Meet the 2026 Undergraduate Interns at Barrow
Each summer, Barrow Neurological Institute opens its doors to the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators, and this year is no exception. We are proud to welcome the 2026 class of summer undergraduate interns: 30 students representing 13 universities across the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. Of the three international interns, two are funded by the Franke Global Neuroscience Education Center.
Through the Summer Undergraduate Internship Program, participants spend 10 weeks embedded in the heart of Barrow, working alongside mentors in translational neuroscience laboratories and contributing to research that is actively shaping the future of brain and spine care. From neurodegenerative diseases and neuro-oncology to neurovascular disorders, neurotrauma, neuroimaging, and beyond, interns are placed where the work is happening. And the Program isn’t just for aspiring scientists; Interns can join other areas of the Institute, including medical illustration and neuro-rehabilitation.
The experience culminates in a full-day research symposium, where interns present their summer findings through oral presentations or scientific posters.“We are really excited to welcome this year’s cohort to Barrow,” said Rita Sattler, PhD, MSc, David and Weezie Reese Chair for Neurodegeneration Research and program director. “Every year, these students bring a level of curiosity, energy, and fresh perspective that pushes all of us, and we are looking forward to seeing what they accomplish over the summer. It’s always impressive how quickly they become part of the community and contribute in meaningful ways to the work happening across the institute.”
Harshini Chaturvedula
School: Brown University
Internship: Lawton Clinic
Vanessa Roman Hernandez
School: Arizona State University
Internship: Mufson Laboratory
Elen Issahhanjan
School: Arizona State University
Internship: Tovmasyan Laboratory – Ivy Brain Tumor Center
Elliott Loftus
School: Iowa State University
Internship: Neuroscience Publications
Ria Moharil
School: Arizona State University
Internship: Bowser Laboratory
Stefan Muñoz
School: Northern Arizona University
Internship: Neuro-Rehabilitation Center
Andrew Ni
School: Brown University
Internship: Lawton Clinic
Wyatt Peterson
School: Northern Arizona University
Internship: Speech Lab
Thiago Ziggiatti Ucio Pompeo
School: State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
Internship: Oh Laboratory
Arya Sebastian
School: Arizona State University
Internship: Tien Laboratory – Ivy Brain Tumor Center
Noah Verdugo
School: Northern Arizona University
Internship: Racette Laboratory
Michael Von Whipple
School: Arizona State University
Internship: Kelly Laboratory
Phillip Meader Yetter
School: Brown University
Internship: Lawton Clinic