Pathology and Cell Biology
Current Residents
Please visit the links to our resident profiles to learn about their backgrounds and interests and more about our vibrant program. If you need any additional information, please contact our program administrator.
Contact Information
Evita Henderson-Jackson, MD
Program Director
(813) 745-1183
Nicole Riddle, MD
Associate Program Director
(813) 844-7431
Michelle Burnham
Academic Services Administrator
(813) 396-2515
Class of 2027
Marci Crowley, MD
Hometown: Land O' Lakes, Florida
Medical School: USF Health MCOM
Field of Interest: GI/Liver Pathology
Why USF: This program is unique in that you can explore many different practice settings. We rotate at an academic cancer center, Moffitt, a VA hospital, and at a private practice that is at the academic hospital, Tampa General. I also had a positive experience rotating as a medical student and love living in Tampa.
Hobbies: I enjoy doing anything involving the water such as swimming, kayaking, wake-surfing, and fishing. I maintain a small garden that includes a butterfly garden in the summer. You will find me at a Tampa theme park at least once a month. We have Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, the Florida Aquarium and Zoo Tampa. I also recently started swing dancing!
Alexandra Mease, MD
Hometown: Nazareth, PA
Medical School: USF Health MCOM
Field of Interest: Forensics and Neuropathology
Why USF: USF offers a diverse resident training experience in a wide variety of practice settings. One of which is the county’s outstanding medical examiner’s office, which is ideal for anyone interested in forensic pathology. The program is small, but this allows you more one on one time with attendings, and an opportunity for more individualized learning. The residents are easy to get along with, and the faculty are eager to teach. Being in the city of Tampa is a huge bonus, there is always something to do. I am so happy I ended up at USF!
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy playing pickle ball or spending time with my two dogs, Daisy and Darwin. I also love to foster dogs for a local rescue when I have the time. On the weekends you can find me at one of the many great restaurants in Tampa.
Jamie Rogers, DO
Hometown: Cary, NC
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
Field of Interest: Surgical pathology
Why USF: I was fortunate enough to do an elective rotation here and view, first-hand, why USF. I appreciated the different learning exposures provided at USF, with rotations at TGH, James Haley VA, Moffitt, and the Medical Examiner's office. This was one of the factors that stood out about this program. The friendliness between residents and everyone’s willing to always lend a hand is also a great aspect of this program.
Hobbies: Tennis, pickleball, interior design projects
Class of 2026
Joseph Leonard, MD
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Field of Interest: Molecular Pathology and Dermatopathology
Why USF: I just got the distinct impression that the residents and faculty where all happy to be there. It seemed like the culture was very accepting and cheerful which I found very attractive. In addition, the facilities and fellowship opportunities were very impressive. All around it just seemed like the perfect program to me.
Hobbies: I like to explore coffee shops with my wife, garden, cook/bake (my wife is better at both), and read.
Myles McCrary, MD
Hometown: Taipei, TW; Sarasota FL; Atlanta GA
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine
Field of interest: Dermatopathology, soft tissue/bone, surgical pathology
Why USF: Well-rounded and resident focused curriculum, great city with awesome people, also close to family.
Hobbies: Baking, biking, running
Sara Niyazi, DO
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton
Field of interest: Hematopathology, Breast Pathology, Liver & Gastrointestinal Pathology
Why USF: I love the community within the USF system! I attended USF for my undergraduate studies and had a wonderful experience. After completing a visiting rotation at Tampa General, I knew that USF would offer high-quality training with residents and doctors who I admire and love working with. I also was drawn to USF for the variety of cases and for the opportunities to work in different locations and settings.
Hobbies: I enjoy running, horseback riding, indoor rowing, creating blackout poetry, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets.
Class of 2025
Frank Boyd, MD
Hometown: Naples, FL
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Field of Interest: Renal Pathology
Why USF: Exposure to multiple different practice settings and the accompanying range of specimens. All pathology services can operate independently without residents, meaning everything you do is in your educational interest.
Hobbies: Computer networking, listening to music, relaxing at home
Luther Fleury, MD
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Medical School: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Field of interest: Forensic Pathology (at the moment)
Why USF: I am an alumnus of USF and have only heard great things about the USF Path program. Had a great experience in Tampa, closer to home/family.
Hobbies: Nothing specific at the moment, but have been interested in Theology, Christian Hip Hop, Battle Rap, Star Trek (currently on Voyager), Theater (I like watching plays)
Serene Mostafa, MD
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
Field of interest: Breast Pathology
Why USF: USF offered a program comparable to large name universities with regards to specimens and education with the addition of a resident-centered curriculum. Though they do make good pathologists, they also make great people.
Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, crochet, raising chickens, crosswords
Class of 2024
Diane Carr, DO
Hometown: Temple, TX
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Field of Interest: Cytopathology
Why USF: I chose USF because of the diversity available in training. It offered the chance to train in multiple settings with a wide variety of specimen types making me both well-rounded and prepared for any future pathology position I may encounter. In addition, as a former military spouse and Veterans Administration employee it was important to me to attend a residency program with an affiliation where I would have the opportunity to continue to serve that patient population in some capacity. I came first as a rotating medical student and loved the location, the city, the sunshine, and most importantly the people here. The opportunity to train with them in this location is an honor.
Hobbies: Clog Dancing, Roller Skating/Derby, Mom of 3, Lover of Sci-fi (child named after Battlestar Galactica character), Kayaking, Standup Paddle Boarding, and Hiking
Oluwatobi "Tobi" Ozoya, MD
Hometown: Born in Lagos, Nigeria and now a Tampa Bay local
Medical School: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) College of Health Sciences
Field of Interest: Not yet decided
Why USF: USF was recommended by a friend who completed graduate studies here. I also got accepted for graduate studies and had a great time. USF is like a family. It's vibrant, multicultural, and perfectly placed in Tampa.
Hobbies: Road trips, researching diverse interests
Nagehan Pakasticali, MD
Hometown: Turkey (I am also a Tampa resident)
Medical School: Istanbul University School of Medicine, Turkey
Field of Interest: Not yet decided
Why USF: Very friendly environment, one of the best programs in Florida.
Hobbies: Embroidering, wood painting, baking
Class of 2023
Nushani Jayaratne, MD
Hometown: I was born in Kandy and grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, more than half of my life I’ve lived and studied in three different continents.
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
Field of Interest: I absolutely loved almost all the rotations so far and in the process of evaluating a subspecialty for fellowship. Currently, top on the list are Hemepath, Cyto, General Surg, and GI Path
Soren Jensen, DO
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia Campus
Field of interest: Forensic Pathology
Why USF: Strong program with opportunities for all interests. Excellent resident well-being. Great city to live in.
Hobbies: Beach, working out, theme parks, cooking
Alexander "Alex" Reese, DO
Hometown: Midland, MI
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Field of Interest: Dermpath or Hemepath
Why USF: I USF for several reasons, with one of the biggest being the residents. They are laid back, easy to get along with, and willing to help. Another big reason was that we have access to every type of practice setting (VA/Government, Private, Academic/Cancer center) with world renowned attendings. This is unique to our program and allows us to get a true feel for all of the practice settings. The fact that there are so many things to do in the area and that the weather is great are two big bonuses.
Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, cars, music
Bentley Syler, MD
Hometown: Santa Cruz - Bolivia
Medical School: Universidad Cristiana de Bolivia (UCEBOL)
Field of Interest: Hematopathology and Molecular Pathology
Why USF: Excellent program culture. Variety of practice settings and cases. Good options for in-house fellowships. Beautiful warm weather, and inexpensive living costs!
Hobbies: Mixed martial arts and outdoor activities