Anfal Marafie is a fourth-year medical student at MSU, CHM. She grew up in Kuwait/Sterling, VA and received her B.S. in Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health from Purdue University and her M.S. in Applied Psychology from ASU in Texas. She has done most of her research in the field of mental health; previously on the stress of T1DM in adolescents, the effects of anxiety on pain perception, and currently on the differences in mood on the vaginal and gut microbiome in pregnant women and assessing the barriers to seeking out psychotherapy in a depressed population. She is currently interested in pediatrics as a career. She enjoys cooking, traveling, learning languages, rock climbing, and playing table tennis.
Julia Pudar is a third year medical student at MSU-CHM. She grew up in Farmington Hills, Michigan and received B.S.E. degrees in Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2018. Her research interests include sex differences in acute stroke. Outside of medical school, she enjoys teaching programming to kids, coaching marathon runners, and playing with her Australian Shepherd-mix.
Tudor Moldovan is a current 4th year medical student at MSU CHM. He received a B.S. in biomedical sciences and an M.S. in biological science from Oakland University, MI. In the past he served as a teaching assistant for anatomy/physiology and scientific inquiry labs. He also completed and presented his master’s thesis on sex differences in serotonin receptors in diabetic rats. Currently he is conducting research on urological surgery quality improvement collaboratives with his mentor at Spectrum Health. Looking forward, Tudor hopes to practice internal medicine. His hobbies include mountain biking, computers and technology, and DIY home improvement.
Erin Leach is a 4th year medical student at MSU CHM who is completing her clinical years at the Grand Rapids campus. She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI and earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical science and philosophy at Grand Valley State University. She enjoys topics in both Emergency and Internal Medicine, especially toxicology. She is an avid hiker, cat mom and history buff, who is passionate about community outreach and research. She has participated in a variety of projects as a research associate of the Spectrum Health Emergency Medicine Residency. Her most current project focuses on cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and neuropsychiatric effects of cannabis toxication. On days off, she likes to spend time with friends, watch trash TV, and attend fun events around the Grand Rapids community. Exploring the Michigan lakeshore is always her first choice for a day trip!
Sara Urquhart is an MS4 at MSU CHM, Grand Rapids campus applying to emergency medicine. She is a leader in emergency ultrasound research at Spectrum Health Hospitals and has published and presented at the national level. She is also a registered nurse with 10 years of healthcare experience.
Tyler Wall is a 4th year medical student at MSU CHM who is completing his clinical years at the Grand Rapids campus. He will be applying for a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics this fall. He was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Lake Superior State University. He enjoys topics in both internal medicine and pediatrics.