Research Associate

Annemarie Hayes

Annemarie Hayes is a Research Associate for Kansas City University on the Joplin Campus. She works in the Basic Science and Research Departments for the College of Medicine where she is assisting faculty and student doctors in multiple research endeavors through the MSSU-KCU Research Consortium (MKRC). Annemarie has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry with a focus on Health and Medical Sciences as well as a minor in Molecular Biology obtained in Fort Collins, CO from Colorado State University (CSU). While at CSU, she worked as a student lab assistant for Dr. Erin Nishimura, where she studied and defended research on RNA localization in C. elegans using an in vivo tracking technique as well as the optimization of anti-fade.

COM 2025

SD Sahana Reddy

My name is Student Doctor Sahana Reddy, and I am a current second year medical student on the KCU-Joplin campus. My research interests lie in biochemistry and oncology, such as breast cancer research, and how that can impact the human body function and be useful for future clinical knowledge. My specialty interests are undeclared as of now, but I have some interest in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Gastroenterology.

COM 2025

SD Gauri Patel

I am a second year on the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine Joplin campus. I am also pursuing my master's in business administration. Ever since starting high school I have participated in various research projects since my parents raised me with the idea that "knowledge is power". Becoming a physician goes farther than learning about past advancements in medicine, it is becoming a pioneer of them. For me, breast cancer research has been an area of interest because my maternal grandmother passed away from the disease in 2005. Helping patients attain a better quality of life and a wider variety of treatment options is what I hope to provide. Outside of school, my hobbies are anything and everything Harry Potter related, reading, and gardening. 

COM 2026

SD Pratyusha Tadepalli

My name is Student Doctor Pratyusha Tadepalli. I am an incoming second year medical student on the KCU-Joplin campus, where I am also pursuing my Masters in Bioethics. I have done clinical and bench research in a variety of fields in the past, but currently hope to focus on biochemical aspects of oncology. Breast cancer is very near and dear to my heart as many of my family members have gone through their own battles with this disease. I am grateful that through the Summer Student Research Fellowship, I have the opportunity to play an active role towards gaining a deeper understanding of how these cancers develop and potential therapeutic targets. Outside of medicine, I love to dance, travel around the world, and eat at the most popular brunch spots.

COM 2026

SD Myia Dickerson

My name is Student Doctor Myia Dickerson. I am rising second year medical student on the KCU-Joplin campus. I believe to be the best physician I can be to my future my patients I should not only understand current medical treatments, but also understand the development of treatments to come. I have participated in ovarian cancer research in past and look forward to gaining more knowledge about breast cancer. Breast cancer is the number one cancer that woman are diagnosed with today. Therefore, working in the lab is a great opportunity to gain more knowledge and be a part of therapeutic advancement. Outside of school I like to read, outdoor activities, and trying new restaurants.  

COM 2026

SD Vanessa Blanco

My name is Vanessa Blanco, and I am a rising second year student at Kansas City University - Joplin. My previous undergraduate research focused largely on the effects of nutrition on the development of fruit flies. As a medical student, I am excited to use my previous research experience to contribute to my team while learning new things along the way. I am interested in exploring stress and anxiety biomarkers as part of Dr. Creamer’s research team, as many of my friends and family members are affected by anxiety. Outside the classroom, I enjoy drawing, swimming, watching multicultural media, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones. 

COM 2026

SD Akansha Rao

My name is Student Doctor Akansha Rao. I am a rising second year medical student at the KCU-Joplin Campus. I have been participating in various research projects since high school, including physics research on aortic heart valves and autism research with vagus nerve stimulation in rats. Participating in breast cancer research is a new venture for me, but one I greatly look forward to in order to provide my future patients with the best care possible. Outside of medicine, I love to dance, cook, and spend time with friends and family. 

COM 2024

SD Briana Saravanabavanandhan

Briana Saravanabavanandhan is a fourth year medical student and proud cat mom who is pursuing a career in Psychiatry with subspecialty interests in Addiction, Child and Adolesecent, Geriatric, and Women's Health Psychiatry. In her spare time, Briana enjoys nesting at home and learning how to use a sewing machine to make presents for her loved ones.