Meet the Team

Dr. Bharath Chakravarthy, MD, MPH
Program Director

Dr. Chakravarthy, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Public Health at UC Irvine, specializes in health services research addressing disparities in mental health and substance use. As Director of the EMRAP program, his work focuses on combating the opioid epidemic through innovative strategies, including online peer health models and regional care integration linking emergency and primary care. With over 80 peer-reviewed publications and $3.58 million in grant funding, his research transforms care delivery for vulnerable populations, including the homeless, pregnant individuals, and those re-entering society. He is also a dedicated mentor to students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty, shaping the next generation of leaders in medicine.

Dr. Soheil Saadat, MD, MPH, PhD
Research Specialist

Dr. Soheil Saadat is an Epidemiologist and Research Specialist in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of California, Irvine. He has over two decades of experience in advancing health sciences through teaching and research. He has extensive expertise in study design, data analysis, and public health research. His research focuses primarily on injury prevention, contributing significantly to advancements in public health and healthcare. Dr. Saadat has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles. His work reflects an impressive h-index of 41 on Google Scholar and 28 on Scopus. He is also a dedicated mentor. He has trained hundreds of undergraduate and numerous postgraduate students. His research prioritizes promoting equity in healthcare.

Dr. Shahram Lotfipour, MD, MPH
Program Advisor

Dr. Shahram Lotfipour is Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine (EM) and Public Health at UC Irvine, Director of the Center for Trauma and Injury Prevention Research, Managing Editor for the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health (WestJEM.org) and the Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine (CPCEM.org).  Dr. Lotfipour has a special interest in the medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and alcohol & drug screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment and traffic injury prevention. 

Jennifer Holford
Administrative Coordinator

Jennifer Holford is a seasoned Administrative Assistant III at UC Irvine Medical Center, bringing over 14 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Golden West College and is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid. Jennifer is a backbone of the program in almost all of its functions, always creating a kind and warm environment.

Salman Mushtaq
IRB Specialist

Salman Mushtaq, a former member of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program (EMRAP), now helps the program improve its research activities, especially with IRB approvals and related processes. He works closely with EMRAP to make research projects run more smoothly and helps train new researchers on proper study procedures. His experience as an EMRAP alumnus allows him to understand the program’s needs and contribute effectively to its research goals.

Marco Esteban
Food Insecurity liaison

Serving as a program coordinator, I work to enhance the Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program (EMRAP) through three pillars: fostering research skills development, enriching the clinical experience of the research associates, and building our community and culture that is like no other. Outside the emergency department, you can find me cooking with friends, playing volleyball, or tumbling down ski slopes. Reach out to us at emrapcoords@gmail.com anytime- we’re always looking forward to meeting you!

Jolie Nguyen
E-Bike liaison

Hello! My name is Jolie and I graduated from UCI in Spring 2025 as a transfer student and BioSci major. I’m currently taking a few gap years to explore the world and spend time with loved ones before grad school. As an EMRAPer & Coordinator, I’m grateful to serve in a role that creates meaningful learning experiences for our cohort while contributing to patient care and gaining insight into their diverse stories during shifts. Outside of the ED, you’ll probably find me at a matcha spot, hiking, at the beach, or chilling with my cats & a movie at home! Feel free to email us at emrapcoords@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Krisha Thakker
Trigger Point Injection | MedEd liaison

Hi, I’m Krisha, and I’m a third year Public Health Sciences major! I joined EMRAP to gain a better understanding of the intersection between healthcare and research. I serve as the liaison for Trigger Point Injection vs. Lidocaine Patch, which aims to reduce the amount of opioids UCI’s emergency department prescribes, specifically for myofascial pain. Alongside Omid, I also serve as the liaison for the MedEd scoping review, which aims to understand how ultrasound can be integrated with medical school curriculums. This program has not only been an incredible learning experience but has also introduced me to a community of kind, supportive people I’m lucky to be around. In my free time, I enjoy learning new styles of dance, choreographing, watching shows (I love sitcoms), and reading. 

Luke Garcia
Carotid Pulse Check | E-Bike liaison

Hi! My name is Luke Garcia and I am a fourth year biological sciences major. My future goal is to help people wherever and however I can whether it be in the medical field or in everyday life. I am really excited to see our new EMRAPers grow as researchers and build friendships with each other. I hope that this program provides them with amazing opportunities just as it has for me. In my free time, I love to coach basketball and make balloon animals! Please feel free to reach out with any questions about EMRAP, my email is lukedg@uci.edu.

Ryan Rokerya
ESPERTO liaison

Hi! My name is Ryan Rokerya, and I am a fourth year BioSci major. I intend on going to medical school, and I would love to incorporate elements of naturopathic medicine into my practice. I am excited to continue my journey in EMRAP and hopefully start my own study. Outside of school, I can be found rock climbing, going to concerts, and trying new restaurants.

Omid Haghkhah
MindRay vs. Butterfly | MedEd liaison

Hello! My name is Omid, and I’m an emergency medicine-focused undergraduate with pre-medical ambitions. I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to approach and enroll patients in our EMRAP studies and even develop some of my own. In the past, I’ve worked as an EMT here in Orange County and have been involved in student government at UCI’s campus. I am constantly seeking experiences in clinical environments and can’t wait to continue learning and growing!

An Truong
MindRay vs. Butterfly liaison

Hi, my name is An, I’m a third-year Neurobiology major and Psychology minor! I joined EMRAP to learn more about the intersection between research and emergency medicine and soon fell in love with the supportive community. Through EMRAP, I hope to learn how to become a better physician and return to the Central Valley to offer health care. My dream is to travel to Vietnam and support the medical needs of small communities. When I’m not binging anything from thrillers to anime to sitcoms, I enjoy reading mystery novels and going on road trips with friends and family!

Diego Coronado
ESPERTO liaison

Hi everyone! I’m Diego, a 2nd-year BioSci major! EMRAP has been an incredible opportunity and introduction to research and emergency medicine, showing me how studies can impact healthcare and our communities. I’m the liaison for the ESPERTO study, which is testing a device that continuously measures blood pressure non-invasively. I also serve as EMRAP’s Historian, making the videos you might see on our Instagram! Outside of EMRAP, I’m a huge nerd; you’ll find me making music, playing DnD, golfing, or taking photos of my dog, Tuxedo.

Annie Zhang
Unhoused Patients liaison

Hello! My name is Annie Zhang and I am a fourth year majoring in Public Health Sciences and Business Administration. In the future, I am hoping to pursue a career that combines medicine and public health. In EMRAP, I am very excited for the opportunity to partake in research in the emergency department with fellow EMRAPers. I look forward to seeing how each study can help enhance patient care and bridge health disparities. In my free time, you can find me playing volleyball and pickleball, going to the beach, or crocheting!

Audrey Whitney
JetVelocity | Naltrexone liaison

Hi, I’m Audrey and I’m a 4th-year Human Biology major serving as one of this years’ social coordinators and as a liaison for the Jet Velocity and Naltrexone studies! As someone who loves to learn, I’m most excited to be present in the ED and watch procedures, engage with patients, hear their stories, and hopefully make their days a little better. While I’m still exploring healthcare paths, I’m certain that emergency medicine will be part of my future! In my free time I love staying active (sailing, rock climbing, MMA), going to cafes, and going on long walks with EMRAPers Spencer and Lauryn!

Monica Lozada
Wrist Fracture liaison

Hi! I’m Monica, and I am a third-year Public Health Sciences major, hoping to one day become a healthcare provider! EMRAP has been an amazing opportunity to further explore the Emergency Medicine field and help my community through our various studies. As an EMRAPer, I am so excited to continue enrolling patients, having the privilege to listen to all their stories, and gain opportunities to shadow physicians! Outside of school, you’ll find me either teaching various high school subjects, at the beach, or getting coffee/boba with my friends!

Aayush Sachdev
Naltrexone Distribution liaison

Hello! My name is Aayush and I’m a fourth year Human Biology major! Joining EMRAP has been a one of a kind experience that I don’t think I could have gotten from anywhere else. Not only do I get to see what it’s like to work in the emergency department, but I’ve gotten to learn a lot from the other EMRAPers too! Right now I’m one of the liaisons for the Naltrexone study which is where we see how intervention affects the rate at which naltrexone is being prescribed for patients with alcohol withdrawal or alcohol use disorder. Outside of this I like to play tennis, listen to Michael Buble, and read and write comic books.

Amanda Fang
Pulmonary Contusion POCUS vs. CT liaison

Hi! My name is Amanda, and I’m a fourth-year student with a Neurobiology major and Medical Anthropology minor, aspiring to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. This is my second year in EMRAP as a liaison for the Pulmonary Contusion study, and I’m excited for another year of growth, impact, and memories. Outside of school, I enjoy reading a bunch, drawing, and spending time/traveling with friends and family.

Baokhoi Nguyen
ESPERTO liaison

Hi! My name is Baokhoi Nguyen and I am a 3rd year Human Biology student. My goal is to become a physician some day in the future! Joining EMRAP has been an amazing opportunity to look into the world of medicine in a way that I had never experienced before. The program has given me so many opportunities to interact with patients, contribute to impactful research studies, and be a part of the most supportive community of people! I hope to continue learning and finding ways to improve patient care, especially through the ESPERTO study that has the potential to replace invasive blood pressure measurements with an ultrasound cuff! Outside of school during my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, snowboarding in the winter, and playing pickleball in the summer!

Brandon Ton
Diastolic Heart Failure POCUS liaison

Hello, I’m Brandon! I’m a 4th year Biological Sciences major pursuing a career as a physician. Being a part of EMRAP has been a life-changing experience, allowing me to connect with amazing people in the healthcare field and a chance to be a part of meaningful research to improve patient care. I’m especially passionate about cardiology, and through EMRAP, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to study point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose diastolic heart failure in patients. In my free time I enjoy bouldering, photography, and shopping!

Brianna Miller
E-Bike | PE-PESI liaison

Hi! I’m Brianna Miller and I’m a second year majoring in Bio Sci. I’m still figuring things out, but my goal is to head to med school and eventually get involved in genetics research (particularly related to lesser known genetic disorders). As an EMRAPer, I’m so excited to have the opportunity to branch out and work with the doctors and fellows more closely on our studies. I’m really looking forward to the progression of my liaisonships as well! I’m excited for UROP, I can’t wait to share the work we’ve done with the rest of the community. I’m a hobby artist and graphic designer – you can find me as the graphic editor of New University, UCI’s student-run newsletter! I also play the alto saxophone, love learning new languages, and writing short stories.

Hannia Grados
Unhoused Patients liaison

Hi everyone! My name is Hannia, and I’m a fourth-year Human Biology major with a minor in Spanish. I am pursuing a career in medicine with the goal of becoming a physician, and through EMRAP, I have developed a strong interest in Emergency Medicine. I serve as a co-liason for EMRAP’s unhoused study, where we evaluate the healthcare barriers faced by the unhoused community in Orange County. I am excited to continue building my experience through the opportunities the emergency department provides. In my free time, I enjoy running, playing soccer, spending time at the beach, and hiking!

Joseph Reyes
LEAD-ABC liaison

Hi everyone! My name is Joseph, and I am a third-year Biological Sciences major. Growing up in Anaheim, CA, inspired my passion for serving underserved communities and my goal of providing bilingual care as a physician locally. I currently lead the PRIME LEAD-ABC study, which explores why patients visit the Emergency Department. Outside of EMRAP, I work as an EMT in Orange County, volunteer at CSOC’s free clinic, and help deliver care in rural Mexico with the Flying Samaritans. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, surfing, and spending time with family.

Lauryn Tran
TCASI liaison

Hi! My name is Lauryn and I’m a third-year Human Biology student passionate about advancing cancer care and supporting patients and families through challenging moments. Through EMRAP, I’ve been able to grow my research, clinical, and patient care skills. I especially enjoy connecting with patients and sparking meaningful conversations to identify risk factors for substance and alcohol use. Outside of school, I love thrifting for vinyl records, going on hikes, and growing my matcha pop-up that blends wellness and community.

Paul Ranta
PE-PESI liaison

Hey everyone! My name is Paul, and I’m a fourth-year Human Biology major and first-year EMRAPer! I’m on a pre-med track interested in cardiology and aspiring to become a physician. I’m pumped to gain hands-on clinical research experience through EMRAP! I also serve as a co-liaison for our PE PESI study, which evaluates whether point-of-care ultrasound can detect cardiac findings linked to pulmonary embolism and predict adverse outcomes. Outside of school, I enjoy playing soccer, hiking with friends, and discovering new music!

Rohan Bhilegaonkar
Opioid Bibliometric Analysis liaison

Hi! My name is Rohan, and I’m an incoming sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences at UCI. I’m in my first year of EMRAP and plan to stay involved throughout undergrad as I work toward a career in medicine. During my training shifts, I loved gaining medical insights from staff and having fun conversations about life, movies, and random topics while seeing unique cases and interacting with patients. Outside of school, you’ll usually find me with my headphones on, exploring new cuisines around Orange County, going on long walks, and spending time with friends.

So Takagi
Food Insecurity | E-Bike liaison

Hi, my name is So, and I am a third-year double major in Political Science and Music Performance. I aspire to become a physician in the future. As an EMRAPer, I am excited to contribute to meaningful improvements in the emergency department through our research projects. I also serve as a co-liaison for Food and Nutrition Insecurity, a study that evaluates the implementation of a food insecurity (FI) and nutrition insecurity screening and referral program in the emergency department, with the goal of reducing FI among patients. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing pickleball and playing jazz/classical music on the trumpet and piano.

Spencer Brown
ESPB | E-Bike liaison

Hey everyone! My name is Spencer Brown and I am a 5th year Biological Sciences and Dance major, pursuing a career in medicine and in the arts (or both)! Being in EMRAP and conducting research in the Emergency Department as an Undergraduate has allowed me to learn so many new things and discover where I see myself. As a Liaison for ESPB and the E-Bike Field Study, I have been able to meet so many amazing medical professionals and get closer with my fellow EMRAPers. Outside of school, I love dancing, going to new cafes, and spending time with friends!

Sree Pochampally
Food Insecurity liaison

Hello! My name is Sree Pochampally and I am a second year Biological Sciences student hoping to attend medical school in the future. I am primarily interested in studying health disparities and their connection to various sociodemographic factors, which I get to explore as the current liaison of the Food Insecurity study. In the upcoming year I am excited to connect with patients, learn from healthcare professionals, and collaborate with my fellow EMRAPers to advance our research studies. In my free time I enjoy going to dance classes with friends, singing karaoke, and reading new books!

Tyler Mitchell
Behind The Wheel liaison

Friend, Brother, Son, Cat Dad, EMRAPer. Born and raised in Orange County, I was interested in joining EMRAP, given the impact of the research on my community and the field I aspire to insert myself into. When I’m not busy working, I manage my fantasy football teams, watch sports outings, find new music, or be my best dad to my cat, Iris. One goal for the end of the year is to go to at least ten concerts for artists I do not know.

William Nguyen
Opioid Bibliometric Analysis liaison

Hello everybody! My name is William and I am a third year Neurobiology Major interested in going to medical school. I just want to say EMRAP has been an absolutely great opportunity. Not only have I learned so much from shifting in the Emergency Department, but I’m always inspired by the people I find myself surrounded by. It is these people that make EMRAP amazing and contribute to this incredible community. In my free time I love to lift weights, watch sci-fi time travel shows, rock climb, and read.

Yashita Pediredla
JetVelocity liaison

Hi! My name is Yashita Pediredla, and I’m a third-year Biological Sciences major at UCI. So far in EMRAP, I’ve loved gaining exposure to the ER and learning how research can directly impact patient outcomes. I’m especially excited to serve as a liaison for the JET-Velocity Study and see how ultrasound helps detect aortic stenosis. In my free time, I love to dance, paint, and travel with friends and family!