Deremy Leon
DPT-Boston 2027

What drew you to your program at Tufts?
The accessibility of a hybrid education was a big positive for me. The flexibility allows me to spend time with my family, work, and get a great education while also saving money due to the hybrid accelerated nature of the program. I also have friends in Boston, Houston and back home in New York that I am able to see more easily with classes online.

What are your academic or career goals?
I believe after getting my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I will be trying to get some experience in the field (likely orthopedics or sports). I ultimately want to return to academia to get some form of further education. As of now, I’m not entirely sure what that path will look like. Some areas I’m potentially interested in are Athletic Training, Nutrition/Dietetics, or a PhD in Sociology/Exercise Physiology. I think part of the beauty of academia is that you don’t have to have everything set in stone and the learning is what helps you pave your own path.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Tufts?
I think it’s a slightly different experience as a hybrid student, however, I think the buildup prior to seeing everyone in my cohort during lab is very exciting. It’s a very different way to build relationships, but it’s been super nice to get to hang with all the people in my cohort whenever we finally do get to lab.

Is there a personal experience or story you’d like to share?
I don’t have a specific story or experience, but many of my favorite memories and closest friends were made from trying something new and being in areas that are outside of my comfort zone. Growth is a mindset that you can only build upon if you are actively exposing yourself to new things and new experiences.

Fun fact or hobby?
1) I really want to learn how to sew, crochet and knit.
2) I love to play soccer

Hunter Mirer
MBS 2026

What drew you to your program at Tufts?
I chose Tufts MBS because it felt like a place where I could be challenged academically but also supported by a close-knit, uplifting community.

What are your academic or career goals?
My dream is to become a physician who doesn’t just treats patients but also makes them feel truly seen and cared for.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Tufts?
The mix of brilliant people who push me to do my best while keeping things light with caffeine and humor. Its the perfect balance of challenge and fun.

Is there a personal experience or story you’d like to share?
Going through surgery and a partial amputation in undergrad was tough, but it showed me how much strength comes from the people around you, and its a big part of why I want to be there for others in medicine.

Fun fact or hobby?
I’m about to start classes so I can learn to dance as I prepare to propose to my fiancé, while also spending time with my two cats and diving into Manhwa whenever I can.

Sriya Avadhanam
MBS 2025

What drew you to your program at Tufts?
I was very excited about the advance science and medicine classes offered through the MBS curricula. What stood out to me the most was the emphasis Tufts placed on cooperation over competition and working as a team with your classmates. I knew that I wanted to pursue my educational and career goals at a place that focused on helping their students grow.

What are your academic or career goals?
My main goal is to apply to medical school and become a physician. I would also like to be involved in research on top of my clinical duties. I recently submitted an abstract regarding liquid biopsy research which sparked my interest in cancer research and how we can improve our detection methods.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Tufts?
I love living in Boston, a city that is filled with inspiring people who are hard-working and passionate about what they do. Additionally, I met some of the smartest, most loving, and determined people in my MBS cohort. Seeing how hard they work for tests, exams, and to become better students inspires me to become a better version of myself.

Fun fact or hobby?
I love to run, and I recently got into baking. For the first time in my life, I baked my own birthday cake this year. It was a double layer chocolate cake with a raspberry filling. I also love to spend time with my dog, Lila, when I am back home. In my very limited free time, I also enjoy reading the books that my friends recommend to me.

Kevin Park
DPT-Boston 2026

What drew you to your program at Tufts?
Its academic excellence and tight-knit community that supports collaboration and growth.

What are your academic or career goals?
To work in sports medicine, and ultimately as a physical therapist for a professional sports team.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Tufts?
The community I found, as well as professors who truly invest in us and want us to succeed.

Is there a personal experience or story you’d like to share?
We had a Red Sox game get together with classmates after our last practical of the semester. It was a great sendoff before starting clinical rotations!

Fun fact or hobby?
I’m training for the NYC Marathon this year! I also love playing and watching football.

Crystal Parry
MPH 2026

What drew you to your program at Tufts?
I was drawn to join Tufts because faculty showed vested interest when I was first considering the public health program here. They assured me I would have a supportive community behind me.

What are your academic or career goals?
I plan to become a physician and use my backgrounds in medicine and public health to advocate for improvements in community health, particularly in communities of color.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Tufts?
I enjoy the diverse student body here! I have met people from around the world and hearing their perspectives both in and outside the classroom has enriched my experience as a student here.

Fun fact or hobby?
I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and checking out new music by attending concerts and festivals.

Alexsas Mwango-Misoka
MPH 2026

What drew you to your program at Tufts?
I was drawn to the MPH program at Tufts because of its strong focus on health equity and community-centered care. The opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations around justice, inclusion, and public health transformation really aligned with my personal and professional values.

What are your academic or career goals?
My goal is to become a physician who not only provides clinical care but also advocates for a more just and inclusive healthcare system. I want to combine medicine and public health to drive systemic change and improve outcomes for underserved communities.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Tufts?
What I enjoy most is being part of a community that values diverse perspectives and is committed to equity. Through opportunities like the Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (DEAR) Council, I’ve been able to contribute to a more inclusive learning environment while growing alongside passionate peers and faculty.

Is there a personal experience or story you’d like to share?
From a young age, creativity and compassion have guided me—expressed through drawing, playing the piano, and caring deeply about others. These experiences have shaped the way I view health, healing, and connection. Whether in the classroom, through music, or in community spaces, I strive to lead with purpose and empathy.

Fun fact or hobby you’d like to include?
I love drawing and playing the piano—both are creative outlets that keep me grounded and remind me to stay connected to what inspires me.