Dr. Quincy Tran RAP-EMCC Director MD, PhD, FACEP, FCCM [email protected]
Dr. Quincy Tran earned his PhD in Biochemistry in 2002, after which he worked briefly at a biotechnology company where he developed and tested novel drugs for Parkinson's Disease. This experience introduced him to Central Nervous System disorders, after which he become interested in neurological injuries and patient outcomes. He thereafter earned his MD in 2008 to pursue a career in emergency medicine and critical care.
In 2013, he became an attending physician for University of Maryland Medical Center's Critical Care Resuscitation Unit (CCRU), where he developed a strong interest in improving the process of care for critically ill patients who are transferred to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Dr. Tran founded the Research Associate Program in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care (RAP-EMCC) in January 2016 and is currently active in the program as its director. His passion for medicine, research, and mentorship led him to develop this program to support students on their journey towards becoming evidence-based health care providers. Through the program, he hopes to offer his students effective mentorship, research productivity, and leadership experience. Currently, Dr. Tran is a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He is also a practicing physician in University of Maryland Medical Center's Critical Care Department and Midtown campus Emergency Department.
In his free time, Dr. Tran enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering on medical missions to Vietnam.
Dr. Jessica Downing Incoming RAP-EMCC Director/Collaborator MD [email protected]
Current Active Research Associates
Jerry Yang Chief Major inBiology: Physiology and Neurobiology Minor in Astronomy University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Jerry Yang is a junior Neurobiology and Physiology major and Astronomy minor at the University of Maryland. He joined the research associate program to pursue his interest in emergency medicine and expand his clinical research experience. Jerry is currently involved in a retrospective project investigating vasopressor use in septic shock patients and another investigating characteristics of patients upgraded to ICU care after OBGYN service. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding and spending time with his dog.
Iana Sahadzic Associate Chief Major: Biology: Physiology and Neurobiology Minor: Spanish University of Maryland, College Park (December 2021)
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Iana Sahadzic has been a research associate in the RAP-EMCC internship program since January 2020. Within the program, she has been a part of the membership committee since Spring 2021. Her Excel skills have also helped her excel (no pun intended) in many retrospective studies by taking a lead role for the esophageal foreign body study and the CCRU 5-year study. Outside of research, she is a volunteer paramedic and line officer at Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. This is a rewarding experience for her as she gets to help those in the community in which she grew up. She also works at an OB/GYN office, which has intrigued her to pursue a career in women’s health. In Iana's free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, but if the weather allows, she would rather be outside and challenge herself on a difficult hike with a group of friends.
Taylor Kowansky Associate Chief Social Media Manager Archives Committee Writer CCRU Charge Log Project Lead Major inKinesiology University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: MD Taylor is a senior at the University of Maryland. After graduating, she plans to continue to work in an Emergency Department as an ER Tech and a volunteer EMT while she completes a post baccalaureate program. Taylor has recently completed statistical analysis training with the program, which she looks forward to utilizing for future projects.
Alexa Aquino Patient Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients Point of Contact Head of Professional Development Committee Major inBiology: Physiology and Neurobiology and Public Health Science University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Alexa Aquino joined the RAP-EMCC program in January of 2022. She looks forward to learning more about clinical research methodology, as well as interacting with patients and health professionals in a hospital setting. She is currently involved in the CCRU Direct Discharge Study. Apart from RAP-EMCC, Alexa is an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Principles of Genetics course at UMD. She spent a year as an analytical writing intern for CEEJH at the UMD School of Public Health. Alexa is certifiedAle as a nursing assistant and hopes to begin working soon. She is an elementary school tutor and a member of the Filipino Cultural Association at UMD. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, reading, thrifting, and playing the guitar.
Yiting Lin Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prospective Study Point of Contact Archives Committee Writer Major inBiology: Physiology and Neurobiology Minor in Public Leadership and Public Policy University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD Yiting joined the RAP-EMCC program in January of 2022 in order to gain clinical experience and explore the field of emergency medicine and critical care. By interacting directly with patients and healthcare professionals, she will be able to work with the team in order to improve care outcomes for patients. Yiting is currently participating in the vasopressor length retrospective study. At the University of Maryland, Yiting also conducts research on drug delivery systems and is involved in Partners in Health. In her free time, Yiting enjoys hiking and traveling with her family.
Isha Vashee Head of Website Committee Archives Committee Writer Major inBiochemistry Minor in Spanish University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD-PhD
Isha joined the research associate program to connect the research aspect of medicine with patient interaction, as well as learn more about all that emergency medicine entails. Isha is currently part of the diffuse axonal injury retrospective project. Outside of research, she volunteer in an off-campus neurology clinic and is involved in the Design Cultures and Creativity program at UMD. Isha also loves being a part of UMD's pre-medical chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon. In her free time, Isha enjoys traveling, crafting, and playing tennis.
Jacob Epstein Co-Head of Statistical and Data Analysis Committee Archives Committee Writer Major inBiology: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD-PhD Jacob joined the RAP-EMCC program in January of 2022 in order to gain experience working directly with patients and exploring the field of emergency medicine and critical care. Currently, Jacob has been assigned to the CCRU Direct Discharge Project. Jacob enjoys reading, lifting, and learning new ways to brew coffee in his free time.
Claire Perry Co-Head of Statistical and Data Analysis Committee Patient Centered Sedation Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma Patients: Point of Contact for non-traumatic brain injuries (Non-TBI) Major inMolecular and Cellular Biology, Biophysics Minor in Computer Science Johns Hopkins University, College Park '26
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Claire joined RAP-EMCC to help find ways to improve patients’ experiences and explore the field of emergency medicine. She looks forward to gaining research experience and expanding her clinical and research skills. In her free time, she enjoys watching sci-fi movies, creating digital art and animation and drinking coffee.
Aamna Cheema Head of Research Committee Major inBiological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Aamna Cheema is an undergraduate student majoring in Physiology & Neurobiology at the University of Maryland. Aamna joined the RAP-EMCC because the hands-on approach of RAP-EMCC intrigued her, as it would enhance her abilities, fine-tune her skill sets, and allow her to think critically and compassionately as she pursues a career in medicine. Outside of the hospital, Aamna is a medical assistant and scribe for a primary care practice. In her free time, Aamna enjoys spending time with her family (she is a middle child with two sisters), tutoring kids, reading, and making memes for her friends and classmates to enjoy!
Jasjot Sayal Co-Head of Membership Committee Major inPublic Health Science University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
I joined RAP-EMCC because I want to dive deeper into the clinical research realm at a top hospital in the US. I wish to implement clinical research findings into my EMT position, as well as get a feel on how physicians use clinical research in their daily practice. I also want to work alongside high academic achievers and top physicians to partake in cutting edge research that is slowly accelerating the boundaries of medicine in our era.
Anna Shaw Co-Head of Membership Committee Major inBiological Sciences: Cell Biology and Genetics Minor in Humanities, Health, and Medicine University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Anna is an undergraduate sophomore at the University of Maryland and a new Research Associate. She looks forward to becoming involved in meta-analyses and any other projects she joins along the way! In addition to RAP-EMCC, she is a volunteer EMT and a part of One Tent Health, an organization that offers free HIV testing in high-risk areas in Washington, D.C. In her free time, she loves listening to music, playing electric bass, working out in the gym, or spending time with her friends!
Riya Raikar Patient Centered Sedation Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma Patients: Point of Contact for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) Major inBiological Sciences: General Biology University of Maryland, College Park '26
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Riya joined the RAP-EMCC program to learn more about clinical research and gain experience in patient interaction. She looks forward to learning more about the field of emergency medicine and critical care. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and trying out new recipes.
Roya Tehrani Head of Archives Committee Major inPublic Health Science (BS/MPH combined program) University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
I joined RAP-EMCC because I wanted to gain experiences in clinical research and direct patient interaction, while making meaningful contributions to medicine by being a part of a team that aims to improve the emergency medicine and critical care patient experience. In my free time, I like to run, swim, explore new hiking trails, and be out in nature. A fun fact about me is that I am a medical scribe in an emergency department.
Eric Yang Group Leader Major inNeuroscience University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Eric joined RAP-EMCC because he wanted to learn more about how clinical research is conducted and gain more exposure to different healthcare environments. In his free time, Eric likes to lift weights and go on hikes. Fun fact: Eric has family in Taiwan and Japan!
Sneha Kuppireddy Group Leader Major inCellular Biology and Genetics Minor in Computer Science and Human Development University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Sneha joined RAP-EMCC to connect the gap between her passion for research and clinical experience, as well as apply her computer science skills to statistical analysis and retrospective studies. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and running!
Abigail Kim Research Associate Major inBioengineering Minor in Computer Science University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Abigail is a junior Bioengineering major at the University of Maryland, College Park. She joined the RAP-EMCC program to gain experience in clinical research and learn more about the field of emergency medicine and critical care. She looks forward to working at UMMC and interacting directly with patients as well as developing new data analysis skills. She is currently involved in the ED management and sICH outcomes retrospective study. In her free time, Abigail enjoys drawing and animating, hiking with her family, and trying out dairy-free baking recipes (due to her allergies).
Madison Moran Research Associate Major inPublic Health Science University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: PA
Madison Moran is a junior undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park campus working towards her degree in Public Health Science. Following graduation, she will be attending PA school with the goal of working with women and children. Within RAP-EMCC, she is looking forward to advancing her research analysis skills, as well as patient interaction abilities. Madison is excited to have the opportunity to complete retrospective studies and is looking forward to the mentorship that the program offers. Outside of the classroom, Madison enjoys volunteering in a Special Care Nursery, participating in cycling classes, and taking trips to the beach.
Ameen Elhamdani Research Associate Major inBiological Sciences: Microbiology Minor in Computer Science University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD
I was interested in joining RAP-EMCC because I am Interested in expanding my knowledge of the intricacies of emergency medicine, to explore ways to improve patient comfort and survivability, and to develop skills pertinent to research in the clinical realm. I'm a live-in firefighter and EMT in Rockville, Maryland, and in my free time I enjoy fixing and riding my motorcycle when the weather is nice, working out and watching docuserieses on Netflix.
Angie Chan Research Associate Major inBiological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD
I was interested in joining the RAP EMCC program because I was inspired by the program's mission in providing students with valuable clinical and research exposure in the fields of Emergency Medicine and critical care. Furthermore, I anticipate the opportunity to engage with patients and healthcare professionals, with the aim of broadening the scope of clinical research findings. In my free time I like to explore new cafes, watch crime documentaries, and go on spontaneous adventures with friends! A fun fact about me is that I was a social media manager for a NFL player.
Anandita Gaur Research Associate Major inBiological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology Minor in Human Development Minor in Science, Technology, Ethics & Policy (STEP) University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
I was interested in joining RAP-EMCC because I would love to be able to combine research with clinical patient interactions. Though I've done translational research in the past, being able to collect data from patients myself and then expand upon it through analysis and scientific writing seems like the perfect all-encompassing research opportunity. I think this is the kind of research that would primarily interest me in the future, and RAP-EMCC would prepare me well for my career as a physician-researcher. Outside of RAP-EMCC, I enjoy cooking, reading, and listening to music in my free time!
Kavya Rajaram Research Associate Major inBiological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology Minor in Philosophy University of Maryland, College Park '24
Pre-Professional Track: MD
I joined RAP-EMCC because I plan on pursuing a career in emergency medicine, specifically trauma surgery! I enjoy patient interaction and am excited to gain more experience in performing and collaborating on clinical research with my peers and members in the healthcare field. In my free time, I play tennis and the piano, cook, and listen to music! Fun fact: I lived in Mumbai until the age of 3!
Matthew Williams Research Associate Major inBiological Sciences: Microbiology Minor in Science, Technology, Ethics, and Public Policy (STEP) University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD
As a member of RAP-EMCC, I plan to expand my clinical research experience and have an opportunity to engage in direct patient interactions in a hospital environment. In my free time, I like to hike, fish, bike; pretty much anything out in nature. I also really enjoy watching sports, particularly football, college basketball, and Formula 1. I also love to kick field goals in my free time, and plan to participate in Maryland Football’s walk-on tryouts in the fall! That leads into my fun fact: I can kick a 60-yard field goal!
Samira Mudd Research Associate B.A. in Government and Politics B.S. in Chemistry University of Maryland, College Park ‘23 Master's of Public Policy University of Maryland, College Park ‘24
Pre-Professional Track: MD Samira became interested in RAP-EMCC because it allows students to learn about the unique and effective practices of the CCRU and gives them the ability to assist in projects which can help health care workers improve treatment plans for both patient and practitioner benefit. In her free time, she enjoys exploring D.C., going to concerts, and learning pottery. A fun fact about her is that she will be getting two kittens soon.
Japneet Singh CCRU Study Point of Contact Research Associate B.S. in Physiology/Neurobiology Minor in Spanish University of Maryland, College Park ‘23
Pre-Professional Track: MD Japneet is an alumna of the University of Maryland, College Park. Her commitment to advancing her knowledge in emergency medicine led her to join the research associate program, where she could actively collaborate with patients and their healthcare teams. Passionate about mitigating healthcare disparities, Japneet aspires to work closely with both diverse immigrant communities and children in the future. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and working out!
Jasmine Saluja Research Associate Major in Physiology/Neurobiology Minor in Sociology University of Maryland, College Park ‘27
Pre-Professional Track: MD Jasmine Saluja is a freshman neurobiology and physiology major, sociology minor on the pre-medical track at the University of Maryland, College Park. She joined the RAP-EMCC program in January 2023 and looks forward to getitng a first hand experience working with patients and conducting research. Outside of research she is involved as a EMT, volunteers at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Shock and Trauma center, and is a memeber of UMD's pre-medical chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon. In her free time, she enjoys working out and hanging out with friends.
Jay Putcha Research Associate Major in Cellular Biology and Genetics University of Maryland, College Park ‘27
Pre-Professional Track: MD Jay is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland College park and is in the Integrated Life Sciences Honors program. He joined RAP EMCC in order to gain experience working in a clinical setting as well as learn about ways in which scientific studies are carried out. He is looking forward to working with other students and members within the program to further his research skills and interact with patients. His hobbies include playing basketball and soccer and going on long walks while listening to music!
Rahil Haider Research Associate Major in Physiology/Neurobiology Minor in Computer Science University of Maryland, College Park ‘27
Pre-Professional Track: MD Rahil is a freshman at the University of Maryland, and plans on graduating with a major in Neurobiology and Physiology and a minor in Computer Science. He joined the RAP-EMCC program in order to contribute to the improvement of emergency medicine, connect his passions for research and patient interaction, and work with a driven research team. In his free time, he loves to play soccer, cook new foods, and lift weights!
Rohan Vanga Research Associate Major in Cellular Biology and Genetics Minor in Data Science University of Maryland, College Park ‘27
Pre-Professional Track: MD Rohan is a freshman Cell Biology major at the University of Maryland, College Park. He joined the RAP-EMCC program to gain experience in clinical research and get exposed to the field of critical care in emergency medicine. He looks forward to working directly with patients as well as developing new data analysis skills while at UMMC. In his free time, Rohan enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, and listening to music.
Nathaniel Mearns-Escobar Research Associate Major in Neuroscience University of Maryland, College Park ‘27
Pre-Professional Track: MD Nateniel joined RAP-EMCC to further explore the world of medicine and gain experience in clinical-related research. He hopes to develop his research skills and learn more about the healthcare environment. Outside of RAP-EMCC, he is a volunteer coordinator and shadows orthopedic surgeries. A fun fact about him is that he competitively trains submission grappling in Rockville, MD.
Madeline Semler Research Associate Major in Biochemistry University of Maryland, College Park ‘26
Pre-Professional Track: MD Maddie joined RAP-EMCC to be involved with clinical research, specifically with emergency medicine, and to experience interaction with patients and hospital stuff. Maddie is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland majoring in Biochemistry, and she is involved in many campus activities. She is a member of UMD's pre-medical chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon, as well as a dancer and choreographer with UMD's Unbound Dance Team. In her free time, she loves going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, playing board games, and playing with her three dogs!
Shirin Haan Research Associate Major in Chemical Engineering University of Maryland, College Park ‘26
Pre-Professional Track: MD Shirin is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland studying chemical engineering. She joined RAP-EMCC to pursue her passion for medicine and patient experience. Outside of the hospital, she is a researcher at a lab exploring drug delivery methods to prevent pre-term birth. She is also a volunteer at America Reads. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating, crocheting, and visiting art museums. Shirin is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland studying chemical engineering. She joined RAP-EMCC to pursue her passion for medicine and patient experience. Outside of the hospital, she is a researcher at a lab exploring drug delivery methods to prevent pre-term birth. She is also a volunteer at America Reads. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating, crocheting, and visiting art museums.