Dr. Quincy Tran RAP-EMCC Director MD, PhD, FACEP, FCCM QTran@som.umaryland.edu
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.
Current Active Research Associates
Isha Yardi Chief Membership Committee Member Group Leader 2020 - 2021 Major: Public Health Science University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: MD/MPH
Isha’s research interests include social epidemiology, translational health policy research, and research at the intersection of clinical medicine and public health. With RAP-EMCC, she enjoys working on retrospective data studies, meta-analyses, and the program’s in-hospital prospective clinical research projects. Isha is also one of the senior research associates who trains new research associates on how to conduct quality assessments of articles in a meta-analysis using using both the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials (RoB2). Outside of RAP-EMCC, Isha is a member of Gemstone at UMD, assists with research in the School of Public Health, and is involved in public health projects on and off campus. She also serves on the Executive Board for the Journal of Young Investigators, an undergraduate student research publication, and works as a Student Coordinator at the Do Good Institute. In her free-time, Isha enjoys reading, rock climbing, and traveling with her family.
Jerry Yang Associate Chief CCRU Satisfaction Survey Prospective Study Point of Contact Archives Committee Writer 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.
Ayah Aligabi Group Leader Patient Centered Sedation Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Trauma Patients: Point of Contact for non-traumatic brain injuries (non-TBI) Major: Biology Minor: Psychology University of Maryland, Baltimore County '22
Pre-Professional Track: MD/PhD
Ayah Aligabi’s research interests include Neurology, Biology, and Biomechanics. Within the research associate program, she enjoys working together with other associates on retrospective studies and getting the opportunity to interact with patients for clinical studies. Outside of the hospital, Ayah is an award-funded researcher working on a novel project to discover a link between neurology and the immune system in Drosophila melanogaster. She spends the remainder of her time volunteering as an ESOL tutor, Best Buddies partner, and EMT-B. In her free time she enjoys reading, figure skating, and roller skating.
Nikki Emamian Group Leader Editor-in-Chief of Research Archives Majors (Double Degree): Biological Sciences: General and Public Health Science University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: Medicine
Nikki Emamian is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park working towards a dual degree in Biological Sciences: General and Public Health Science. Upon her future graduation in May 2023, she hopes to attend medical school! Nikki joined the RAP-EMCC team as a Research Associate in June 2021, and enjoys engaging with patients, gaining experience working on multiple retrospective projects, as well as data analysis. Outside of RAP-EMCC, Nikki is involved with an epidemiology lab at UMD’s School of Public Health, serves as the Senior Advisor for the UMD Iranian Students’ Foundation, and isa graduate of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Honors program. In her free time, Nikki enjoys mentoring refugee students in the College Park area.
Alexa Aquino Patient Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients Point of Contact 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.
Aditi Singh Head of Research Committee B.S. in Biology: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park ‘22
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Aditi graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with degrees in Neurobiology and Psychology in 2022. She is currently working as a medical assistant at a dermatology practice and has been a volunteer with the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network since 2019. She joined RAP-EMCC in June 2021 and has worked on various retrospective studies since then. She currently serves as the head of the research committee. In her free time, Aditi enjoys reading, creative writing, and knitting.
Isha Vashee Chief Web Officer 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.
Anastasia Ternovskaia Head of Statistical and Data Analysis Committee Archives Committee Writer B.S. in Biology: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park '22
Pre-Professional Track: Medicine Anastasia is a post-graduate member taking a gap year while applying to medical school. Aside from pursuing her interests in research as part of the program, she also works as a medical assistant in a gynecology office and volunteers as a tutor for incarcerated individuals as part of the Petey Greene Program. Within the program, she is currently participating in two retrospective studies by conducting data collection and statistical analysis. She serves as the Head of Statistical and Data Analysis Committee, and hopes to teach other members on the process of data collection and analysis so they are able to expand their professional skill set. In her free time, she is an avid tennis player and tennis coach and loves spending time outdoors.
Taylor Kowansky Membership Committee Co-Leader 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.
Manal Faisal Research Associate Major: Biology: Neurobiology and Physiology Minor: Health Humanities and Medicine University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Manal Faisal is one of the new members of the Research Associate for the Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Research Associate Program. She is currently a rising junior at the University of Maryland, College Park majoring in Biology with a concentration in Neurobiology and Physiology and minoring in Health, Humanities, & Medicine on the pre-medical track. She is one step away from becoming a certified Emergency Medical Technician and hopes to begin working soon. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone in RAP-EMCC and becoming involved with projects. Besides research and school, she likes to spend her free time experimenting with baking. She enjoys baking various desserts and selling them around the community during the summer time.
Saad Pirzada Membership Committee Co-Leader Research Associate Major: Biology: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: MD-PhD
Saad Pirzada is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in biological sciences with a specialization in neurobiology and physiology. His interests are at the intersection of cognition, health literacy disparities, and technology. In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing basketball, watching sports, and cooking.
Jacob Epstein 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.
Vainavi Gambhir Research Associate Major inBiology: Physiology and Neurobiology University of Maryland, College Park '25
Pre-Professional Track: MD Vainavi Gambhir joining the RAP-EMCC program in January of 2022 for the unique opportunity to gain mentorship under UMSOM faculty and develop a strong foundation in clinical research. Currently, Vainavi is part of the diffuse axonal injury retrospective project. Beyond the classroom, she is a certified children's yoga instructor and Madhubani folk artist, and enjoys developing these skills in her spare time. Additionally, she is trilingual and has lived across the globe in Oregon, Chengdu, California, Shanghai, Singapore, and Maryland.
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).
Tesia Shi Research Associate Research Committee Member Major inPsychology and Biology University of Maryland, College Park '23
Pre-Professional Track: TBD
After prior basic science research experiences, Tesia was interested in exploring clinical research and examining how data could more directly improve patient care. Tesia is currently involved in the VV ECMO project! In her free time, she enjoys going on walks and munching on bagels.
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.
Kaitlyn Tang Research Associate Major: Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics Minors: Nonprofit Leadership and Spanish University of Maryland, College Park '22
Pre-Professional Track: MD
Kaitlyn is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. Upon graduating, she plans to take a gap year before attending medical school to become a pediatrician. In the future, she hopes to serve on the Board of Directors of a nonprofit that works towards achieving pediatric health equity. Kaitlyn recently joined the Research Associate Program in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine to further expand her clinical research experience. She is eager to contribute to projects with the team and learn more about the world of emergency medicine. Aside from academics and research, her interests include mentoring elementary school students with the Maryland Reading Program, learning about new cultures, videography, and cooking Vietnamese food with her mother and grandma.
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.
Aamna Cheema Research Associate 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!
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!
Claire Perry Research Associate 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.
Riya Raikar Research Associate 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.
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!
Anna Shaw Research Associate 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!
Jasjot Sayal Research Associate 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.
Roya Tehrani Research Associate 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.
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!
Eric Yang Research Associate 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 Research Associate 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!
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 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!