Meet Our 2024-2025 Cohort…
Fayed Uddin
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering at The City College of New York
"I am deeply committed to bridging the gap between innovative biomedical research and practical clinical applications. The multidisciplinary approach of this program, which combines engineering, clinical, and business insights, aligns perfectly with my aspirations to develop and implement advanced medical technologies that can improve healthcare accessibility and quality on a global scale."
Keyana Anderson
Undergraduate Degree: Human Biology at Hunter College
"I chose to attend MTM after having exposure to this field when I participated in an internship involving medical technology. I learned about this program through an information session held in my last semester of college and knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. I am very excited to experience the hands on learning dynamic that the program presents."
Maria Jose Ruiz Gonzalez
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Enginering at Universidad del Rosario
"I chose to attend the Master’s in Translational Medicine (MTM) at The City College of New York (CCNY) because it aligns my academic and professional aspirations in an interdisciplinary way. The MTM program integrates scientific innovation with practical medical solutions, focusing on bridging the gap between engineering and clinical applications, which is precisely what I am passionate about and where I see myself making a significant impact. Additionally, I appreciate the involvement of two schools and the emphasis on practical experience through annual projects, which provide a rich academic and multidisciplinary perspective to address health challenges. In summary, I am confident that the MTM program at CCNY will provide me with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to excel in the field of Translational Medicine."
Abdelrahman Ahmed
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering at CCNY
"The MTM program really shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. Before this program I only ever cared about designing and building things, I never really considered what happens after or how to even get a product in the hands of customers. This program not only piqued my interest in the business development aspect of medical technology but also taught me how to find needs in healthcare, create a business model, find customers to interview, and develop solutions for stakeholders. It’s been an incredible experience, and I hope to continue developing these skills throughout my career."
Leslye Ballinas
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science at Baruch College
"The Master’s in Translational Medicine program represents an incredible opportunity to explore new paths that will shape my future in oncology research. Its interdisciplinary approach—integrating engineering, clinical exposure, and entrepreneurship—has opened a range of possibilities for me to contribute meaningfully to my long-term aspiration of improving the lives of cancer patients. I am deeply committed to developing innovative solutions to ease the physical and emotional discomfort caused by harsh treatments, while also empowering patients through education to alleviate the fear and uncertainty that often accompany their journey. This program offers me the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to make a tangible impact in transforming patient care and creating a more compassionate healthcare experience."
Chelsea O’Neill
Undergraduate Degree: Biology at Queens College
"After designing and executing my own research protocols as a research assistant, I became eager to explore innovations in biomedical engineering. Drawn to the intersection of science and business, I pursued the MTM to gain the tools to translate cutting-edge research into impactful, patient-centered solutions. The program has provided access to invaluable professional opportunities, uniquely positioning me to bridge research with real-world medical advancements while collaborating with an exceptional cohort of peers."
Christy Jacques
Undergraduate Degree: Psychology at City College of New York
"I chose to attend MTM because I’ve witnessed firsthand how gaps in our healthcare system disproportionately impact underrepresented communities. My work as a DSP has taught me that innovation in medicine means nothing if it’s not accessible, inclusive, and designed with real people in mind. Through MTM, I’m learning how to take ideas from bench to bedside—combining entrepreneurship, clinical insight, and technical design to create solutions that reach the patients who need them most. This program gives me the tools to bridge the disconnect I’ve observed between medical innovation and real-world impact."
Saileen Rayanne Ahmad
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering at City College of New York
"I chose the Masters in Translational Medicine program for its ability to continue to push me with my biomedical engineering background, while also allowing me to utilize my other talents in a capstone project that pushes the boundaries to assist underrepresented groups in the healthcare industry. With the incredibly diverse backgrounds of my peers, I am both learning from and collaborating with others who share one goal in common: build a business that targets the unmet needs of our communities. I am excited to combine my engineering foundation with new-learned skills through the MTM program to better understand the business-aspect of healthcare and to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and beyond."
Mercy Arijesudade
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Science
"I choose to attend to MTM because I want to learn the skills necessary to promote the progression of the basic science research that I do into creating products that benefit patients. I also want to gain a better understanding of the collaborative work that goes into creating a capstone project. I believe the skills and experience that I will gain from CCNY’s MTM program will greatly contribute to my goal of becoming a physician-scientist."
Vanessa Gonzalez
Undergraduate Degree: Biology & Community Change at City College of New York
"This master’s program in translational medicine aligns perfectly with my career goals. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the integration of medicine, technology, and business. I am eager to explore the development of medical products, clinical investigations, and the business fundamentals of research and development. I am most excited to go back to my alma mater, the college that fostered my professional growth and pushed me to want a career in healthcare technology. I am eager to learn from distinguished professionals in this rapidly evolving field to further enhance my expertise."
Lovelyn C Timnou Yonga
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering
"I choose to attend MTM because I want to contribute to medical innovation as it is something that inspire me everyday."
Abdullah Mady
Undergraduate Degree: Psychology at City College of New York
"I chose to attend the MTM program because I am deeply committed to bridging the gap between scientific research and patient care, which is fundamental to the field of translational medicine. Aspiring to become a physician, I recognize the critical importance of translating cutting-edge research findings into practical medical applications that directly benefit patients. The MTM program offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into this process, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate innovative research advancements into clinical practice."
Bushra Ahmed
Undergraduate Degree: Psychology
"I chose to attend the Master’s in Translational Medicine program because it aligns perfectly with my passion for bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical application. As a pre-med student, I am eager to understand how innovative discoveries can effectively translate into treatments that improve patient care. This program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining medicine, engineering, and business, which aligns with my diverse academic background. Moreover, the MTM program focuses on collaborative problem-solving and real-world applications that drive impactful change in patient outcomes. I believe this program will equip me with the skills and knowledge to innovate and improve medical practices, aligning with my long-term goal of becoming a physician who integrates research and clinical expertise."
Asala Ahmad
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering at City College of New York
"With a background in Biomedical Engineering and a strong passion for innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare, I am drawn to this program for its unique focus on the ‘bench to bedside’ journey. The MTM program stands out for its holistic approach to medical technology innovation, encompassing ideation, prototyping, and clinical evaluation. The 3-semester Biodesign course sequence particularly appeals to me, offering practical experience in developing functional medical technologies—a perfect fit for my career goals. Interacting with esteemed faculty and industry experts promises invaluable guidance in navigating this dynamic field. I believe this program will equip me with the skills and leadership mindset needed to drive impactful advancements in healthcare innovation. I am excited to deepen my knowledge through MTM and embark on this journey."
Aya Sara Elwassif
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry at City College of New York
"The MTM would provide me with hands-on experience in all the steps necessary to develop technology that addresses the unmet needs in the medical field. Being placed in a diverse group of peers, I’m introduced to people of different backgrounds, allowing me to learn from those around me."
Hariz Mansoor Khan
Undergraduate Degree: Biology at Hunter College
"I joined the Master’s in Translational Medicine (MTM) program after recognizing a significant gap between medical research and accessible healthcare solutions, particularly in underserved communities. Another motivating factor was my father’s battle with stage 4 stomach cancer which underscored the urgency of translating research breakthroughs into real-world treatments. Drawing on my background in biology and hands-on experience in both lab research and clinical settings—including volunteering at New York-Presbyterian Queens and organizing community health events—I’ve developed a strong commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. The MTM program’s multidisciplinary approach lets me build on my interests in entrepreneurship and biomedical engineering, equipping me with the skills to innovate in meaningful ways. Ultimately, my goal is to create affordable, scalable medical technologies that benefit underserved communities and offer critical support in disaster-stricken areas and develop early diagnostic tools and patient optimized treatment strategies for cancer."
Rua Abu Alainain
Undergraduate Degree: Biology at Lehman College
"I have an interest in turning my science background into hands on projects in the medical field."
Reem Ulay
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering at City College of New York
"This program’s comprehensive curriculum, covering the entire medical technology innovation process from ideation to clinical evaluation, aligns perfectly with my interests. My passion for biomedical device development began in my senior design class, where I refined my problem-solving, leadership, and organizational skills. I am confident that the MTM program will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make a substantial impact in the field of medical technology."
Edith Sirett
Undergraduate Degree: Biology City College of New York
"Many reasons, this program align with my career goals, takes a new approach to science, technology and patient care and was financially viable/ conscious."
Zobia Jamal
Undergraduate Degree: Behavioral Science & Health Medicine at CUNY Graduate Center
"I chose to attend MTM because I found it to be a unique, one-of-a-kind program that would expand my knowledge, challenging and better preparing me for my future endeavors as a physician and leader in healthcare. MTM has since afforded me the invaluable platform to learn about detecting and navigating clinical issues, medical equipment, it’s development, manufacturing, and the overall process of translating innovative ideas and research from bench to bedside; concepts I doubt I would’ve been able to familiarize myself with without the program, even if I vaguely came across them. Thanks to my brilliant peers and mentors, I have been able to enhance my skills and develop a more open-minded, innovative approach to medicine, as well as all that is possible in terms of solutions to achieve optimal health on a global scale."
Last Updated: 05/21/2025 00:19