Mia Battani

2023 Cohort

Scholars of Clinical Anatomy Organization: President

Interest: Medicine

Bio: Hello! My name is Mia (pronounced “MEE-uh”) and I use she/her pronouns. I am originally from Ankeny, Iowa, and I graduated from the University of Iowa with my bachelor’s degree in medical anthropology in 2022. During my time as an undergraduate, I also pursued minors in biology, chemistry, & psychology and followed both the pre-medicine and University Honors tracks. After graduating, I spent a gap year working as an admission counselor with the University’s Office of Admissions, and now I’m here! As an aspiring physician and educator, the Master of Clinical Anatomy program will help me improve my medical school application and allow me to gain experience with graduate-level teaching and research. Outside of my academic pursuits, I love to explore my neighborhood, cook & bake, read, and spend time with my friends.

Email: mia-battani@uiowa.edu

 Ruth Bropleh

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: Hello, my name is Ruth Bropleh and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I am originally from Georgia. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2024 with a bachelor’s in psychology on the pre-med track. I currently work at the University of Iowa Hospital as a phlebotomist and hope to become a physician. I believe this program will enhance my understanding of anatomy on an expert level which will prepare for medical school. Outside of school I enjoy, reading, watching tv, and exercising!

Email:  ruth-bropleh@uiowa.edu

Nikki Chang

2023 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  I chose the MCA program because of my interest in furthering my understanding of the anatomical sciences. I did my undergrad in human physiology, so the MCA program is a great way to learn about anatomy and physiology in a greater depth. After graduation, I will be applying to medical school with aspirations of being a pediatric or family physician. In my free time, I enjoy watching The Vampire Diaries, reading a good book, and spending time with loved ones. I also enjoy cooking to relieve stress!

Email:  nicolle-chang@uiowa.edu

Mercedes Crile

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: I am from North Liberty, Iowa, and recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. I chose the MCA program because of the hands-on learning environment and research opportunities it has to offer. As an aspiring physician, extensive knowledge of the anatomical sciences will help me to better understand and provide to my patients in the future. I am excited to have a curriculum emphasized on anatomy as personal experiences have provoked my interest in the orthopedics field. Apart from academics, I enjoy staying active, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Email:  mercedes-crile@uiowa.edu​

Nicholas Deppe

2023 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  I chose The University of Iowa’s Master of Clinical Anatomy program because the curriculum is based around both anatomical sciences and graduate research. As an aspiring physician, the opportunity to dig deeper into understanding the human anatomy and help advance medicine through clinical research were both extremely exciting and valuable options. Some of my hobbies include staying physically active, cooking, watching my favorite sports teams, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Email:  nicholas-deppe@uiowa.edu

Arturo Espinoza

2023 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  Greetings! I'm from Los Angeles, graduated from the University of Arizona, and have lived in Iowa since 2016. I am a husband and dog dad, and I enjoy boxing, playing chess, or hiking in my free time. I work in the VA ER as a tech and in UIHC Neurology as a clinical research manager. The MCA program’s holistic approach, teaching, and research aspects are my reasons for selecting it, as I believe it will support my future career as a physician. I am eager to implement every new attribute I acquire from the program.

Email:  arturo-espinoza@uiowa.edu

Pedro Franca

2023 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  I chose the MCA program because of its quality, I felt like MCA program was the perfect fit for me because of its high quality education. This program will help me achieve my future goal of becoming a medical doctor. I am very interested in cardiology and I am very excited for everything the MCA program will be teaching me. My favorite hobby is playing and watching soccer.

Email:  pedro-samahafranca-1@uiowa.edu

Foster Hazen

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: I am originally from Winthrop, Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Integrative Biology.   As an aspiring physician, the opportunity to learn human anatomy at a high level, get involved in research, and advance my application made choosing MCA program an easy decision. Outside of school, I enjoy fitness, backpacking, and cooking. 

Email:  foster-hazen@uiowa.edu

Wes Hine

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: Hello! My name is Wesley Hine and I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelors in Biology: Pre-Medicine. During my time there, I was also blessed with the opportunity to play football for the Panthers! I choose the MCA program because I knew this was the best program to prepare me for the difficult times that medical school brings and the research opportunities I hope to explore in the future. I am currently interested in pursuing Anesthesia, Orthopedic Surgery, or Cardiology. Outside of being a student, I spend my free time in the gym, hanging out with my dog, Bebe, or golfing with my friends. 

Email:  wesley-hine@uiowa.edu

Gage Johnson

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: Hello! My name is Gage Johnson, and I recently graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree  in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa. I chose the MCA program to help me gain further knowledge of human anatomical sciences that I will use in my future studies. Additionally, the University of Iowa has given me such an incredible undergraduate education, I wanted to continue my education at Iowa. Following the MCA program,I plan to continue my education through medical school to become a physician that specializes in anatomy (Radiology or Orthopedics). Some activities I enjoy outside of school are playing disc golf, cooking, going to the gym, traveling, and being with loved ones. 

 Email:  gage-johnson@uiowa.edu

Nicole Jordan

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: I am from Johnston, Iowa, and I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating, I took two gap years working as a phlebotomist to further my clinical experiences and to help provide clarity for my future. Applying for the Masters of Clinical Anatomy program was an easy choice because of their excellent curriculum and their focus on teaching anatomical sciences. The different resources and opportunities provided by the program will further develop my skills as an aspiring physician. Outside of academics, I surround myself with family and friends and take part in my favorite hobbies. I love to watch and play sports, my favorites being basketball and golf, and I enjoy the outdoors. 

Email:  nicole-jordan@uiowa.edu

Kelsey Kannenberg

2023 Cohort

Scholars of Clinical Anatomy Organization: Vice President of Outreach

Interest:  Dentistry

Bio:  I am from Spirit Lake, Iowa, and am a proud alumna of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Human Physiology. Choosing the MCA program was an easy decision. The unparalleled academic environment at Iowa, combined with the personal mentorship this program offers, aligns perfectly with my aspirations. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in the field of dentistry, inspired by personal experiences that underscore the profound impact of dental care on overall health. Outside of academics, I'm an avid reader and baking enthusiast, cherish my time outdoors, serve as a hydration technician for the Iowa Football team, and manage athletic clothing merchandising in the UIowa Surplus Department.

Email:  kelsey-kannenberg@uiowa.edu

Kyle Luken

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Physician Assistant

Bio: Hey there! My name is Kyle, and I'm from the Chicagoland area (Aurora/Naperville to be exact). I graduated from Northern Illinois University with my undergrad in Health & Human Sciences with a minor in kinesiology and played college hockey during my tenure. I chose the University of Iowa's Master of Clinical Anatomy program because the curriculum is based around both anatomical sciences and graduate research. As an aspiring physician assistant, the opportunity to dig deeper into understanding the human anatomy and help advance medicine through clinical research were both extremely exciting and valuable options. Outside of academics, I'm always trying to stay physically active, coach/watch/play hockey including the Chicago Blackhawks and the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders High School program I coached, read various books to improve myself in any way I can, & spend quality time with friends and family when possible. 

Email:  kyle-luken@uiowa.edu

Madelyn Mayeski

2023 Cohort

Scholars of Clinical Anatomy Organization: Social Chair

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  I recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Human Physiology and chose the MCA program to better prepare myself for medical school. I have been involved with research for the past three years and hope to include that into my future career!

Email:  madelyn-mayeski@uiowa.edu

Leon McGill

2022 Cohort

Interest:  Dentistry

Bio:  I chose the MCA program to further explore the anatomical sciences in preparation for dental school. Progressing through the curriculum has helped me understand both an intimate understanding of the sciences as well as myself. A deeper foundational knowledge as well as the confidence I have acquired will always stay with me throughout my future endeavors. Having said this, somewhere along the way, I may have picked up a habit of experimenting on different cuisines as a hobby that takes more of my spare time than I would like to admit! 

Email:  leon-mcgill@uiowa.edu

Nina Nguyen

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Physician Assitant/Anatomy Education

Bio: Hello! My name is Nina and I'm from Webster, Massachusetts. I graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Biology in 2021, worked as a medical assistant at an allergy/immunology clinic for a year, and recently graduated from Loras College with a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences. I chose to attend the MCA program because of the hands-on learning, teaching and research opportunities, and the holistic learning environment that it provides. As an aspiring physician assistant and educator, I hope to strengthen my knowledge of the anatomical sciences to one day improve the lives of others and educate future healthcare providers. Outside of academics, I like to travel, explore new foods, spend time with friends and family, and cheer on Boston/New England sports teams.

Email:  nina-nguyen@uiowa.edu

Bella Parker

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Anatomy Education

Bio: Hi there! My name is Bella! I have grown up in Iowa and eventually obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2023. I started a Master's program in the Fall of 2023 that was going to allow me to teach science at the high school level. After working for a year as a TA in a Biology class at the University, I found that I really enjoy working with this age group and this level of science content. Therefore, I decided to switch gears to the MCA program which will help prepare me to teach at the Post-Secondary level instead! Anatomy and the way the human body is designed is something I could talk about for hours, and I can't wait to learn as much as I can and share this knowledge with my future students! In my free time, I enjoy reading, going on walks with my dog, and finding anything I can craft!

Email:  bella-parker@uiowa.edu

Precious Pate

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: My name is Precious Maryah Pate. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. In this program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the anatomical sciences and its clinical implications for my future patients. After this program, I hope to go to medical school. My interests lie within women’s health as well as maternal and child health. I enjoy music, poetry, theatre, and just about all art forms. I love watching sports, and I try to stay active. 

Email:  precious-pate@uiowa.edu

Sam Pek

2023 Cohort

Scholars of Clinical Anatomy Organization: Treasurer

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  I chose the MCA program to better prepare myself for a career in medicine. I am interested in the cardiovascular system as well as it’s development. I also plan to go to medical school and become a physician after I’m finished with the MCA. My hobbies include swimming, learning languages, and traveling as much as I can.

Email:  samuel-pek@uiowa.edu

Sofia Ramirez

2023 Cohort

Scholars of Clinical Anatomy Organization: DEI Chair

Interest: Dentistry

Bio:  Howdy! My name is Ana Sofia Ramirez, but everyone just calls me Sofia. I use she/her pronouns and I am from Columbia, Missouri. I moved to the United States from Guatemala when I was six years old and have lived in the Midwest since! I am a middle child and Spanish is my native language. I graduated from The University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Medical Science and Human Biology. I am fascinated by science and love interacting with people from all backgrounds, so my future as a prospective public health dentist excites me! My cats Marble and Chadwick complete my heart and my role as a Cabin Lead at Camp Quest, a secular, freethought camp, motivates me to be the best version of myself; my campers mean the world to me. I decided to matriculate into the MCA program at Carver COM to push myself as a scholar and to prepare myself for dental school. I am eager to challenge myself and learn from such intelligent and thought-provoking people. 

Email:  sofia-ramirez-1@uiowa.edu

Yabsira Tekle

2024 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio: I graduated from the University of Iowa with my B.S in Health and Human Physiology and I found the MCA program to be a perfect fit for what I wanted to do next. Choosing this program was an easy decision because of my love for the anatomical sciences and my desire to pursue medical school afterwards. In my free time I enjoy taking long walks, performing spoken word poetry, and doing book clubs with friends.  

Email:  yabsira-tekle@uiowa.edu

Maria Than

2023 Cohort

Interest:  Medicine

Bio:  I am from Portland, Oregon and a first-gen Middlebury College graduate where I majored in Neuroscience and double minored in Global Health and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist studies. During college, I had the opportunity to work with gynecological cancer survivors which solidified my passion for medicine. I chose the MCA program because of its emphasis on hands-on learning and supportive learning community. As an aspiring physician, I hope to broaden my knowledge of the anatomical sciences to one day help better the lives of my patients. Some of my academic interests include women's health, mental health, health equity, and medical anthropology. In my free time I enjoy listening to audiobooks, binging reality TV shows, playing video games on Nintendo Switch, and spending time with my friends and family.

Email:  maria-than@uiowa.edu

Alumni: Where do our graduates end up?

The following list is a sampling of where our graduate students have ended up in recent years: