Faculty Type: ReMed Fellows

Kaden is a junior studying biomedical engineering and computer science. As a Pratt Research Fellow, he studies the dynamics of protein-unfolding events in the Marszalek Research lab. Over the summer, Kaden will be continuing his research in the Marszalek lab, assisting with the ODE Engineering Design camp for high school students, and studying for the MCAT. Kaden’s biggest goal for the ReMed program is to develop a greater sense of purpose within the medical field, as well as develop a new appreciation for aspects of medicine he had not really previously considered.

Christina Lewis is a rising senior from Charleston, SC, majoring in Religious Studies and minoring in Biology and Chemistry. At Duke, she is involved in researching trauma-informed education. In her free time, she loves to write, paint, and spend time outdoors. This summer, she will be working as a nurse aide. She hopes to eventually have a career as a psychiatric or women’s health clinician.

Chioma Danielle Okotcha is a rising Sophomore currently planning on majoring in Neuroscience and Music and pursuing a minor in computer science. She has spent equal thirds of her life in the U.K., Washington, and Maryland. Some of her non-academic interests include playing the sax and piano, crocheting, and various forms of writing. She is most excited to delve deeper into the various behind the scenes components that make up healthcare. This summer she plans to work as a direct support professional, OBGYN intern, and hospital volunteer (and perhaps get her CNA/EMT license!).

Blake Perdikis is an English major who is pursuing a certificate in ethics while on the pre-health track. During his time at Duke, he has loved exploring the intersection between these three fields and learning about how the humanities informs medicine and vice versa. For this summer, he cannot wait to engage with the powerful, cross-sectional experiences offered by ReMed—shadowing, talks, etc.—and hopefully dispatch the skills he learns towards a project investigating the standard of care in emergency medicine in rural Tennessee.

Anika is a rising senior from Milwaukee, WI studying a Program II major titled “Reimagining the Aging, Dying, and End-of-Life Care Experience.” She plans to pursue an osteopathic medical degree in geriatrics or palliative/hospice care after graduating from Duke, with the hopes of creating a more positive aging and dying journey for all. This summer, Anika will be interning with Capri Communities, an assisted living conglomerate, with concentrations in life enrichment and active aging. Outside of school, you can find Anika in the mosh pit at a rock and roll concert, lifting weights in the gym, spending time with friends and family, or discovering a new restaurant!

Amitesh Verma is a rising junior from Cincinnati, OH studying Neuroscience and Music with the aspirations of becoming a physician. He is passionate about the intersection of music and healthcare with his previous involvements including the Language, Music, and Dementia Bass Connections Team where he studies the effect of musical training and multilingualism on dementia and cognitive impairment. Through ReMed, he hopes to further cultivate these interests through assisting with creative care sessions for adults with dementia through the Durham Center for Senior Life. In his free time, Amitesh enjoys playing jazz piano, watching and reviewing movies, and playing ping pong