Team

As a molecular cancer epidemiologist, I address methods for the use of biomarkers of energetics, metabolic imbalance, and inflammation, and their application in cancer etiology and prognosis, with a focus on breast and gastrointestinal cancers. My hobbies include traveling, playing cricket and soccer.

I hold an MDS in Prosthodontics from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, India, and a recent MPH in Epidemiology and Global Health from Saint Louis University (SLU). Previously, I have worked as a Project Coordinator at SLU’s Center for Environmental Education and Training and as a fellow in Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthetic Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, India. I am passionate about improving healthcare accessibility for disadvantaged and underserved populations, particularly for the prevention and control of cancer. In my free time, I indulge in various hobbies like dancing, especially Indian classical dances – Odissi & Bharatanatyam, meeting people from different countries, playing table tennis and board games, photography, hiking, and exploring diverse cuisines.

I have a Master’s in Public Health (in Global Health and Epidemiology) from Saint Louis University and a Master’s in Dental Surgery from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, India. I have experience in cancer diagnosis, research, and epidemiological data analysis in India and the United States. I’m passionate about addressing health disparities through cancer research and developing and implementing strategies to improve healthcare equity and access for underserved populations. Outside work, I enjoy playing table tennis, hiking, and meeting people from diverse cultures.

I came to U.S. as a stateless refugee from the former Soviet Union in 1991, with my immediate family. In 2003, I moved to St. Louis from Chicago for my job as a Cartographer, on contract with National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. After my oldest child was born, I decided to become a Russian interpreter, eventually progressing to working as a Russian Community Access Worker at a local non-profit assisting Russian-speaking seniors with access to legal, language, mental health and social services. In my last few years, I served as a Director of the Social Services department, with a specific focus on healthcare disparities among immigrants and refugees in St. Louis area. I’ve been invited to serve on several Community Advisory Boards to be the voice of Low-English Proficient seniors, highlighting barriers in access to care for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act. A year ago, I refocused my priorities to spend more time with my family and came to WUSOM. In my free time, I listen to audio books, play Scrabble, go hiking, and cheer my kids on in their sports.

I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2024 with Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.. My areas of focus include clinical research, healthcare regulation and quality management, as well as healthcare administration and project management. I am particularly interested in contributing to clinical research and driving transformation in the healthcare sector, specifically in women’s health. My goal is to leverage my professional clinical experience and communication skills to drive evidence-based outcomes and reduce health disparities. In my free time, I love skiing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

I graduated with an MD from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran. My research has been focused on discovering biomarkers of cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Currently, I am working to identify the molecular basis of breast density and breast cancer to develop effective preventive strategies. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, photography, and traveling.

I graduated from Lanzhou University in 2023 with a major in Clinical Medicine. Currently, I am pursuing the Biostatistics program at Washington University in St. Louis. In 2024, I joined a research lab to gain more knowledge about clinical research and apply it to real-world data. During my free time, I like to travel and dance.

I am currently a Master of Public Health (Epidemiology & Biostatistics) candidate at Washington University in St Louis. I received my Bachelor of Public Health degree from Nepal in 2019. After graduation, I worked with the UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti as a research assistant for the Gender-Responsive and Age-Sensitive Social Protection (GRASSP) research programme, and as a COVID-19 Surveillance Associate at the World Health Organization. I am passionate about promoting health equity and women and girls’ health through research and advocacy. Therefore, I joined Toriola Lab to support systematic reviews and research on breast cancer prevention. Besides work, I advocate for animal rights and love taking care of the community dogs and cats, trekking, and meditation.

I am currently studying at Washington University in Saint Louis, pursuing a major in Biology as well as a minor in Spanish Language. I joined the Toriola Lab in 2024 to learn more about the different aspects of the clinical research process including participant recruitment, sample collection, and data analysis. In my free time I enjoy oil painting, watching soccer, and spending time with family.

I am currently pursuing a Biology Major and Studio Art Minor at Washington University in St. Louis. I joined the Toriola Lab in 2023 to learn about clinical research and familiarize myself with a work environment that involves both patient interaction and data management. In my free time, I love to draw, bake, and fold origami.

I joined the Toriola Lab in 2024 as a Research Assistant, looking to deepen my understanding of clinical research and public health. I am currently pursuing dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health at Washington University, where I am a Khan Scholar and Graduate Policy Scholar. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science from Gonzaga University. After completing my Bachelors, I became an AmeriCorps and Teach for America corps member and taught eighth-grade science at a Title 1 charter school for two years in Aurora, CO. During my teaching career, I was the Science Department Head and led curriculum development and implemented health and sexual education programs. In my recent Social Work practicum experience at Planned Parenthood, I developed and evaluated reproductive health programs in the St. Louis community. At Girls in the Know, a local nonprofit, I designed an alumni program focused on empowering young women through educational and community initiatives. In my free time I love to go for walks, ski, hike, cook, and hang out with my cat, Harry.

Emmy is going to work as an oncologist in Thailand.

Sarah is working towards getting admitted to a medical school.

Lara is now attending Saint Louis University for her Nursing Degree.

Dante is now attending University of Rochester for his Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree.

Alena is now pursuing her art career internationally.

Ava is now working as a Nurse Practitioner in Rochester.

Irene will be attending medical school at Rocky Vista University in Colorado.

Trisha graduated from Washington University in St. Louis’ Master’s Program with a degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She is currently working in Georgia.

Hannah is currently attending St Louis College of Pharmacy.

Kayla is now conducting research at the University of Michigan.

Kayode is now working as a research coordinator in Occupational Therapy.

Shuai is pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at Vanderbilt University.

Jane is working as a clinical data manager at Merck & Co pharmaceutical company.

Polly is working as a public health analyst at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

Amrit is now taking a gap year before applying to medical schools.

Clifford is finishing up his MPH and applying to residency programs.

Wenqing is graduating from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Joy is currently attending medical school at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine.

Keshav is currently attending the MPH program at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Ram is currently attending the MPH program at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Kerem is now applying to medical school.

Hasan is now pursuing his MD at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Yousaf is now applying to medical school.

Vikram is now pursuing his MD at Creighton University in Nebraska.

Nicole is now working as a lab manager at the Tissue Procurement Core at Wash U School of Medicine.

Sally is now working as a coordinator in the Neonatal Development Research Lab at Wash U School of Medicine.

Nimo now works at plastic surgery department as Clinical Research Study Assistant II in Washington University School of Medicine