Cassandra Vyazmensky, better known as CJ to her friends and family, is a upcoming second-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB). She grew up in Boca Raton, Florida and graduated in 2024 from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Her Bachelors of Science is in Psychology with a specialization in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. She also completed a minor in Deaf and Hearing Sciences. CJ loves to spend time volunteering in diverse areas in her community! She is currently involved in a mentorship program through La Casa Amiga which provides extra support to local youth. She also enjoys volunteering at local clinics to help expand healthcare to people who are underinsured. Growing up, CJ loved to travel with her family, and as a college student, she took the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in the Netherlands. It was here that she fostered a deep passion for immersing herself in new cultures. She believes this has been instrumental in building her cultural awareness to better understand her future patients. She is ecstatic about traveling to Ghana to be a part of this program, and she hopes to learn more about a different healthcare system, patient care styles, and Ghanaian culture overall. 

Currently a freshman at Oakland University majoring in Clinical and diagnostic science studying to receive my bachelor’s degree to get into medical school, my long term goal in education is to become a dermatologist. I have always worked in healthcare working with all ages and specialties. I currently work in a group home for disabled adults and I’m also a licensed esthetician with trying to grow my clientele. Outside of work and school I’m a mother to 4 kids Two teenagers one girl Age 16 and a boy 15 and Two little boys 7 1/2 and 6. I enjoy learning new things, traveling and eating new foods. I’m an overall laid back person that loves good music and attending concerts and festivals. I’m always trying to see how I can change things in my environment to make things easier for all to thrive, so if opportunity presents it self I take it because life is short and I try to seize every moment. 

Kristina Buck is an upcoming senior at Oakland University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Originally from the Metro Detroit area, she is a first-generation American whose family immigrated from the former Soviet Union. Growing up with exposure to different cultures and perspectives fostered her interest in learning about people from diverse backgrounds and understanding how communities around the world approach health and well-being.

At Oakland University, Kristina has been involved in student leadership and service initiatives while preparing for a career in nursing. She is particularly interested in critical care, maternal-child health, and public health, and hopes to begin her career as a registered nurse while also contributing to community-based health initiatives. She is considering pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in the future to complement her clinical nursing experience and expand her ability to improve health outcomes beyond the bedside. As a Gilman Scholar, Kristina believes international education is a powerful tool for building cross-cultural understanding and strengthening connections between communities around the world. Following her experience in Ghana, she plans to complete a service project focused on promoting study abroad opportunities for healthcare students and highlighting the value of global perspectives in healthcare.

Outside of academics, Kristina enjoys reading, baking, hiking, and painting. As this will be her first international experience since early childhood, she is especially excited to be immersed in Ghanaian culture, learn about a different healthcare system, and build meaningful connections with the communities she encounters. She looks forward to broadening her global perspective and bringing the lessons she learns in Ghana into her future work in healthcare.

Audrey Greene

Audrey Greene is an upcoming senior studying at Michigan State University. Originally, she is from Grand Haven, and graduated from Grand Haven High School. At MSU she studies psychology with a minor in youth and society, and education and society. She is a member of PsiChi, a psychology honors society, and also participates in psychology club. Audrey is also a research assistant in the Research in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (RADD) lab, where she contributes to the FamTAM project. Here, she works on improving communication for children who utilize Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. In 2027, Audrey will graduate from MSU and plans to attend graduate school. Here, she hopes to study school psychology. In her free time, Audrey enjoys baking, going for hikes, and playing guitar. She is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to volunteer in Ghana to experience hands-on learning as well as getting to know the community.

Lucy Bongiorno

Lucy Bongiorno is a freshman at Michigan State University studying psychology and human resources and labor relations. She is originally from Traverse City, MI and participated in basketball and track and field in high school, serving as team captain for both sports. Lucy has experience working with children as a coach for young kids and has also volunteered at a homeless shelter, where she supported individuals in need. At Michigan State University, Lucy is a member of the Honors College and the Psychology Club. She is specifically interested in industrial-organizational psychology and hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the field. Lucy is passionate about understanding human behavior and supporting others in meaningful ways, with an emphasis on teamwork, care, and kindness. She enjoys traveling, and some of her favorite places she’s visited are Puerto Rico, Ireland, and Italy. Lucy is looking forward to gaining new experiences, meeting new people, and making an impact during her time in Ghana.

Melisa Ingles

Melisa Ingles is a sophomore at Michigan State University where she’s double majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology. She’s works as part-time aide at Eastminster Child Development Center and volunteers as a child life volunteer at Sparrow Hospital. She also serves on the executive board of StudentsCare, a student organization that helps connect undergraduate students with hospitalized children and isolated elderly adults. In the summer, she works at a medical specialty camp, helping children with various medical needs. Outside of school, Melisa plays the baritone in the Spartan Marching Band. After she graduates, she’s aiming to get a master’s in Child Life and become a certified child life specialist. She’s particularly interested in how cultural differences affect child development and healthcare worldwide. During her time at the hospital, she’s most excited to learn as much as she can and make meaningful connections with the children and families she meets.

Charis Foster

Charis Foster is a sophomore at Michigan State University, where she is pursuing dual degrees in Social Work and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences, with minors in Business, and Human Behavior and Social Services. She is originally from Silver Spring, Maryland. Charis is deeply passionate about serving and advocating for at-risk youth. Her experience includes working as a camp counselor for underserved children from Washington, D.C., as well as service initiatives focused on meeting tangible community needs and building meaningful relationships. Academically and professionally, Charis is interested in the intersection of early childhood development, social support systems, and long-term well-being. Her research explores how factors such as early childhood malnutrition and psychosocial environments shape cognitive development. After completing her undergraduate studies, Charis hopes to pursue a career in social work in the greater D.C. area, with a focus on supporting children and families in under-resourced communities. This summer, she is most excited to be immersed in Ghanaian culture and to learn from the strong sense of community and care that shapes daily life. She also looks forward to exploring how policy shapes the well-being of children and families.

Brooklynn Eason

Brooklynn Eason is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Psychology with minors in Youth and Society and Human Behavior and Social Services. She is deeply passionate about understanding people, their experiences, their environments, and the factors that shape who they become. Brooklyn is passionate about meeting individuals where they are and supporting them as they navigate their paths toward growth and development. She is particularly interested in how lived experiences shape identity and can be used to build community, foster resilience, and encourage growth across diverse environments.

Coming from Detroit, Brooklynn has seen firsthand the importance of community, resilience, and access to supportive resources. Her experiences have fueled her passion for closely collaborating with youth and families, especially in often overlooked communities. Through her academic journey and hands-on work in educational and community settings, she has developed a strong commitment to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.

This opportunity to travel to Ghana holds special meaning for Brooklyn. It represents more than academic growth; it is a chance to step outside of her comfort zone, connect with a new culture, and gain a deeper, more global understanding of childhood development and community care. She is especially excited to build genuine relationships, learn from others’ lived experiences, and bring those lessons back with her to continue making an impact in her community.