Current Residents
Meet us!
Click on the cards to view bios of our current trainees.

Martin Bauknight
PGY 4
- Medical School
- Columbia University
I was born in Charlotte, NC and attended Columbia University for Medical School in NYC. After Medical school, I spent 3 years in healthcare management consulting with BCG, 2 years in Investment banking/Equity Research covering Biotechnology companies, and 1 year in Business Development brokering transactions primarily for developmental neurotherapeutics in the gene therapy space. Prior to medical school, I majored in Neuroscience at the University of Miami, where I swam competitively as a Division I athlete. I also have a passion for teaching and co-run a tutoring company for medical students focused on USMLE exams and residency advising. Looking ahead, I'm interested in Neurocritical Care and Interventional Neurology, with a keen interest in Stroke outcomes. I also hope to leverage my background to one day serve as department head or leadership executive at an academic center to drive innovative strategies to recapture value from the healthcare value chain that can be delivered to patients and reduce cost of care. In my spare time, I enjoy anything outdoors, exercise frequently, watch sports, discover new craft beer, and travel. Northwestern provides me a unique opportunity to pursue my broad clinical and leadership career goals, and I'm beyond excited to be here!

Ryan Donaghy
PGY 4
- Medical School
- Thomas Jefferson University
I’m originally from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, just a short drive from Philadelphia. I attended the Pennsylvania State University where I studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After college, I spent four years in research, where I studied the mechanisms of hematopoietic stem cell regeneration. I then attended Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for medical school, where I first discovered my enthusiasm for neurology. My rotations in stroke, epilepsy, and movement disorders revealed the aspects of neurology that I’d come to love: the focus on a skillful physical exam, the breadth and depth of the diverse careers in neurology, and the exciting therapeutic developments across the field. I also discovered an interest in medical education and resident wellness. I came to Northwestern for my residency training because of the amazing training environment, strong research support, and the awesome co-residents I get to work with every day. In my spare time, you’ll find me playing guitar, running on the 606 (very slowly) or trying out Chicago’s many awesome restaurants with my wife!

Dina Ghandour
PGY 4
- Medical School
- University of Edinburgh
I was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. At the age of 18, I moved to Edinburgh for medical school. After spending 6 years there, I moved to London to start my post graduate training. I also completed a Masters degree in clinical neuroscience there. I am interested in the overlap between neurology and psychiatry, as well as medical education.
Outside of medicine, I am a massive foodie and love travelling. I especially love eating my way through the cities I visit, and immersing myself in their culture.
I am really looking forward to starting my residency at Northwestern, and eating my way through Chicago!

Jimmy Kaprielian
PGY 4
- Medical School
- Tulane University
I’m originally from Philadelphia and attended University of Pennsylvania. After college I was in the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso where I was a teacher. I spent four great years in the Big Easy for med school. My current interests in neurology are stroke and neurocritical care. In my free time I enjoy baking and spending time with my rescue chocolate lab.

Brian Liu
PGY 4
- Medical School
- University of Pittsburgh
I grew up in the suburbs of Boston where I spent a good chunk of my free time building rockets and practicing buzzer skills with the high school science team. I studied computer science in college at Cornell, where I got involved in computational medical imaging research. I went to medical school at the University of Pittsburgh, where I also did research in biomedical informatics. For my dissertation, I designed and implemented an individualized time-series model of blood pressure control in the ICU. In my spare time, I traveled, hiked, and enjoyed pursuing numerous culinary endeavors, including exploring the definition of salad with one made entirely of meat. My wife and I are proud puppy parents of a tuxedoed rescue named Duke, whose Instagram is far more popular than either of ours.

Jasmine May
PGY 4
- Medical School
- Northwestern University
I was born and raised in the rural community of Sanborn, NY outside of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. I spent my time during my pre-collage years between a mix of activities from musicals, dance, choir, and Tae Kwon Do. I stayed close to home and went to undergrad at the University of Buffalo where I initially was a pre-pharm major and then transitioned to medicinal chemistry and pre-med. Most of my research at the time focused on the utilization of nanotechnology as theranostic tools for cancer. I then moved to Chicago to start at Northwestern’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). For my PhD I continued my cancer research looking at metabolic drivers of glioblastoma, particularly looking at the IDH enzyme family. I greatly enjoy interpreting the complimentary diagnostics of neurology between neuroimaging and EEG and how abnormalities can correlate with findings from a thorough neurological exam. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my husband and exploring new restaurants in Chicago while walking around the neighborhoods.

Sheng Tang
PGY 4
- Medical School
- University of Pennsylvania
I was born in Suzhou, China and immigrated to the United States when I was ten years old. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, spending most of my free time running cross country and playing in various orchestras. I went to college at Stanford, where I discovered my passion for research in Drosophila genetics. I was part of the MSTP at the University of Pennsylvania, completing my thesis on a childhood epileptic disorder called CDKL5 deficiency. I am excited to continue my training at Northwestern, where I look forward to seeing the breadth of clinical pathology and engage in research in the mechanisms of epilepsy. In my free time, I like to enjoy the food, music, and natural scenery of Chicago, especially the Lakefront Trail.

Brian Wall
PGY 4
- Medical School
- University of Iowa
I was born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, then went to college and medical school at the University of Iowa. As an undergraduate, I majored in Spanish and Human Physiology. I became fascinated with the human experience while studying abroad in India, Costa Rica, and Cuba. Then, as a first-year medical student, I gained a mentor in my neuroanatomy professor, Dr. Justin Sipla. His passion for life, health, and neuroscience prompted me to consider a career in neurology. I was further drawn to the specialty for multiple reasons during my clinical rotations; however, most importantly, I saw neurologists providing the type of long-term and humanistic health care that I want to provide patients.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing and watching sports, cycling, reading, watching movies, going to museums, and spending time with my family, friends, and two cats, Maria and Pancho. I’m so thankful to be living in this amazing city while working with and learning from my wonderful mentors and coresidents at Northwestern!

Allen Barnett
PGY 3
- Medical School
- UC - San Francisco
I was raised in Salt Lake City. As an undergraduate, I studied public health. During this time I worked as a TA and developed a love of teaching.
I moved to San Francisco to attend medical school at UCSF where I fell in love with neurology on the inpatient neurology service. As a referral center, many of the patients I worked with were undifferentiated. I enjoyed these complex cases and I plan to work as a neurohospitalist in a similar setting someday. I had the opportunity to be involved in medical education as a student and plan to continue this work as a physician.
I took time off between my third and fourth years of medical school to study health economics and policy at the London School of Economics. I am interested in healthcare policy and reform and am grateful for the opportunity I had to study health systems.
My favorite part of being a doctor is working with and learning from my wonderful colleagues and patients.

Jen Fokas
PGY 3
- Medical School
- University of Michigan
I am a proud Chicagoan and a graduate of Northwestern University, where I majored in Biology and Psychology. Prior to medical school, I worked with Dr. George Chiampas, who is an ED physician at Northwestern, in a sports medicine administrative and research role with the Chicago Marathon and the US Soccer Federation. I then took a short trip across the Big 10 to attend University of Michigan medical school. My areas of interest in neurology include movement disorders and sports neurology. I am also interested in medical education, and as a first-generation college graduate, I strongly support building the pipeline for underrepresented students. I love Chicago for many reasons: the deep-dish pizza, the city's sports, Purple Pride, and of course my family. I consider myself a hydrophilic person, and I enjoy spending my free time outdoors and near the water.

Jyoti Grewal
PGY 3
- Medical School
- University of Michigan
I’m originally from Wisconsin, went to undergrad at Northwestern, and then University of Michigan for medical school. I wasn’t planning on becoming a neurologist until my second year clerkship when I fell in love with the field. My interview at Northwestern stood out because I knew I would get excellent training in a fun city, while working with kind and caring co-residents and attendings. In my free time I’ve enjoyed going on walks/runs along the lakefront and checking out some of Chicago's amazing restaurants.

Karl Guo
PGY 3
- Medical School
- Northwestern University
I was born in ZhengZhou, HeNan, China. I moved to NY in 1998 and attended Columbia University for my undergrad degree in biomedical engineering. My undergraduate research was on stroke and the role of complement in reperfusion injury. I moved to Chicago in 2013 and completed a MD/PhD degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. My postgraduate research was on the role of thalamocortical circuits in short term memory. I have always been interested in the field of neuroscience and was drawn to the field of Neurology during my MD training. My academic interests are in neurocircuits, movement disorders, epilepsy, and sleep. My hobbies include cooking in the wild, hiking, and writing sci fi.

Sangri Kim
PGY 3
- Medical School
- University of Michigan
I was born in South Korea and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the east coast to attend Johns Hopkins University. There, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and became interested in medicine. Between college and medical school, I did clinical research at the University of Michigan Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic and worked on 2 clinical studies evaluating the effects of mexiletine and retigabine on neuronal hyperexcitability in patients with ALS. I went to the University of Michigan for Medical School, where I became interested in tele-neurology and quality improvement. I also developed an interest in the intersection of the arts and medicine and developed a visual arts and medicine course for the medical school. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy cooking, reading fiction, embroidery, and eating my way through Chicago.

Jackie Leong
PGY 3
- Medical School
- Brown University
I was born in Rochester, NY and raised in St. Louis, MO. I attended Harvard for undergrad initially as an English major, switched course to Molecular and Cellular Biology, and landed on medicine partway through. I spent a year postgrad teaching English/English science on a Fulbright grant in Kinmen, Taiwan, and returned to the US to attend Brown for medical school, where I unexpectedly found a love for neurology the first day on the stroke ward. In my free time, I enjoy long distance running, writing, checking out new breweries, and committing to excessive numbers of creative projects.

Charlie Otte
PGY 3
- Medical School
- University of Pittsburgh
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Growing up, I was passionate about lacrosse and my rock band. I went to college at Swarthmore where I became interested in neuroscience. My undergraduate thesis revolved around describing neural circuits important for memory in fruit flies. After college, I worked as a research technician for a few years studying proposed molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy before starting medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. While there, I developed a novel optogenetic method for driving TDP-43 proteinopathy (in fruit flies) as part of Pitt’s “Physician Scientist Training Program”. I’m thrilled to be at Northwestern for residency, with its kind-hearted, hard-working culture and near limitless resources in a world-class city. Academically, I'm interested in exploring new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Outside of the hospital, I like to spend time with loved ones/friends, run, shoot hoops, ski, watch films/tv, and explore Chicago.

Tulsi Malavia
PGY 3
- Medical School
- University of Pittsburgh
I was born and raised in Okemos, Michigan. I went to the University of Pittsburgh for college, where I got a bachelor's degree in both Neuroscience and Psychology. I continued on at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for my MD. Now, I am very excited to be at Northwestern for residency! The culture of the Neurology program, the opportunities for research and development, and the city of Chicago are amazing. In my spare time, I love exploring new restaurants in Chicago, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.

Naomi Ayele
PGY 2
- Medical School
- Loyola University (Chicago)
I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and grew in Boston, MA where I cultivate a passion for competitive swimming and international debate. I graduated from Columbia University in NYC with a degree in Biology, specializing in Sustainable Development. I spent two years working as researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital in topics ranging from community-based global health to simulation education research before attending Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. Neurology pieces together my growing obsession with the interweaving of neuroscience and technology as it relates to medical education and community engagement. Out-side of medicine, you can find me at my local coffee shop researching DIY projects on Pinterest or supporting local comedians at my favorite comedy clubs in the city.

Sofia Chernet
PGY 2
- Medical School
- George Washington University
After growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I attended Dartmouth College where I majored in Sociology modified with African & African American Studies. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I returned home and completed a year of service with the Chicago Health Corps, an AmeriCorps program. During my year of service, I developed an interest in medicine and decided to complete a post-baccalaureate premedical program in Boston. While earning my medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, I fell in love with the field of neurology. I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to return home & begin my residency at Northwestern! I aspire to become an empathetic and well-trained neurologist for a diverse array of patients, and I am dedicated to reducing healthcare disparities within and outside of the Chicagoland area. When I’m not working, I look forward to exploring the city’s many neighborhoods & their wonderful festivals, traveling to new countries on vacation, and, most importantly, relaxing at home with good food & music playing on my record player!

Jamie Cooper
PGY 2
- Medical School
- Wayne State University
I was born and raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan with a focus in neuroscience and then attended Wayne State University in Detroit for medical school. During medical school, I did a year of research in the neurobiology lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel where I studied neural circuits mediating aggression in mice. My research further solidified my passion for, and desire to enter, the amazing field of neurology. I am so excited and grateful to have the opportunity to train at Northwestern. For fun, I enjoy taking long walks with my husband, cooking new dishes, a good movie night (with snacks, of course), and singing!

Tara Gill
PGY 2
- Medical School
- University of Illinois
I am Chicago through and through! I was born in the city and spent most of my time here or in the surrounding suburbs. I came back to attend undergraduate school at DePaul University where I majored in Health Sciences and minored in Biology. While here I worked as a martial arts instructor and chemistry/biology TA. I went on to attend the University of Illinois for medical school. I continued to build my passion for teaching during my work as a peer educator, clinical mentor, and USMLE advisor. While in school, I developed an interest in stroke and interventional neurology. I completed research in vascular neurology on topics such as Moyamoya and dual carotid/coronary artery dissection. I have a passion for teaching, stroke education, global and public health, and hope to spend a part of my career living/working abroad. Outside the hospital, I enjoy thrifting (clothes and home decor), collecting plants, martial arts, never say no to trying new and yummy foods and love new adventures with my partner. I’m excited to continue my journey in the city at Northwestern!

Hannah Kim
PGY 2
- Medical School
- Oregon Health & Science University
Hi everyone, my name is Hannah! I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon and attended Duke University for college, where I majored in Biology and minored in Global Health. After college, I spent a year at the National Institutes of Health conducting basic and clinical research on pediatric endocrine disorders. I then came back to my home state for medical school at Oregon Health & Science University and there was introduced to the wonderful and exciting field of neurology during my 3rd year clerkship! My academic interests include quality improvement and addressing gaps and disparities in neurologic care. I love to try new activities so my hobbies are always changing, but my most recent interests include urban hiking, painting and learning about art history, going to the driving range, and cooking Korean food!

Courtney Raab
PGY 2
- Medical School
- Indiana University
I am originally from Highland, Indiana, and I completed my undergraduate degree at Butler University in Indianapolis, where I studied health sciences and neuroscience. During my time at Butler, my research focused on concussions, specifically neuropsychological testing and return to play decisions . After falling in love with medicine during my junior year of college, I then went on to medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine. In medical school I found a passion for community outreach aimed at primary prevention and recognition of stroke. My research endeavors focused around developing a stroke specific community needs assessment survey that would further assist in addressing the gaps in stroke education in underserved communities as well as guide future quality improvement initiatives. My academic interests include stroke systems of care, community engagement, QI, and bioethics. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring Chicago's amazing bars and restaurants, and spoiling my mini goldendoodle, River!

Theja Reddy
PGY 2
- Medical School
- University of Texas - Houston
I was born in Hyderabad, India, and grew up in Houston, TX. I went to Rice University, where I majored in Kinesiology (Health Sciences) with minors in Medical Humanities and Business. I then went to medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston where I nurtured my passion for health equity and advocacy. Through the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, I designed and implemented a community-based intervention for immigrant and refugee girls from low-income backgrounds to better address their mental health. I grew an interest in the diverse and intellectually-stimulating field of neurology during my pre-clinical years, and am so excited to continue my journey at Northwestern. In my free time, I love to travel, explore the food scene around Chicago, watch dog videos, and analyze films!

Adriana Sari
PGY 2
- Medical School
- University of Chicago
I grew up in Miami and attended the University of Florida for undergrad, where I studied Biology and Psychology. After taking a gap year to work as a scribe, I started medical school at the University of Chicago. I came in to medical school with a passion for neurology, which grew as I progressed through my clerkships. During this time, I also deepened my interest in clinical research as I examined the use of stroke scales in hospitalized patients. In my spare time, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, and indoor climbing. Very excited to be continuing my training at Northwestern!

Fred Shen
PGY 2
- Medical School
- University of Michigan
I'm originally from Des Moines, Iowa and went to college at Duke University where I studied biomedical engineering. I then joined the MSTP program at University of Michigan. For my PhD, I developed a new way of mapping neuronal connectivity using light microscopy. Within neurology, I'm interested in neurogenetics, both clinically and from a research perspective. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 2 pets (1 dog and 1 cat). We love exploring the outdoors, eating sushi, and traveling to new places. I also enjoy ultimate frisbee, watching sports, and photography.

Meghana Shownkeen
PGY 2
- Medical School
- University of Illinois
I am originally from Oak Brook, IL, and attended college at University of Miami in Miami, FL. I majored in neuroscience, with a minor in chemistry and public health. I discovered my passion for neurology while participating in undergraduate research in the field of vascular neurology. I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for medical school. During this time, I had the opportunity to join the ABC lab at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where my research was focused on investigating the association of vascular and metabolic health during young adulthood and cerebral autoregulation, gait, and cognition in midlife. My academic interests are in vascular neurology and neurocritical care. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, and exploring new restaurants in the city of Chicago!

Maria Aristova
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Northwestern University

Nadia Azad
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Emory University

Steven Bieser
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Thomas Jefferson University

Emily Casaletto
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Thomas Jefferson University

Emmanuel Okematti
PGY 1
- Medical School
- University of Minnesota

Allison Spihlman
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Boston University

Jasmine Sun
PGY 1
- Medical School
- University of Pennsylvania

Laurel Ovrom
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Mayo Clinic

Sarah Wyckoff
PGY 1
- Medical School
- Columbia University

Kevin Zhu
PGY 1
- Medical School
- University of Michigan
After Residency
Take a look at where our recent alumni are now!