Our Fellows & Interns
The GPF Foundation is proud to work with dedicated and talented graduate level fellows from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and Interns from Lake Forest College. Fellows and interns apply their academic knowledge and lived experience to develop and deliver our educational presentations.
Sign up for a presentation here or learn more about our fellows and interns below!
Emily Cao
2023/24 Fellow
Emily is a third year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine candidate at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. They hope to work as a foot and ankle surgeon in the future. Emily joined the GPFF team due to its dedication to public health through education, harm reduction, and research. Emily hopes to take the skills they learn from GPFF to educate their future patients on recreational drug use. For fun, Emily likes to explore Chicago, attend concerts, and try new foods with their friends.
Kiril Kolev
Kiril is a fourth year medical student at Chicago Medical School. He earned a B.S in Bioengineering at Miami University. Kiril joined the GPF Foundation to help cultivate awareness and harm reduction within our communities. He hopes young adults can hear our mission and strives for safer unadulterated drug use. His goal is to increase the reach of the organization and share the impact of the organization's work so far. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, and listening to music.
Brianna Lopez
2023/24 Fellow
Brianna is a second year Clinical Counseling Masters student at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She received a B.S. in Psychology as well as a B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. The educational impact of the work the GPF foundation brings to our communities is something she could not ignore and was eager to become a part of that. She is working towards having a career dedicated to influencing our federal policy and legal systems with scientific evidence to shift the focus of drug use from a legal issue to a public health issue, and she is only getting started. In her free time she enjoys walks in nature and playing in the snow with her husky.
Jacob Schuman
2023/24 Fellow
Jacob is currently pursuing his M.D. at Chicago Medical School. He received his B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. While there, he took part in research in the field of Addiction. Jacob was attracted to the GPF Foundation’s modern approach to drug awareness activism and the diversity of its ongoing initiatives to better the community. He hopes that he will leave a lasting impact on people’s lives through his contributions to the Foundation’s work. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing guitar and reading.
Maya Comrov
2023 Intern
Maya is in her third year at Lake Forest College, pursuing a degree in Communication as a pre-nursing student. With her ultimate life goal of serving people, she joined the Foundation to be a part of the GPF Foundation’s efforts to save lives through awareness and education. Maya hopes to use her growth communication skills and passion for people to help expand the organization’s impact. In her free time, Maya enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to Six Flags and running.
Jake Derfel
2022/23 Intern
Jake is a 2023 graduate of Highland Park High School now pursuing his B.A. in business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was driven to contribute to the mission of the GPF Foundation and support its initiatives. Inspired by making a positive impact on the world, he assisted the GPF Foundation through community outreach. Aside from his academic pursuits, he enjoys playing sports, listening to music, and spending quality time with his family, friends, and dog, Oscar. After his experience as an intern Jake says he is eager to promote overall awareness of the dangers related to recreational drugs.
Nabah Sultan
2022 Intern
Nabah is a sophomore at Lake Forest College pursing a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. She was drawn to the GPF Foundation after hearing Greg’s story. As an intern with the GPF Foundation, she has learned so much about recreational drugs, specifically MDMA, what they are and how they effect the body, and the adulteration of drugs. She has even conducted her own study on whether the decriminalization of MDMA in Washington State effects the number of deaths due to MDMA (overdose/poisoning/etc). Even though being an intern at the GPF Foundation has been one of the most memorable and knowledgeable experiences, she knows her journey is just beginning.
Jissel Rangel Fuentes
2022 Intern
Jissel is a transfer student from McHenry County College at Lake Forest College pursuing her bachelor's in psychology. Her hometown is Crystal Lake. She is excited to work with the GPF Foundation in outreach and research to make recreational drug use safer. As someone who has loved ones who have participated in recreational drugs, she aspires to make sure they are safe and so are those around them. She plans on continuing in research after graduating in May ’23.
Druti Shukla
2022/23 Fellow
Druti is a third-year PharmD/MHA student. At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, she is the Vice President of the Illinois Council of Health-System Professionals (ICHP), Director of Professional Programming for Industry Pharmacy Organization (IPhO), Historian for Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, and Secretary for the Class of 2024. Druti is looking forward to doing research on how to improve healthy decision making and the drug adulteration around the community.
Parth Patel
2022/2023 Fellow
Parth is a third year Doctor of Pharmacy student at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Joining this foundation has motivated him to spread awareness of recreation drug use to young adults and adolescents. As a student pharmacist, he wants to motivate people and make them aware of drug abuse and their adverse reactions from it. At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, he is the communication officer of the Specialty Pharmacy Organization and Historian of Polish American Healthcare Professionals Association.
Huma Fatima
2022/23 Fellow
Huma Fatima is a fourth-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at Rosalind Franklin University. She was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. Huma was attracted to the GPF Foundation after reading Greg’s story and the program’s approach for harm reduction and education to the youth. She has seen first hand the harm of recreational drug use and as a fellow hopes to connect with the community to provide proper education and awareness.
Zabrina Abolarin
2022/23 Fellow
Zabrina is a third-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at Rosalind Franklin University. She looks forward to increasing opportunities to connect with the local community in sharing the mission of the GPF Foundation and providing real-world education on the risks of recreational drug use. Considering post-graduate plans, Zabrina plans to pursue interests in pediatrics and emergency medicine.
Jesse Bahrke
2022/23 Fellow
Jesse is a PhD student at Rosalind Franklin University studying clinical psychology. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Jesse was drawn to the GPF Foundation’s mission of informing individuals on the risks of recreational drug use. Jesse has seen first hand the harm that can occur in this space, and as a fellow wishes to share accurate information to the public. In his free time he likes to read, workout, and mountain bike.
Imani Downer
2022 Intern
Imani is a Senior at Lake Forest College working towards her bachelor's degree in Psychology and African American studies as well as a minor in Philosophy. One thing she appreciated about the GPF Foundation was their ability to reach out to several science disciplines to synthesize an effective method of harm reduction. After graduation she will take a year off and explore other interests she has outside of academia before returning to school to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Emily Wachter
2021/22 Intern
Emily is a junior pursuing a major in Studio Art and a minor in Digital Media Design at Lake Forest College. As a Documentary Film Intern, she was excited to create content that would spread the message of the foundation. For fun, Emily enjoys painting and playing with her dog.
Kaity Mueller
2021/22 Intern
Kaity is currently a senior at Lake Forest College, pursuing degrees in English: Creative Writing and French. As a collegiate volleyball player and an executive member of two different clubs, she's always loved engaging with others. As well, Kaity has been passionate about creating and sharing stories since childhood, and her work as a project coordinating intern at the GPF Foundation has allowed her to do so. The story of Greg Friedman and the GPF Foundation spoke to her and since she began her internship, she has enjoyed being a positive part of their story.
Haley Bryant
2021 Intern
Haley is a Junior at Lake Forest College, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology and Anthropology. While from Colorado, she has found a second home in Lake Forest, Illinois and is excited to further connect with the community through the GPF Foundation. The opportunity to be involved with such an impactful group of passionate individuals is what drew her to play a part in such an amazing cause. As a peer outreach intern, she will get the opportunity to educate people on the dangers of recreational drug use and ultimately spread awareness that will have a lasting impact.
Alec Casey
2021 Intern
Alec is a fifth year senior pursuing his B.A. in politics at Lake Forest College. His home being in Highland Park, he was excited to work with a program that would better his community and those around it.
As our Outreach Intern, he is working with people within our area as well as beyond to spread the message of the foundation. Upon graduating from his university, Alec plans to pursue a JD degree and become a State’s Attorney.
Hira Sadiq
2021 Intern
Hira is from Lahore, Pakistan studying Digital Media Design and Sociology and Anthropology at Lake Forest College. She uses digital art to shed light on social issues as well as seek an outlet for herself to express her sense of the world. At GPF foundation, she aims to do the same by finding effective ways to educate people about the dangers of recreational drug use.
Hamed Shafiuddin
2021/22 Fellow
Hamed is a fourth year medical student at Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School. He received his undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biochemistry at University of Illinois at Chicago. He is going through medical school with a passion in Psychiatry and the potential of pursuing Adolescent Psychiatry. Hamed passionately helped his community gain health education concerning sex and common drugs with Peer Health Exchange so that students could make thoughtful decisions and prevent harm. The GPF Foundation allows Hamed to use his experience in his studies and his work with Peer Health Exchange to further promote healthy decision making.
Jeremy Foreman
2021/22 Fellow
Jeremy Foreman is a third year M.D. student at Chicago Medical School. As an undergraduate at UCLA, he conducted research on chronic pain and opioid use. In addition to his interest in pharmacology and drug research, Jeremy was drawn to the foundation’s non-judgmental, comprehensive approach to drug education. He hopes to one day incorporate education, advocacy, and mentorship into his medical career. For fun, Jeremy enjoys creating music, playing ping pong, and taking his dogs for walks.
Alaa Hajeissa
2021/22 Fellow
Alaa is a medical student at Chicago Medical School who will be working within psychiatry with the goal of sub-specializing in Child-Adolescent Psych. Since college Alaa has had a fascination with how drugs affect individuals and communities. He would like to learn how he can help young people who may feel like they have no one to turn to as they struggle with substance use and other psychological issues. The GPF Foundation allows Alaa to get some early hands-on experience in an area he's passionate about.
Madison Stevens
2021 Intern
Madison is a sophomore at Lake Forest College, pursuing a B.A in Psychology and Sociology and Anthropology. She is extremely excited to intern at the foundation and would like to be an advocate for support, education, and conversation surrounding those who are struggling with drug use. One of the many things that she loves about the GPF foundation is their focus on education rather than pure abstinence from recreational drugs.
Nell Burgener
2021 Intern
Nell is in her Junior year at Lake Forest College studying Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. As a data analyst intern, Nell is looking forward to developing her own research and data analysis skills while working with an organization that strives to educate people and save lives. Although she does not have any concrete plans for post-graduation, Nell knows she would like to continue her education in Psychology in some way.
Alyssa Kwiatkowski
2020/21 Intern
Alyssa =
Graphic design student at College of Lake County, lover of dogs, sushi, and video games, and excited to help the GPF Foundation spread awareness and save lives.
Benji =
bark bark, woof, and bow wow.
Tianna Beilke
2020/21 Intern
Tianna is in her senior year at Lake Forest College pursuing a B.A. in Neuroscience and Psychology and a minor in Business. She is excited to assist the Foundation in their mission to spread awareness and save lives and will be doing so through different outreach initiatives and assisting with the various projects the Foundation is engaged in. After graduating from Lake Forest College, Tianna will be pursuing her M.S. in Human Resources and is looking forward to stepping into a field where she can positively impact the lives of others.
Dagmara Zajac
2020/21 Fellow
Dagmara is a third-year Doctor of Pharmacy student. Greg’s story attracted her to the GPF Foundation. She hopes to spread its message to Illinois and worldwide. As a student pharmacist, she says she “wants to ensure that people are aware of the mechanism of action of street drugs and their adverse side effects”. At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, she is the Executive Student Council President, Polish American Healthcare Professionals Association President, Interprofessional Clinic Initiative (ICI) Pharmacy Committee Chair, and the College of Pharmacy Student Ambassador Program Chair.
Sam Vincent
2020/21 Fellow
Sam Vincent is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology. Originally from Wisconsin, he joined the Foundation to help educate others about recreational ecstasy use. As a fellow, he hopes to continue to improve our educational presentation surrounding ecstasy use and conduct research on its effectiveness. He hopes this knowledge we have will reach as many young adults as possible. For fun he plays pick-up basketball and watches movies with friends.
Aayush Boddu
2020/21 Fellow
Aayush is a third year medical student at The Chicago Medical School. Growing up on the west coast, many of his peers struggled with drug use and he noticed the physical and mental toll it took on them. He majored in biochemistry at UCSD and became fascinated with understanding the mechanisms of how these drugs affect their biological, social, and psychological function. Joining the foundation was a natural progression of sharing this knowledge with the larger community in a way that addresses these concerns. In his free time he likes playing soccer, rock climbing, and listening to music.
Taylor Macaulay
2020/21 Fellow
Taylor is a Doctoral Student of Clinical Psychology. Originally from the Detroit area, she was attracted to the GPF Foundation because of her love for working with adolescents and young adults. “This was an excellent opportunity to do what I enjoy,” she says, “utilizing my skills, and help out a foundation with a meaningful and productive goal”. She hopes to help the Foundation in program evaluation and ensuring program effectiveness. For fun she enjoys crafting and doing yoga.
Marianne Chirica
2020/21 Fellow
Marianne is a M.S. student studying psychology. Originally from Highland Park, she was attracted to the Foundation’s harm reduction approach. “The more knowledge students have, the better they can make safe and smart choices”, she says. As a fellow, she wants to help spread our message worldwide and prevent others from unsafe drug practices. In her free time she likes reading, hiking and dancing.
Belle Tseitlin
2020 Intern
Belle is a B.A. student studying psychology and communication at Lake Forest College. She was inspired by the Foundation's leadership and saw potential for growth, so she reached out and got involved. As an intern, Belle has worked to grow the GPF Foundation's audience and use the connections she's established at Lake Forest College to spread knowledge and awareness. After graduating, Belle plans to earn a doctoral degree in psychology and practice professionally.