ATSU-KCOM anatomy professor selected to join Society of Science Advocates Program
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) Associate Professor of Anatomy Sumitra Miriyala, PhD, MBA, MPH, FAHA, has been selected to join the the Society of Science Advocates Program, receiving funding to support her impactful work in guiding students through research and competition processes.
As an Advocate, Dr. Miriyala will receive a $3,000 stipend to expand opportunities for her students to engage in high-quality research experiences. Her work aligns with the program’s mission to increase the number of students pursuing research, with a goal of mentoring at least three to five additional students throughout the upcoming cycle.
This program recognizes Dr. Miriyala’s commitment to empowering students and fostering a love for STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics). With her dedication and the support of the Society of Science, she will be at the forefront of shaping the next generation of researchers and innovators.
“I chose ATSU because of the warm, welcoming environment I felt when visiting the campus,” Le said. “The faculty consistently go above and beyond to support and create a safe space for students to thrive and grow. ATSU’s commitment to whole person healthcare reassures me that I will excel in my journey in becoming a competent and compassionate physician assistant.”
Le is from Los Angeles and has a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from University of California, Santa Barbara.
“At ATSU, I appreciate the strong sense of community. Everyone is incredibly friendly and always willing to lend a hand. The numerous events that bring together the different programs foster a feeling of unity, making it feel like one big family – a sense that’s evident among both students and faculty,” she said.
When not studying, Le enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family. She also serves as an ATSU student ambassador.
“I became an ambassador to share my passion for the PA program and highlight all it has to offer prospective students,” she said. “Speaking with ambassadors during my own application process, I saw firsthand how genuinely happy and passionate they were about being in the program. I hope to convey that same excitement to future students considering ATSU.”
Ultimately, Le aspires to become a culturally competent PA who makes patients feel safe, heard, and comfortable in her care.
“ATSU is helping me achieve this by emphasizing the importance of understanding how diverse backgrounds and upbringings influence each individual’s relationship with healthcare,” she said.
“When I was thinking of joining ATSU, a student ambassador told me all about the OT program and I fell in love,” she said. “Hearing from a current student helped me open my eyes into what ATSU was like and I want to do that for other potential students.”
Hunter is from Orange, California, and has degrees in human physiology and psychology from the University of Oregon. In ATSU, she found a University with a strong commitment to holistic and patient-centered care.
“I was also drawn to the faculty’s dedication to the students and the support we get throughout the entire school,” she said. “I enjoy how close the cohorts get. I have been able to make my own family with classmates and it makes school manageable. I also love ‘fresh fruit Friday’ because after anatomy, I am able to head to the cafe and grab some food.”
“I joined these organizations to get more involved in school and the community. I have enjoyed getting to know my classmates and community through these opportunities,” she said.
Hunter’s goal is to become a hand therapist.
“ATSU is helping me prepare for this career by giving me the opportunity by being one of the hand therapy SIS leads,” she said.
She found that on ATSU-ASHS’ Mesa, Arizona, campus.
“I chose A.T. Still University because of its strong commitment to serving underserved communities and promoting diversity, which closely aligns with my own passion for making healthcare accessible to all,” she said. “ATSU’s focus on whole person healthcare and its emphasis on cultural competency resonate with my belief that effective healthcare requires understanding and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.
“I appreciate that ATSU partners with community health centers and actively works in areas where healthcare resources are limited. This approach will give me hands-on experience serving a wide variety of patient backgrounds and learning how to address disparities in a real, impactful way. Ultimately, I’m inspired by ATSU’s commitment to training healthcare providers who can bridge gaps in care and foster inclusivity.”
Khamkhay is from Honolulu, Hawai’i, and has a bachelor’s degree in biology from University of Hawaii at Manoa. She’s quickly become part of the ATSU community and serves as a student ambassador.
“I love being a student ambassador because it gives me a chance to make a real difference in someone’s journey to becoming a PA. Giving campus tours and answering questions lets me help prospective students see themselves here, feel comfortable, and envision how they can thrive in our program. It’s rewarding to ease their worries, provide insights that I wish I’d had, and share my own experiences. Whether it’s about academics or campus life, I’m excited to support them in making such an important decision about their future,” she said.
Also, as a first-generation Southeast Asian college student, Khamkhay was eager to share her experiences with others from diverse backgrounds.
“Navigating college life and higher education systems as the first in my family has taught me how meaningful guidance and community support can be,” she said. “I wanted to use my journey to inspire and assist others who may feel a bit lost or unsure, showing them that they, too, belong in these spaces.”
Khamkhay is enjoying her time as an ATSU student, saying the University brings its mission to life through meaningful, hands-on experiences, like the Didactic Clinical Experience (DCE) program.
“The DCE is unique among U.S. Physician Assistant programs because it allows us to engage in clinical mentorship starting in our first year, which is incredible for building early patient-care skills,” she said. “Through this program, I’m learning to approach each patient as a whole person, addressing not just their physical health but also considering their mental, emotional, and social needs. This experience has deepened my understanding of ATSU’s mind, body, and spirit philosophy, and it’s helped me see the value of compassionate, comprehensive care.”
She intends to carry that compassion forward into her career as a provider, aiming not only to treat but fully understand and connect with patients in underserved communities.
“I want to be someone who can break down barriers to healthcare and make a positive impact on the lives of people who may otherwise feel overlooked by the healthcare system,” Khamkhay said. “ATSU’s dedication to whole person healthcare and community-focused training is helping me build the skills and mindset to achieve this.”
Pursuing a Doctor of Audiology degree isn’t an easy task. It takes a level of commitment and aptitude not shared by all.
“I enjoy the schedule that we have. We always have one day off per week,” she said. “This allows us to catch up on studying or to take care of personal needs. This schedule encourages me to take care of myself and give myself breaks when needed.”
Skare is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has degrees in speech-language-hearing sciences and integrative neuroscience from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. At ATSU, she found a school offering emerging technologies to students, while focusing on clinical education and providing opportunities to work with patients during the first semester on campus.
“I’m not sure what setting I would like to work in professionally, but I hope to be successful in whatever setting I choose,” she said. “The faculty members are helping to prepare me for my career by providing different clinical experiences to me in different settings that I’m interested in.”
Skare serves as fundraising co-chair for the Student Academy of Audiology and as an ATSU student ambassador.
“I joined the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) because it is a great way to connect with the other cohorts within the program. SAA puts on several events each year to benefit other students at ATSU, as well as the local Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing population. These events include E.A.R. Day and the earmold fundraiser.
“I became an ambassador because I want to be able to share my experience with applicants in hopes that it will give them clarity in what they want in an educational program. I enjoy giving tours and answering any questions that applicants have. It is gratifying to get to be a friendly face for them while going through an otherwise stressful situation.”
“As an applicant, I was looking for a school that would both encourage professional development and provide services to those in need,” she said. “Through my first semester at ATSU, I have enjoyed treating at the pro bono clinic, and I applied to serve on the board, as well, to learn about clinic administration.
“I also chose ATSU because of how welcoming the faculty was. Through the interview process, the faculty was focused on getting to know you as an individual and this has carried over into my experience as a student, as well.”
Wilson is from Tucson, Arizona, and has degrees in physiology and sports nutrition from the University of Arizona. In addition to her clinic work and board service, she works as an ATSU student ambassador.
“As a student ambassador, I have enjoyed learning more about ATSU as an institution and have enjoyed getting to know applicants,” she said. “As I was applying to PT school, the admissions process at ATSU stood out to me significantly. The student ambassadors I interacted with during my application process were incredibly informative, positive, and welcoming. I understand that the admissions process can be stressful. I wanted to become a student ambassador to help make the admissions process a little less stressful, and to share how much I have enjoyed my experience at ATSU.”
For Wilson, much of that enjoyment comes from the campus community.
“Within my cohort everyone has been extremely supportive and encouraging of each other through the tough curriculum,” she said. “I also appreciate how much faculty cares about their students. We have an open door policy at ATSU, meaning you can stop in to a faculty member’s office at any time. This reinforces the warm welcoming environment that I loved so much through my application process. Student Life has played a large role in encouraging interdisciplinary community building. Student Life has organized events like flag football, health expos, and even food trucks on campus.”
Wilson isn’t yet sure what specialty is right for her, but feels confident ATSU is preparing her for success, no matter what route she follows.
“ATSU starts clinical experiences in the first semester with an integrated clinical experience, and there are integrated clinical experiences sprinkled throughout the curriculum. I think the volume of clinical experiences that ATSU provides, as well as the vastly specialized faculty, will provide me with a plethora of specialty exposures to aid in my decision to specialize,” she said.
Montalbano is from Ewa Beach, Hawai’i. She holds associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in biology, and sought a dental school that supported her desire to serve the community. She found that in ATSU-ASDOH.
“It is really important to me to be in a place that cultivates opportunities to get involved with various underserved communities. I fell in love with the passion of the faculty who conducted my interview, the ambassadors, and all involved in my interview process,” she said.
“I like that the whole school feels like it’s geared towards my success as a student and a future professional. I love being in the clinic so early. I didn’t get the chance to (dental) assist before this, so being able to interact with patients so early on and learning from the D3s and D4s has been very rewarding.”
Montalbano is active as a student, serving with Students United with America’s Toothfairy and the Special Care Dentistry Association. She also serves as an ATSU student ambassador.
“I wanted to make sure all prospective students understand just how special this school is. I love getting the chance to talk about my passion and encourage them through a very tough decision. I really enjoy giving prospective students insight on how enjoyable student life can be and just how unique this program is,” she said.
In her free time, Montalbano enjoys running, specifically training for marathons, biking, and soccer. She also enjoys cooking and creating content of her recipes to help others learn.
As for her future, Montalbano wants to make a difference in the availability of advanced oral healthcare.
“Eventually I would love to specialize as a prosthodontist and work in communities to change lives. I understand personally how much good and available healthcare can mean not only to a person, but also an entire community,” she said. “I believe this school will help teach me the technical and personal skills to build my reputation as a dentist who works to serve. I also enjoy that this school gives me a unique perspective on exactly what underserved populations can look like so I can better assess where I will be needed.”
“Professionally, I look forward to providing comprehensive care to patients in underserved areas while collaborating on medical teams to reduce medical errors. The PA program at ATSU prepares its PA students from day one to start practicing whole-person centered healthcare. They give students frequent practice experiences to ensure they build the confidence and attention to detail necessary to provide optimal patient care,” Weiner said.
Weiner is from Redondo Beach, California, and has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition. She is a registered dietitian and a certified nutrition support clinician.
Prior to attending ATSU, she worked for several hospital systems, home infusion pharmacies, and outpatient clinics. In 2024, Weiner was a speaker at the national American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Conference. She is an active member with ASPEN, American Association of Physician Assistants, and Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, and has applied to continue to volunteer with these organizations throughout her didactic year.
Additionally, Weiner serves as an ATSU student ambassador, providing information to prospective students.
“As a student ambassador, I have the opportunity to provide information from the viewpoint of a current student who entered the program as a non-traditional student,” she said. “I believe prospective students could benefit from my point of view and experiences within the program. The student ambassadors I met prior to starting at ATSU, provided a wealth of knowledge to me and helped me understand more about the PA program. I hope that I can continue to pay it forward by providing support to the next incoming class,” she said.
“As an ATSU PA student, I am part of a class of 100 students. I feel connected to many of my peer students and have enjoyed learning with so many people from diverse backgrounds. Day-to-day student life includes some long days of studying, but at ATSU I feel that the faculty cares about my success and the school provides a strong foundation of student support services. There are learning coaches, mental health counseling services, an onsite gym, and even a meditation room to provide some school/life balance.”
It’s a big part of the reason Waehrer wanted to become an ATSU student ambassador.
“I chose to become a student ambassador because I take great pride in being part of ATSU’s SLP program, and I’m eager to share that pride with others,” she said. “I enjoy the opportunity to connect with prospective students, sharing my experiences and helping them see the sense of community and diverse opportunities that ATSU offers. Applying to grad school can feel overwhelming. I remember feeling unsure of where to start. That’s why I want to be a resource for future students, offering guidance and support to make the process a little less daunting. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in their journey and help them envision themselves as part of this vibrant community.”
Waehrer glimpsed that community on ATSU’s social media channels, which first drew her interest to the program.
“I chose to attend ATSU for the SLP program because I was drawn to the unique sense of community, which I observed through images on Instagram. This strong, supportive environment was something I found to be distinctive to this program and is something I value very highly,” she said. “Additionally, the program’s focus on multicultural and linguistic diversity resonated with my personal and professional goals, as I am passionate about working in diverse communities, and addressing the communication needs of individuals from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
“I enjoy being an ATSU student because I have access to lots of study spaces on campus where I can work collaboratively with my peers and where our professors come and interact with us outside of class. There are tons of opportunities to volunteer, having the YMCA on campus with a complimentary membership, and opportunities to work interprofessionally with other students on campus is something that stands out about ATSU, and that I enjoy having access to as a student.”
Waehrer, from Washington, DC, attended the University of Vermont and has bachelor’s degrees in linguistics, with a concentration in psycholinguistics and Spanish. She is also TESOL (teaching English as a second or foreign language) certified.
In addition to serving as an ATSU student ambassador, she is a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
Ultimately, Waehrer hopes to become a culturally competent clinician who is well-equipped to support her diverse clients.
“ATSU is helping me prepare for this by emphasizing the importance of treating patients as whole individuals, beyond their specific diagnoses. The program teaches us to recognize and respect our clients’ unique feelings, beliefs, and values, which may differ from our own, ensuring that we provide care that is both empathetic and inclusive. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with my goal of fostering a supportive, culturally sensitive environment for all my clients,” she said.
Samantha FitzSimmons knows a thing or two about higher education. She received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, in 2022, and then in early 2024 completed her Master of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science degree at North Dakota State University.
“I chose ATSU for several reasons. As this is my third degree, I wanted to find a school that would truly prepare me to be the best occupational therapist I can be,” she said. “It was crucial for me to find a place that felt like a home away from home, and ATSU provided just that. The ATSU Department of Occupational Therapy has wonderful staff, hands-on classes, and exciting fieldwork opportunities that I am excited to participate in.”
FitzSimmons serves as a student ambassador, her way of becoming more involved in the school and helping to inspire and encourage future students.
“I am very grateful for this position. I love sharing my experiences, insights, and advice whenever I can. Moving across the country to be here at ATSU was a huge leap of faith, and it has been an incredible growing experience. As an ambassador, it has been immensely rewarding to impact future students and be a reliable source of advice and support,” she said.
FitzSimmons believes as an occupational therapist, she may enhance her clients’ daily lives by identifying challenges and implementing strategies to overcome and adapt to them. The OT profession blends her passion for helping others with her interests in exercise, nutrition, and healthcare.
“ATSU is providing me with all the tools I need to succeed in my future career. Having just completed my first block, I can confidently say that the staff have been incredibly resourceful. My classes are both informative and hands-on, providing a comprehensive learning experience. With each passing day, I feel one step closer to my future, and I believe ATSU is setting me up perfectly for that,” she said.
FitzSimmons keeps busy out of the classroom, too. She enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, swimming, sand volleyball, and going to the gym. She’s enjoying getting to know the game of pickleball, too, in Arizona’s warmer climate.
“Coming from the Midwest, where we get a lot of snow, I was ready for more sunshine,” she said. “I love the outdoors, and Arizona has been perfect for exploring and enjoying the beautiful weather.”
She also leans into her creative side, listening to music, painting, and drawing, but most enjoys her time spent with family and friends.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They are my rocks,” she said.
