Our Team and Mentees

Dr. Félix E. Rivera-Mariani

Founder, Director, Principal Investigator

Dr. Rivera-Mariani is a multifaceted scientist with diverse expertise encompassing immunology, microbiology, exposure science, and computational biology. His primary research focus revolves around reevaluating and challenging paradigms in assessing immunological and respiratory health risks within environmental and occupational contexts, all aiming to enhance respiratory well-being in society. In addition to his research, Dr. Rivera-Mariani is dedicated to educating the next generation of scientists, covering subjects such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, and various public health topics.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani's academic journey is marked by a remarkable trajectory, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, which he pursued on an athletic scholarship at Southeastern Louisiana University. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Medical Zoology from the School of Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship in Environmental Health Sciences at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. He also acquired a Science Teaching Fellowship from the American Society for Microbiology.

Notably, Dr. Rivera-Mariani is an advocate for scientific reproducibility, evident through his specialized training in Data Science, Genomic Data Sciences, Executive Data Science, Software Development, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics from esteemed institutions like Johns Hopkins University, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, and the University of California at San Diego. His proficiency extends to programming languages such as R, Python, and Matlab.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani's vision for the RIPLRT Institute involves leading projects and fostering collaborations where the team's expertise can be leveraged to investigate the intricate immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying respiratory health risks stemming from exposure to diverse airborne biological pollutants of varying chemical origins in different environmental settings. Within the RIPLRT, he is equally dedicated to mentoring students and emerging researchers, guiding them through the intricate pathways of scientific inquiry, and offering career coaching for those exploring professional opportunities within or beyond the academic realm. (For more information, click here)

Mentees

Lorraine N. Vélez-Torres, PhD, MPH

Mentee

Lorraine eared a Ph.D. (2023) from the Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. She earned her master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology in 2015, identifying the risk factors affecting residents' quality of life in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. In 2014, she earned a double major in industrial microbiology and biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. During her undergraduate education, she worked in the Symbiosis Laboratory of Dr. Cafaro, investigating the antifungal capacity of Actinobacteria associated with the exoskeleton of the termite Nasutitermes costalis. She’s currently working on her research thesis at the Mycology Laboratory of Dr. Bolaños, studying the effect of Hurricane María on the indoor concentration of fungi and the health outcomes of the habitants.

She’s the President of the Microbiology Chapter of her campus, where she promotes and organizes professional and educative outreach activities for the community. Outside academia, Lorraine enjoys dancing salsa, visiting new restaurants, and kayaking.

Because Dr. Rivera-Mariani is Lorraine's thesis committee member, she was invited to complete a one-week training with the RIPLRT to learn the different human-based immunological approaches we implement in environmental health studies. Also, she trained on experimental planning and design, project management and execution, and data management and analysis we implement when deploying human-based immunological approaches to study the respiratory health risks resulting from human exposure to air pollution. Lorraine will implement the skill sets she will learn with the RIPLRT in her thesis studies.

Xaymara Herndández-González

Mentee

Xaymara is from a small town (Humacao) located on the east coast of Puerto Rico. She completed a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao. During her undergraduate years, she had the opportunity to participate in research investigations trying to isolate potential antimicrobial-producing bacteria and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. She was part of the Student Microbiology Chapter and the American Student Medical Association. Right now, Xaymara is a third-year graduate student at the University Of Puerto Rico-Medical and Science Campus. She is completing an M.S. in Microbiology and Medical Zoology. Currently, she is working on her thesis project at the Mycology Laboratory of Dr. Benjamin Bolanos. Her thesis investigations focus on investigating the role of aeroallergens, such as pollen and fungal spores in the susceptibility to acquired Covid-19.

During the past three years, she had the opportunity to collaborate on the project "Taking a breath after Hurricane Maria," taking air samples from water-damaged houses and identifying fungus captured from the air samples. Also, she is working on analyzing data from air samples captured from houses located in the community of Pinones in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Currently, she is part of the directive of the Microbiology Chapter at the UPR-RCM and is the representative of the master's students on the graduate committee. Besides academia, Xaymara enjoys exercising, doing road trips, and reading. Xaymara recently defended her M.S. thesis.

Dr. Sukeina “Suki” Nasser

Dr. Sukeina Nasar (Suki) is a highly skilled pharmacist with expertise in medication therapy management (MTM) and a strong interest in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). Through her dedication to patient-centered care and a commitment to professional growth, Sukeina is driven to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Larkin University College of Pharmacy and is licensed as a pharmacist in Florida and Michigan. She carries an additional license as a consultant pharmacist in Florida. Suki engages in ongoing education and remains actively involved in her field, obtaining various certifications in diabetes management, prior authorization, medication therapy management, and managed care pharmacy.

Currently working as a Clinical Pharmacist at Optum, Suki has demonstrated abilities in leading MTM consults with patients, caregivers, nurses, and physicians. Through comprehensive analysis of patient medication profiles, she identifies opportunities for improved adherence, optimized drug utilization, and cost-effective recommendations. Her ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients and healthcare providers enables her to engage with diverse populations.

In addition to her professional achievements, Suki is committed to community outreach and involvement. She serves as a member of BasBlue’s Community Committee, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals in Detroit through programming, scholarship, and mentorship opportunities. During her tenure as President and Founding Member of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) student chapter at Larkin University, she established a platform for students to gain knowledge, experience, and connections in the managed care industry, and she remains an active member of AMCP today.

With her diverse skill set, passion for healthcare, and desire to transition into the HEOR space, Sukeina is poised to contribute significantly to advancing patient care, health outcomes, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Past Mentees

  • Ana Pérez. Ana Perez is originally from Cuba. She graduated from the University of Florida (UF) in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She also worked on an animal neuroanatomy research project at Miami Dade College and co-authored a publication about Microbiology in agriculture at UF. She is currently a Medical Scribe and a Hospice volunteer. She obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2022 and was a member of the RIPLRT during the fall of 2021 and early spring of 2022. Ana is currently in the application cycle for Med School.

  • Adria Guajardo (Graduate Research Assistant 2019 - 2020) is originally from Texas, she obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2020. She was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2019 and spring of 2020. Adria is seeking to become a Physician Assistant.

  • Ariel Stateman obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2018. She was among the founders of the RIPLRT: was a member and co-leader in 2018. She is currently a Research Associate in the state of Illinois.

  • Bhavikkumar Patel obtained his M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2020. Vik was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2019. Vik is currently in Pharmacy School.

  • Brie is from a small beach town called Gulf Breeze, FL, and is a graduate of the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program at Larkin University (class of 2021). She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. She obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021 and was a member and leader of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021. Brie is currently in DO School.

  • Chevine, from Miami, FL, is a graduate from the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program at Larkin University (class of 2021). Chevine earned a B.S. in Chemistry, specialized in Biochemistry at Barry University. She obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021, and was a member of the RIPLRT during the faLL of 2020 and spring of 2021. Chevine is in the application cycle for Med School.

  • Christian Ramos. Christian, from Miami, FL, is a first generation student of Hispanic descent. During his time at the RIPLRT (fall of 2020 to spring of 2021), we was one of the co-leaders He recently graduated from our M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021, and is currently in Med School.

  • Donna Oh (Graduate Research Assistant 2019 - 2020) was a former co-leader in the RIPLRT from the fall of 2019 to spring of 2020, and she is originally from Anchorage, Alaska. She obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2019, and she is currently in DO School.

  • Henna is from Central Valley California. She grew up in a small town known as Bakersfield. She obtained her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021, and she was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Henna is currently in Dental School.

  • Karoline Karoline is from Fort Lauderdale, FL. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology and obtained an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021, and she was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Karoline is enrolled in PA school.

  • Krystal is a first generation American of West Indian heritage. From Plantation, Florida, she earned her B.A in Biology, earned an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021, and and she was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Krystal is currently in Med School.

  • Hayat, from Detroit, Michigan, is also a graduate from the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2018. Hayat was a member of the RIPLRT from 2017 to 2020: from 2019 to 2020, she became the lab manager. She continue to work in healthcare, and she is seeking to become a Physician Assistant.

  • Joshua Baguley is originally from Indonesia, a former co-leader of the RIPLRT (2018-2019), worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and he is currently in DO School.

  • Kylie Dagiuo (Graduate Research Assistant 2019 - 2020) is originally from Hawaii, and she was a member of the RIPLRT from 2019 to 2020. Kylia is currently in DO school!

  • Naziba Nuha (Summer Intern - 2019) is a former summer intern, and she is currently a junior at Nova Southeastern University and she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry.

  • Nicole Benavides (Graduate Research Assistant 2019 - 2020) was a former co-leader in the RIPLRT (spring of 2019 to fall of 2020), and is originally from Virginia. Nicole is currently pharmacy School.

  • Ruslan graduated from the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2018), and was a member of the RIPLRT from 2018 to 2019. Ruslan is currently in Dental School.

  • Shandra Bellinger graduated with an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2018) and was a member of the RIPLRT in 2018. She recently completed her MD and is currently in her specialist fellowship.

  • Shana Zadron is originally from Afghanistan and moved at a young age to the US. Shandra was a member of the RIPLRT from the fall of 2019 to the spring of 2020. Currently, Shandra is in Med School.

  • Stevanie is a native of Florida, from the Fort Lauderdale area. She obtained an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021, and she was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Stevanie is currently in Med School.

  • Summer Pellechio was a research assistant for the RIPLRT throughout 2019. Summer is currently in Physician Assistant School.

  • Summer, from Flint, Michigan, earned her B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University while completing her dental school prerequisites. She obtained an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences in 2021 and was a member of the RIPLRT in the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021. Summer is currently enrolled in dental school.

  • Tanha Rahman (Summer Intern - 2019). Similar to Naziba, Tanha is also an undergraduate (third-year) student at Nova Southeastern University. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Biology (pre-medicine track) with a minor in International Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Currently, she is in the MD/MPH program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, class of 2027.