Meet some of the Class of 2026! These students are a diverse, talented, and dedicated group of individuals with various backgrounds, goals, and aspirations. Here are some of their stories and advice for future PA students! Check back throughout the year as we continue to post more of our student profiles!
Name: Kathleen Niedermeier
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience; Spanish.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I worked as an aide in assisted living and memory care, a medical assistant in various specialties, and a PCT in a hospital.
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: I chose this program for so many reasons! The program provides lots of opportunities for student education in medicine and external factors affecting healthcare both in and outside the classroom. I especially appreciate the community involvement through pre-clinical clerkships and volunteering.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: Apply early and be confident in yourself. Take time to reflect on your personal strengths and let them shine!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: I love hiking and camping -- honestly, just being outside in general!
Name: Naza Okafor
Where did you complete your undergraduate education?: I graduated from Northeastern University.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I served as a medical assistant at an Urgent Care & Wellness facility.
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: The pre-clinical clerkships offered in the didactic year were one of the biggest reasons that I chose ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. This experience is invaluable!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: Don't compare yourself to anyone else. It's hard not to but everyone has their own journey & unique qualities!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: I enjoy baking, reading thriller/mystery books and trying out new restaurants with friends and family!
Name: Priya Patel
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I attended the University of Cincinnati and earned a Bachelors in Health Sciences.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the float pool and on a GI floor, Clinical Support Assistant (CSA) in Pediatric Endocrinology, and as a Medical Assistant (MA) in Dermatology
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: The two big reasons I chose ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ were the abundance of resources and the faculty! They were so welcoming during the interview, and it felt as if they really just wanted to get to know me as an individual, even amongst all the applicants. Also, they really do welcome constructive feedback and implement it to make things even better for the next cohort. Additionally, the resources here are endless, from the simulation center to the whiteboard walls, they really have it all!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: My biggest piece of advice I can offer is to never compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their journey in life going at their own pace, and it is not a race.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: Cooking, baking, reading, traveling, working out, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family.
Name: Clara Riggio
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Exercise Science.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I worked as a medical assistant for a dermatology practice.
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: I chose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program because everyone I met was so supportive and welcoming at my interview, and I could tell right away how much the faculty really wanted us all to succeed. The amazing hospital affiliations and the campus facilities were also a big factor for me!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: Just be yourself and be open to change. PA school is very challenging and fast paced, and it's a huge lifestyle adjustment. I think that you will learn what study methods work best for you as you progress through the program, but don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help from classmates or professors. You aren't always going to get everything right, and that's ok because that is how we learn and grow as humans and future PAs. Also, become friends with your classmates because they will be the people you spend the most time with the next couple of years and they will become one of your best support systems!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: I love to run and do any type of athletic activity! I also really enjoy playing sand volleyball, film photography, and going to concerts with friends.
Name: Revi Semanjaku
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I went to the Loyola University Chicago and had a Biology Major and a Spanish Minor.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I worked as a Clinical Research Professional for about 8 years.
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ faculty, students, and staff made me very comfortable during my interview. They are all very relatable and down to earth people, and easy to talk to. I particularly liked the emphasis they put on students' wellbeing, both emotionally and mentally. As I current student, I feel seen and heard. It is always very reassuring to hear professors remind us that we are human first and should not forget our essence. PA school is just as hard, if not harder, than it had been described to me prior to embarking on this journey, but everyone at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has made my journey so far much more pleasant and peaceful. I am excited for the next remaining 25 months as a student at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½!
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: Come to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½! If you are someone that appreciates a well-rounded, collaborative, non-competitive and encouraging cohort/environment, this is the place for you. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ you will be reminded and reassured that you are meant to be here and be a PA. The faculty and staff are very supportive!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: I really enjoy the sea/ocean - it's my happy place. I grew up spending summer months by the sea, so every time I get the chance to travel (which I also love), I escape to my happy place. Additionally, family and friends are my biggest support system, so I try to spend as much time with them as possible and do different activities. I also play recreational volleyball; have not been in the game for a bit, but looking forward to resuming, as my PA school schedule permits. I also enjoy watching mystery and thriller movies on a lazy or rainy day.
Name: Vivian Szymanski
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I graduated from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ with a bachelors in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Cognitive Science.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I worked in a nursing home and at University Hospital’s MICU as a nursing aide.
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: I chose ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ because they have a ton of amazing academic and clinical resources and I had a lot of good conversations with the faculty during my interview.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: Be yourself and try to relax!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: Outside of PA school, I enjoy reading and going on hikes with my husband.
Name: MÃa Vargo
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I earned my BA in Cognitive Science from ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I worked as an STNA at an assisted living facility and PCNA in the float pool at a children's hospital.
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: The faculty and staff were very kind and down to earth, and the commitment to serving the community was something that aligned with my personal values. The resources at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and the Cleveland area was also something that set ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ apart.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: Make time for your hobbies and seek out experiences that interest you! Gaining PCE is important, but engaging in activities or extracurriculars that excite you will not only make your experience more enjoyable but also showcase your personality in your application.
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: I love to travel, hike, watch movies, and listen to music!
Name: Alexandria (Ally) Villeneuve
Where did you complete your undergraduate education and what degree did you earn?: I graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Kent State University.
What did you do for direct patient care experience prior to applying to PA school?: I was a medical scribe in a emergency room at a level 1 trauma center (MetroHealth) as well as a patient care nursing assistant (PCNA) for a medsurg floor (Cleveland Clinic).
What made you choose the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ PA program?: I felt as home the second I arrived for my interview. The faculty and students made me feel like I belonged from the very beginning. I also enjoyed the class size as well as how important it is to foster a collaborative environment. The community outreach aspect really hit it home for me as I am from Cleveland, so being able to give back to the people around me and it be built into our program was such a cool aspect that I didn’t find in other programs.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants?: To be yourself during your interview! They already know you’re smart enough to be at their program so let your personality shine through!
What are some of your hobbies, interests, or activities outside of PA school?: I enjoy hiking with my boyfriend and our 2 dogs! Spending time with my family and friends is super important and I love to read! I am looking forward to continue traveling the world once I’m done with school.