to starting dental school, Noor completed an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. During her undergrad, she was involved in different research projects including a study on the effects of social media on the postpartum mental health of women that was conducted in the B.E.S.S.T lab.

Dr. Monica Taneja is currently a Psychiatry resident at Harvard South Shore in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She previously received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies and Masters of Health Science in Environmental Health from Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Taneja is a passionate mentor and has advised high schoolers, undergraduates, and graduate students on all steps of the medical school admission process. She participated on the University of Maryland School of Medicine admissions committee as a student interviewer. Dr. Taneja is passionate about medical education transparency and equity, and is excited to bring these values to BeMO.

Dr. Neel Mistry is a first-year resident physician in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Originally from Ontario, he graduated as Summa Cum Laude from the University of Toronto prior to pursuing his Medical Degree at the University of Ottawa. He is currently completing his Diagnostic Radiology training at the University of Saskatchewan.

Having gone through both undergraduate and post-graduate medical applications in the past 4 years, Neel is up to date with the latest admissions requirements. He has 5+ years of mentorship experience, with many of his students having gone on to pursue competitive programs in Canada and the United States.

A healthy long-term relationship is central to Neel’s success with his clients. His personalized approach will ensure that your unique strengths and experiences shine through in the application process. He hopes to use his empathetic nature and strategic guidance to help students navigate the complexities of the admissions process and pursue their dream of becoming a successful physician!

Malachi Wright (he/him) is heading into his first year of dental school at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry to receive his doctorate in dental surgery. He completed his bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Secondary Education and a minor in Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, and Molecular Biology with high honors from Towson University. During his undergraduate study, he was selected to be president of the Pre-Dental Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society, and Tri-Beta biology honors society. After college, Malachi taught as a middle school science teacher at Dundalk Middle School. While teaching, he tutored pre-dental students for the DAT and provided freelance academic consulting. Malachi is also the Co-founder of The Wright Brothers Endowment Scholarship, a scholarship created to aid college students who support their communities through community service and volunteer work.

Malachi is originally from College Park, MD, and currently resides in Baltimore, MD, where he teaches and will attend dental school. In his free time, Malachi loves to go to the gym, take a trip to the movie theater, and hang out with his friends of 15+ years. As a first-generation doctoral candidate, Malachi is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in his profession by aiding students in optimizing their strengths and reaching their highest potential. He eagerly listens to his students' stories and looks forward to guiding you through your remarkable academic journey.

Lauren Weller is currently wrapping up her final year of dental school at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Her love of dentistry began in the third grade when she asked her dentist if he would help her with her science fair project. A baking soda volcano simply wouldn’t do, so Lauren studied extracted teeth to figure out why sugary soda could cause cavities. Her passion for healthcare only grew as she worked as a dental assistant and volunteered across the medical field throughout high school and college. As Lauren began preparing for dental school, she built a Women in Dentistry club and helped to mentor many pre-dental and pre-medical students along the way. Her mentors made a massive difference in helping her prepare for interviews and refine her personal statement, and she is excited to pay it forward as she continues to work with students now.

Lauren is excited to begin her dental career in Omaha, Nebraska where her husband will continue his education as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery resident. In their free time, they love trying to best each other in pickleball and recreating their favorite restaurant recipes at home.  

Brittany is a working professional that was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Windsor, with a specialization in Law and Politics. She was the President of her Undergraduate Society in the final years of her undergrad. Additionally, she is passionate about mentorship and learning and was a peer mentor for all four years of her university tenure. Brittany is a Certified Customs Specialist in both Canada and the United States. In her current position, she recruits, interviews, and onboards new employees, which allows gives her an insight on the screening and interview process.

She is passionate about developing her community and has been an active member of United Way’s campaign for several years, assisting in growing their Cradle to Career initiatives. Brittany is currently the face of the volunteer website for her local United Way. She volunteers within her community whenever she can.

In her free time, Brittany loves to read, exercise, walk her dog, and eat sushi any chance she gets.

Dr. Sruveera Sathi earned a Bachelor's in Neuroscience and a Minor in Public Health from the College of William & Mary and was part of local high school tutoring and college preparation programs during her time in college. After graduation, Sruveera obtained her Master's in Physiology from Georgetown University in Washington DC. During gap years prior to medical school, she worked in Emergency Departments and at clinics to gain vital hands-on experience while also tutoring students in all the SAT sections, AP Biology, as well as the MCAT Biology and Critical Reading sections. She then graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine with a doctorate of medicine (MD) degree, as a gold humanism honor society awardee and is now a resident Physician in Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Throughout medical school, she has been actively involved in the mentorship of pre-medical students and helped individuals gain acceptance into top undergraduate and graduate/medical institutions. Sruveera enjoys supporting students through all phases of the medical school admissions process, no matter their background or interests. She is committed to working collaboratively with students to achieve their goals and be a patient, encouraging, and informative guide. She enjoys spending time in warm weather, staying active through yoga and dancing, trying new restaurants, and traveling with family.

Dr. Sebastian Hanna is currently a first-year neurology resident at the University of California, Irvine. He grew up in Essex, Vermont, and studied at the University of Vermont. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History, graduating with honors. He subsequently completed medical school at the Robert Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and aims to become a physician-scientist. He has several years of experience both as a tutor and as a teaching assistant in chemistry and biochemistry. Additionally, he has devoted himself to biomedical research since his college years. In medical school, he interviewed medical student applicants for three years for Larner's admissions committee. 

Dr. Ben Park is currently an incoming resident physician in general surgery at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and will be pursuing Diagnostic Radiology following his intern year. Previously, he obtained his medical degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and his Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and Psychology from the University of Georgia (UGA).  

Ben graduated summa cum laude from UGA with highest honors and a research distinction. At UGA, he rowed for the UGA Crew Team, led over 8 campus organizations, led the genetic engineering team to a gold medal at an international competition against >300 teams, interned at the Institute for Disaster Management, established the UGA STEM Research Alliance, and was awarded the Presidential Award of Excellence as one of the overall top 1% graduating students. During this time, he also had several international study and healthcare experiences in South Korea, Spain, and Vietnam as a Freeman-Asia Scholar and a visiting student intern. Before matriculating to Vanderbilt, he worked as a research coordinator at the renowned Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute and as a medical school admissions consultant for Atlantis.

At Vanderbilt, Ben led several mentoring, patient care, and advocacy initiatives. He was the director of the Shade Tree Plastic Surgery & Wound Care clinic, which provides free care to underserved patients who require plastic surgery procedures and wound care in Nashville, TN.  To improve patient care and access, he served as a subcommittee leader on the Vanderbilt Medical Center’s High Value Care Committee and as board member of the Vanderbilt Tennessee Medical Association chapter. He has mentored students from various backgrounds and interests when he served as the leader of the Plastic Surgery Interest Group. During this time, he also served as a medical writer for the Journal of Medical Insight.

Before residency, he also completed a dual research fellowship as a fully funded Vanderbilt Medical Scholar in Plastic Surgery and Hematology/Oncology where he conducted research on patient reported outcomes measures, biomedical ethics, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This research resulted in >20 publications, numerous podium and poster presentations at national and international meetings, several major international studies, and a grant from the National Center for Advancing Translational Science. Several of his works were published in high impact journals such as JAMA Pediatrics and featured in news outlets.

Dr. Iris Joseph was born in India, raised in Bahrain, and completed her MD at Tbilisi State Medical University in Tbilisi, Georgia. She is currently in the process of applying for residency in Internal Medicine in the US.

During her medical rotations, she was involved in multiple research studies, especially regarding COVID-19 and its co-morbidities, as well as the stress placed on medical students. During this time she was also involved in her university's mentorship program where she mentored many pre-medical and medical students with their required admission documents, as well as guided them through the application, and post-application process. In her final year, she did an elective training in trauma medicine and did multiple clerkships in Atlanta, Georgia, which helped her further improve her medical training

In her free time, Dr. Iris enjoys being creative with her art projects, hiking, and exploring one new restaurant each week. She also enjoys volunteering at the animal shelter whenever possible.

Dr. Katherine Glickman, who also goes by Kat, was born and raised in Miami, FL. Kat loves Miami, the strong Hispanic/Latinx community that resides in Miami, and the beach! She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Florida through the Innovation Academy. Through this program, she learned the importance of mentorship, entrepreneurship, leadership, and networking. She graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Innovation.

She took a gap year before applying to dental school. During her gap year, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Florida College of Dentistry under the mentorship of Dr. Bernadett Papp. During her time here, she was published under the Public Library of Science. 

She began her dental education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2019. During her education at Pitt, Kat joined the ACT ARCO (Academic Career Track Area of Concentration) program. This program is dedicated to teaching current dental students who are interested in a career in dental education. She learned valuable skills such as leadership and learning how to ask open ended questions to students. She led multiple teaching sessions such as standardized patient sessions, oral pathology course reviews, and spent time in the pre-clinical setting helping students wax teeth, drill, and review head and neck anatomy.

Kat graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in May 2023 and received the 2022 Langkamp Allison Award (dedicated to students who are interested in dental academia) and the 2023 Humanitarian Award (awarded for altruistic humanitarian service as a dental student). Kat will be continuing her dental education as a dental resident at the General Practice Residency program at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. 

Hobbies are important to Kat. Some include running, playing dominoes, making time to hang with friends and family, traveling, reading, and going out to restaurants. Kat looks forward to helping future professional students achieve their dreams! 

Ankit Kaushal is an analytical MBA professional with a strong background in strategic consulting and corporate strategy. With over four years of experience in strategic consulting and two years in CPG strategy, Ankit has collaborated with Fortune 500 brands, developing impactful sales and marketing strategies. He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, where he showcased leadership skills as the Secretary of the Ivey Healthcare Club. Ankit's expertise includes creating thought-provoking storylines for C-suite executives and conducting strategic analyses for the Board of Directors.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Ankit actively contributed to the development of aspiring students. During his time in college, he conducted mock interviews for consulting companies, helping students prepare for behavioural and case study interviews. By sharing his insights and providing valuable feedback, Ankit played a crucial role in shaping the career paths of his fellow students. Currently serving as a Corporate Strategy Analyst at Canopy Growth Corporation, Ankit has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive strategic initiatives and deliver measurable results.

Dr. Matthew Mannarino was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. He is currently enrolled in Dental school while completing his Ph.D. in Experimental Surgery at McGill University. Dr. Mannarino comes from a large Italian family, and one of his favourite sports is football. Matthew had the privilege of competing at the Varsity level. He enjoys attending sporting events and trying new restaurants with his partner, friends, and family in his free time.

Ansha is currently entering her second year of dental school at the University of Toronto. Prior to dental school, Ansha completed an Honours Life Sciences degree at McMaster University in 2021 and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences at Western University in 2022. During her undergraduate studies, Ansha was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities and employment, including being a mentor, teaching assistant, orientation leader, and a research assistant, to name a few. Ansha is thrilled to be a part of the BeMo team and strives to play a valuable role in the pre-professional school journey of many students!

In her spare time, Ansha enjoys trying out new restaurants in the city with family and friends, taking long walks, and reading a good book. 

Dr. Gurpreet Nagra is currently a first year family medicine resident in BC, Canada. Since she just recently began her journey as a resident, the application process for residency is still fresh in her mind! She ended up back in British Columbia after going through medical school and training in the UK, Caribbean islands and the United States. She got her first choice for residency and was fortunate enough to end up back in her home country. Despite all these years in medical school, she has not forgotten what it was like to apply to post-graduate school or other occupations during her undergraduate studies. Her main goal is to help individuals as much as possible in achieving their goals with the least amount of resistance and stress. She has helped many in preparing for the big leagues; whether it be applying to medical school or a job interview. She hopes to continue to offer her expertise by joining the BeMo team!  

 Dr. Roman Stedman grew up outside of Phoenix, Arizona where he completed his first professional certifications as a nursing assistant and EMT in his first year out of high school. He attended college in Tucson, Arizona and received a B.S. in Physiology with minors in Spanish and business administration. Roman was accepted to both physician assistant school and medical school before deciding to pursue an M.D. at Howard University College of Medicine. In medical school he completed two research projects at the University of Pennsylvania on total knee and hip arthroplasty, presented at two national conferences, and published articles for two leading orthopaedic journals.

Roman returned to Arizona where he started training in surgery and anesthesiology before deciding on internal medicine as a final specialty. One of his favorite parts of residency is assisting medical students in the wards and explaining the methods that worked and did not work while he trained. Mentorship is a strong passion of his and a driving force for continuing to learn and practice medicine while giving back in an observable fashion.

Outside of medicine, Roman enjoys exploring the desert, cooking a variety of meals, tour-guiding Arizona for friends and family, and visiting friends who have dispersed all across the country for residency. 

Dr. Breanna Harris was born in Searcy, Arkansas. Breanna attended the University of Arkansas Fort Smith where she earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Behavior and Health Education in 2016 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). She completed her medical school training at UAMS in 2020 and is currently in a transitional year, training to be a family medicine physician. 

Dr. Harris has extensive experience in peer mentoring as she has served as Director of a non-profit mentoring program for the last 10 years. While in medical school, she was involved in various aspects of mentoring including personal statement editing, mock interview practice, and medical school application editing. She enjoys helping applicants articulate their unique life stories and is excited to be working with BeMo.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing basketball, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. 

Courtney grew up in Westchester County, NY, just outside of New York City. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages & Literature at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. After graduating, she attended a post-baccalaureate program at Drexel University before gaining admission into their medical school, where she received her medical degree. Courtney has recently completed an integrated plastic surgery residency program at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Courtney is a firm supporter of increasing access to higher education, especially for those from lower socioeconomic and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. She understands the crucial role that mentorship and support networks have in aiding the development of perseverance, preparation, and endurance that are essential to success in a professional career.

In her leisure time, Courtney enjoys her morning coffee, spending time with family, traveling (when there's not a pandemic), and indulging in a good self-help book! 

Olena is an M.D.,C.M. 2021 Candidate at McGill University. She grew up in a multicultural community in Montréal (Québec) where she developed a lifelong commitment to equity, diversity, and language learning. She strives to tackle health inequities and to help people from all backgrounds fulfill their best potential in life and education opportunities. Throughout her medical training, Olena has supported Québec medical school aspirants with academic and personal development mentorship. She has created leadership training programs in the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and supported curriculum development in the McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. She also cumulated several years of advocacy and academic writing as an advocate for planetary health and interdisciplinary climate action. Her work has been published in several national and international outlets. Olena is thrilled to invest her personalized and evidence-based approach to help students grow into accomplished healthcare professionals with BeMo. Outside medicine, Olena is a global citizen who enjoys connecting with people worldwide through her passions for language, culture, and dance.

Dr. Jason Esla is a medical school graduate who will be soon begin his residency at the Baylor College of Medicine located in his Hometown of Houston Texas. Jason has pursued both teaching and leadership endeavors along his academic and professional journey. He played a key role in initiating a 501(c) nonprofit helping underserved communities within the inner Houston area pursuing college admissions. He has also tutored the basic and advanced sciences which have ranged from the high school to medical school levels. Jason has also participated in a plethora of award-winning research, simulation competitions, lectures, and mentorship opportunities during his academic career.

 Jason attended the University of Texas for completion of his B.A. in Biology. He soon after returned home to Houston and worked in clinical research prior to starting medical school a few years later. He graduated Suma Cum Loudi from the Alabama College of Osteopathic medicine where he was one of the top students in his class. In a pursuit to return home, he was able to obtain acceptance into BCM which is located in the largest medical center in the world, and he will be completing his training in the field of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Shawn Shoham grew up outside of Tampa, Florida. A first-generation college graduate and physician, Shawn completed his bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (BS) at Florida State University, followed by earning his medical degree at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. During his training, Shawn directed the school-wide mentorship program and worked with many on-campus organizations to enrich student life and wellness.

He is currently a first-year anesthesiology resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He serves the local population while training at the state’s only academic health center and adult level 1 trauma center. Shawn is passionate about building connections with students from all backgrounds and facilitating their career and higher education goals. In his free time, he enjoys the company of his cat Benji and cheering for FSU and Tampa Bay sports.

Dr. Guillaume Farah grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. A first-generation college graduate and physician, Guillaume completed his bachelor’s degree in French Literature at Wayne State University. He went on to attend Wayne State University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. During his training, Guillaume led initiatives geared toward providing care to the underserved population of Detroit through student-run clinics and organizations.

Dr. Farah is currently a first-year urology resident at the University of Buffalo where he serves a diverse patient population. Guillaume has a passion for guiding students from all backgrounds to fulfill their potential by realizing their career goals and aspirations. Outside of medicine, Guillaume’s hobbies include soccer and basketball, hiking, cooking, and reading about diverse topics.

Nasteho Abdoulkader completed her engineering degree in biology at the Université de Technologie de Compiègne in France. During her engineering studies, Nasteho conducted two research placements, further confirming her interest in research. Nasteho is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at the University of Ottawa. Her project focuses on macrophage response to metal implant wear and corrosion by-products.

Over the past 2 years, Nasteho worked with students from different academic backgrounds. She trained undergraduate and graduate students in a wet lab environment. Through her position as a teaching assistant and laboratory demonstrator, she supervised over 100 undergraduate students. Nasteho enjoys teaching and mentoring and believes that learning is a lifelong journey, and that excellence is always within reach.

During her free time, Nasteho enjoys reading, writing, baking or watching movies with family and friends.

Dr. Vagishwari Murugesan is currently a clinical and research fellow specializing in Psoriatic Arthritis from University of Toronto. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine from Medstar Georgetown Washington Hospital Center in Washington DC and Fellowship in Rheumatology from Boston University. She has completed a research fellowship from Yale School of Medicine in Digestive Diseases as well completed training in biostatistics and epidemiology from Harvard Medical School.

She has a love for learning and teaching and brings her teaching and educational experience from serving as a clinical instructor of medicine. She has been part of American College of Rheumatology Committees in reproductive health and helped in creating educational materials including website content, handouts and videos for family and internal medicine physicians.

Having grown up in India, living in UAE, in the United States and now in Canada she loves bringing her many cultural experiences into her teaching and believes everyone has that unique spark to shine. She is looking forward working with you on every step of the way and to show you that there is always a way forward.

During her free time, if she isn’t travelling, she is whipping up a plant-based recipe, painting with acrylic paints or learning music.

Dr. Joseph Waller graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in the biological sciences in 2018. He then moved to Philadelphia, where he received his MD from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2023. During medical school, he founded a nonprofit research organization called the Waller Institute to connect students with virtual research opportunities, he first-authored ten publications and co-authored others in the field of medicine, and he co-authored a book called Naked Nutrition: Stripping the Pseudoscience off the Science. He also rotated through prestigious institutions including Harvard Medical School, the University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University, where met with residency program directors and gained insight into different programs' admissions processes. 

Dr. Nadia Hossain is currently a part-time restorative faculty at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and a general dentist practitioner. She graduated from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine with a Doctor of Dental Medicine and the University of Florida with a double major in Anthropology and Biology. Her primary research focus was on pain outcomes on a novel magnetic orthodontic treatment and pain outcomes in resilience-based interventions. While in dental school, she served on the admissions committee and mentored one-on-one with pre-dental students. Outside of consulting, Dr. Hossain enjoys weightlifting, eating at local food places, and being outdoors. 

Dr. Alex Cabrera-Garcia received his bachelor’s degree in Dentistry back in 2013 by Universidad Autonoma de Baja California in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. After graduation Dr. Alex spent 1 year of internship on the department of screening and the department of Oral Surgery at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California where he was screening patients for the pre-doctoral clinic and performing surgical procedures on the Oral Surgery Department. One of his responsibilities during the internship was to guide and help pre-doc dental students during their surgical procedures, experience that triggered his passion for teaching. He practiced as a General Dentist in private practice for 6 years after graduation and before moving into the United States in 2019 to pursue his dream of becoming an American Dentist. Dr. Alex also worked as a dental assistant in Arizona while preparing himself to get into dental school for a second time in his life. He was accepted into the Advanced Standing Program for foreign-trained dentists at Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine on his first application cycle where he received his Doctor in Doctor Dental Medicine Degree with High Honors in 2023. Also receiving the Excellence in Digital Dentistry Award.

Dr. Alex is not only passionate on the clinical setting, taking multiple CE courses along his career but he is also passionate about teaching and helping others to accomplish their goals. He participated multiple times as an instructor of the CAD/CAM basics session for the international preceptorship program at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He also participated as a teaching assistant for the CAD/CAM Fundamentals course at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Alex Cabrera-Garcia enjoys spending time with his wife and his son Alex, as well as playing basketball once or twice per week. He also enjoys reading, playing chess, and doing community service.

Aamer is a highly accomplished strategy and business consultant with a proven track record in leading teams and transforming organizations. With expertise in strategic planning, problem-solving, and driving revenue growth, he excels in optimizing performance and fostering organizational effectiveness. Fluent in French, English, and Arabic, Aamer is a respected leader who builds winning cultures and cultivates engaged, customer-centric teams. With a strong background in sales training and extensive experience in telecommunications, he consistently exceeds targets and maximizes sales. Aamer holds an MBA specializing in Business Management and is proficient in various CRM tools.

Vimal has over 11 years of experience in Agri-business and Consumer Goods, Consulting, and Technology Industries. During the early part of his career, Vimal worked as a Project Leader and a Process Engineer in a multi-billion dollar Consumer Goods company based in Southern California. He later held managerial positions in KPMG. Vimal played leadership roles in critical initiatives around new product launches, working capital enhancements, technical and operational feasibility studies, and economic impact assessments for high value Cap-Ex and Infrastructure projects. Vimal worked closely with administrative heads-of-state and chief-of-staff of state leadership at a $480 billion (GDP) Indian state.  Vimal is now a Senior Program Manager at Amazon in Vancouver Canada. Vimal completed his undergraduate studies in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India and a Master of Science (MS) in Industrial Engineering and Management from Texas Tech University, USA. Vimal also has an MBA from HEC Paris, and was offered admission (with scholarship) to the Master of Advanced Management Program at Yale School of Management, a program he forego due to Covid-related financial constraints. Outside of professional endeavours, Vimal devotes time to volunteering and pro-bono activities, accumulating 1000+ hours in impact consulting, sustainable agriculture, and community health programs. Vimal enjoys hiking, watching movies, playing soccer, reading non-fiction, and getting a good work out at the gym. He is passionate about hearing from others, whose life journeys are different from and more compelling than his. Along the way, Vimal hopes to share his humble advice and strategies to navigate the ever-arduous life of a student with big hopes and ambitions for a fulfilling journey in a school of his/her choice and a great career after.

Sahil is a highly accomplished admissions consultant with a diverse background in technology, business, and creative arts. He holds an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he actively contributed to the recruitment and admissions committee for the computer science department. Sahil also holds an MBA from Ivey Business School in Canada. Recently, Sahil served as a senior consultant at Deloitte Canada, where he tackled complex challenges at the intersection of business and technology. Additionally, Sahil is an avid musician, singer, and songwriter, having produced music for renowned companies like Gap. Combining his technical proficiency, business acumen, and artistic flair, Sahil is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals through personalized guidance and support.

Gurmeet Lall completed her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waterloo. During her undergraduate studies, Gurmeet pursued a broad range of experiences from volunteering and teaching in various science outreach programs, and working as a research assistant in wet-labs. Through these experiences, she discovered her passion for research, teaching and mentoring and is now completing her PhD at the University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy. Gurmeet’s research focuses on gene delivery and nanomedicine. In addition, as a recipient of the MITACS Accelerate award, she is also collaboratively working on the research and development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Over the past few years, she has worked closely with over 500 students in her capacity as a teaching assistant and research mentor. She was recently awarded the ‘Best Mentor as a Graduate Student Teaching Assistant’ from the University of Waterloo. She believes that one of the most important elements in a strong mentor-mentee relationship is trust, and this is something she strives to build with every one of her mentees. Gurmeet is passionate about bringing her teaching and mentoring experience to BeMo, and is dedicated to help guide and shape the professional growth and learning of her students.

In her free time, Gurmeet enjoys running, working on puzzles, practicing yoga, dancing, or watching movies with her friends and family. 

Kevin Yang, an alumnus of Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) College of Osteopathic Medicine, is an accomplished medical professional and academician. Upon earning his degree in May 2023, he commenced his Pathology residency at the highly respected University of California, San Diego. Prior to this, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army in 2021, outlining his dedication to serving his country both in a military and medical capacity.

 During his MCAT preparation in 2017, Kevin worked as a Pathology Case Specialist at NeoGenomics, Inc. His role there involved managing case reports and streamlining work processes, providing him with valuable experience in administrative efficiency. His commitment to research was demonstrated through his contributions to a pathology research abstract for the 19th Meeting of the European Association for Hematopathology in 2018 and a clinical research publication in Modern Pathology, Nature in 2019.

 Kevin’s interest in science was further developed at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he worked as a Student Organic Chemist in the Prescher Lab. This role allowed him to design and synthesize a novel molecule, the Brominated Luciferin, further demonstrating his ability to manage complex projects and work as part of a team.

 In 2015, Kevin served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Lynch Ambulance, a role that highlighted the importance of patient care in the medical field and solidified his commitment to healthcare.

 Kevin moved to the U.S. in 2010 at the age of 19. His dedication to overcoming language barriers was demonstrated by his commitment to learning English at a local community college, showcasing his adaptability and resilience.

 Beyond his professional pursuits, Kevin is a certified Les Mills BodyPump Group Workout Instructor, embodying his commitment to physical fitness. His ardor for the outdoors inspired him to establish and preside as the vice president of the UCI Hiking Club, exemplifying his multifaceted persona.

Dr. Chibuike Ezeibe is one of our newest academic consultants for BeMo. Dr. Ezeibe, a resident physician currently training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization. He has a strong passion for academic achievement, while possessing an impressive academic background and wide range of experiences that greatly contribute to BeMo. Dr. Ezeibe obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree from Howard University. He went on to earn his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and solidify his dedication to the medical field.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ezeibe has demonstrated a profound commitment to education and mentorship. His extensive experience as an academic tutor, literacy clinician, and mentor for aspiring professionals has honed his ability to guide individuals towards their academic goals. Dr. Ezeibe possesses a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by students in the competitive academic world and has an exceptional talent for inspiring and motivating them to reach their full potential.

Additionally, Dr. Ezeibe has served as a mock interviewer for prospective medical school applicants in the past, a role that has provided valuable insights into the admissions process, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of what admissions committees seek in potential candidates. This unique perspective into the admissions process will greatly benefit the clients of BeMo Academic Consulting.

Dr. Ezeibe’s commitment to assisting students perfectly aligns with our mission of providing exceptional guidance and support. With his knowledge and genuine dedication, Dr. Ezeibe is ready to aid students in navigating the challenging path to academic success. 

Dr. Stafford Brown III is a compassionate physician and mentor specializing in quality improvement research and premedical advising. With a master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an M.D. from the same institution, and an M.B.A. from the William & Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business, he brings a unique blend of medical expertise and business acumen to his practice. Currently, he is an internal medicine resident physician at Eastern Virginia Medical School, eagerly preparing to embark on his dermatology training at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Brown has five years of combined experience on admissions committees and conducting medical school applicant interviews. His true passion lies in mentoring and preparing students to excel in their desired careers. In his spare time, Stafford enjoys spending time with family, playing recreational sports, and competing in simulation racing events. He is excited to join BeMo to continue aiding students in achieving their dreams.

Dr. Suk Zhou is a first-year internal medicine resident physician in Everett, Washington. She received her B.A. in Biological Sciences and Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College in 2014. After college, Dr. Zhou worked extensively in both biomedical and clinical research, resulting in co-authorship on several scientific journal publications. Prior to medical school, she was a Continuous Quality Improvement Program Manager (CQIPM) and Regional Hiring Associate for Scribe America. As CQIPM, Dr. Zhou collaborated with medical directors to improve patient experience and standards of care in local emergency departments. As Regional Hiring Associate, she interviewed and hired competitive applications for 60+ medical facilities and clinics in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. Dr. Zhou graduated from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2023. She will be completing her medical training at Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. 

 Dr. Zhou’s in-depth knowledge of the medical school application and interview process has helped many students obtain admission into the medical school of their choice. Her past academic tutoring sessions have helped health professional students achieve subject mastery in preparing for institutional and national licensing examinations. Dr. Zhou believes that each student is a unique individual and learner. She takes the Mme to know and understand her students so she can tailor their strategies for success. Her approach consistently garnered the highest ratings and reviews from students and families. 

Dr. Hanlin Liu completed his HBSc at University of Toronto Scarborough specializing in biological chemistry, where he won the Canadian Society for Chemistry’s silver medal for the top undergraduate student in chemistry entering their final year. He then went on to complete a PhD in chemistry at University of Toronto, where he was awarded multiple Ontario Graduate Scholarships and presentation awards for his work. His research on manganese porphyrins as potential MRI contrast agents spans multiple fields including organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacology. He helped many of his undergraduate students successfully apply to graduate school, where he became very familiar with the application process.

During this time, Hanlin also worked for 6 years as a teaching assistant for third-year organic chemistry courses, where his passion for teaching truly grew. Hanlin firmly believes that the most important goal of an educator is to inspire and motivate, to bring out the potential of each student. It is essential that every student carries on the drive to learn, no matter where they decide to go in the future. For his dedication, he has won departmental and campus-wide TA awards in 2017 and 2018. Afterwards, he honed his teaching skills through tutoring with GPA rocket, where he applied the same philosophy.

Hanlin was also responsible for curriculum development at University of Toronto, and he spent two summers working on developing laboratory manuals for a third-year organic chemistry course. One specific laboratory experiment, a synthetic lab focusing on the synthesis and characterization of thieno[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives, was further published in the Journal of Chemical Education.

Dr. Liu is excited to help students succeed in their academic career at BeMo!

Dr. Jennifer Torkelson earned her B.A. in French and Linguistic Science at Texas Tech University in 2006 and her M.A. in Romance Languages at Texas Tech University in 2007. She began teaching undergraduate language courses in 2006 before joining the Advising Center at Texas Tech. There, she worked with incoming freshmen to identify their interests and passions and to select courses that would set them on the path to academic and professional success. She gained invaluable insights about the ins and outs of the admissions process during this time.

Dr. Torkelson earned her Ph.D. in French and Critical Theory from the University of California, Davis in 2019. She taught undergraduate French courses at UC Davis from 2009-2015 and was an active member of numerous academic search committees. In 2013, she joined the faculty at the UC Davis Extension's International Programs where she taught Academic Preparation and Refining Reading and Writing Skills for Critical Thinking and Research Papers to mid-career Fulbright and Humphrey Scholars in medicine, engineering, and the social sciences. Dr. Torkelson also worked closely with international and domestic undergraduate students at the UC Davis Extension to help prepare applications for graduate programs at universities in the United States, with particular emphasis on exam preparation, identifying research interests, and developing research projects with real-world policy impacts.

As a lecturer in the Department of English at Texas Tech University, Dr. Torkelson has taught face-to-face and online courses in Advanced College Rhetoric designed to ground first-year students in the reading, writing, and rhetorical demands and practices necessary for engaging in civic discourse and for success in college and beyond. She has also recently worked as a technical and professional writing consultant and trainer for major tech companies, medical professionals, engineers, and pharmaceutical researchers.

 Dr. Torkelson's doctoral research deals with the literary and theoretical genealogy of the nineteenth-century Orientalist French travel text and how postcolonial francophone writers inherit, critique, and appropriate these and other fictional Orientalist texts while examining conceptions and configurations of community and social identity and the role of the individual in relation to the community. She explores possibilities for future research of the relationship between knowledge and travel, the Orientalist myth, and postcolonial studies. Her research has provided her with the opportunity to draw connections between different literary periods, movements, and genres while also clearly communicating the impact of historical events on the development of perceptions of the Other.

Dr. Torkelson is an avid reader, and during her free time, she loves to write fiction, play the piano, drink excellent coffee, practice yoga, and ride her bike. She is very excited to help you through the admissions process, and she can't wait to see what the future holds for you as you pursue your passions!

Born in South Africa and raised in rural Northern British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Shaughnelene Smith graduated with distinction from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree. Her journey led her through research laboratories at esteemed institutions like the University of British Columbia, Queen's University, and the University of California, San Diego. After attending Kansas City University for medical school, Dr. Smith is now a resident physician at the Mayo Clinic. As an international applicant herself, she understands the challenges of navigating the medical education system. Dr. Smith's passion lies in bridging the gap between rural backgrounds and healthcare outcomes, emphasizing the impact of social determinants of health. Beyond medicine, she is an award-winning wildlife photographer and has a keen interest in interior design.

Noora Darwish is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Chemical and Petroleum Department of the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on the synthesis of core-shell particles and their potential applications as antimicrobial agents. Throughout her Ph.D. journey, she has been recognized with several prestigious awards and scholarships at the university level, acknowledging her exceptional academic and research achievements. Noora has also contributed significantly to high impact factor journals with multiple peer-reviewed articles and actively participated in various international conferences. With over eight years of research experience, she has been involved in mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students, guiding their senior projects in her roles as a teaching assistant and research coordinator. Noora has collaborated closely with various university departments, including the Deanship of Graduate Studies, the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Central Labs, Human Resources, and Financial Department, providing support and assistance to numerous students and researchers. Before pursuing her Ph.D., she earned her M.Sc. and B.Sc. in chemical engineering from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the American University of Sharjah, UAE. During this time, she engaged in pioneering academic and research work, delving deeper into the fascinating world of research. Additionally, she gained experience in admissions, academic advising, program accreditation, and the design and development of graduate programs' curricula. Understanding the significance of the academic admissions process, Noora has worked closely with students as a mentor, catering to their needs and aspirations. As an academic consultant within the BeMO family, she is enthusiastic about utilizing her vast experience to teach, guide, and advise students, empowering them to reach their academic goals. 

Helen's academic foundation and professional proficiency have evolved through heracademic pursuits at esteemed institutions, culminating in a PhD (psychiatry) from McGill University. Her background includes significant contributions to mental health research, training, and education at collaborative centers affiliated with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Canada and India. With over a decade of human science and research experience, Helen has cultivated an extensive expertise in cross-cultural mental health research and care, augmented by her Master of Social Work in Medical and Psychiatry.

Her competencies include patient-centered research, stakeholder engagement, use of mixed methods research, application of evidence-based scientific approaches, and knowledge translation adeptness. These competencies operate in tandem with her unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

As an academic consultant at BeMo, Helen is devoted to augmenting the accessibility of health education through collaborative and pioneering methodologies. Her experience spans interactions with students from over eight different countries within medicine and health science departments. This engagement has translated into an impressive track record, which includes mentoring upwards of 150 students and appraising over 200 applications, making her a valued partner to students navigating the complexities of medical school applications from start to finish.

Terrell D. Coring, Sr., MD, PharmD, is a practicing physician in Washington, DC. Dr. Coring began his healthcare professional journey as a clinical pharmacist at a cancer center in Tallahassee, Fl. After practicing pharmacy for a few years, he decided to embrace his curiosities and pursue medicine. 

Now, Dr. Coring is an aspiring Hematologist/Oncologist with an affinity towards cancer research. More than Dr. Coring's role as a Physician, he is also an effective community leader with extensive past experience with mentoring. When pursuing medicine, he lacked mentors, simply because he lacked access to physicians in his community so he understands deeply the challenges of considering a career in medicine, when coming from a disadvantaged background. He is a believer of “lifting as he climbs” and that is why he served as an executive board member of Medi-Ques, Inc., a non-profit mentorship organization that he helped establish. His overarching aspirations are to help students successfully pursue a career in medicine. With his past organization, he gained experience with mentorship, test preparation, CV/Resume writing and interview preparations. He also helped students gain shadowing opportunities for those with limited access to these experiences. This work is extremely important and meaningful to Dr. Coring because he strongly feels that people dreams and aspirations should not be deferred due to their inherited circumstances and environments. 

Overall, Dr. Coring is looking forward to helping you achieve your best success. You will appreciate his humility and excellent work ethic. He has an extensive work history with plenty of leadership experience. It is his hope that he can build a dynamic relationship with you and grow with you as you began to embark upon your journey. All said, Dr. Coring embraces the opportunity to start a working relationship with you with hopes to guide you to accomplishing your dreams and purpose. 

Dr. Abidemi Adenikinju is an orthopedic hand surgeon with a passion for academic excellence, patient care, and community service. She completed orthopedic surgery residency at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and hand surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. She pursued her medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine, where she was awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD). She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Molecular Biology at Princeton University. 

A passionate educator, Dr. Adenikinju, has also volunteered her time as a tutor and study skills instructor for high school students and undergraduates. She has been an advocate for bridging the minority achievement gap, actively engaging in community service initiatives that promote youth empowerment and healthcare accessibility. Through her dedication, teaching, and service, she aims to continue to inspire aspiring medical professionals.

Dr. Andrew Henry earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario in London. His thesis centered around the use of Germanium based catalysts as a viable alternative to expensive transition metal catalysts. He hopes his work brings the field one step closer to more sustainable industrial processes in the future.

During his time in graduate school, Andrew is most proud of his time helping undergraduate students. He has gained over 7+ years of experience as a teaching assistant in the lab, in tutorial sessions, and in the resource room. Furthermore, Andrew has mentored several 4th year thesis students through research projects, and they have gone on to continue their studies in graduate degrees. After defending his Ph.D. thesis, Andrew taught the 2nd year inorganic chemistry at Western. Having found his passion in teaching, Andrew is excited to join the BeMo family to use his experience to help students find success.

In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing disc golf and watching football. He also likes to challenge his mind with board games and video games.

Dr. Heather Gaebler holds an HBSc degree with a specialization in chemistry and physics, followed by an MSc in quantum chemistry, focusing on semi-conducting quantum dots and plasmonics. Subsequently, she attained her PhD from Wilfrid Laurier University in Biological and Chemical Sciences, with a specialization in quantum mechanics pertaining to noble metal nanoclusters. Throughout her MSc and PhD studies, Dr. Gaebler earned multiple graduate scholarships in recognition of her outstanding academic and research achievements. Her research, as well as collaborative endeavors with various research groups, has been documented in reputable scientific journals spanning both computational and experimental chemistry disciplines. 

Motivated by a deep passion for education, Dr. Gaebler possesses considerable experience in teaching at the university level, alongside mentoring students in acclimating to the demands of university life. Additionally, her adept supervision of senior undergraduate students in their thesis projects led to the achievement of publications and recognition for these high-achieving students. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to guide aspiring students on their journey towards academic success. With a solid foundation in academic excellence and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the application processes, she is well-equipped to offer personalized guidance. Her commitment to staying current with admission trends and requirements ensures her advice is up-to-date and relevant. Dr. Gaebler is eager to share her knowledge and provide tailored support to help students achieve their educational aspirations and reach their fullest potential.   

Cathleen Kuo earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with Summa Cum Laude honors from Tulane University. Currently a fourth-year medical student at the University at Buffalo, Cathleen has distinguished herself through extensive involvement in neurosurgery research, resulting in over 75 publications. She is dedicated to investigating the social determinants of health and creating predictive model to improve patient care outcome through data-driven analysis. Cathleen is equally passionate about teaching and mentorship, demonstrated by her role as a supplemental instruction leader for Calculus-based Physics and Chemistry in college, active participation in admission committees at both undergraduate and medical school levels, and engagement in Step 1 mentoring committee. Beyond her academic pursuits, Cathleen enjoys hiking, coding, playing instruments, and working out. She is looking forward to continuing empowering students to achieve their educational aspirations. 

Dr. Mandy J. Tate (she/her) originally hails from Anderson, SC. Being the first in her family to attend a college institution, she graduated magna cum laude earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology (with minors in Spanish and Chemistry) from the University of South Carolina. Her dedication and academic achievements earned her memberships to numerous honors societies, including the Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society and the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society. Continuing in her pursuit of scientific careers, she began working in various laboratory roles prior to her attending medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville (USCSOMG).

Mandy’s extracurricular engagements encompassed a range of roles during her time at USCSOMG, from being a student ambassador for the university to co-presiding over the anesthesiology interest group all while maintaining her dedication to mentorship by engaging with prospective health professional students, tutoring for standardized testing, leading simulated ethical discussions, and mock interview sessions in both formal and informal settings. She also demonstrated a keen interest in integrating medical knowledge with nutrition and mental health through her involvement in the Lifestyle Medicine Track of Distinction at said institution.

In addition to her medical pursuits, she remained an active proponent of community outreach and health education, becoming involved in numerous initiatives such as Health Outreach, local Food Share programs, and the American Heart Association's Stroke Education program, all which aimed at expanding the knowledge of medicine to surrounding populations with known medical disparities.

Currently an anesthesia resident at Emory University, Mandy continues to embody the fusion of academic excellence, clinical expertise, mentorship, and community service that she wishes to inspire in her prospective mentees as she looks to aid them in achieving their future goals and is looking forward to being a source of guidance for upcoming future professionals.

Outside the realm of medicine Mandy enjoys spending her free time with her family, discovering new music and watching anything sports related.

Haitham is completing his PhD at McGill University after winning the Canadian government’s prestigious Vanier Doctoral Scholarship from the CIHR for his research and work. Haitham earned his MBBcH from Ain Shams University, Cairo and then completed his internship. In parallel, he founded projects for the disabled community in Egypt winning awards from UN HABITAT and King Abdullah II Award from Jordan being recognized at the World Economic Forum. He got his Masters in Public Health from Imperial College London after being awarded the UK Government’s Prestigious Chevening Scholarship. His experience spans across health economics, orthopedics interventions effectiveness, health policy and strengthening health systems post-emergencies. He published more than 30 papers and co-authored books with the WHO and UNITAR. He worked for the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and WHO in Geneva and Regional Office in Cairo. He was a Paul Farmer Global Surgery Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and worked on local and global health projects such as early diagnosis of surgical site infections using mHealth technologies and national surgical planning in Rwanda. He also worked in Pakistan through coordinating a technical working group on national surgical planning. Within Harvard, he won several awards, such as the Harvard Regional Scholars Award for the Program in Clinical Effectiveness, Rose Service-Learning Fellowship Award for his research work in Pakistan, Harvard Business School Venture Incubator Program hosted in the Harvard Innovation Lab, Professional Development Support Fund to present his research at the American Public Health Association and the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship for his Master of Science in Health Policy and Management at Harvard University. Haitham is a decision analysis scientist working extensively in global health policy. He was a research fellow at Cambridge University Hospitals, a research associate with Paris Descartes University – Laboratory of applied health economics research (LIRAES) – Sorbonne and a Global Burden of Diseases Collaborator. Haitham also completed a Graduated Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) from the John Molson Business School at Concordia University.

Dr. Thais Lavagnolli holds a PhD in Clinical Medical Sciences from Imperial College London in the UK. She won two highly competitive and prestigious awards to pursue her PhD: PhD fellowship from Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds dedicated to outstanding junior scientists and the Medical Research Council Overseas Student Fellowship. Her research project focused on understanding how reprogramming of somatic cells towards pluripotency could be used in cell therapies. Her scientific achievements in the fields of genetics and stem cell biology have led to 8 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

After completing her PhD she joined the Francis Crick Institute in UK as a postdoctoral researcher. In her research work she has focused on understanding how mutations in epigenetic regulators drive the onset of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Thais then moved to Toronto, Canada, where she has been working as a postdoctoral researcher at the LTRI, Mount Sinai Hospital. Her research project is focused on developing quasi-autologous cells for personalized cell therapies. While working as a postdoctoral researcher, Thais assisted in the training and supervision of new laboratory personnel and provided guidance and support to undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition to her research experience, she has a strong foundation in teaching and tutoring. She holds a BSc in Education and through many years of school tutoring, language teaching and science teaching, she gained the ability to convey complex concepts to learners of all ages and to challenge them to think critically and creatively. Originally from Brazil, Thais is convinced that having access to high quality education can positively transform lives. She is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge and she looks forward to helping students achieve their full potential.

Outside work, Thais loves spending time with her children, experimenting with different cooking techniques, reading and creating hand-made crafts.

Dr. Justin Stacer is a current third year internal medicine resident in Central Florida. Originally from Missouri, he attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM) from 2017-2021 after graduating with a chemistry degree from Lindenwood University. At each step of his educational journey he has both formally and informally been assisting other students reach their own educational goals and finds great fulfillment from doing so.

Justin Konrad was born and raised in Capreol, Ontario, a tight-knit rural community situated on the outskirts of Sudbury. During his early years, he had a passion for sports, particularly hockey, which he still plays today.

His educational journey led him to Laurentian University, where he pursued Biomedical Biology.

While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Justin volunteered in his community as a firefighter, which eventually landed him a paid internship with Ontario Mine Rescue to pursue a master’s degree. Interestingly, this volunteer position made him a great candidate to develop a standardized fitness evaluation upon entrance to become a volunteer mine rescuer, which previously did not exist in Canada.

His dedication to his community, research and scholarly pursuits extended to presenting this work at two international conferences, where he shared his expertise and contributed to the field. This fitness standard is now in practice across Canada today.

Currently, Justin is in the final year of his Dentistry program at the University of Toronto. His aspiration is to utilize his dental skills to make a meaningful impact in underserved and rural parts of Canada, with a particular focus on Nunavut.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Justin remains deeply committed to his love for sports and community engagement. His journey is a testament to his dedication, determination, and a passion for both academic excellence and serving others.

Clementine Arcuri is an attorney admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 2021. She holds a Juris Doctor from the Université de Sherbrooke, where she completed her studies. She also received her professional training at the École du Barreau du Québec in 2020 and earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL. B.) degree from Université Laval in Québec in 2019.

Currently working as a bilingual content lawyer at LexisNexis Canada since 2023, Clementine brings a wealth of legal knowledge and expertise to her role. Prior to this, she served as an attorney with the Financial Documentation and Compliance Service at the Ministère des Finances du Québec, specializing in financing, debt management, and banking and financial operations.

Clementine's commitment to her community is evident through her volunteer work. She actively contributed as a volunteer for the Comité d’analyse et de relations avec les organismes (CARO) of United Way Centraide Canada, where she made a significant impact on the communities of Québec and Chaudières-Appalaches. During her time at Université Laval, she also dedicated her time as a volunteer at the Legal Information Office.

Furthermore, Clementine was a devoted member of the national PRO BONO student network and demonstrated her passion for legal issues by serving as a contributing writer for the University Laval's bulletin on economic law.

Originally hailing from Alberta, Canada, Margaret moved to Ontario to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Queen’s University. She received her BScH with a major in chemistry and a minor in classical studies. During the last year of her degree, she completed a fourth-year research project on the analysis of solder for applications in forensic science, which sparked her interest in analytical chemistry. Following the completion of her undergraduate work, she stayed at Queen’s University to complete a PhD under the supervision of Dr. Diane Beauchemin, working on projects which combine elemental analysis with both forensic and archaeological sciences. In the last year of her doctoral program, she received a MITACS Globalink Research Award which allowed her to spend six months working in an archaeometry research group at the University of Southern Denmark (Odense campus). Although interested in many areas of analytical chemistry, she has a particular enthusiasm for the intersection between chemical analysis, cultural heritage, and archaeology.

She is passionate about education, and enjoys mentoring students as they pursue their academic interests. She has taught and supervised hundreds of students in both classroom and laboratory settings, and spent several years volunteering with the Canadian Association for Girls in Science, working to foster a passion in STEM fields for girls and non-binary children aged 7-16.

Jayashree Sivakumar is a lawyer in private practice with a diverse skill set, focusing on areas such as litigation, subrogation, insurance coverage and investigations.

Jayashree completed her law degree in 2020. During her time in law school, she enrolled in the Community Legal & Services Program, where she passionately advocated for clients facing complex legal, social, and medical issues.

Most recently, Jayashree had the opportunity to work at Canada's leading research hospital, where she drafted and negotiated numerous contracts, demonstrating her ability to proactively manage business needs while mitigating legal risks.

Beyond her professional commitments, Jayashree finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. She is also an avid writer, utilizing her passion for words to complement her legal expertise. 

Scott is a lawyer with a particular interest in corporate/commercial law. Having been involved in many startups, he enjoys advising on new entrepreneurial projects and innovative tech.

Scott completed his undergraduate business degree at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). Soon after, he enrolled at Osgoode Law, and the Schulich School of Business, earning his MBA. During his JD/MBA, he played a leading role at Osgoode’s Emerging Technology Association, with a focus on studying emerging trends in tech and law. He further completed his MBA thesis by conducting a business strategy outlook for one of Canada’s leading private healthcare firms. Scott has also served as a certified mediator within Osgoode’s Mediation Clinic, frequently attending court to help resolve disputes amongst community members.

Outside of his legal practice, Scott has spent an extensive amount of time serving as a mentor within the Osgoode and Schulich community. He has helped to guide many students both pre law and well into their legal and MBA studies navigate the academic and personal challenges that come with being a student.

In his spare time, Scott enjoys going for hikes, keeping his personal aquarium, and reading (book recommendations always welcome).

Dr. Tooba Ghous was born and raised in Pakistan and subsequently moved to Chicago in her late childhood. She attended Loyola University Chicago for her undergraduate studies where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Dr. Ghous received her medical school training from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. She then went on to complete one year of General Surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center before making the decision to change her career path to Internal Medicine. 

As an immigrant, Dr. Ghous has embraced education as a privilege and the opportunities she has received fuel her passion for mentorship and teaching. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated this commitment through efforts spearheading various campus- and community-based pipeline mentorship programs for aspiring medical professionals. Dr. Ghous also has three years of experience serving on the Admissions Committee for her medical school where she reviewed applications and conducted interviews for prospective candidates. 

Outside of work, she enjoys leisurely reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Ghous is excited to share her unique experiences to help students achieve their academic and professional goals through BeMo. 

Dr. Riya Walia received her Doctoral of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree at Nova Southeastern University in Florida in May 2023. She is currently continuing her education at Nova as a 1st year Pediatric Dental Resident. During her pre doctoral career, Dr. Riya was involved in various positions such as being a Teaching Assistant for clinic where she mentored students and assisted them with course activities. Dr. Riya was also a student ambassador all throughout her career where she guided incoming students through the in-person interview process. Dr. Riya held positions in various clubs where she organized wellness events, fundraisers and meetings for her school. She is highly involved within her community. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Riya is a boxing enthusiast and she enjoys HITT workouts. She enjoys going to the beach with her friends and her favorite cuisine is Thai. She has a passion for mentoring students and believes that she has made it this far because someone was willing to lend a helping hand when she was in need; she wishes to do the same for others. Dr. Riya is thrilled to assist students in all parts of their application process.

Dr. Rhoda Ansah Quaigrain is a graduate of University of Manitoba, Canada where she received her PhD in Civil engineering. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics from Kwame University of Science and Technology, Ghana. She received the top award for academic excellence during her undergraduate, receiving the best student award in her graduating class, and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) national award for academic excellence. She is also a recipient of numerous awards advancing her straight from undergraduate to a fully funded doctorate program. She has extensive research experience in performance benchmarking and optimization, sustainable construction, health and safety, and disability/injury management having led key provincial and national projects in advancing the construction industry. Evidence of her research excellence and communication skills is demonstrated by her numerous publications at various national and international conferences, and in reputable peer-reviewed journals. She has also acted as a consultant on occupational health and safety and performance benchmarking and optimization projects in Manitoba, Canada. Through her established networks with key institutions Manitoba, she was recommended to consult on research projects with four key safety institutions in the Province of Manitoba on standardizing workplace health and safety training policies in the province. Organizational partners on the project included the Manitoba Building Trades, Safe Work Manitoba, Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, Construction Safety Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.

Rhoda also has nine plus years of teaching, research and project supervision and academic mentorship experience having worked with hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds to realize their full potential. She also has experience in the administrative and admissions side of academia, having served on the senate committee for curriculum changes. Rhoda is very passionate about women and girls in science, having volunteered at high schools and colleges to work with students to pursue their dreams of careers in the sciences. One of her life goals is to make academia and higher education accessible to all. As an academic mentor at BeMo she plans to bring her extensive experience and passion to help students get the upper hand, excel, and achieve their full potential.

Dr. Martin Poirier was born in Montreal, Quebec and subsequently grew up in Penetanguishene, Ontario, a small francophone community north of Toronto. To continue his bilingual education (fluent in both French and English), Martin then moved to Ottawa, Ontario, where he completed a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, both graduate degrees specializing in human integrative physiology. Dr. Poirier is also a certified Clinical Exercise PhysiologistTM with a High-Performance Specialization through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. 

Dr. Poirier is currently a Research Officer at the Human Performance Research and Development Laboratory at the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS). At present, his work is aimed at developing a modernized physical employment standard for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Police Fitness Test) and an applicant standard for the Canada Border Services Agency (Physical Abilities Test). He was also recently a consultant for the National Lifesaving Society of Canada regarding their physical standards. 

Dr. Poirier’s graduate research at the Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU; www.hepru.ca) was dedicated to understanding how various factors (aging, sex, chronic disease, fitness, others) influence physiological function and performance in adverse environments, with an interest in occupational heat stress. His work has been published in leading physiology and medical journals and he has presented his findings at several national and international conferences, all of which was funded through many scholarships including an Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Fellowship, a Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholar in Science and Technology, an Ontario Graduate Scholarship, several Excellence Graduate Scholarships, and a Dean’s Scholarship. During this time, he also worked as a teaching assistant for many undergraduate level courses in Human Kinetics and mentored several undergraduate and graduate students at HEPRU. 

Apart from his research involvements, Dr. Poirier has extensive experience working in physical fitness and health as a consultant. He has worked with the RBC Training Ground for Paralympian’s, Nautilus Plus, as well as the Ottawa Mavericks Volleyball Club and the Region 6 (Eastern Ontario) Athlete Development Program, which is part of the Ontario Volleyball Association. He serves on the Boards of Directors of Diabète Outaouais (www.diabeteoutaouais.com), a not-for-profit organization that aims to educate the population on the prevention and management of diabetes. In his spare time, Martin enjoys spending time with family, traveling, training, playing hockey, and skiing! 

Dr. Ashley Grimaldi completed her undergraduate work at University of Colorado, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She completed her graduate work at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where she joined their Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Vanderbilt where she studied the role of microtubule plus-end tracking proteins in the regulation of cellular architecture and physiology. While at Vanderbilt, Dr. Grimaldi wrote funding proposals and secured an American Heart Association predoctoral fellowship for her study of microtubule-dependent regulation of cardiovascular disease. She has six peer-reviewed publications from her time at Vanderbilt where she also gained invaluable teaching and mentoring experience.

After several years in science research, Dr. Grimaldi pursued her passion for helping students and has now been teaching full-time for six years. Dr. Grimaldi’s diverse research and teaching experiences allow her to provide valuable advice to a wide variety of students. As a BeMo team member, she is passionate about bringing her skills and expertise to students as she supports them in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Outside of consulting, Dr. Grimaldi enjoys working on puzzles, taking her dog to the park, and eating tacos with her husband.

Dr. Phil Morrill is originally from Layton, Utah. He is currently an internal medicine resident at Legacy Health Salmon Creek in Vancouver WA. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Weber State University, and his MBA, Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University. He spent time working in accounting, business process management and software development before returning to Weber State to complete the pre-requisite requirements for medical School. He earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. During medical school he served in various leadership and service positions including on the Special COVID Advisory Board to the president of the university. He served as a student ambassador, a co-director for a free clinic, and a mentor to other medical students, graduate, undergraduate and secondary students. He worked as an adjunct faculty member at Heritage University in their biology department teaching a physiology lab.

He is a non-traditional student and has navigated the challenging waters of pre-med, business and medical school. He enjoys helping other students overcome barriers in the admissions process to graduate school and applications for residency. He believes strongly in following your dreams and pursuing your passions.

In his personal life he loves to spend time with his wife and children. He loves to read and enjoys a good TV show or movie.

Dr. Kelly Hewes is a member of the Medical Scholars Program through the University of Illinois and is currently in her M1 year at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Previously, she earned her B.S. in Neuroscience from Trinity University and her Ph. D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her Ph. D., Kelly studied Nutritional Neuroscience and worked to understand relationships between inflammation and diet, intelligence, and brain structure and function measured using MRI. Kelly began tutoring in 2012 and has helped students succeed in various subjects at different levels including university-level Chemistry, Biology, and Neuroscience, AP History, and high school-level Algebra. As a graduate student, she was a teaching assistant for five years, primarily teaching sophomore-level students in Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory courses. As both an undergraduate and graduate student Kelly was a mentor for pre-medical students, often counseling on timelines, prerequisite coursework, desirable extracurriculars, application essays, and in some cases writing letters of recommendation for the students in her classes. Her first priority is using her education and the skills she’s learned along the way to assist students in finding the best career path for their personal strengths and ambitions.

Natalia is a Canadian lawyer of Polish origin, educated in the United States. She currently lives in Toronto, where she founded her firm focused primarily on Canadian immigration and civil law. 

Natalia earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and LL.M. from Southwestern Law School, specializing in Trial Advocacy. While at law school, she had great pleasure leading the Moot Court Honors Program and participating in oral advocacy competitions. Natalia completed her undergraduate studies at Brandeis University, majoring in Philosophy and Political Science.  

In 2014, Natalia began her professional career as a lawyer working for personal injury and workers' compensation law firms in Los Angeles, California. She is also licensed to practice in District of Columbia and Michigan.

Kendall Barban, a seasoned professional, possesses expertise across both law, and academia. 

Kendall earned an undergraduate degree in International Development from the University of Guelph, during which time she participated in two international exchanges and was the recipient of the prestige Drs. Frederick Kozak and Lorna Hruby Travel Grant. Kendall received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Windsor.  While at Windsor Law, Kendall actively engaged with the Community Legal Aid Clinic, further honing their legal skills and deepening their commitment to community service. 

In addition to running her own law practice focusing in estate planning and corporate law, Kendall works as a professor at both Algoma University and Sault College.  She teaches within the Justice Studies, Economics and Business programs.

Kendall's academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence, while her professional narrative mirrors a dedication to legal proficiency, and shaping the minds of future professionals.

In her free time Kendall enjoys spending time with family and friends (including her dog Luna), as well as painting murals.

Dr. Tony Huynh was first introduced into academic and biological research during undergraduate education at the University of California Davis. He wanted to incorporate the tenets of proper scientific research into the clinical applications of medicine. Thus, following completion of his undergraduate degree, he worked in biotechnological research at ThermoFisher Scientific for several years. He helped pushed research and development of chemical assays as a scientist until his matriculation into medical school at Touro University Nevada. Now graduated, he trains as a resident and hopes to use his experiences to guide aspiring applicants through the medical school process

Dr. Aidy holds a Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology, complemented by a diploma in Quantitative Methods from York University, in Toronto. Grounded in a robust foundation of research and statistical expertise, Dr. Aidy has experience designing, implementing, and analyzing a variety of experimental research studies. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the intersection of race and gender stereotypes, and their impact on both academic and professional outcomes for socially marginalized groups, such as racialized minority women in STEM fields.

Beyond academia, her passion for growth and mentorship extends to volunteer engagements, where Dr. Aidy has contributed as a mentor, writer, and editor across multiple platforms, engaging with students and helping to guide them in their own academic pursuits. Dr. Aidy additionally has extensive experience teaching students how to write professionally in an academic setting, including for course assignments and admissions materials.

Working with BeMo, Dr. Aidy is excited to share her passion and expertise with students in their own journey to pursue academia.

Dr. Malosree Maitra pursued a Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at Mount Holyoke College, MA, followed by a PhD in neuroscience at McGill University, Montreal. She has a strong academic background in molecular biology and genomics, an interest in the biological basis of mental health, and 8 years of laboratory research experience. Malosree has been extensively involved with many science outreach and education organizations throughout her graduate school career and has a passion for science communication.

Dr. Celia Ferrag earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Toronto in 2023. Her research focused on developing nanocomposite gels for electrochemical sensors and renewable energy applications.

As a dynamic educator, Celia has over 5 years of experience as a teaching assistant, and lab demonstrator at the University of Toronto. Throughout these years, she demonstrates excellent teaching abilities in various chemistry courses, receiving numerous teaching awards and earning high ratings from students. Celia's impact extends beyond her teaching roles; she actively engages in curriculum development. Her involvement in prestigious teaching fellowships and collaborations with faculty members has led to the creation of cutting-edge tutorials and laboratories, elevating the quality of the undergraduate learning experience.

In her research roles as a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Toronto and a Researcher at the University of Valencia, Spain, Celia authored 11 peer-reviewed publications covering a broad spectrum of advanced materials for renewable energy applications and electrochemical sensors. Her contributions to academia have been recognized through awards such as the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship, the Beamish Prize in Analytical Chemistry, the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, The University of Toronto Scarborough Graduate Teaching Assistant Award in Chemistry and many more. 

In her spare time, Celia really enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures, dancing, and baking. 

Dr. Ferrag is excited to bring her passion for education and research to BeMo, contributing to the success of students in their academic careers ! 

Dr. Ian Robertson graduated from Davidson College with degrees in Biology and Neuroscience. During that time, he was a Division I athlete in Track and Field, worked as an EMT as a part of the college’s first health task force, and volunteered at a local rehabilitation and health center. After graduation, he was commissioned as a naval medical officer and attended medical school at Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, MD from 2018-2022, earning his MD. As a 4^th year medical student, he served as an interviewer and provided valuable feedback to the admissions committee regarding student suitability for acceptance to USU. He also completed a certification in Health Professions Education (CHPE), meant to enhance his teaching practices and leadership in graduate medical education. He then went on to do an internship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in internal medicine, publishing 6 first-author peer-reviewed publications during this time period. He is excited and eager to help prospective medical students on their journey to becoming a physician.

Dr. Megan Aoki completed her Ph.D at Trent University in the Environmental and Life Science graduate program, specializing in Cell and Molecular Biology. Her research focused on a group of hormones or signalling molecules, known as cytokinins. Cytokinins are produced in many different organisms from bacteria to humans. They influence many different fields ranging from agriculture to biomedical applications. From her Ph.D. research, Megan published seven academic peer-reviewed journal articles expanding the known roles of cytokinins in plants, mammalian cells, and the soil microbe, Dictyostelium discoideum. She was awarded the highest academic distinction in her graduating class, winning the Governor General’s Gold Medal Award, and 10 other scholarships and distinctions, including the NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Graduate Scholarship.

Megan has seven years of experience teaching and mentoring university and graduate students. During her Ph.D., she taught over 1,500 students in 16 different university-level biology courses, including molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, among others. She developed a passion for teaching and mentoring students through these experiences and always looks forward to learning from her students and helping in whatever capacity she can. Megan is dedicated to each individual’s learning experience and is especially invested in empowering her students to overcome the many challenges faced in academia. She has an extensive background assisting students with their writing, scholarship and graduate applications, and prepping students on all things biology. Megan is excited to be a part of the academic consulting team at BeMo and will draw on her extensive research experiences to support her future students with their career and professional goals.

Outside of research, Megan enjoys exploring nature and spending time outside on her farm in rural Alberta with her horses and dogs. Being a Wisconsin native, she has a special love for cheese. She also enjoys fermented foods and making sourdough bread.

Danya Assef is a current law student in the Dual JD program at the University of Windsor. She is pursuing two law degrees in two separate practice jurisdictions, Canada and The United States. Upon graduation in 2025, she is planning to start her career in the corporate law space. 

She earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree and Certificate of Leadership Studies from The University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business in 2022. With years of management experience in the Financial Services industry, she has become a strong leader and mentor.

During her time in law school she participated in two moots, a summer internship with Mayer Brown LLP, and a legal clinic based out of Detroit Mercy Law. 

Danya is passionate about the pursuit of higher education and promoting diversity within the legal field. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. As an Academic Consultant at BeMo she is excited to help students navigate the application process with the help of firsthand advice and experience.

Dr. Anum Bana is a general dentist practicing in Texas. She grew up in Houston, Tx and obtained her undergraduate degree from Houston Baptist University, where she double majored in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB) and Biology. Dr. Bana attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee for her Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Bana has a deep passion for education. Aside from everyday learning herself, through continuing education courses, she loves to mentor students and help them reach their goals and aspirations. Dr. Bana has experience in serving and teaching students at her local community church and has worked with kids from all age groups ranging from elementary to college. She served as a teacher assistant for various subjects in college and further served as a student ambassador to help students through the interview process. Through BeMo, Dr. Bana is excited to follow her passion and make an impact in helping students achieve their educational goals. 

Outside of consulting, Dr. Bana enjoys traveling with her husband and her daughter, going on walks, volunteering for her local community, exploring nature and spending time with her friends and family. 

Dr. Ariel Peckel holds a PhD in Religious Studies (2022) and an MA in Philosophy (2015) from the University of Toronto, where he specialized in philosophy of religion with a focus on modern atheism and humanism, naturalism, and Enlightenment thought. His SSHRC-funded dissertation comparatively analyzed the philosophical critiques of religion of Hume, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein. His publication record includes academic articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as a creative fiction book, scheduled for publication with Vine Leaves Press in 2024. He is currently interested in the intersection of naturalist ontologies and liberal political frameworks in the Enlightenment, particularly in the works of Hobbes, Spinoza, Hume, and Diderot.

Ariel was born in Montreal, Canada, but grew up in Bogotá, Colombia, where he lived from ages 3 to 17. Upon graduating high school, he moved to Israel for four years, following which he decided to travel extensively across Europe and India. Those years between finishing school and enrolling in university were foundational to the development of his intellectual and personal passion for philosophy and to his pursuit of a career devoted to a rich life of the mind. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, and his exposure to a vast diversity of cultures, languages, religions, and histories has enabled him to assimilate local customs and conventions while preserving a global perspective, and to form an enduring conviction in the shared human concerns and cares we possess beneath our differences.

Ariel is fiercely committed to the value and responsibility of pedagogy and education. In his own career as an educator, this commitment is reflected by a consistent track record of excellent student evaluations, as well as a commendation of teaching excellence at the departmental and faculty levels awarded during his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto (2022-23). In his teaching and personal life alike, he champions critical thinking and discussion as an exercise that requires intellectual openness to a plurality of perspectives, to have one’s convictions tested, and to face disagreements, as long as these are formulated rationally, knowledgeably, and civilly, and seek to enhance our wisdom rather than to entrench division.

When he is not working, researching, or writing, Ariel enjoys reading general-audience history and science books, playing guitar and bass, listening to records with a glass or three of wine, doing crosswords and puzzles, seeking dominance at trivia, going vintage clothing shopping, and watching history or true-crime documentaries.

Kyle Burns began his journey to becoming a physician by asking questions. He had a parent with advanced cancer whose disease progression drove him to understand more and more. Having grown up out west, he was a writer in film and television, earning accolades including a Sundance Institute Screenwriting Fellowship. This provided no basis for him to comprehend molecular biology, however, and soon his curiosity transformed into a desire to become a doctor. As he had a liberal arts undergraduate degree, and a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production from the University of Southern California, he had to start from ground zero. He enrolled in general chemistry and biology classes at Hunter College, near where he lived in New York City, while seeking work in a hospital so he could learn more about medicine. He leveraged technical abilities and media production experience into a role in simulation education at Weill Cornell Medicine. When it came time to apply he leaned on his writing abilities to convey his journey into medicine and affirm what mattered to him most. Kyle joined the MD Class of 2027 at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and, apart from his pre-clinical coursework, spends time precepting in an oncology clinic and pursuing research in informatics and cancer metastasis. He also spends time as a community cancer prevention educator and works to provide more opportunities for screening among the population of the Bronx near his school. As an MD/DO Admissions Consultant he is eager to help students develop their voice so they come across as dynamic and passionate future physicians.

Dr. Marc Courte is a chemist with broad experience in organic and inorganic chemistry, material sciences and electrochemistry. He earned a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Prior to his Ph.D. studies, Marc received his M.Sc. in Chemistry and B.Sc. in Physics from the Sorbonne University Pierre and Marie Curie Campus, France. His research focused on pioneering semiconducting materials for diverse optoelectronics applications, including sensors, solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries. Following the completion of his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at Simon Fraser University in Canada, where his focus centered on the advancement of smart sensor technologies for ensuring food safety. He has more than 10 years of experience in conducting research, resulting in the publication of a number of research articles in various high impact scientific journals. Alongside, he has also served as a reviewer for international journals.

Dr. Courte's academic journey reflects his dedication to education and mentorship. In addition to his research accomplishments, he has actively engaged in teaching as an undergraduate chemistry instructor, while also mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Fluent in both English and French, Marc is driven by a passion for continuously expanding his knowledge, particularly through the pursuit of new learning experiences. He is currently engaged in studying additional languages such as Spanish, Japanese, and Arabic. Driven by the belief that everyone has the potential to excel with the right resources, Marc is excited to work at BeMo Academic Consulting and use his experience to instruct and mentor students.

Lana F. Zeaiter was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, a coastal gem steeped in history and rich cultures in the Middle East. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Educational Studies in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE) at McGill University. Her multidisciplinary Ph.D. research integrates two scientific fields, Educational Technology and Plurilingualism, to prepare the future generation of language teachers to implement linguistically, culturally, and socially inclusive language education and sustainable teaching practices. She is expected to complete her doctoral studies in May 2024.

Growing up as a plurilingual speaker, Lana has embraced multiple languages. She is fluent in Arabic, English, and French. She received her primary education mainly in French at the International College (IC) in Beirut and her undergraduate and graduate studies in English at the Lebanese American University (LAU). Informed by a global perspective shaped by her educational and professional experiences in and outside Quebec, she brings a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of educational systems worldwide.

Lana has acquired extensive research experience working as a Research Assistant for several SSHRC and FRQSC-funded projects. She solo-authored and co-authored several publications during her doctoral studies. In 2021, she was the recipient of the prestigious Emerging Scholar award at McGill University’s Department of Integrated Studies in Education for her excellent educational research. Additionally, she has co-authored the Plurilingual Guide: Implementing Critical Plurilingual Pedagogy in Language Education, which has become a reference for national and international institutions and is listed on teacher training websites at Camerise, York University, and the Council of Europe. Lana has also presented at more than 18 national and international conferences.

Building upon her extensive research experience, Lana has more than ten years of experience teaching second languages at the intermediate, secondary, and university levels in Lebanon and Canada. Currently, she is a teacher educator in the Bachelor of Education programs at McGill University and Université du Québec à Montreal. She teaches inclusively and innovatively, aiming to empower students and nurture their autonomy.

Dr. Keshi Kirubalingam is first-year Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery resident at Western University. With a solid foundation in biochemistry from McMaster University, Keshi pursued further academic training by earning a Master's degree in Clinical Audiology at Western University before attending Medical School at Queen's University. Throughout Keshi's academic pursuits, a strong commitment to mentorship and guidance has been evident. This commitment is especially highlighted by Keshi's active involvement in numerous pre-medical mentorship programs during medical school. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by aspiring medical students, Keshi has taken a lead role in organizing events that foster connections between pre-medical students and medical professionals. This passion for mentorship has translated into a desire to serve as a consultant, leveraging Keshi's experience and insights to continue aiding the next generation of medical trainees. Keshi looks forward to making an impact by providing invaluable support and guidance to those navigating the challenging path towards a medical career.

Mani Kallupurackal was born in India and moved to the United States during his youth. He attended the University of South Florida for his undergraduate studies where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. Mani went on to pursue his medical training at Kansas City University, where he is concurrently pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathy degree, expecting to graduate in May 2024, as well as a Masters in Business Administration focused on Health Leadership from Rockhurst University.

As an immigrant, Mani has embraced education, and the opportunities he has received drive his passion for teaching and mentorship. Throughout his academic career, he has demonstrated this commitment through efforts as an anatomy tutor for first-year medical students at Kansas City University, as a tutor to college students during his undergrad, and as a Math Instructor at Mathnasium. Mani also worked privately and freelance to help premedical students with application review and consulting to guide students towards medical school.

Mani also has research experience as an assistant at the Mayo Clinic and the University of South Florida Byrd's Alzheimer's Institute. Outside of academics, Mani obtained EMT certification and experience responding to medical emergencies which revealed his ability to provide care under pressure and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams. In his free time, Mani enjoys weightlifting, tennis, and cooking/baking. He looks forward to sharing his diverse background to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

Gino Dettorre is currently a medical student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSM). Gino is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and completed his B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior at the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Research (MRes) degree in Cancer Biology at Imperial College London. After taking time to work at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, he began medical school at WUSM. During his time at WUSM, he has served in national leadership for the American Medical Association Medical Student Section, advocated for the American Association for Cancer Research and National Institutes of Health on Capitol Hill, and furthered his clinical research in oncology. Mentorship and tutoring have been lifelong passions for Gino. He has taught many students from the high school to the postsecondary levels, and he especially enjoys helping students discover their own values, goals, and priorities and find graduate programs that best suit them. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, reading, spending time with his dog Lily, and working out.

Through BeMo, Gino looks forward to helping the next generation of physicians gain acceptance to medical school and identify programs in which they will thrive.

Dr. Nour Abou Nader holds a PhD in research in reproduction from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe campus, Quebec. Her primary thesis focused on the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in the maintenance and development of the mouse adrenal gland. She successfully concluded her PhD program with eight published articles in scientific journals and five oral presentations at national and international conferences, receiving a total of ten bursaries, scholarships, or prizes.

During her master’s degree at the Lebanese University in Lebanon and throughout her PhD in Quebec, she acquired expertise and knowledge in various subjects, including molecular and cellular biology, endocrinology, and bioinformatics. Nour also developed a comprehensive set of supervision skills, assisting professors during practical courses, overseeing interns, and delivering endocrinology courses to first-year veterinary medicine students.

Additionally, she served as a co-representative of students in a scientific network, co-organized journal clubs, coordinated group writing sessions, and acted as a co-moderator and jury member for oral presentations at national conferences. Nour is a proud member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee in the Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR) since December 2020. In this role, she actively contributes to organizing webinars and creating tools designed to emphasize the importance of diversity within a multicultural environment.

Dr. Guang Yang holds a Ph.D. (2023) and an M.S. (2018) in Electric Engineering from Boston University in Massachusetts, United States. His research spans a variety of subjects, including non-Hermitian physics, quantum optics, and novel devices for biomedical sensing. He has authored and co-authored five research articles and conference presentations and served as a peer-reviewer for multiple scientific journals.

Through his PhD, Dr. Yang garnered recognition for his fruitful academic activities. His PhD Dissertation was nominated for a departmental Best Dissertation Award (awardee TBA as of January 2024). He was the main contributor to a grant proposal worth US$ 0.6M and has successfully reported to multiple grants for project renewals.

Dr. Yang was a Teaching Fellow for 4 BU courses at undergraduate and graduate levels. His guest-lecturing and review sessions were greatly appreciated by students, quoted from a highly-rated class (4.8/5.0). He was also enthusiastic about sharing his research expertise by mentoring three junior PhD/MS students, yielding a successful MS thesis.

Dr. Yang is also an excellent home cook and barista (endorsed by many of his friends), and a passionate photographer.

Dr. Liz Studer is an ecologist, entomologist, and passionate advocate for the transformative power of education. With a Ph.D. in Ecology from Dartmouth College, a master's degree in Entomology from the University of Georgia, and an Interdisciplinary Teaching Certificate, Liz has blended research and teaching throughout her career to advance science communication. Acknowledged for teaching excellence, Liz earned numerous awards in recognition of her service including an Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest accolade awarded to graduate student instructors, at both Dartmouth and the University of Georgia. She also contributed to pedagogical advancement in science while working as an instructor in the Writing-Intensive Program at UGA. In this capacity, she crafted and conducted courses focused on discipline-specific scientific writing practices, aiming to elevate student engagement in STEM content. Additionally, she co-authored a book chapter within Scientific Communications that provides an analysis of feedback pedagogy practiced in her courses. She has taught study-abroad classes on conservation biology and ecology in five foreign countries and has mentored hundreds of students through their academic journeys. Her passion for teaching stems not only from her love of science but also from imparting knowledge that allows students to make informed decisions about the environment and their future in it. Liz fervently believes in the inherent right to education for everyone and is passionately dedicated to assisting students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

In her free time, Liz enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.

Dr. Simon Rousset graduated with a M.A. degree in Communication Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2016 before earning a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of South Florida in 2021. His dissertation focused on media representation of terrorism in France following the 13 November 2015 series of attacks that ended at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris and in the United States following the 12 June 2016 mass murder that took place in Orlando. Using Orientalism and moral panics as theoretical lenses, he conducted a thematic analysis of over 300 newspaper articles, in French and in English, to interrogate how newspapers used the term terrorism following these tragic events and, in doing so, reinforced the set of discourses that have traditionally dehumanized Arabs and Muslims.

 Before enrolling in graduate school, he advised students who planned on studying abroad. He also lived in Spain and in various United States. Originally from France, Simon is aware of the challenges people face in higher education as international student whose native language is not English. As a graduate student, Simon found a specific interest in studying Intercultural Communication and Critical Media Studies. During his studies, he worked as a Graduate Teacher Assistant and Research Assistant. That’s when he found a passion in facilitating undergraduate courses and advising students. He taught Introduction to Communication Studies, Public Speaking, and Interpersonal Communication. He was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of Wooster (CoW) where he taught courses in Global Media and Digital Studies and Communication Studies. At CoW, he advised four seniors on their yearlong independent study research projects. He is now an Adjunct Professor at Hillsborough Community College.

Paisley Worthington’s academic interests have evolved throughout her life, ranging from benchtop to social sciences and community-engaged research. She holds a B.Sc.H. in Biochemistry and M.Sc. in STEM Education (both from the University of Guelph) and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Education at Queen’s University. With almost 10 years of experience teaching, tutoring, and facilitating learning experiences, she is passionate about supporting others as they work towards their goals.

Over the years, Paisley has served on numerous academic committees tasked with responsibilities ranging from ranking personal statements for B.Ed. admissions, to selecting award recipients, to approving the development / modification of programs and courses. Before beginning her doctorate, she was the Curriculum Development and Review Specialist at Laurentian University, where she supported faculty development and academic quality assurance procedures in both English and French. Professionally, Paisley has managed and conducted numerous research / evaluation projects with various groups located within academia and community settings.

In her free time, Paisley enjoys reading, artmaking, and spending time with her loved ones.

Dr. Fatoumata Diawara is a native of Mali, West Africa. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Pre-medicine Microbiology and a Master’s in Chemistry from Western Illinois University. She then obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she was awarded the prestigious Chancellor Graduate Student Award (CGSA) from 2018 to 2023.

Dr. Fatoumata Diawara is a dedicated educator and researcher passionate about enhancing scientific education and improving learning outcomes. With a strong background in Chemistry Education and extensive experience in teaching, research, and curriculum development, Dr. Fatoumata Diawara has made significant contributions to the field. Her work includes conducting innovative research, implementing effective teaching methodologies, and spearheading initiatives to enhance student engagement and success. Fluent in multiple languages and possesses a diverse skill set, she is committed to breaking down barriers to success and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Dr. Haydee Mesa-Galloso is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Idaho. In her position in Dr. Jagdish Patel lab, she researches complex molecular modeling challenges specific to human vision. She completed her PhD in Biophysical Chemistry at the University of Calgary in 2023. She earned a Master in Biochemistry at the University of Havana in 2016 and earned a Bachelor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Havana in 2013. During her PhD, Haydee was awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the National Science and Engineering Research Council from the Canadian federal government as well as an Alberta Innovates Health Solution scholarship from the province of Alberta. During graduate school, Shasta served as co-chair for the Graduate Student Association Awards Committee where she led committee member in adjudicating awards, grants and bursaries. As result of being a Vanier scholar, she provided peer mentoring for students applying to fellowships and scholarships at the Graduate Leader Circle.

Dr. Tom Warner was born and raised in British Columbia's sunny Okanagan valley, where he lived until he began his post-secondary education. In 2004, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and english from the University of Calgary, before travelling to Stockholm where he spent one year working in a laboratory specializing in cancer research. Inspired to pursue a career in science, he completed an honour's Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, following by a Ph.D in organic chemistry and asymmetric catalysis. Tom thereafter spent one year doing postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta before moving to Montreal where he has been engaged in drug discovery projects with the pharmaceutical sphere.

Tom has been active as a tutor for fifteen years, coaching many students across a wide range of scientific disciplines including general chemistry, organic chemistry, cellular biology, and biochemistry. Tom is passionate about practical science in a laboratory setting, but also feels a strong affinity for communicating abstract scientific concepts and teaching students who are passionate and driven.

Mauricio Binny Jind Aguirre received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in 2018. He continued his professional career at his alma mater, where he has stood out as a successful researcher and project manager, with the publication of four peer-reviewed papers, amassing more than 100 citations since 2019, and the coordination of the construction of a state-of-the-art nanotechnology center and research laboratories.

With over four years of experience in administration and scientific research, Mauricio forged a vision towards education 4.0 and the future of learning. He has focused on promoting the translation of research into projects with tangible socioeconomic benefits and has served as a research consultant for technological startups in the United States and Mexico.

Currently, Mauricio is a fully-funded direct Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Ottawa. His current research focuses on Plasmon-Enhanced Electrochemistry, a pioneering area that connects plasmonic hot-carriers and electrochemical charge transfer processes for potential applications in electrical energy production and storage.

Derek completed his doctorate in Chemical Biology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. His research focused on the discovery and development of new antibiotics, which led to the filing of a patent application for a new combination. During his studies he was awarded the CIHR CGS-D scholarship and published 8 peer-reviewed papers. He also mentored several undergraduates for their senior thesis projects, who were successfully admitted to medical school, pharmacy school, and graduate studies. Prior to his studies, he worked in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. He currently a project manager and research scientist at a biotechnology company, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to build diagnostic devices. He is excited to join and work with the team at BeMo to help students achieve their goals. Outside of work, Derek enjoys bouldering and trying new foods.

Dr. Jon Nelson, PhD is a first-generation and working-class sociologist who holds a doctorate in sociology from Brown University; previously, he attended the University of Kansas where he graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa in sociology. Currently, he works as an assistant professor of environmental studies at the Rhode Island School of Design where he teaches environmental sociology and research methods. Jon has earned glowing reviews from his students and received an award for graduate student teaching excellence from the Brown University sociology department. He has worked in many subject areas, including family and organic agriculture in Kansas, smallholder agriculture and reforestation in Brazil, and most recently adaptation to sea-level rise in New England municipalities. Jon is fluent in Portuguese and has worked as a Portuguese language tutor for elementary through high school students. He grew up farming wheat and has maintained a connection with the soil by volunteering on an organic farm during the growing season. Most importantly, Jon loves to help students learn and develop their skills through thoughtful evaluation, feedback, and conversation.

Lisa Azzarello earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with honors at York University in Toronto, Ontario. Completing an undergraduate thesis project focusing on atmospheric chemistry helped consolidate her interest in scientific research. Lisa is currently finishing her Ph.D. at York University, where her research involved participating in large-scale field campaigns that aimed to investigate various pollutants on air quality and climate. Specifically, her research focuses on investigating the absorption properties of water-soluble organic carbon emitted from wildfires characteristic to the western United States. Lisa has an interest in scientific communication concerning topics related to environmental science. She has obtained numerous awards and scholarships, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Mitacs Globalink Research Award, and the Enbridge Graduate Student Award.

As a graduate student, she is a co-chair for Working for Inclusivity in Chemistry at York University (WICYU), part of the Canadian Working for Inclusivity in Chemistry (CWIC) network. In this role, she works alongside committee and general members to promote the education of intersectionality within academia through hosting workshops, journal clubs, and social events for graduate and undergraduate students. She is a councillor for the York University Graduate Student Association via her affiliation with the Chemistry Graduate Student Association, where she is dedicated to learning about and promoting the resources available for the betterment of chemistry graduate students. With her role at BeMo, she is excited about providing professional development support to help students achieve their career goals.

Dr. Morgan Foret earned her BSc Honours in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology (CMMB) from the University of Calgary in 2014. During her undergraduate degree, she took part in a 1-year academic exchange at Lund University in Sweden and after graduating she was accepted to the DAAD RISE Professional program where she interned at Merck KGaA in Darmstadt, Germany. Dr. Foret then earned her PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics from McGill University, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease research. During her PhD, Dr. Foret was awarded with the Sir James Lougheed Award of Distinction as well as the Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship. Her research experience has culminated in 9 peer-reviewed articles including a high impact review in the journal Chemical Reviews.

Outside of her PhD research, Dr. Foret organized several career networking events for students and served as Graduate Student Representative in her department, where she advocated for graduate students. Through this role, she also reviewed applications and conducted interviews for prospective students. Dr. Foret also has teaching and mentoring experience through her volunteer work with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and the Centre for Career & Personal Development (University of Calgary), among other organizations, as well as through mentoring students in the laboratory and serving as a Teaching Assistant.

 Dr. Foret was eager to join the BeMo team as she is passionate about helping students realize their full potential and is excited to share her experience towards enabling students to achieve their goals.

In her spare time, Dr. Foret plays clarinet in the I Medici di McGill orchestra, which is comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students as well as professors and alumni of McGill University who share passions for science, medicine, and music.

Rose See is currently pursuing her PhD in Communications at Columbia University. Rose is originally from rural Washington state and attained her BA from Swarthmore College, where she doubled majored in Sociology/Anthropology and Peace & Conflict Studies. She worked as a Conflicts Researcher at a global law firm before beginning her PhD. Rose’s doctoral research sits at the intersection of technology, media, and society. She uses mixed methods to investigate how digital communities create and understand their information environment. At Columbia, Rose has served as a Teaching Assistant for several courses in the Graduate School of Journalism and has also developed technology policy coursework at the School for International and Public Affairs. She is currently a Research Assistant at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism.

Previously, Rose has worked with high schoolers pursuing higher education by coaching them on their written application materials. She has also volunteered as an admissions interviewer at Swarthmore College. Rose grew up in a low-income community and is passionate about providing empathy and expertise to students from nontraditional backgrounds. She looks forward to helping students navigate higher education at BeMo.

Ben is a proud second-generation Chinese-Canadian, born and raised in Ontario, eventually attending

high school in Michigan. He then returned to Canada to study at the University of Toronto, where he

received his Honours Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry, and minoring in both Mathematics and

Biology, graduating with high distinction. Upon graduation, he spent a year interning as a Student

Minister, serving as a spiritual mentor to undergraduate students of predominantly Chinese descent using

both English and Mandarin in the Greater Toronto Area. Since then, Ben has returned to the US and is

currently a first-year PhD student in Organic Chemistry at Cornell University. In his free time, Ben is a

tennis fanatic, avid singer, and self-professed bookworm.

It was during his undergraduate at the University of Toronto that Ben first cultivated his passions for

STEM outreach and mentorship. Initially wanting to pursue medicine, Ben dreaded every pre-med’s worst

nightmare - the GPA killer that was organic chemistry. Much to his shock, Ben discovered a newfound

interest in the subject, even switching his major from English to Chemistry, and eventually completing

multiple chemistry research projects. His senior thesis was on the development of novel blue light emitter

compounds in OLED devices using both machine learning and organic synthesis, for which he also

received an academic publication, a legal patent, and multiple scholarships. At Cornell, Ben is now

pursuing research involving the delivery of macromolecules for drug delivery using polymer synthesis. At

both the University of Toronto and Cornell, Ben has acted as a Teaching Assistant in first and second-year

courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and organic lab. He has also coached undergraduates to

help them get into their dream graduate programs., preparing them for interviews and giving detailed

feedback on CVs, resumes, and personal statements. He has proven expertise in mentoring, research, and

teaching roles, with a focus on enhancing student learning. Ben is keenly aware of how vital education is

in helping students to achieve their goals and dreams.

Chrislyn Laurie Laurore is a Haitian American anthropologist, curator, and musician from West Palm Beach, Florida. Currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, her research examines the ways in which historic sites, museums, and monuments contribute to the biopolitical and affective economies of African diaspora heritage tourism. Her work has been supported by the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, and the Kolb Society. 

Chrislyn’s professional background consists of diverse experiences in cultural heritage and higher education, including undergraduate and executive education admissions. Outside of work and academia, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending concerts. 

CJ started medical school a decade after graduating from Duke University. Her careers before medical school include working in national politics in the US, public health research in Uganda, and EMS in a 911 system. She received a full-tuition Dean’s Scholarship to medical school at the University of Michigan, where she pursued a dual MD/MPH degree. She served on the Academic Executive Committee for two seasons. In addition, she interviewed medical school candidates in traditional and MMI formats.

David Sidhom is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School entering emergency medicine residency! He is passionate about mentorship and has worked with students at all levels on their journey into medicine. David has been part of the medical admissions team for two years and can share insights on what they look for. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, golf, traveling, and painting!

Dr. Puja Laroia, currently a Preliminary General Surgery Resident at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, brings a wealth of experience and academic prowess to her new role as an Academic Consultant for MD/DO Admissions at BeMo. With a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Honors Biological Sciences from the University of Windsor, Dr. Laroia combines a strong academic background with impressive scores on COMLEX and USMLE exams.

Her dedication to medical education is evident through her role as an academic tutor, where she has supported and mentored her medical school peers. Dr. Laroia's impact extends beyond her academic circles, as she has played a pivotal role in helping Canadian students gain admission to medical programs in both the USA and Canada. With a focus on application preparation and interview coaching, Dr. Laroia's expertise has proven instrumental in helping aspiring medical students navigate the competitive admissions process.

Dr. Laroia's commitment to medical education, coupled with her extensive experience in tutoring and admissions consulting, makes her an invaluable resource for premed students seeking guidance. Dr. Puja Laroia's diverse skill set and passion for helping students in their journey toward medical school make her a valuable addition to the BeMo team.

Dr. Johnson is a dedicated Resident Physician in Psychiatry completing their residency at Oklahoma State University - Griffin Memorial Hospital. With an M.D. from the Medical University of the Americas and a B.S. in Psychology from Arizona State University, Dr. Johnson is experienced in comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning for diverse patient populations. Dr. Johnson has a strong background in academic advising, gained through their experience as the Founder & Lecturer of PharmUcation, where they provided guidance and mentorship to aspiring medical students. In this role, Dr. Johnson not only developed and delivered pharmacology lectures but also offered valuable insights into navigating the medical school admissions process. Their deep understanding of the admissions process, combined with their own successful journey from medical school to residency, allows Dr. Johnson to provide practical advice and support to students seeking to pursue a career in medicine. Dr. Johnson's commitment to education and their ability to connect with students make them a valuable resource for those entering the medical field.

Dr. Nick Rintala is a 2nd year resident in internal medicine with the WSU-Providence Internal

Medicine Residency in Everett, WA.

Dr. Rintala is a native of the Pacific Northwest. He earned a BSc in microbiology from the

University of Washington, where he worked as a teaching assistant, researcher, and held

numerous volunteer and leadership roles in healthcare-adjacent organizations. It was during

this time he developed a passion for understanding the medical school admissions process –

gaining knowledge and experience he has used to help applicants ever since. After graduation,

Dr. Rintala worked in vaccine development in the local biotech industry. He went on to attend

the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in Spokane, WA. In medical

school, Dr. Rintala completed research projects in platelet immunocompatibility and male

reproductive biology, while continuing his passion for student engagement through leadership

in the global health interest group. He began residency in 2022, where he has served on the

resident wellness committee and pursued clinical research. He ultimately plans to seek

fellowship training in allergy/immunology.

As someone who has seen both sides of the application process, Dr. Rintala understands the

unique challenges and anxieties that come with pursuing a professional career. His philosophy

is to help each applicant tell their unique story, and to use that understanding to optimize every

step of the application process. Through his work with BeMo, Dr. Rintala looks forward to

helping applicants tell their stories and achieve their professional goals.

Dr. Angelica Solomon is a General Surgery Resident at Harvard University’s Mass General Brigham – Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Solomon received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology complimented by a Studio Art Minor and Certification in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida. Continuing her education at the University of Florida, she went on to complete her Master’s of Science in Immunology and Microbiology where her enthusiasm for innovative discovery and the expansion of medicine is reflected by her numerous publications.

Dr. Solomon earned her medical degree at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine. She was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society for exemplary academic performance. Additionally, her unwavering dedication to patient-centered care and underserved communities earned her a place in the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Throughout undergraduate, graduate, and medical school, Dr. Solomon continued her passion for mentorship and medical education. In medical school, she sat on the leadership board of 8 local and national organizations – helping students develop skill sets, motivations, and unique perspectives as they prepare for careers in medicine. Dr. Solomon believes that medicine requires an appreciation for cultural humility, diversity, inclusivity, and equity – health as a human right. She has written and created medical policy through the American Medical Association, which has since been adopted.

When Angelica isn’t living in a real-life Grey’s Anatomy episode, she can be found playing or snuggling with her dog, Doak, and Cat, Daisy. Her diverse interests include traveling, photography, cooking, and playing volleyball.

Mariah O'Brien is a PhD candidate in Art history and Museology at the Université de Montréal, where she currently contributes to research on Black contemporary art and French visual studies. A recipient of a Joseph Armand Bombardier SSHRC award, her doctoral work focuses on the complex networks implicated in exhibiting and caring for large-scale contemporary art. Using iterability as a framework within which to consider documentary practices, Mariah draws from Performance Studies and Socio-Material Theory to support her analysis of installation art in Canadian museum collections. Located at the intersection of conservation theory and contemporary art history, she is invested in applied museology as a research methodology and highlights the value of museum documentation to the production of knowledge in the visual arts. She has presented her findings at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, at the University of California Los Angeles, and most recently at the National Gallery of Canada.

 While completing her Masters degree, Mariah began working with the CIECO Partnership on “New Uses of Collections in Art Museums”. This led to collaborations with colleagues from six prominent Canadian museums and researchers from over a dozen institutions in the first francophone museum-university research network of its kind. As a research assistant, she has coordinated major Federal grant submissions, translated and edited collected volumes, and organized international workshops. Beyond academia, Mariah has pursued a career in the visual arts – working as a grant writer and development officer for non-profit organizations, in the commercial gallery and auction house sector, and as a museum educator. In her personal life, Mariah is an avid reader and frequent runner. A long-time yoga practitioner, she completed a teacher training certification in India in 2015. She has lived in Switzerland and Australia and looks forward to learning more as she continues to travel.

Margaret (she/her) is currently pursuing her MD degree at Brown University. Prior to this, she completed her undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University. During university, she worked in a number of basic science labs investigating HIV, cancer immunology and neuropathic pain. She also led the students’ photography society and volunteered as a tutor for school-aged children. She took a gap year before starting medical school, where she worked as an academic tutor and helped students with college admission essays.

In medical school, Margaret is involved in planetary health initiatives and completed a summer research internship in peripheral nerve immunology at Oxford University. She is currently taking a dedicated year to pursue plastic and hand surgery research both at Brown and Johns Hopkins University.

Margaret is very passionate about teaching and supporting others in achieving their goals. She has mentored many medical students through their application journeys and is excited to work with BeMo students to help them realize their professional goals. 

Margaret grew up in Toronto, Canada, and enjoys road cycling, cooking vegetarian recipes, trying new coffee shops and dabbling in film photography in her spare time.

Dr. Gennlie Pizarro is a dedicated anesthesia resident currently pursuing her training at John Stroger Cook County hospital in Chicago, IL. Her hometown is upstate New York and she graduated from St. Georges University School of Medicine where she developed a strong interest in mentoring IMG medical students through one-on-one tutoring and providing residency application guidance. During medical school and residency Dr. Pizarro has distinguished herself through her commitment to medical education and teamwork. Her journey from medical student to physician has given her a unique perspective on challenges and opportunities that one with pursuing a challenging career. She actively participates in tutoring and mentoring sessions for medical students, sharing her knowledge and passion for the field. Dr. Pizarro’s research interests focus is on improving patient outcomes in the perioperative setting, with an emphasis on reducing postoperative complications. Dr. Pizarro is an active speaker in high school workshops within the Chicago area where she discusses valuable advice and insights for students interested in healthcare professions. Outside the hospital, Dr. Pizarro enjoys running, exploring different cultural food cuisines, and spending time with her pups. 

Dr Indorato is a dedicated individual with a passion for medicine and education. He pursued his academic journey at the American University of Antigua, where he earned his medical degree. Driven by a desire to specialize in anesthesiology, he is completing his residency at Cook County in Chicago, honing his skills in patient care and procedural expertise. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel’s commitment to service led him to volunteer for medical mission trips in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru, where he provided essential healthcare to underserved communities. Alongside his medical career, Daniel has cultivated entrepreneurial endeavors, owning a successful tutor business, where he fosters academic growth and empowers students to achieve their goals.

Dr. Perry is a PGY-2 general surgery resident at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, specializing in medical device prototyping. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and earned his M.D. from Albany Medical College. Currently he is on a research year faculty with the Mount Sinai department of anesthesiology creating medical devices for surgical applications. He is also involved with several medical device start up companies focusing on critical care medicine.

Dr. Perry has received numerous accolades, including the Ralph D. Alley Prize for Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery. His work has led to several patents and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Active in various professional societies, he also volunteers extensively, coaching young cyclists and mentoring medical students. Outside of medicine, Dr. Perry is a dedicated semi professional ultra-endurance cyclist, coffee enthusiast, and woodworker.

Dr. Harsh Shah is a MD/DO Admissions Consultant at BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham as a first-generation college student. Concurrently, he earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Care Organization and Policy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Subsequently, he attended Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, for his medical education. In the midst of his medical education, Harsh pursued research at Harvard Medical School through the Howards Hughes Medical Institute and American Heart Association; earned a Master of Science in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine from Stanford University; and coordinated global COVID response with the United Nations and World Health Organization. Upon graduation from Mayo Clinic with his Medical Doctorate, Harsh completed his preliminary intern year at California Pacific Medical Center in Internal Medicine. Currently, Harsh is training in the Diagnostic Radiology program at Mount Sinai West/Morningside in New York, New York.

Harsh has mentored students through the medical admission process since 2015. Additionally, Harsh served on the admissions committee at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine reviewing applications and interviewing prospective students for the upcoming academic years. The students who have worked with Harsh have been accepted into the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, University of Medicine School of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University, and Western University of Health Sciences/ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Harsh’s goal is after working with him, in addition to being accepted into medical school, you will have confidence in your individual journey to medicine and develop the lifelong skills for applying to residency and beyond. 

Lucianna Ghobrial is a distinguished medical professional with a robust background in academia, clinical practice, and educational mentorship. She is currently a medical resident at McMaster University Niagara Site in Ontario, Canada. Lucianna's medical journey began with her undergraduate education at Guy's, King's, and St Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College London, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. Additionally, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Imaging Sciences, graduating with First Class Honors.

Building on her foundational medical education, Lucianna pursued a Master of Sciences in Public Health at King's College London. She has successfully completed the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part 1 and the National Assessment Collaboration Examination, affirming her qualifications to practice medicine in Canada.

Lucianna's professional experiences are extensive and varied. She has worked as a clinical extern at the Royal Care Medical Centre in Toronto, conducting supervised primary care clinical roles. As a medical research assistant and fellow in UHN, University of Toronto, she led and published quality improvement and research projects.

Lucianna has actively contributed to medical research and quality improvement initiatives. Her work on tumor heterogeneity and personalized therapy, as well as her contributions to COVID-19 education practices, underscores her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. Her research has been presented at various conferences and published in reputable journals.

Her postgraduate training at the Wessex Foundation School, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in the UK, included rotations in geriatric medicine, gastroenterology internal medicine, and trauma and orthopedics surgery.

A passionate educator and mentor, Lucianna has served in numerous teaching roles. As a final year medical student clinical site educator, she led clinical sessions for medical students. She also acted as a peer simulation coordinator, planning and leading simulations for foundation year doctors. Additionally, she served as a lead clinical skills tutor at King's College London, conducting clinical skills sessions and simulations.

Lucianna has been deeply involved in peer support and educational mentorship. She was a lead facilitator for the Peer Assisted Learning program at King's College London, where she trained and led small group teaching sessions for medical students. She has also worked as a private tutor, further education advisor, and learning disabilities tutor, supporting students in their academic journeys and advising high school students on university applications.

Her volunteer experience reflects her dedication to community service and patient advocacy. She has coordinated activities for children and youth, volunteered at dementia care homes, and served in various capacities at hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Lucianna is a member of the Ontario Medical Association, British Medical Association and holds a full license to practice as a physician in both the United Kingdom and Ontario, Canada.

In her personal life, Lucianna enjoys music performance, mindfulness and wellness activities like Pilates, and outdoor hiking. She is passionate about sportsmanship and teamwork, actively participating in local tennis teams, and enjoys creative activities through ceramics and pottery.

Lucianna Ghobrial's diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to the medical profession make her a valuable asset to the healthcare and academic consulting communities, both in North America and internationally.

Dr. Riley Cutler is a young compassionate emergency medicine physician with a keen interest in academic medicine. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2021 and completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Kentucky in 2024 with awards for her competence.

Dr. Cutler finds joy in mentoring students and future professionals, guiding them through the challenges of their training. She has a particular fascination with infectious disease and epidemiology, which she finds both fun and intellectually stimulating.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Cutler enjoys crafting and spending time with her pets: two cats, Dina and Theo, and a dog named Remy.

She is dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams and values the balance between her career and personal interests.

Michael Atser is a dedicated scientist with extensive research experience in cell and developmental biology. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia, Michael's work focuses on cardiac metabolism. His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Anatomy & Cell Biology from the University of Saskatchewan, where he was recognized as the top graduating student. Michael’s dedication to education is evident through his involvement in the LSI Teaching Assistant Training Program, his role as a graduate teaching assistant, and efforts in mentoring undergraduate students. Michael is actively involved in the academic community and has held several volunteer roles, including as an Executive of the Black Graduate Student Network at UBC. He has also served as a Science Fair Judge for the Canadian Black Scientist Network and Co-organized the Met Café journal club for Black trainees.

Dr. Walters Tebung is a current Emergency Medicine resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia and Cornell in New York city. He went to medical school at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health sciences in Washington DC during which he served as a medical school admissions committee member. He also served as a medical school admissions interviewer and medical school admissions ambassador. Prior to medical school, Dr. Tebung earned a PhD in Biochemistry at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, then held several postdoctoral research positions at Concordia University, McGill University and the University of Montreal. His research career spans several fields including infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience, and he serves as ad hoc reviewer for several scientific journals. He speaks multiple languages and earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Yaoundé 1, a bilingual institution, in English and French. He looks forward to helping students, irrespective of background, achieve their goals, whether that be medical school admission, graduate school admission, post graduate training, or any other goals. With experience interviewing at many medical schools and residency programs in Canada and across the US, and his graduate school experience, he has a wealth of knowledge to guide you to your goals. He was a student leader, and has several hobbies, including kickboxing, making and posting medical school parodies on YouTube, and watching movies, so if you need guidance on work life balance, he has some tips for you as well.

Dr. Emma Hillier earned her BASc in Psychology and Internal Development from McGill University in 2019. While in her undergraduate studies, she was involved in tutoring students, as well as neuroscience research utilizing rTMS. She completed her medical degree at the University of Alberta in 2023. Over the course of her medical training, in addition to research, she was involved in multiple projects in which she partnered with community organizations to improve health literacy and access to social services. Further, she contributed to a textbook for health care professionals which was focused on improving cultural safety for patients in the healthcare system. She is currently in her Psychiatry residency at the University of Alberta.

In her free time, Dr. Hillier enjoys a variety of outdoor sports, spending time with her dogs and cooking. She is consistently working on achieving a new goal in running.

Dr. Hiller’s passion for improving accessibility and equitability in healthcare access and training motivated her to join the BeMo team. She looks forward to sharing the lessons she learnt through her application and training processes to future students and professionals.

Zach began his academic career on a full-ride scholarship to the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature with a minor in history. Afterwards, Zach was employed as an LSAT tutor before going on to attend Cornell Law School where he was later awarded his Juris Doctor. After law school, he worked for a white shoe law firm in New York City advising banks and private equity clients on a range of corporate and financing matters.

Growing up, Zach’s parent was an alumnus interviewer for the University of Pennsylvania, which is where his behind-the-scenes exposure to the admission’s process began. Zach also spent his high school years tutoring students in math at his local library, and carried his passion for helping others into college where he worked locally in the Gainesville area revising student essays and applications. There, he helped students gain admission to prestigious schools including Duke, Cornell, and Northwestern. Zach has also worked with non-traditional students in their admission, standardized testing, and academic preparation – including veterans and incarcerated persons.

Zach doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. He values understanding each person’s unique narratives and sharing successful tools and strategies that have worked for both him and previous clients.

Dr. Renata Azevedo Moreira (she/her) is a Brazilian researcher, author, and art curator currently based in Toronto. She holds a BA in Journalism from Universidade de Brasília (2007), an MA in Creative Industries from Université Paris 8 (2013), and a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Université de Montréal (2021). Her doctoral research delved into the relationships between the curatorial practice and the processual creation of artworks, with a particular focus on exhibitions featuring digital technology-based artworks.

Over the past eight years, Renata has cultivated a rich, multicultural experience in mentorship, working closely with students and artists. She has served on several Boards of Directors and programming committees within Canadian cultural organizations. Her curatorial practice and research are deeply inspired by queer, feminist, and postcolonial perspectives, emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity.

Renata's diverse experience spans independent projects and roles within museums, artist-run centres, and universities in both Montreal and Toronto. Her writing has been featured in art magazines such as Esse and Border Crossings (2018-2024), in the e-book Imagining Futures of Experimental Media (2021), and on cultural websites like Montreal's Baron Mag, where she authored the monthly exhibition review column L’art au rendez-vous (2018-2019).

Dr. Derek Stouth is currently a Research Postdoctoral Fellow at the Research Institute of St. Joe's Hamilton. He previously attended McMaster University, where he earned his Honours Bachelor of Science, MSc, and PhD degrees. During his PhD, Dr. Stouth studied skeletal muscle plasticity in the Integrative Neuromuscular Biology Laboratory, a part of the Exercise Metabolism Research Group at McMaster. His research focused on mechanisms that control skeletal muscle atrophy.

 Dr. Stouth has published his work in numerous peer-review journals and has presented at various international conferences. While completing his PhD, he received several awards for his research, including a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postgraduate Scholarship Doctoral (PGS D) award.

 Dr. Stouth has a passion for mentoring and teaching students. Beyond supervising trainees in the laboratory, he served as a teaching assistant throughout his graduate studies.

In his free time Dr. Stouth can be found on the ice playing hockey.

Dr. Matt Ross holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology and a BSc. from the University of Ottawa. At the University of Ottawa, Matt was an Assistant Professor and the Lab Coordinator of a computational laboratory. He co-supervised several undergraduate thesis projects and mentored numerous students, helping them successfully navigate their paths to graduate programs and medical school. His mentorship has directly contributed to multiple students gaining acceptance into top-tier graduate programs and medical schools, underscoring his commitment to fostering academic and professional growth.

Matt has extensive experience in scientific research, focusing on developing and applying neural network solutions, with numerous publications and presentations at national and international conferences. He has worked on a range of projects, including innovative applications in artificial intelligence, neuroscience, cognition, and robotics. As a co-founder of an AI company specializing in medical imaging, he served as Chief Technology Officer, leading the development of cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes.

Matt is adept at identifying the strengths and unique experiences that make students stand out in their applications, and he specializes in refining application documents to maximize impact and align with admission committee expectations. He remains passionate about education and mentorship, continuously seeking new ways to empower students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Matt enjoys traveling, seeking out new adventures, and staying active through weight-lifting. He is also an animal lover and loves to spend time outdoors. 

Nasem is a medical student at the University of Calgary. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Alberta and a Master's in Medical Science from the University of Toronto, where his research focused on brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. As an MD Admissions Consultant at BeMo Academic Consulting, Nasem brings his expertise in mentoring undergraduate students on learning research methods and guiding them through the medical school application process. He is also a dedicated volunteer, serving as an application reviewer for the Support To Entry Program (STEP) at the University of Calgary, which aims to reduce barriers for systemically disadvantaged groups aspiring to enter the field of medicine.

Dr. Elizabeth Chau completed her B.Sc. in Life Sciences at the University of Toronto and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at McMaster University. Her doctoral research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that pathogenic bacteria use to cause disease in humans. During her time as a graduate student, she successfully published her work in peer reviewed journals and was awarded provincial scholarships for her academic excellence. Throughout her academic career, she has also played an active role in mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students on effective communication skills and scientific inquiry. Following the completion of her Ph.D., she worked in life sciences consulting as a Medical Writer, but has since moved on to pursue her MPH at the University of Guelph. She is excited to apply her academic and professional skills at BeMo to help students achieve their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching movies.

Dr. Wilson Hernandez is a dedicated educational researcher and ESL and literacy teacher. He currently assists adult learners in enhancing their language and literacy skills. He completed his doctoral program in education at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, where he focused on teachers’ experiences facing violent situations. His research explores the types of violence teachers encounter, its effects on their teaching practices, and their strategies to resist it.

 With great experience and a deep understanding of the field as an education researcher, Wilson has collaborated and conducted qualitative research projects on teacher identity, agency, and development. He has authored ten academic articles on these topics and has taught research methods and qualitative research courses at undergraduate and master levels at Concordia University and Surcolombiana University.

Driven by a passion for understanding and supporting teachers and students in challenging circumstances, Wilson is deeply committed to promoting and facilitating the use of research among knowledge users, particularly those affected by the researched issues.

Dr. Andrila Collins completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Neuroscience from the University of Guelph where she investigated novel therapies for treating of Alzheimer’s disease. Andrila possesses a plethora of experience as a passionate educator, researcher and scientific communicator. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Guelph. Her passion for the brain and neurodegenerative diseases ultimately led her to pursue a doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience after completing her undergraduate studies. 

Dr. Andrila has published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented her research at regional, national and international conferences. She has also been awarded various scholarships and awards in recognition of her academic excellence. Dr. Andrila has worked with over 500 students in her capacity as a teaching assistant and research mentor. 

Mentorship is a central function of Dr. Andrila’s relationships. Whether in personal relations or professional settings, Dr. Andrila is often applauded for her continued commitment to the development of those around her by assisting others to achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential. Dr. Andrila believes that one of the greatest impacts one can have is an impact on the lives of others. This led to her involvement in several initiatives aimed at assisting undergraduate and graduate students to matriculate into professional programs and explore higher education. Dr. Andrila has mentored numerous students and continues to engage in activities that encourage self and professional development by creating access to spaces where some individuals may not have imagined they belonged. 

In her spare time, Dr. Andrila enjoys travelling, reading and exploring new art forms and creative expression. 

Shahnaza Hamidullah was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and moved to Canada when she was 13 years old. Her early experiences in a new country fueled her determination to excel academically. Shahnaza pursued her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph, where she developed a deep interest in the complexities of the human body.

Her passion for understanding the brain led her to complete a master’s degree in Neuroscience, also at the University of Guelph. During this time, she honed her research skills and developed a keen interest in the intersection of neuroscience and medicine.

Driven by a desire to make significant contributions to both research and clinical practice, Shahnaza embarked on an MD/PhD program at Western University in London, Ontario. Now in her 5th year, she continues to push the boundaries of medical research, with a focus on translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications.

Throughout her academic journey, Shahnaza has been deeply influenced by her mentors, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in her success. Recognizing the importance of mentorship, she is committed to paying it forward by helping the next generation of students and researchers achieve their own academic and professional goals.

Katherine is a biology PhD Candidate at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. There, she studies mathematical ecology. Specifically, her thesis focuses on applying Bayesian statistical techniques to model predators sampling unfamiliar prey types to provide insight into what drives predator psychology.

Katherine has always loved teaching others and sharing her expertise. She works as a teaching assistant at Carleton University which entails providing guidance to undergraduate students during their biology labs and analyses. She is also proud to have worked as a high school science and math tutor. Together with her students, they work to improve both academic understanding and performance. Katherine hopes to become a professor one day and continue working with the next generation of scientists. Her knowledge of academia provides a unique insight into the admissions process. That, along with her experience on conference committees such as Ontario Ecology Ethology and Evolution Colloquium, makes Katherine well equipped to provide feedback to aspiring applicants.

Dr. Daniel Medina-Luna holds a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from Dalhousie University, where he also gained extensive experience mentoring students through various academic and professional development roles. His academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology Engineering, complemented by minors in Molecular Biology and Molecular Diagnostics, from the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico City. During his undergraduate years, Daniel had the unique opportunity to study one year abroad at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also conducted a research internship within their prestigious Health Sciences and Technology Division.

Throughout his doctoral studies, Daniel worked as a Student Development Coordinator at Dalhousie University's Work-integrated Learning & Co-operative Education Office. Over four years, he helped Engineering and Science students refine their résumés, cover letters, and statements of interest for competitive co-op placements and research internships. He also provided one-on-one coaching to students preparing for co-op, internship, and job interviews, tailoring his guidance to the individual needs and aspirations of each student. In addition to his formal advisory roles, Daniel has cultivated a passion for teaching, having served as a Teaching Assistant, Private Tutor, and Lecturer at Dalhousie University and various online platforms. His broad teaching experience ranges from undergraduate courses to personalized tutoring sessions, allowing him to support a diverse range of student learning styles and academic goals. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Dalhousie, Daniel continues to empower students through his volunteer role as a reviewer for the university’s CGS-D and Tri-agency Harmonized Scholarship Competitions. Here, he helps undergraduate and graduate students craft stronger applications for Canada’s competitive federal scholarship programs.

Daniel’s diverse experience as a mentor, instructor, and advisor has given him a deep understanding of the academic journey. He is dedicated to helping students and professionals identify their unique strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals in higher education, professional programs and beyond.

Dr. Rony Thomas is a distinguished immunologist with over a decade of expertise in research, academia, and student mentorship. She earned her Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Manitoba, where her groundbreaking work advanced the understanding of immune responses to infectious diseases. Her research, which has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, has shed light on immune modulators like Semaphorin 3E in the context of microbial infections, a topic on which she has presented at both national and international conferences.

In addition to her research accomplishments, Dr. Thomas has extensive experience in teaching and mentoring in roles such as Research Associate at the University of Manitoba and Academic Lecturer at Mahatma Gandhi University. In these positions, she not only led academic courses but also provided guidance to students on their academic applications and interview preparations. Her role as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology sharpened her ability to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback, equipping her to support students in creating compelling applications that reflect their best attributes.

Dr. Thomas also brings valuable skills in scientific communication, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has served as an advisor on student-led research projects, fostering a supportive environment for young scientists to refine their laboratory techniques, analytical skills, and critical thinking abilities. Her commitment to student success, combined with her dedication to fostering academic excellence, underscores her role as an academic consultant, where she is passionate about guiding the next generation of scholars and researchers.

Dr. Thomas Di Lenardo received his Bachelor of Science at McGill University with Honours in Immunology as part of an interdisciplinary program involving the Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, and Physiology. After completing his Honours project in an oncolytic virus laboratory in the Department of Experimental Medicine, he decided to continue in research by pursuing a PhD in innate and adaptive antiviral immunology. 

Following Grad School, Thomas began work as a Research Assistant on a longitudinal study investigating health outcomes associated with pesticide exposure. The study was conducted as a collaboration between McGill University Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health,  University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Pretoria. While coordinating sample collection at the field office, sample analysis, manuscript writing and student mentoring, Thomas prepared grant applications to the NIEHS which was awarded in 2020. After completion of this work, Thomas began working in clinical research as a Senior Scientist in Viral Functional Assays, contributing his expertise in antiviral immunology to help analyze clinical trial samples during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

As a BeMo Academic Consultant, Thomas hopes to help students pursue their love of research to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Dr. Christine Gerson earned her Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec. She developed a preclinical rat model of clitorodynia, one of the most understudied forms of sexual dysfunction in women. She has contributed to sexual health reports assessing the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on reproductive behavior and physiology. Her novel findings have been presented at international conferences such as the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, the Society for Neuroscience, and the International Academy of Sex Research. Dr. Gerson also holds an honours B.A. in biological psychology from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia. In her honours thesis, she examined the effects of bisphenol-A on the perinatal development of structural sexual dimorphism in the rat brain.

Dr. Gerson's passion for research parallels her passion for mentorship. During her graduate studies, Dr. Gerson taught several labs at Concordia University, where undergraduate students developed their academic writing and critical thinking skills. In addition to teaching, she was a scribe for their Access Center for Students with Disabilities. She also mentored several honors students with their thesis projects and their graduate school applications. She believes that all students deserve equal opportunities to succeed academically. As a member of BeMo's academic consulting team, she is committed to helping students achieve their goals and hone their writing. Dr. Gerson is an avid reader, gardener, and gamer in her spare time and has dabbled in rock climbing, hiking, and tennis.

Dr. Mohammad Izadifar is a research scientist and educator in the field of regenerative medicine and bioengineering. With a strong interdisciplinary background that includes stem cell therapy, genome editing, tissue engineering, organ-on-chip systems, and biofabrication, his research has contributed to the advancement of regenerative therapies for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.  

Dr. Izadifar completed a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, where he developed an advanced cardiac tissue engineering approach for myocardial infarction repair. During his doctoral studies, he received multiple prestigious scholarship awards and was honored as the StarPhoenix Young Innovator for his innovative research in stroke treatment and heart muscle repair. Beyond his research, Dr. Izadifar served as a sessional lecturer, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. He also actively volunteered to promote inclusiveness in academia and to inspire high school students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Additionally, he served as an advisor to undergraduate students and guided them through their capstone bioengineering design projects.

After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Izadifar was awarded the highly competitive Banting and Best Postdoctoral Fellowship for his research at the University of Toronto and Mount Sinai Hospital. He expanded his expertise in stem cell therapy, genome editing, and organ-on-chip platforms to develop safe and effective cell therapies for diabetes. With over 35 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Izadifar is dedicated to advancing translational regenerative medicine through the development of novel biotherapeutic strategies and organ-on-chip disease models. He has also served as Director of Research in the biotechnology industry, where he focused on translating research from bench to bedside.

Passionate about education, Dr. Izadifar finds teaching one of the most rewarding aspects of his academic career. With more than six years of experience in mentoring and teaching students, he is dedicated to providing them with both theoretical and practical knowledge, and prepare them for success in their academic and professional endeavours.  

Dr. Ort is a compassionate consultant with a sharp, critical eye. She can deliver expertise on a diverse range of topics due to her multidisciplinary background that bridges many science and engineering subjects. Carley graduated a Bachelor of Medical Science from Western University (2014), followed by a Master’s of Engineering in Medicine (2016), and went on to complete a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill University (2022). During her PhD, Carley engineered a high-throughput human tissue printing platform with user control over tissue stiffness. With this platform, she studied how various mechanical signals surrounding a human cell, such as tissue stiffness, drive tissue contraction processes implicated in development and disease.

Carley has been a teacher her entire working life, beginning as a swim instructor at 16 years old, and since then has added many colourful teaching experiences to her life, such as teaching at Oxford Learning, tutoring, instructing snowboarding, and teaching throughout graduate school. She excels at critiquing written work since she has undergone the heavy peer-reviewed process herself, and is first author on 3 scientific papers.

In her spare time you can find Carley either hiking with her 2 dogs Beau and Philly, or building her off-grid home. She finds ways to leverage her unique interests and loves helping students do the same: improve through harnessing their natural talents.

Dr. Hayley Walsh has a strong interest in education and mentorship. She earned a Bachelor of Medical Sciences with Honours in Pathology from Dalhousie University and completed her Doctor of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a candidate for a Certificate in Medical Teaching to support her passion for teaching and guiding others.

 Throughout her medical training, Dr. Walsh has gained valuable experience in a range of clinical settings, working closely with patients and healthcare teams.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Walsh has been involved in mentoring and supporting initiatives aimed at helping others pursue their educational and professional goals. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to succeed and grow.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Walsh enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and reading. In this role, she looks forward to helping others navigate their journeys, offering practical advice and support to help them reach their professional and personal goals.

Ayden was born and raised in Toronto and is currently a medical student at the University of Toronto. Having successfully navigated both the Canadian and U.S. medical school admissions processes recently, Ayden is well-versed in the current state of applications and interviews. With extensive experience mentoring and tutoring premedical students, Ayden provides tailored guidance on MCAT preparation, MMI strategies, and personal statement writing. By focusing on personalized mentorship, Ayden hopes to empower students to present their unique strengths with clarity and confidence, helping them gain acceptance into their dream schools.

Outside of academics, Ayden enjoys exploring new cuisines, staying active through hiking and sports, and attending concerts with friends. As a consultant with BeMo, Ayden is excited to continue supporting aspiring students on their journey toward academic and professional success, equipping them with the up-to-date strategies and skills they need to achieve their goals with confidence and purpose.

Austin Robertson is a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Western University, where he studies neuroplasticity in the auditory cortex in response to hearing loss. He formerly completed his MSc at Western, and obtained a degree in BioMedical Sciences from the University of Guelph. Throughout graduate school, Austin has mentored many undergraduate students, who he has helped go on to achieve their goals of matriculating into medical and graduate school. Outside of academia, he works as a basketball coach, helping his players to succeed at the highest level in both athletics and academics. Austin is passionate about helping others achieve their idea of success in pursuit of their dreams.

Dr. Deji Ologbenla is a fourth-year Pediatric resident at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He attended Dalhousie Medical School as an out-of-province applicant from Toronto. Before pursuing medicine, Deji completed an undergraduate degree in Nigeria and a Master of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. Deji also spent three years working as a Bioanalytical Analyst in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting his non-traditional journey into medicine.

Deji has a longstanding commitment to mentoring aspiring medical students, drawing on his experiences to guide applicants through the challenges of medical school admissions. As a medical student, he actively supported prospective students, successfully mentoring several into Canadian medical schools. His role as an MMI interviewer in 2019 further enhanced his insight into what admissions committees value in candidates.

During residency, Deji has continued to develop his mentorship and teaching skills, working with junior residents, medical students, and undergraduate learners. As he approaches the conclusion of his training, he remains passionate about reducing barriers to medical education and helping the next generation of applicants navigate the application and interview processes.

Amit is a medical student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada and a former Kinesiology student also at UBC. He was accepted into the UBC MD program directly during the 3rd year of his undergraduate degree. Amit is also an avid student researcher with a focus on medical imaging, minimally-invasive procedures, and cardiovascular sciences. Amit is experienced with applications having won UBC's Presidential Entrance Scholarship and numerous research awards and scholarships. Fueled by his passion for technology, Amit is involved in several MedTech startups and has founded a non-profit organization on mitigating technology's environmental impacts. Moreover, Amit is an executive in the UBC Ultrasound Club and teaches 1st year medical students the basics of Point-of-Care Ultrasound via workshops. Amit is particularly experienced with planning and timelines, having accelerated his path to medical school, and is happy to help others do the same!

Dr. Yvonne Deng was originally born in China and raised in Canada. She received her Bachelor of Science from McGill University in Montreal, QC, where she completed her immunology honours program. She subsequently received her medical degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. Currently, she has continued her journey at the University of British Columbia to pursue her residency in Dermatology. 

Along the way, Yvonne has been involved in global health, community advocacy, and mentorship. She is also committed to expanding her academic experiences and has presented at several research conferences related to dermatology and global health. She deeply cherishes the impact her mentors have had in shaping her path and truly believes anyone is capable of pursuing their goals with the right resources to uplift them. She hopes to pass her experiences forward to motivate and support other students and trainees in their professional journeys.

Dr. Greg Brooks completed his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Neuroscience at the University of Western Ontario. For his research, he examined the relationships between memory and motivation and had the privilege of mentoring many undergraduate students through their honour’s theses, research projects, and summer work terms. Prior to his gradate studies, he obtained his B.Sc. in Life Sciences from Queen’s University. While at Western University, he served on a number of student life and conference organizing committees, such as the Society of Neuroscience Graduate Students, and helped to plan various science outreach events, including Science Rendezvous. Additionally, Greg was the Chair of the BrainsCAN Trainee and Research Staff Committee, where he reviewed and adjudicated undergraduate student applications to the Diversity in Neuroscience Internship summer research program at Western University. He also has significant teaching experience, having been a teaching assistant in seven undergraduate Psychology courses. Greg recently relocated to Ottawa and has been enjoying the outdoors, re-igniting his love of winter sports, and working through his extensive reading list.

Dr. Benoit Payette completed his PhD in Management from Laval University in Quebec City in April 2022. Specializing in work–life boundary management strategies, his doctoral thesis focused on the co-construction of equine-assisted activities, to study how these activities could help collaborators create and maintain a sense of balance in life. His doctoral research mobilized ethnographic methods to shed light on situated learning mechanisms emerging from multispecies relations. Benoit’s doctorate project and research problem chapter were Awarded a SSHRC Insight Grant, which shows his ability to problematize knowledge and to persuade a scientific audience effectively. After obtaining his Ph.D. Benoit took a parental leave to care for his newborn, before accepting a postdoctoral position from HEC – Montreal, affiliated with the Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization. His postdoctoral research led him to study ethics and AI, and most particularly, the dramatism in narratives, stories and experiences that permeate organizational boundaries.

Benoit completed a B.A. in psychology from University Laval in august 2016, during which he practiced and fine-tuned his skills in writing experiential assessments. Through the direction of experienced clinical psychologists, he learned to combine rigor and creativity, and to infuse reflexivity, and critical thinking in his work ethic. Benoit also worked as a teaching assistant and as a lecturer, developing course material, and both traditional, and experiential evaluations. Throughout his career in academia, Benoit has developed an expertise in experiential learning approaches, and he has used these to motivate students to develop valuable communicative and softs skills, which in return, will help them evolve and progress throughout their career.

Outside academia, Benoit plays numerous sports and activities, such as hockey, tennis and hiking. He also loves to play with his son and go camping with his family. Finally, he is a notorious cinephile, and of French cinema especially.

Daniella is a PhD Candidate in the practice-based research program, Media Design and Innovation, at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has taught a total of approximately 250 students during her studies and led a few dozen researchers in her Tangible Cultural Displays project at the Synaesthetic Media Lab. She completed her Master’s in Digital Media where she took a participatory approach to designing an augmented reality system for visual analytics research. Daniella loves learning and teaching. Most of all, being another person’s biggest cheerleader.

Dr. Meryem Berrada is a dedicated educator and researcher with a strong background in physics and geophysics. She holds a B.Sc. with a double major in Physics and Geophysics from McGill University and a Ph.D. in Geophysics from The University of Western Ontario. She then completed a Postdoctoral fellowship at The University of Hawaii at Manoa in collaboration with the University of Michigan. Dr. Berrada has designed and delivered engaging coursework while mentoring students as a lecturer at Honolulu Community College. She is passionate about guiding students through complex academic and professional decisions, helping them achieve their goals. Dr. Berrada has contributed to research in geophysics and materials science, including resistivity, phase diagrams, and superionic ice studies. Her expertise spans computational modeling, data analysis, and laboratory experimentation. Dr. Berrada brings her experience in rigorous academic programs, combined with her dedication to student success to BeMo. She provides strategic, personalized support for students navigating admissions and academic challenges, ensuring they reach their full potential.

Dr. Gioia completed his PhD thesis in molecular biology and biochemistry at Cornell University where he used yeast genetics to understand the molecular mechanisms of meiotic recombination. As a graduate student, he helped several undergraduates in their pursuit of admission to competitive graduate programs at Harvard and other Ivy League Universities.

After high school, Michael spent a five-year enlistment in the Marine Corps, followed by undergraduate studies in biochemistry. Now a working professional, he supports pharmaceutical clinical trials by developing assays for the quantitation of drugs within patient samples.

Michael will help you highlight your individual strengths and experiences that will make you an appealing candidate to competitive programs. His primary goal will be to bring out the confidence within yourself that will help you stand out among your peers!

Dr. Manel Mezidi is a postdoctoral researcher in physics at the Université de Sherbrooke, specializing in the study of quantum materials. She earned her Ph.D. through a joint program between the Université de Sherbrooke (Canada) and Université Paris Cité (France), with a particular focus on characterizing the electronic and magnetic properties of innovative materials.

Passionate about scientific research, Dr. Mezidi has extensive expertise in data management and analysis, scientific project coordination, and science communication. She has participated in several international projects and collaborated with renowned research institutes. Her work has been supported by prestigious funding, including research grants from CNRS and Mitacs Globalink.

Alongside her research activities, she has taught mathematics and physics at various university levels, sharing her passion for science with new generations. Her commitment to teaching and scientific outreach is also reflected in her contributions to various conferences and symposiums.

Dr. Mezidi is an active member of the AFFESTIM association, which promotes women in science and technology. She is involved in initiatives aimed at encouraging women's participation in scientific and technical fields.

Fluent in French and English, she is proficient in various digital tools and data analysis software, including Python and OriginPro. Her exemplary career and dedication to research and teaching make her a committed scientist, recognized for her rigor and enthusiasm.

Karim is a medical student with a strong background in global health, research, and management. His firsthand experience navigating multiple attempts to enter the Canadian medical system gives him a unique perspective on resilience and strategy in the admissions process.

Having faced and overcome challenges to start medical school, Karim provides tailored guidance to help you navigate the admissions process. His expertise and personal experience make him a valuable resource for aspiring medical students from diverse backgrounds, including those with non-traditional academic paths or extensive work experience. He recognizes the unique strengths these candidates bring and works closely with them to effectively showcase their skills and experiences, ensuring they present a compelling and competitive application.

Dr. Vicky Wang was born in Taiwan and moved to Canada at age 11. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Johns Hopkins University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. During her time there, she was active in the pre-medical community, serving on the Pre-Health Student Advisory Board, joining Alpha Epsilon Delta, and volunteering through Alpha Phi Omega.

She went on to attend Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where she took on leadership and mentorship roles, including Co-President of APAMSA, Junior Mentoring Co-Chair with the Wellness Committee, and Co-President of Vanderbilt Careers in Medicine. She also mentored undergraduate students through the Pre-Health Office and led the Psychiatry Interest Group.

Currently, Vicky is a psychiatry resident at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She remains dedicated to mentorship, particularly for international pre-med students, as a Pre-Health Mentor with F1 Mentors.

With a strong background in medical education, mentoring, and leadership, she is excited to work with BeMo and help students achieve their academic and professional goals.