Collegia President

Hello everyone! My name is Lia Krawiec. I grew up in Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. I spent my gap year working as a dialysis technician. That experience sparked my interest in chronic disease management and patient care, and I am currently exploring specialties with a particular interest in subspecializing in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. At USF, I enjoy volunteering at free clinics and am involved in PLEXUS, MSAA, and the Nutrition Research and Health Scholarly Concentration. Outside of school, I love working out and taking walks around Tampa. I also enjoy my free time with friends. I look forward to being more involved with the Collegia Program and getting to know everyone!

Collegia Director

Aksheta Kanuganti is a medical student at the USF Morsani College of Medicine with a background in biomedical engineering from Dartmouth College. Her interests lie at the intersection of medicine, research, and quality improvement, with experience in orthopedic surgery, surgical outcomes, oncology, and biomaterials research. Outside of medicine, Aksheta enjoys dance, spending time with her family and friends, and being with her dog, Roxy. She hopes to continue learning from her mentors and peers while contributing thoughtfully to patient-centered research and care.

Collegia Events Director, MD

Collegia Events Director, PA

Hi everyone! My name is Wynn Everly and I am a PA-S1 from Orlando, FL. I graduated from Florida State University where I majored in Psychology and minored in Chemistry. I am open to almost any specialty, but I really love surgery and tend to lean towards plastic or orthopedic surgery! I am passionate about volunteering both locally and internationally. In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, traveling, running, and reading. I so look forward to meeting everyone!

Collegia Treasurer

Hello! My name is Frances Perez, and I have lived in Tampa for most of my life. I continued my education at the University of South Florida, where I earned my degree in Microbiology. I am currently exploring different specialties and am not set on any one specialty just yet. Outside of school, I love playing pickleball and unwinding with a good movie. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and look forward to helping coordinate the Collegia events this year. Go Bulls!

Chair, Bourne

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Merrill, and I am a MS1 from Sarasota, FL. I went to the University of Florida for undergrad where I majored in biochemistry. I took one gap year working as a dermatology medical assistant before starting medical school here. I am currently the vice president of the Internal Medicine Interest Group and one of the course liaisons for the class of 2029. I plan on pursuing a career in internal medicine, but I am undecided on whether I want to do a fellowship or work as a hospitalist. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing guitar (not very well), and spending time with my cat. I’m looking forward to leading the best Collegia here at MCOM

Chair, Debakey

Hi everyone! My name is Hope Kerr and I'm originally from Baltimore, MD. I graduated from Boston University and worked in business analytics before transitioning to medicine. Here at MCOM, I volunteer with BRIDGE and Ybor Youth Clinic, and am also involved with AMWA, PLEXUS, and Medical Student Admissions Ambassadors. Outside of class, I enjoy biking, traveling, attending live music events and cooking with my friends.

Chair, Farmer

Hi everyone! My name is Brennan Fahey, I am an MS2 from the California Bay Area. I went to undergrad at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and after graduating with a B.S. in Biological Sciences I spent two gap years working as an ophthalmic technician. I am the AAMC Representative for the class of 2029, co-president of the Psychiatry Interest Coalition, and the president of USF MCOM’s Rock Docs Climbing Club (come to one of our rock-climbing sessions – all skill levels welcome!). In my spare time I enjoy weightlifting, cooking, and making espresso. Can’t wait to meet you guys!

Chair, Galen

Hi everyone! My name is Haydn Fitzgerald and I grew up in Sammamish, Washington. I studied biology and Spanish at Creighton University and then spent 9 months working in Madrid during my gap year. At MCOM, I have been involved in the International Health Service Collaborative, Share, and internal medicine research so far. Outside of school, I love going on long walks and traveling. I'm excited to meet the new class!

Chair, Hippocrates

Hello everyone! My name is Ethan Chen, and I am an MS1 from Sunnyvale, California. I went to the University of California, Los Angeles for undergrad where I majored in Biology. After graduating, I worked as a medical scribe, completed a master's in Global Health Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, and did research at the VA. I am currently involved with class council, Tampa Bay Street Medicine and the various free clinics here at USF, and my scholarly concentration in International Medicine. Outside of school, I enjoy lifting, playing sports, and listening to and playing music. I’m looking forward to meeting all of our incoming M1s and making USF feel like home!

Chair, Koch

Hi everyone! My name is Louis McCracken, and I am an MS2 from Salt Lake City, Utah! I went to USF for undergraduate, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Currently, I'm most interested in pursuing a surgical specialty. At MCOM, I'm involved with the Christian Medical and Dental Association, Project World Health, and the Point-of-Care Ultrasound Interest Group. I love playing piano/guitar, hiking, and really anything to do with the outdoors. I'm looking forward to a great year!

Chair, Lower

Hi everyone! My name is Anna and I am the Lower chair this year. I’m from Cocoa Beach FL and graduated from University of Florida in 2023. I then took two gap years working as a scribe in the emergency room before matriculating. Here at USF I’m involved in MCOM run club and EMIG. I found my best friends in Lower last year and am so excited to help incoming students do the same. Go bulls!

Chair, Osler

Hi! My name is Victoria Lahey, and I am an MS1 born and raised in Tampa, FL! I am a proud University of South Florida alum, where I graduated with my degree in Biomedical Sciences. I am currently interested in pediatrics. I love going to the beach to watch the sunset, game nights with friends, and trying new latte recipes! As always…Go Osler and Go Bulls!!

Chair, Paracelsus