Hooding & Awards Ceremony
Friday, the Fifteenth of May Two Thousand Twenty Six
National Center for Primary Care Auditorium at Morehouse School of Medicine
Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Welcome
Greetings/Occasion
Graduate Address
Awards Presentation
Student Awards
Faculty & Staff Awards
Hooding Ceremony
Closing Remarks
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean, Student Affairs
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Nevaeh Herndon
MSMS Class of 2026
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Jason DeBruyne, PhD
Rita Finley, PhD
Karen Russell Randall, PhD
Ayomide Olayiwola
GEBS President
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Awards for Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Students
Aliyah Anderson
Kiam Preston
Isabel Berhanu
Dr. Shaila Day
Loren Carter
Nevaeh Herndon
Fadila Sassil
Syndi Kimble
Outstanding Graduate Student in The Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
Outstanding Graduate Student in The Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
Excellence in Clinical Research Award—Outstanding Scholar
Excellence in Clinical Research Award—Outstanding Fellow
Outstanding MS Graduating Students in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences
2-Year Traditional Track
Outstanding MS Graduating Students in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences
2-Year Traditional Track
Outstanding MS Graduating Students in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences
1-Year Accelerated Track
Outstanding Student in the Master of Science in Biomedical Research Program
Awards for Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Faculty and Staff
Dr. Kenkichi Baba
Dr. J. Christopher Ehlen
Dr. Kenneth Onyedibe
Dr. Adrienne Bratcher
Dr. John Patrickson
Dr. Kennie Shepherd
Outstanding Advisor
Outstanding Advisor
Outstanding Advisor
Outstanding Teacher
Outstanding Teacher
Outstanding Teacher
Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences Class of 2026
Master of Science in Biomedical Research
Damani Christion Andre
Thesis Title: Predictive Modeling of Mutation Dynamics in Antimicrobial Resistant Genes Using Temporal Genomic Data Research Advisor: Kenneth Onyedibe, PhD
Timothy Ray Brantley, Jr.
Thesis Title: Ancestry-Specific APOB and LDLR Variants in Hypercholesterolemia and Heart Disease Risk Research Advisor: K. Sean Kimbro, PhD
Ariana Lashae Colson
Thesis Title: The Role of Fumaric Acid on Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity Research Advisor: Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Keturah J. Eaves
Thesis Title: PBDE-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Through Nrf2 Signaling in Trophoblast Cells Research Advisors: Erica Johnson, PhD; Carmen Dickerson-Copeland, PhD
Sydni Kimble
Thesis Title: Integrative Variant Annotation and Functional Prediction of DNA Repair Genes in the African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer Cohort Research Advisor: Cheryl Cropp, PhD
Tia A’Miracle La’Shaye Sadler
Thesis Title: Integrating Area Deprivation Index with Mutational Signatures and Circulating Biomarkers of Inflammation to Explore Breast Cancer Disparities Research Advisor: Melissa Davis, PhD
Danielle Annette Wright
Thesis Title: The Role of the Estrus Cycle in Chlamydia Pathogenesis Research Advisor: Yusuf Omosun, PhD
Master of Science in Clinical Research
Isabel Berhanu
Research Project Title: PharmForward: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Pharmacogenomics Service in Clinical Care
Research Advisor: Cheryl Cropp, PhD
Shaila Elyce Day, D.O.
Research Project Title: Towards an Antiracist Continuing Medical Education Curriculum for Primary Care Physicians
Research Advisor: Robina Josiah Willock, PhD
Master of Science in Medical Sciences
Sydnae Becton
Destini Lashawn Carmichael
L’oren Nicol Carter
Summer Soleil Elizabeth Clemons
Nasya Zuri Cooper
Keeren Daya
Maya Annise Ginyard
Nicholas Greene
Nevaeh Leigh Patillo Herndon
Keneisha John
Amiyah Kelly
Lauren Michelle Kelly
Brandon Marshall
Damari Joshua Massey
Sharon Mbugua
Olina Mohamed
Alexandra Norwood
Chelsey Onwuzuruike
Emilia Poma
Fadila Sassil
Master of Science in Neuroscience
Holland Hubert
Thesis Title: The Role of Iron on Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Neurotoxicity
Research Advisor: Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Mikaili Zoe Senwah
Amari Tiller
Laini Ibinka Lewars Tuboku-Metzger
Yovanni Andres Vera Pimentel
Temple R. White
Jasmin Elizabeth Woodruff
Thesis Title: The Role of Bmal1 in Regulating Mitochondrial Calcium Levels in 661W Photoreceptor-like Cells
Research Advisor: Kenkichi Baba, PhD
MacKenzie J. White
Thesis Title: A Role for the Endocannabinoid System in Regulating Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Research Advisor: J. Chris Ehlen, PhD
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
Aliyah Divine Anderson
Dissertation Title: Differential Influence of Age and Sex on Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability, Inflammatory Mediators and Mortality following Traumatic Brain Injury
Research Advisor: Binu Tharakan, PhD
Eva-Jeneé Angelic Sebastian
Dissertation Title: Adaptive Reorganization of Local Sleep and Prelimbic Cortical Circuits Facilitates Behavioral Resilience to Social Defeat Stress
Research Advisor: J. Chris Ehlen, PhD
Kiam Lamont Preston, Jr.
Dissertation Title: ATF4 and BACH1 Modulate the Transcription Regulatory Function of Maf-Family bZIP Protein NRL in the Mammalian Retina
Research Advisors: Gianluca Tosini, PhD; Anand Swaroop, PhD
O’lisa Yaa Waithe
Dissertation Title: Mechanisms of Endothelial Cell Barrier Dysfunction in Simulated and Actual Microgravity
Research Advisor: Binu Tharakan, PhD
Platform Party
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean of Student Affairs Professor of Medicine
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Science
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
Karen Russell Randall, PhD
Professor
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology
Director, Master of Science in Biomedical Research (MSBR) Program
Rita Finley, PhD
Associate Dean, Office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers
Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree
Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Medical Education
Jason DeBruyne, PhD
Professor
Director, Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Welcome
Graduate Education in Public Health
Greetings/Occasion
Graduate Address
Awards Presentation
Student Awards
Faculty & Staff Awards
Hooding Ceremony
Closing Remarks
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean, Student Affairs
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Quantez Brooks
MPH Class of 2026
Brenton Powers, EdD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Education
Assistant Director, Master of Public Health Program
Sabine Simmons, RHIA, CHPS, CISM
Program Director
Master of Science in Health Informatics Program
Alicia A. Chatman, DHA, MBA, MHA
Program Director
Doctor of Health Administration Program
Quantez Brooks MPH Class of 2026 President
Brenton Powers, EdD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Education
Assistant Director, Master of Public Health Program
Brenton Powers, EdD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Education
Assistant Director, Master of Public Health Program
Awards for the Graduating Graduate Education in Public Health Students
Master of Public Health Awards
Jimmie Price Rising Star Award
Quantez Brooks Leadership
Johnathan Carey Community Service Award
Bailey Norman The Bill Jenkins Master of Public Health Achievement Award
Victor Bowden Academic Achievement
Bailey Norman Academic Achievement
Victor Bowden Delta Omega Honor Society
Victoria Brown Delta Omega Honor Society
Pilar Jackson Delta Omega Honor Society
Bailey Norman Delta Omega Honor Society
Victor Bowden Honor Graduates
Victoria Brown Honor Graduates
Pilar Jackson Honor Graduates
Bianca McAlsiter Honor Graduates
Bailey Noman Honor Graduates
Taylor Ware Honor Graduates
Master of Science in Health Informatics Awards
Samara Lynell Frazeer
Melika King
Sadelle Danasia Smith
Candace Yvette Turner
Ineil Darnett Viruet
Academic Honors for Master of Science in Health Informatics
Academic Honors for Master of Science in Health Informatics
Academic Honors for Master of Science in Health Informatics
Academic Honors for Master of Science in Health Informatics
Academic Honors for Master of Science in Health Informatics
Candace Yvette Turner Excellence in Research Award
Doctor of Health Administration Awards
Justin Bancroft Searcy
Reinetta T. Waldrop Inspiring Leader Award
Michaëlle Aristide Transformational Impact Award
Shalana Parker Page Outstanding Capstone Award
Ronald Joe Turner II Outstanding Capstone Award
Awards for the Graduate Education in Public Health Faculty and Staff
Dr. Brenton Powers Outstanding Advisor
Dr. Alicia Best Outstanding Teacher
Ms. Naomi Campbell Honorary Class Member
Graduate Education in Public Health Class of 2026
Master of Public Health
Victor Aaron Bowden, MD
Research Title: Flexitarian Dietary Patterns and Obesity Risk in Adults in the United States
Quantez D. Brooks
Research Title: A Sustainability Based Comparison of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium: A Geographic Information System (GIS) Study of Transportation
Victoria Elizabeth Brown
Research Title: Determinants of Cognitive Decline Among Adults Aged 18 and Older in the United States
Johnathan Carey
Research Title: “It’s for the Culture”: A Strategic Framework for Developing Culturally Centered, Outcomes-Driven Health and Fitness
Programming in Black Civic and Social Organizations
Jenae Alexis Farrington
Research Title: Bridging Minds to Care: Improving Adolescent Mental Health Access Through School-Based Intervention
Kirsten Suzana Francis
Research Title: The BALANCE Initiative: Supporting Mental Health in Collegiate Athletics
Natajha Kendra Graham
Research Title: Characteristics of Women Who Self-Reported a Lack of HPV Vaccination Ages 15 to 49 in the United States Between 2022 and 2023
Pilar Maria Jackson
Research Title: Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Urban Low-Income Communities: The Role of Social and Structural Determinants
Nicollette Nicole Lewis, MD
Research Title: Educational Attainment and Pregnancy-Related Deaths Among Non-Hispanic Black Women Aged 45 to 64 in the United States
Bianca Kelly McAlister
Research Title: Disparities in Breast and Cervical Cancer Outcomes
Alexis Rene McCowin
Research Title: Using GIS to Identify Public Health Need: An Exploratory Analysis in the Atlanta Metro Area
Jennifer Ashley Moore
Research Title: Mindful Minds: A Depression and Anxiety Health Communications Campaign for Black High School Girls in Metro Atlanta, Georgia
Barisien E. Mtuanwi
Research Title: Examining How Demographics and Chronic Diseases Influence Self-Reported Activity Limitation Among U.S. Adults
Bailey Kennedy Norman
Research Title: Improving Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Pediatric Residency Training
James Donté Prayer
Research Title: Strike a Pose, Save a Life: Leveraging Fashion, Culture, and Community to Advance HIV Awareness Among Black Same-Gender-Loving Males
Jimmie Javonté Price
Research Title: Assessing Urban Flooding in Leila Valley Using GIS
Kayla Seals
Research Title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of MD Pipeline Programs: A Literature Review to Inform Benchmarking of Morehouse School of Medicine’s Pipeline Programs
Shaylyn Sullivan
Research Title: Sociodemographic and Health-Related Associations with Self-Reported Depression History in U.S. Women
Taylor R. Ware
Research Title: Characteristics Associated with Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in the United States Aged 18 Years and Older
Jaisha Iman White
Research Title: Federal Student Loan Caps and the Maternal Health Workforce: Structural Barriers to Addressing Maternity Care Deserts
Hakeem Jamal White
Research Title: Examining PrEP Uptake and Adherence in Key Populations: A Multilevel Approach
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Angel Champion
Samara Lynell Frazier
Melika King
Avion Kimberlee Levermore
Sadelle Danasia Smith
Candace Yvette Turner
Ineil Darnett Viruet
Doctor of Health Administration
Edmund L. Allen, Sr.
White Paper Title: Answering the Urgent Call for Reforming: Prior Authorization
Michaëlle Aristide
White Paper Title: Where the State Cannot Reach: A Community Model for Hypertension Prevention and Reduction in Haiti
Jennifer Michelle Carter
White Paper Title: Improving Maternal Health Outcomes: Postpartum Care Redesign for Minority Women
Shanique Shante’ Clark
White Paper Title: Barriers to Care: Structural Determinants Limiting Healthcare Access in Homeless Communities
Javette Collins
White Paper Title: Smart Health Pod Systems: Equitable Preventive Care Access
Robert Brian M. Edwards
White Paper Title: Operationalizing Equity in Accountable Care: An Equity-Centered Lean Six Sigma Framework for ACO Performance Improvement
Natasha Janelle Greene
White Paper Title: Remodeling A Solution: Multidisciplinary Care Model for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Alle Victoria Hayes
White Paper Title: Cultural Competence in Healthcare: Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Minority Populations
April Kennelle Johnson-Suggs
White Paper Title: Equitable Senior Living for Baby Boomers: Analysis of Solutions
Rekiat E. Olabiyi
White Paper Title: Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage: Effects on Patient Access, Provider Financial Performance, and Health Equity
Shalana Parker Page
White Paper Title: Implementing a Patient Education Team: Transforming Patient Education into a Therapeutic, Measurable Intervention
Mereya Quintana
White Paper Title: Bridging the Gap: Technology-Based Mental Health Treatment and Recidivism Among Violent Offenders
Natalie Sanchez
White Paper Title: Strengthening Equity-Centered Referral Coordination to Support Chronic Disease Management in Safety-Net Healthcare Settings: A Composite Conceptual Case Study
Justin Bancroft Searcy
White Paper Title: Community in Care: Community-Based HIV Prevention and Care Engagement Among African Americans in the Deep South
Angela Sharma
White Paper Title: When Children Can’t Speak: Designing Pediatric Care Families Can Trust
Steven Courtney Thomas, Jr.
White Paper Title: Advancing Health Equity: Addressing Social Drivers of Health in African Americans
Peter L. Tran
White Paper Title: Bridging Language Barriers: A Hybrid Model for Equitable Primary Care in Georgia
Ronald Joe Turner II
White Paper Title: Mental Health First Aid and its Impact on Rural Mississippi Communities
Brandon Anthony Williams-Walker, Sr.
White Paper Title: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Now: Culture and Engagement in Medical Education Recruitment
Platform Party
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean of Student Affairs Professor of Medicine
Brenton Powers, EdD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Education
Assistant Director, Master of Public Health Program
Alicia A. Chatman, DHA, MBA, MHA
Program Director
Doctor of Health Administration Program
Sabine Simmons, RHIA, CHPS, CISM
Program Director
Master of Science in Health Informatics Program
Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Welcome
Doctor of Medicine & Graduate Education in Physician Assistant Studies
Greetings/Occasion
Graduate Address
Awards Presentation
Student Awards
Military Officer Promotion Recognition
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Awards
Faculty & Staff Awards
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean, Student Affairs
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Naomi Coles-Strickland
MD Class of 2026
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean, Student Affairs
Colonel (Doctor) Robert W. Craig-Gray, USAF
Master Sergeant Nathaniel Miles, USAF
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Naomi Coles-Strickland
MD4 Class President
Dieynabou Diallo
MD4 Class Vice-President
Hooding Ceremony
Graduate Education in Physician Assistant Studies
Doctor of Medicine
Closing Remarks
Sabrina Jackson Botts, DMin, MMSc., PA-C
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Awards for the Graduating Doctor of Medicine Students
Outstanding Achievement in the Basic Sciences Award
Award given to students with the highest cumulative GPA at the end of the basic science years.
Montaser Ahmad
Angia Chen
Mari Chiles
Ayesha Quadri
Outstanding Achievement in the Clinical Sciences Award
Award given to students with the highest cumulative GPA in the clinical years.
Mari Chiles
Naomi Coles-Strickland
Dieynabou Diallo
Anaqa Faizer
Primary Care Award
Jarius Garner
Mikaela Jarrell
Anahit Mehranian
Tsvetomira Peykova
Josiah Thule
Prishae Wilson
Sydney Ragland
Josiah Thule
Julia Vasquez-Gonzalez
Prishae Wilson
The Primary Care Award is given to the student who best exemplifies the fundamental mission of the institution to produce physicians who will be concerned for the primary health care needs of those who are underserved.
Aasha Henderson
Merck Award for Scholastic Achievement
Scholastic Achievement in Medical Studies
Mikaela Jarrell
Anahit Mehranian
Presidential Leadership Award
The Presidential Leadership Award is for the purpose of recognizing superior achievement and leadership. Criteria include achievement in scholarship, interpersonal relations with students and faculty, personal growth in medical school, maturity, perseverance, and clarity of goal. This student should show qualities of leadership and cooperation and should be an inspiration and role model for other medical students.
Jeromey
Beaman
The Louis Sullivan Academic Achievement Award
The top performer(s) of the graduating medical student class.
Mari Chiles
Josiah Thule
Prishae Wilson
The Ryan & Reginald Wimberly Community Service Award
The Ryan and Reginald Wimberly Community Service Award was created to honor a medical student in the graduating class of the Morehouse School of Medicine who has been a diligent force within the community. This award recognizes the graduating student with the most significant community service activity portfolio.
Naomi Coles-Strickland
The Rosa Ann Carter Academic Achievement Award
The Rosa Ann Carter Academic Achievement Award was created to recognize a female student in the graduating class of Morehouse School of Medicine who is a mother that has been an inspirational classmate, enduring the challenges of medical school.
Dieynabou Diallo
The Kity Ann Atwater Academic Achievement Award
The Kity and Atwater Academic Achievement Award was created to recognize a female student in the graduating class of Morehouse School of Medicine who is a mother that has been an inspirational classmate, enduring the challenges of medical school.
Alyssa Presley
The James Avery Booker Jr DDS MD Memorial Scholarship
My, father, Dr. James Booker (Retired Colonel US Air Force Reserves), loved the military almost as much as he loved the practice of medicine. He felt such pride and honor in serving our country by providing excellence in healthcare to our military servicemen and their families. The recipient of this award has distinguished themselves as someone who has met the rigors of all it takes to become a United States Military officer, as well as the steadfastness and brilliance it takes to become a physician.
Aron Collier
Jada Moore
Zhuri Nisseau-Bey
The Kent Allen Pindle Smith Memorial Scholarship
My late husband, Mr. Kent Smith, believed undiagnosed and untreated mental health to be the bane of man’s existence – causing early death. He dedicated his life to providing a safe place for convicted felons to get the psychiatric support needed to build the foundation of a productive and fulfilling life once released. His work was cut short by metastatic lung cancer, taking his life at 52 years of age. The recipient of this award has chosen the field of Psychiatry or Oncology as their commitment to making a lasting difference through medicine.
Loren Hardeman
The Henry E and Marion P Bryant Memorial Scholarship
My grandparents dedicated themselves to education – as the key to achieving any endeavor in life. My favorite words of encouragement: “Your ATTITUDE determines your ALTITUDE.” They encouraged me to FORGE MY OWN PATH and to NEVER GIVE UP. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail “The recipients of this award have distinguished themselves with tenacity, humility and determination to carry out their dream of becoming a physician UNDETERRED by obstacles.
Jeremy Shropshire
The James A and Thelma M Booker Memorial Scholarship
My grandparents dedicated themselves to education – as the key to achieving any endeavor in life. My favorite words of encouragement: “Your ATTITUDE determines your ALTITUDE.” They encouraged me to FORGE MY OWN PATH and to NEVER GIVE UP. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” The recipients of this award have distinguished themselves with tenacity, humility and determination to carry out their dream of becoming a physician UNDETERRED by obstacles.
Janya Oglesby
The
Dr Deloris Bryant-Booker Award for Excellence in Pediatrics
My mother continues to dedicate her life to the nurturing and education of children. Her belief Is that the care and cultivation of children is a society’s best investment in itself. This recipient shares my mother’s passion by exhibiting excellence in the Pediatrics Core Clerkship and choosing Pediatrics as their calling.
Sam Nelson
Georgia Academy of Family Physicians TA Sappington, MD Award
Aasha Henderson
Alpha Omega Alpha
Montaser Ahmad
Angia Chen
Mari Chiles
Naomi Coles-Strickland
Aron Collier
Dieynabou Diallo
Anaqa Faizer
summa cum laude
Mari Chiles
Josiah Thule
Prishae Wilson
magna cum laude
Montaser Ahmad
Angia Chen
Joshua Christopher
Naomi Coles-Strickland
Aron Collier
cum laude
Jarius Garner
Paige Harper
Jarius Garner
Tamiah Lewis
Sean Hector
Kiara Huff
Mikaela Jarrell
Anahit Mehranian
Sarah Neault
Tsvetomira Peykova
Ayesha Quadri
Sydney Ragland
Celena Russell
Josiah Thule
Julia Vasquez-Gonzalez
Prishae Wilson
Camille Joy Molano David
Alyssa Edgar
Sean Austin Hector
Mikaela Jarrell
Tamiah Lewis
Nyah Hawkins-Harrison
Kiara Huff
Anahit Mehranian
Tianna Milligan
Sarah Neault
Celena Russell
Julia Vasquez Gonzalez
Jada Moore
Ayesha Quadri
Departmental Awards for Graduating MD Students
Emergency Medicine
Mikaela Jarrell
Family Medicine/Rural Health
Domique Enyart
Kyelin Knowles
Internal Medicine Overall Highest Achiever
Naomi R. Coles-Strickland
Josiah Thule
Internal Medicine Ambulatory Adult Medicine
Montaser Ahmad
Nelson McGhee Jr MD PhD Obstetrics & Gynecology Award
Anahit Mehranian
Adaugo Okpareke
The Otis W. Smith MD Award for Excellence in Pediatrics
Amiolaoluwa Abraham
Psychiatry
Sean Hector
Tamiah Lewis
General Surgery Award
Julia Vasquez-Gonzalez
Asa G. Yancey, Sr. Award
Jarius Garner
Alliance to Cure Award
Jarius Garner
Ayesha Quadri
Edward Robinson Kamryn Toney
Zoe Wilson
Military Officer Promotion Recognition
Aron Collier, United States Air Force
Jada Moore, United States Air Force
Zhuri Nisseau-Bey, United States Air Force
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Student Award
Alyssa Edgar
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Faculty Award
Dr. Balsam El Hammali
Faculty and Staff Awards
Outstanding Advisor
Dr. John Patrickson
Outstanding Teacher
Dr. Marvin Crawford
Honorary Class Member
Mr. Israel Demercado
Doctor of Medicine & Graduate Education in Physician
Assistant Studies Class of 2026
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Deja Imani Booker
Alexis Blount
Doctor
of Medicine
Amiolaoluwa Abraham
Pediatrics
UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX
Montaser Ahmad Ahmad
Internal Medicine
UCSF Fresno Fresno, CA
Hannah Oghenefego Akpobiyeri
Psychiatry
St. Francis Emory Healthcare Columbus, GA
Keyera G. Ashe
Internal Medicine
Cook County Health Chicago, IL
Victoria Gibson Asuquo
Family Medicine
Cheyenne Regional University of Wyoming Cheyenne, WY
Justin Deion Baker
Pediatrics
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Khaleel Bashir
Medicine Preliminary
Huntington Hospital Pasadena, CA
Jazmine Amelia Baylor
Family Medicine
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge, LA
Jeromey Chaderias Beaman
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Emily Elaine Bryant
Pediatrics Medical Genetics
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Phoenix, AZ
Dasia De’Shae Byas
Psychiatry
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Alexia Charlot
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Michara Chataigne
Family Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Angia Chen
Transitional Year
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Emory University Atlanta, GA
Mari Mekhi Chiles
Medicine Pediatrics
UNC Hospitals
Chapel Hill, NC
Joshua Sam Christopher
Pediatrics
Brown University Rhode Island Hospital Providence, RI
Lyndsey J. Clark
Medicine Preliminary
Morehouse School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
Shaquenciana Deshaydra Clark
Family Medicine
WellStar Health System Marietta, GA
Eleanor Clarke
Family Medicine
Memorial Health Savannah, GA
Naomi Rene’ Coles-Strickland
Internal Medicine
Emory University Atlanta, GA
Aron Collier
Surgery Preliminary
University of Florida Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
Nina Simone Collier
Radiology Diagnostic
Baptist Health Birmingham, AL
Ethan Muir Collins
Psychiatry
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
Camille Joy Molano David
To Be Announced
Adrian Darnell Day
Emergency Medicine
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, MD
Dieynabou Diallo
Surgery General
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Xiomara Diaz
Psychiatry Family Medicine
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Zion Alexandria Eberhart
Transitional Year
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
Dermatology
University of Wisconsin Madison, WI
Alyssa Jade Edgar
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Dominic Christopher Enyart
Pediatrics
Memorial Health
Savannah, GA
Anaqa Fathima Faizer
Internal Medicine
MedStar Georgetown Washington, DC
Kusona Mumia Fortingo
Medicine Preliminary
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN
Austin Travis Fretwell
Medicine Pediatrics
Prisma Health Greenville, SC
Jarius Alexander Garner
Neurological Surgery
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL
Jessica C. Goodwin
Otolaryngology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Zada Denise Granberry
Pediatrics
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Chelsea Ariana Green
Family Medicine
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
John Hammond
Family Medicine
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN
Loren Shanta Hardeman
Psychiatry
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT
Paige Alexandria Harper
Surgery General
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Nyah Hawkins Harrison
Surgery General
LSU
New Orleans, LA
Sean Austin Hector
Psychiatry
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT
Aasha Cecily Henderson
Family Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Kiara Aliyah Huff
Anesthesiology
Rutgers RWJMS
New Brunswick, NJ
Deborah Chiamaka Ijebuonwu
Transitional Year
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Anesthesiology
Mayo Clinic
Phoenix, AZ
Justin Ikenna Ikara
To Be Announced
Melissa Issa Boube
Surgery Preliminary
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Mikaela Angél Jarrell
Emergency Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Gakeria Keyon Kirton
Pediatrics
Childrens National Medical Center
Washington, DC
Kyelin Knowles
Transitional Year
Piedmont Athens Regional
Athens, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
Samuel Kouamen Kouatcheu
Family Medicine
Phoebe Putney Health System
Albany, GA
Anchal Kumar
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Prisma Health
Columbia, SC
Alex Trenton Ladd
To Be Announced
Tamiah Beatrice Lewis
Psychiatry Family Medicine
University of Illinois
Chicago, IL
Lanxi Liu
Internal Medicine
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Alexander Jakub Martinek
Psychiatry
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Anahit Mehranian
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Tianna Dion Milligan
Emergency Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Jada Moore Urology
Southern Illinois University
Springfield, IL
Ayanna Muhammad
Pediatrics
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Samiyyah Ayesha Muhammad Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Tyra Destiny Mussington
Pediatrics
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Sarah Nicole Neault
Internal Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Sam Madison Nelson
Pediatrics
UC Davis
Sacramento, CA
Garvic Kristopher Nelson
Psychiatry
Dell Medical School
Austin, TX
Hannah Le Nguyen Internal Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Zhuri Ahmad Nisseau Bey
Surgery Preliminary
Nellis AFB UNLV
Las Vegas, NV
Nicole Njeru
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Jalen Khalid Norris
Vascular Surgery
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Edward Ikenna Ogbu
Family Medicine
Memorial Health
Savannah, GA
Janya Oglesby
Pediatrics
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Chidinma Oguejiofor
Internal Medicine
Medical City Healthcare
Dallas, TX
Onyinye Anthony Okonma Internal Medicine
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Adaugo Chinenyenwa Okpareke
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Howard University
Washington, DC
Marcos Ortiz
Medicine Psychiatry
ECU Health
Greenville, NC
Lionel Kouankap Ouonkap
Surgery Preliminary
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Brandon Andrew Parkinson
Family Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Tsvetomira Zhivkova Peykova
Pediatrics Preliminary
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
Alyssa Presley
Anesthesiology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Christina Presmy Psychiatry
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA
Ayesha Quadri
Neurology
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Sydney Alexandra Ragland
Emergency Medicine
LSU
New Orleans, LA
Rachel Maria Reid
Family Medicine
Lexington Medical Center
West Columbia, SC
Edward Robinson
Neurological Surgery
University of Tennessee
Memphis, TN
Kyra Ashley Robinson
Surgery Preliminary
Howard University
Washington, DC
Celena Marie Russell
Vascular Surgery
University of Miami Jackson
Miami, FL
Lauren Charis Ryan
Medicine Preliminary
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Berlandson Saint Julien
Internal Medicine
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Simone L. Salter
To Be Announced
Jeremey Nehemiah Isaiah Shropshire
Internal Medicine
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
Mikalah Unique Thomas
Family Medicine
Prisma Health
Columbia, SC
Josiah Matthew Thulé
Internal Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
Kyra Tito
Transitional Year
WellStar Health System
Marietta, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
AdventHealth
Orlando, FL
Kamryn Janeé Toney
Child Neurology
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Alexander Uche
Transitional Year
Cape Fear Vally Health
Fayetteville, NC
Julia Valeria Vasquez Gonzalez
Surgery General
University of Miami Miami, FL
Byron Anthony Joseph Ward, Jr.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Rush University
Chicago, IL
Dominique Tiara White
Family Medicine
Spartanburg Medical Center
Spartanburg, SC
Devan Tenner Williams
Internal Medicine
University of Chicago Chicago, IL
Zoe Dominica Wilson
Neurology
University of Washington Seattle, WA
Prishae Myshia Wilson
Otolaryngology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
JaNia Stefani Yates
Transitional Year
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Simon Young Transitional Year
Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Gainesville, GA
Diagnostic Radiology
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA
Jonassie Leila Zamor
Family Medicine
Phoebe Putney Health System
Albany, GA
Platform Party
Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD
Interim Dean for Academic Affairs
Ngozi Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG
Executive Vice Dean of Education & Faculty Affairs
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean of Student Affairs Professor of Medicine
Kennie Shepherd, PhD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Academic Symbols
The banner and flag show the Morehouse School of Medicine logo. The original logo was designed in 1976 by artists David and Delores Cato of D’Cato of Atlanta, Georgia. The mace is carried by the Mace Bearer in the procession and is the medieval symbol of the office and the authority of the president. The head is made from sterling silver and gold, and the shaft carved from Australian Rosewood. Morehouse School of Medicine’s original logo forms the head. The names of the presidents of the institution will be carved in the silver sleeves of the shaft, depicting the continuity of institutional leadership over the years. The mace was designed and crafted by Mr. Richard Mafong of Georgia State University and presented as a gift to the school by Dr. and Mrs. Theodore P. Ritota of South Orange, New Jersey.
The academic dress worn by those in the procession includes the cap, gown, and hood. The cap, made of black serve or broadcloth, is worn by holders of all degrees, but the cap of the doctor may be of velvet. Gowns are usually black, but the color is determined by the university from which the highest degree was obtained. The doctor’s gown is round, has bell sleeves, and is faced down in front and barred on the sleeves with black velvet. Doctors’ hoods are in the full shape with a rounded base. Their hoods are four-feet long and have a five-inch silk, satin, or velvet border on the outside. The border represents the faculty from which the wearer has received his/her degree. The color of the border representing medicine is green. Throughout the United States, there has not been a change in the standard colors which represent the disciplines. The color facing the hood, whether it is black or colored, indicates the following:
• Kelly Green: Medicine
• Science Gold: Science
• Dark Blue: Philosophy
• Lilac: Dentistry
• Scarlet: Theology
• Purple: Law
• Olive: Pharmacy
• Lemon: Library Science
• Light Blue: Education
• Drab: Business
• Citron: Social Work Public Health
• Salmon Pink: Health
• Sage Green: Physician Assistant
Each hood is lined with silk in colors representative of the institution granting the degree. The colors for Morehouse School of Medicine are blue and ivory.
Overview
Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1975 as the Medical Education Program at Morehouse College. In 1981, Morehouse School of Medicine became an independently chartered institution. Morehouse School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians and was recently recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its social mission. Morehouse School of Medicine faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research and public policy. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Council on Education for Public Health, Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mission
We exist to:
• Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities;
• Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce;
• Address primary health care through programs in education, research, and service;
With emphasis on people of color and those systemically excluded in urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation and the world.
Vision
Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.
Arthur R. Collins
Managing Partner, theGROUP Chairman of the Board
Susan Grant
Retired, Former Executive Vice President of CNN News Services Vice Chairman of the Board
Camille Davis-Williams, MD, FACOG
Greater Atlanta Women’s Healthcare
Aaron D. Dent
Managing Director & Chief Procurement Officer, Tishman Speyer
Sandy Gordon
Vice President of Employee Experience and Relations for Global Operations, Amazon
Lawrence V. Jackson
Chairman, SourceMark LLC
Jeromey Beaman
Morehouse School of Medicine
Student Government Association President (Student Representative)
Lisa LeCointe-Cephas, Esq.
Chief Compliance Officer
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, LLP
Board of Trustees
Douglas Love
Esq President and CEO, Annexon Biosciences
Sylvester McRae, MD, FACOG Assistant Professor, Director of St. Francis OBGYN Physician Partners
Woodrow W. McWilliams III, MD
John B. Amos Cancer Center, Radiology and Oncology
Glenn W. Mitchell, III Managing Partner, Ernest & Young LLP
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG President and CEO, Morehouse School of Medicine
Marvin O’Quinn, BSc, MBA, PhD Retired Retired, President/Chief Operations Officer CommonSpirit Health
Kimberly Evans Paige
C-Suite Executive, Investor and Board Director
Claire Pomeroy, MD, MBA President, Albert, and Mary Lasker Foundation
Bonzo Reddick, MD, MPH
District Health Director for the Coastal Health District
Ex-Officio Trustee representing the Morehouse School of Medicine
Alumni Association
Rita Finley, PhD
Associate Dean, Office for Educational Outreach and Health Careers, Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Medical Education
Neeraj Tolmare
Global Chief Information Officer the Coca-Cola Company
John Whyte, MD, MPH
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, American Medical Association
Commencement Committee Members
Ngozi Anachebe
Shante Anderson
Elaine Archie-Booker
DeMario Baker
Mieshia Baker
Dean Ballas
Jamille Bradfield
Jeromey Beaman
Dorothy Bouldrick
Quantez Brooks
LaShunda Campbell
Aise Cannon
Felicia Carson
Joseph Chevalier
Naomi Coles-Strickland
Tony Collier
Shondria Covington
Pangela Dawson
Danita Eatman-Daniels
Cinnamon D. Bradley, MD Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Dieynabou Diallo
Zipporah Dorsey
Dayna Edmonds
Martha Elks
Rita Finley
Jarius Garner
Hanna Ghirmay
Stephanie Gonzalez
Janice Herbert-Carter
Allen Hightower
Brenna Johnson
Regena Johnson
Teiko Johnson
David Jones
Shawntel Jordon
Demetrios Lambros
Robert Landers
Amanda Magdalenski
Michael Martin
Sharon McKay
Tambria McLaurin
Divad Miles
Stephanie Miles-Richardson
Bridget Miller
Candice Morris
Creshema Murray
Aaliyah Numa
Ayomide Olayiwola
Sheridawn Peden
Nadia Powell
Brenton Powers
Cirena Rolling
Defforest Robinson
Matt Rose
Kennie Shepherd
Chatise Smith
Kahli Smith
Marla Thompson