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WIMS Officers and Advisors

WIMS Advisors

Dr. Angela Cantrell
Associate Professor, Medical Education, Anatomy and Neurobiology
acantrell@uthsc.edu

Dr. Sara Cross
Assistant Professor, Medical Education, Medicine/Infectious Disease
scross11@uthsc.edu 

Dr. Catherine Womack
Assistant Dean Office of Student Affairs; Associate Professor of Medicine
cwomack@uthsc.edu 

Dr. Natalie Dunlap
Internal Medicine
nwhite16@uthsc.edu 

Dr. Amber Thacker
Associate Professor of Med-Peds
athacke6@uthsc.edu 

WIMS 2020-2021 Executive Board

Katie Lants: President
Katie Lants

slants@uthsc.edu

Hi! My name is Katie and I’m originally from Little Rock, AR. I studied Neurobiology and Global Health at Northwestern University and moved to Nashville after graduation. In my two gap years, I did research in neurovascular imaging at Vanderbilt Medical Center. In my free time in Memphis, I love going to coffee shops and dog parks with my dog, Josie. I also like to hike, run, and travel. I am planning on going into pediatrics. WIMS has been an amazing way for me to make friends and meet local physicians here in Memphis. I appreciate the work WIMS does in empowering female students, and I feel lucky to be a part of it! 

 

Caroline Rader: Vice President
Caroline Rader

kfx933@uthsc.edu

Hey y’all! My name is Caroline Rader, and I am a current third-year medical student. I was born and raised in Sevierville, TN (think Dollywood!), and I graduated from the University of Mississippi with B.A. in biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. When I am not studying, I love to get friends together to try new restaurants (big foodie!), see what my favorite Instagram influencers are up to, or put on my gloves and go kickbox (great stress relief!).  When I think about what I want to be when I grow up (aka specialize in), too many things come to mind so that’s to be determined. Ultimately, I was drawn to WIMS during my M1 year when I looked around and saw the community they fostered within their members. A community of mentorship, service, and empowerment. I am lucky to be surrounded by such uplifting and strong women day-to-day.

 

 

Navila Sharif: Secretary
Navila Sharif

nsharif@uthsc.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Navila and I’m originally from Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh but grew up in Nashville, TN. I did my undergrad at Vanderbilt University where I studied Neuroscience and Child Development. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exploring Memphis, and trying out new restaurants. I’m a 4th year student and applying to internal medicine soon! I’m interested in critical care or GI as of now. I’ve loved being involved in WIMS throughout the duration of my med school journey. The opportunity to connect with classmates and network with physicians while advocating for women’s health in our local community initially drew me to this organization and I’ve found it to be the most supportive and encouraging group to go through this experience with.

 

Rachel Fowler: Treasurer
Rachel Fowler

rfowle11@uthsc.edu

My name is Rachel Fowler and I am an M3 and treasurer of WIMS this year! I am from Union City, TN and went to undergrad at Mississippi State University! I am hoping to go into either OBGYN or peds. I love being involved in WIMS because of all the awesome people I’ve gotten to meet through it! It’s so inspiring to have a group of ladies who I have looked up to throughout medical school, and hope we can continue to be that for the newer classes. I also love the community organizations we work with and the various panels and lectures we hold throughout the year! 

Sonja Lipman: Community Service Representative
Sonja Lipman

slipman@uthsc.edu

Hey! I'm Sonja Lipman and I am proud to be a Memphian. I attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in Child and Family Studies. Before attending medical school, I took a year off to travel across the country! I love walking in Overton Park, painting, reading, and trying new foods. WIMS is more than an organization for me, it is a home base where I can connect and learn from peers and mentors. WIMS is an empowering movement, and I am excited for its future! 

Sophie Pilkinton: Media Director
Sophie Pilkington

spilkin3@uthsc.edu

I am from Nashville, TN and attended college at Yale University where I studied the history of science, medicine, and public health, and was the captain of the women’s swimming and diving team. The opportunity to unite and inspire my team to pursue a common goal bigger than oneself fostered my love for building authentic, supportive community among women.  I love being active, particularly all things Ally Love on peloton, fellowship over food (or coffee!), and spending time with my family and dog. 

Virginia Byars: Logistics Coordinator 
Virgina Byers

vbyars@uthsc.edu

Hey y'all! My name is Virginia, and I was born and raised here in Memphis. I went to undergrad at Indiana University where I majored in Gender Studies and Neuroscience. I came back to Memphis for my gap year and worked at Church Health, which is an awesome clinic in Crosstown that serves the medically uninsured. I am now an M2, and in my free time, I like to cross stitch, play trivia at Celtic Crossing, and hang out with my cat. I am super undecided on what specialty I want to go into, which is one of the things that drew me to WIMS. I love that we are an organization that is dedicated to empowering and fostering community among women in STEM no matter what specialty we choose, and it has allowed me to meet so many people with different interests and personalities. 

Morgan Wallen: Mentorship Coordinator
Morgan Wallen

mwallen3@uthsc.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Morgan Wallen; I am a second-year medical student at UTHSC. I am from a small town outside of Knoxville, Tennessee and received my B.A. in neuroscience and a minor in biology at the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!). When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing pick-up soccer, painting, game nights with friends, and going to the Mud Island Dog Park with my French Bulldog. I was drawn to WIMS because I am passionate about uplifting women in STEM careers and love making new friendships and connections within the medical field. WIMS is a great way to develop a support system of hardworking, admirable women, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it! 

 

Susan Kozawa: Fundraising Chair
Susan Kozawa

skozawa@uthsc.edu

Hi! I’m Susan Kozawa and I’m from Sweetwater Tennessee. I went to Case Western Reserve University for undergrad and liked it so much I stayed for my PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering. I’m an M2 and enjoy exploring all the places I can go in Memphis with my dog. I became a part of WIMS because I like being a part of an organization designed to support and help each other. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Hayley Beene: Chattanooga Representative
Hayley Beene

hbeene@uthsc.edu

I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA where I received a B.S. in Biology. Currently, I’m considering a career in pediatrics or internal medicine. During my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading, watching sports and TV, and spending time with my dog. While at Emory, I was part of the Association of Women in Science where I experienced the large impact a group of women can have on campus and in the community through dedication, networking, and service. Because of these experiences, I knew joining a group that supported the growth of women in the science was important to continue. WIMS was the first organization I wanted to join when starting medical school and I’m honored to be part of an organization that continues to build connections among future female physicians. 

 

 

 

 

May 26, 2022