Team & Mentees
The people who lead, run, and learn from the science at the RIPLRT Institute — and the alumni who carried that training into medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, research, and public health.
Founder, Director, Principal Investigator
Félix E. Rivera-Mariani, PhD, FAAAAI
Founder, Director, Principal Investigator
Dr. Rivera-Mariani is a multifaceted scientist with diverse expertise encompassing biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, exposure science, data science, and computational biology. An elected Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (FAAAAI), his primary research focus revolves around reevaluating and challenging paradigms in assessing immunological and respiratory health risks within environmental and occupational contexts, with the aim of enhancing respiratory well-being in society. In addition to his research, Dr. Rivera-Mariani is dedicated to educating the next generation of scientists, covering subjects such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, and various public health topics.
Dr. Rivera-Mariani’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, which he pursued on an athletic scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University. His academic pursuits continued with a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Medical Zoology from the School of Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico’s Medical Sciences Campus, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Environmental Health Sciences at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. He also acquired a Science Teaching Fellowship from the American Society for Microbiology.
Notably, Dr. Rivera-Mariani is an advocate for scientific reproducibility, evident through his specialized training in Data Science, Genomic Data Sciences, Executive Data Science, Software Development, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics from institutions like Johns Hopkins University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, and the University of California at San Diego. His proficiency extends to programming languages such as R, Python, and Matlab.
Dr. Rivera-Mariani’s mission for the RIPLRT Institute involves leading projects and fostering collaborations where the team’s expertise can be leveraged to investigate the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying respiratory health risks stemming from exposure to diverse airborne biological pollutants of varying chemical origins in different environmental settings. Within the RIPLRT, he is equally dedicated to mentoring students and emerging researchers, guiding them through the pathways of scientific inquiry, and offering career coaching for those exploring professional opportunities within or beyond the academic realm.
Collaborating fellows
Doctoral-level scientists who trained with the RIPLRT and continue to collaborate on its research.
Lorraine N. Vélez-Torres, PhD, MPH
Collaborating Mentee and Fellow
Dr. Lorraine N. Vélez-Torres is a Medical Science Liaison at Merck. She was previously a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, where she was part of the BRIDGE and T32 Cancer Prevention and Control – Cancer Health Equity (CPC-CHE) programs and her research focused on the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on accelerated atherosclerosis in breast cancer patients, incorporating advanced imaging techniques, inflammatory biomarkers, and social determinants of health to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Vélez-Torres holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, specializing in mycology, aerobiology, and environmental health. Her dissertation explored the long-term impact of Hurricane María on indoor fungal pollution in water-damaged homes and its potential pro-inflammatory and allergenic effects, contributing to public health and environmental science. She also earned a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology, equipping her with a strong foundation in disease prevention and population health research.
Her extensive research experience spans infectious diseases, environmental microbiology, and cancer health disparities. She has worked on projects evaluating the relationship between outdoor aeroallergens and asthma-related health services in Puerto Rico and assessing indoor mold amplification as a risk factor for childhood asthma in low-income communities. She has also contributed to molecular diagnostics research on arboviruses at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Dengue Branch.
A committed mentor, science communicator, and advocate for diversity in STEM, Dr. Vélez-Torres co-founded Graduate Women in Science Puerto Rico (GWIS-PR) and serves as Mentoring Director for "Vistazo A La Ciencia," a science communication platform aimed at making research accessible to the general public. She has mentored students through CienciaPR’s Seeds of Success Program, L’Oréal for Girls in Science, and the Letters to a Pre-Scientist initiative, inspiring future scientists.
Her contributions to science and education have been recognized with multiple accolades, including the Dean’s List Award and Research Excellence Award from the Biomedical Sciences Deanship and the Robert I. Laurus Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation from the AAAS Caribbean Division. She has received travel fellowships from organizations such as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the Society of Toxicology (SOT), further highlighting her impact on the scientific community.
With a strong background in microbiology, epidemiology, and cancer health equity research, Dr. Vélez-Torres is dedicated to bridging the gap between environmental exposures, social determinants of health, and disease prevention. Through her leadership, mentorship, and research, she continues to advocate for inclusivity and innovation in STEM, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible benefits for vulnerable communities.
Albersy Armina-Rodríguez, PhD
Collaborating Mentee and Fellow
Albersy Armina-Rodríguez, Ph.D., is a faculty member at the University of Puerto Rico – Arecibo Campus, and a microbiologist and immunologist whose research focuses on host–parasite interactions, immunomodulation, and inflammatory diseases. She completed her Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, where her dissertation investigated the immunomodulatory effects of parasite-derived molecules and their potential therapeutic implications in inflammatory conditions and sepsis.
Dr. Armina-Rodríguez also holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Microbiology and has extensive experience in immunology, infectious diseases, translational research, and science communication. Her work has contributed to the understanding of parasite–host immune interactions and the development of immunological assays, including collaborative work involving SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection and inflammatory response characterization.
Beyond research, Dr. Armina-Rodríguez is deeply committed to mentorship, education, and scientific outreach. She serves as the Puerto Rico ASM Young Ambassador and is the Director of the Education Committee of the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists (SMPR). She also co-founded the Puerto Rico chapter of Graduate Women in Science (GWIS-PR) and actively participates in initiatives that promote diversity, mentorship, and accessibility in STEM fields through organizations such as Ciencia Puerto Rico and "Vistazo A La Ciencia."
Her scientific contributions and leadership have been recognized through several honors, including the 2023 American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Careers in Immunology Fellowship. Throughout her career, she has combined research excellence with a passion for teaching, mentorship, and community engagement, aiming to bridge scientific discovery with meaningful public impact.
With a strong foundation in microbiology and immunology, Dr. Armina-Rodríguez aspires to continue advancing translational and interdisciplinary research while contributing to academic training, mentorship, and the development of inclusive scientific communities.
Graduate Research Fellows
Lynn University graduates who continue as active members of the RIPLRT Institute, leading and co-authoring ongoing projects after completing their degrees.
Rebecca Mesidort, M.S.
Master’s Research Fellow
Rebecca Mesidort (born and raised in Palm Beach, Florida) is an alumnus of the Biological Sciences graduate program at Lynn University, where she obtained her M.S. with plans to continue to a Ph.D. in Genetics. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University.
Rebecca’s research interests include molecular genetics, gene editing technologies, developmental biology, and neuroscience. As an undergraduate, she gained hands-on experience in the CRISPR Laboratory at FAU, acquiring expertise in gene editing, in vitro fertilization, and molecular assays, including PCR and gel electrophoresis.
She has worked as a Clinical Research Associate, supporting clinical trials through patient enrollment monitoring, regulatory documentation, and protocol development. She has served as a Graduate Assistant at Lynn University and Lab Assistant in Dr. Rivera-Mariani’s Educational Biomarker Discovery Lab, assisting with laboratory activities, developing and executing protocols, developing research projects, and supporting student engagement through discussions and supplemental instruction sessions.
Rebecca is passionate about continually growing her knowledge and experience to one day contribute to the field of genetics, with a long-term goal of advancing research in gene therapy and translational science.
Tashoy Campbell, M.S.
Master’s Research Fellow
Tashoy Campbell (born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica) is an alumnus from the M.S. program in Biological Sciences at Lynn University, specializing in Health Science. Her academic journey focuses on the intersection of biology, healthcare, and scientific research, with aspirations to become a Physician Assistant. Through her studies, she is gaining in-depth knowledge of biological processes, healthcare applications, and medical research methodologies, positioning herself for a career in patient care and clinical research.
Tashoy has gained extensive hands-on experience in quality assurance, laboratory analysis, and regulatory compliance. She worked as a QA Laboratory Technician Lead at Ventura Foods, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards; served as a Regulatory Analyst at Pace Analytical Services, reviewing safety data sheets and label compliance for Sherwin-Williams products; and worked as a Testing Site Specialist at Curative, conducting COVID-19 antigen and PCR testing.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s University, New York, where she was an active member of the Theta Iota Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Honor Society and served as an Undergraduate Assistant and Tour Guide. Her technical expertise spans quality assurance, laboratory protocols, and compliance monitoring, with certifications in HACCP Training for Processors and SQF Internal Auditing, and she acted as a Subject Matter Expert for ERP system implementation at Ventura Foods.
Her M.S. thesis, The Role of the JNK Gene in Ovarian Cancer Inflammatory Pathways (2025), advised by Dr. Rivera-Mariani, examined how c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling drives inflammation, metastasis, and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and evaluated JNK inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy.
With a strong foundation in biological sciences, healthcare applications, and regulatory compliance, Tashoy is committed to bridging science and health as she continues to build a path toward becoming a Physician Assistant and healthcare leader.
Emily Solomon, M.S.
Master’s Research Fellow
Emily Solomon (born and raised in Fallston, Maryland), a graduate of the B.S. in Biology program at Lynn University, transitioned into, and graduated from, the Health Sciences track of the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program at Lynn University. She is looking forward to a PhD in Human Genetics.
Emily’s research interests are in clinical genetics with a focus on cancer, pediatric and prenatal genetics, gene editing technologies and genetic testing, germline and somatic hereditary genetics, and risk assessments in patients. As an undergraduate, she gained experience in the Lynn Genetics Laboratory, caring for and identifying Drosophila melanogaster and assisting in research on phenotypical changes and mortality rates.
Her M.S. thesis, Analysis of Early Menopause and Endometriosis Genetics Merit in Use of Polygenic Risk Assessments for Prediction (2026), advised by Dr. Rivera-Mariani, evaluated whether polygenic risk scores can provide clinically meaningful, personalized prediction for endometriosis and early menopause, and the genetic links between the two conditions.
She has served as a Graduate Assistant at Lynn University in Dr. Rivera-Mariani’s Microbiology lecture, assisting with classroom activities, proctoring exams, hosting tutoring sessions, and providing lecture support. Emily has a strong focus on future patient care in the field of genetics and contributes to research to support patients with genetic disorders.
Megan Ramsey-Menetrier
Graduate Research Fellow
Megan Ramsey-Menetrier (born and raised in South Florida) is a graduate-level researcher with an academic background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She completed her undergraduate degree in an accelerated three-year psychology program at Lynn University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Her academic interests include expressive arts therapies, the impact of COVID-19, and supportive approaches to coping with chronic illness. In 2022, Megan began working with Dr. Sperry as part of the drumming intervention research project, where she built on her existing interests in music-based approaches to well-being; her role has evolved from research assistant to Data Manager.
Megan plans to become a Mental Health Counselor, integrating modalities such as expressive arts therapies and patient-centered research, and wishes to delve deeper into patient advocacy for people living with chronic health conditions.
Emily Weems
Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow
Emily Weems (born in Sanford, Florida, and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas) is an alumnus from Lynn University’s accelerated degree program, where she worked toward her Bachelor of Science in Biology. Through her academic studies, she has developed a strong foundation in science, with particular interests in human anatomy and physiology, as well as microbiology.
Emily is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and aspires to become an anesthesiologist, with a specific interest in critical care settings where rapid thinking, precision, and compassionate leadership are essential. Her long-term goal is to lead an anesthesiology department, advancing patient-centered care and contributing to improvements in perioperative and critical care medicine.
Driven by discipline, empathy, and a commitment to excellence, Emily is dedicated to continually strengthening her academic skills in the classroom and the research lab to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.
Undergraduate research fellows
Adriana González-Candelaria
Senior Undergraduate Research Fellow
Adriana González-Candelaria, from Aguada, Puerto Rico, is a senior Industrial Microbiology student at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez with minors in Accounting and Business Administration. Her academic journey has been shaped by a curiosity about how the human body works, a passion for scientific discovery, and a desire to use science to improve people’s lives.
Adriana’s research experience spans both industry and academia. She completed a biotechnology co-op at AbbVie, where she worked on environmental monitoring and aseptic manufacturing processes, and participated in the Summer Research Opportunities Program at the University of Notre Dame, investigating the role of N-acetyltransferases in Mycobacterium marinum virulence to advance understanding of tuberculosis-related pathogens.
Her current interests include infectious diseases, immunology, and respiratory health, particularly the biological mechanisms underlying asthma progression, remission, and recurrence. Having grown up with asthma — with symptoms that disappeared between the ages of 11 and 17 only to return later — her interest in asthma research is deeply personal and drives her desire to improve the lives of others living with respiratory conditions.
Beyond the laboratory, Adriana is committed to mentorship, community engagement, and science communication. Whether tutoring classmates, participating in outreach, or collaborating with student organizations, she enjoys helping others build confidence and a deeper appreciation for science, and hopes to make science more accessible to the communities it serves.
Past mentees and fellows
Since 2018, the RIPLRT has trained graduate research assistants, summer interns, and student leaders who have gone on to medical, dental, pharmacy, and physician-assistant programs and research careers.
Emily Pintilie, M.S.
B.S. in Biology (2024) and M.S. in Biological Sciences (2026) from Lynn University, where Dr. Rivera-Mariani served on her thesis committee. Her thesis, Behavioral and Molecular Effects of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Exposure in Planarians, was the first to show concentration-dependent DNA methylation changes in Girardia dorotocephala. Currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Xaymara Hernández-González, M.S.
From Humacao, Puerto Rico. B.S. in Microbiology (UPR Humacao) and M.S. in Microbiology and Medical Zoology (UPR Medical Sciences Campus), working in Dr. Benjamín Bolaños’s Mycology Laboratory. Her thesis examined the role of aeroallergens such as pollen and fungal spores in susceptibility to COVID-19. For three years she collaborated on “Taking a breath after Hurricane María,” collecting air samples from water-damaged homes and analyzing samples from Piñones, Loíza.
Dr. Sukeina “Suki” Nasser, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist at Optum with expertise in medication therapy management and a strong interest in health economics and outcomes research. Doctor of Pharmacy from Larkin University College of Pharmacy; licensed in Florida and Michigan. Founding President of Larkin’s AMCP student chapter and a member of BasBlue’s Community Committee in Detroit.
Shana Zadron, D.O.
Originally from Afghanistan and moved to the US at a young age. Member of the RIPLRT from fall 2019 to spring 2020. Earned her D.O. from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (2026) and is now an Internal Medicine resident at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson (2026–2029).
Shandra Bellinger, M.S., M.D.
M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2018); member and editorial leader of the RIPLRT in 2017–2018. Completed her M.D. and is now an Emergency Medicine resident physician with NYC Health + Hospitals in New York City.
Ruslan Fomenko, M.S., D.M.D.
B.S. in Cellular and Molecular Biology (Christopher Newport University); M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2018); member of the RIPLRT from 2018 to 2019. Earned his D.M.D. from Midwestern University (2024) and now practices as a general dentist in Traverse City, Michigan.
Summer Pellechio
Research assistant for the RIPLRT throughout 2019. B.S. in Biomedical Sciences (Rochester Institute of Technology); graduated from the University of Colorado Anschutz Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program (2023). Now a Pediatric Critical Care Physician Assistant at Children’s Hospital Colorado, after completing its inpatient APP fellowship.
Summer Paris Hartley, M.S., D.M.D.
From Flint, Michigan (formerly Summer Paris Vanitvelt). B.A. in Psychology (Auburn University) while completing dental school prerequisites; M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2021). Member of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Earned her D.M.D. and now practices dentistry in Flint, Michigan.
Tanha Rahman
Summer Intern (2019). B.S. in Business Management and Biology (pre-medicine track) with a minor in International Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Currently an MD/MPH student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, class of 2027. She also serves as Florida Regional Coordinator for RESULTS, a grassroots anti-poverty advocacy organization, and interned with the Stop TB Partnership in Geneva.
Nicole Benavides
Graduate Research Assistant (2019–2020) and former co-leader of the RIPLRT (spring 2019 to fall 2020), originally from Virginia. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University (2020). Doctor of Pharmacy candidate at LECOM School of Pharmacy (class of 2026).
Naziba Nuha
Summer Intern (2019). B.S. in Biology and Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry from Nova Southeastern University. Since 2022 she has been a Research Technologist with Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery (Animal Pharmacology and Toxicology) in Baltimore.
Kylie Daguio, M.S., D.O.
Graduate Research Assistant (2019–2020), originally from Hawaii. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University (2020). Completed her D.O. at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (2025), where she served as a peer mentor and led a quality-improvement study on sex-trafficking awareness in healthcare; her work centers on clinical research and care for underserved populations.
Joshua Baguley, M.S., M.D.
Originally from Indonesia. B.S. in Biochemistry (Baylor University); M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University (2018). Former co-leader of the RIPLRT (2018–2019); research assistant at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2018–2021). Earned his M.D. from the University of Queensland–Ochsner Clinical School (2025) and is now a resident physician at Ochsner Health in New Orleans.
Hayat Srour, M.S.
From Detroit, Michigan. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2018). Member of the RIPLRT from 2017 to 2020 and lab manager from 2019 to 2020. Completed her Physician Assistant degree.
Karoline Alves, M.S.
From Fort Lauderdale, Florida. B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology (University of Central Florida); M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2021). Member of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Now a medical student at Ross University School of Medicine (M.D. class of 2026).
Henna Patel, M.S., D.M.D.
From Bakersfield in California’s Central Valley. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2021); member of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Earned her D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (2026).
Donna Oh, M.S., D.O.
Graduate Research Assistant (2019–2020) and co-leader of the RIPLRT from fall 2019 to spring 2020, originally from Anchorage, Alaska. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2019). Completed her D.O. and now practices Internal Medicine in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Chevine Johnson, M.S.
From Miami, Florida. B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry) from Barry University; M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University (2021). Member of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Now training in Radiation Therapy at Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology as a Student Radiation Therapist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she also works as a phlebotomy technician and specimen processor.
Brie Perdue, M.S., D.O.
From Gulf Breeze, Florida. B.S. in Biochemistry (Florida State University); M.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University (2021). Member and leader of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Earned her D.O. from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and is now rotating in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Miami.
Théo Desroches
From Saint-Sauveur, north of Montréal, Canada, Théo studied biological sciences at Lynn University while competing on the men’s golf team. He completed a year of research with Dr. Rivera-Mariani and aspires to attend medical school and become a cardiac surgeon.
Lily Drons
From Estero, Florida, Lily studied biology with a minor in environmental science and a focus on marine science at Lynn University, where she was also a student-athlete on the swim team. Alongside her research with Dr. Rivera-Mariani, she volunteered in Dr. Watson’s archaeology lab. She hopes to pursue a master’s in marine biology or ecology and work in coral conservation.
Ana Pérez, M.S.
Originally from Cuba. B.S. in Biology, University of Florida (2020); M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2022). Member of the RIPLRT in fall 2021 and spring 2022. Co-authored a publication on microbiology in agriculture at UF; currently a medical scribe and hospice volunteer applying to medical school.
Adria Guajardo, M.S.
Graduate Research Assistant (2019–2020), originally from Texas. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2020); member of the RIPLRT in fall 2019 and spring 2020. Seeking to become a Physician Assistant.
Ariel Stateman, M.S.
M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2018). Among the founders of the RIPLRT and a member and co-leader in 2018. Currently a Research Associate in Illinois.
Bhavikkumar “Vik” Patel, M.S.
M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2020); member of the RIPLRT in fall 2019. Currently in pharmacy school.
Christian Ramos, M.S.
From Miami, Florida, and a first-generation student of Hispanic descent. Co-leader of the RIPLRT from fall 2020 to spring 2021; M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2021). Currently in medical school.
Krystal Ramsaran, M.S.
A first-generation American of West Indian heritage from Plantation, Florida. B.A. in Biology; M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2021). Member of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Currently in medical school.
Stevanie Robinson, M.S.
A Florida native from the Fort Lauderdale area. M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2021); member of the RIPLRT in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Currently in medical school.
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