Applied Health Informatics Student Profiles

Rachael Elizabeth Brooker Langston

It is Rachael’s own experience as a patient in the medical system that called her to study Health Informatics. Again and again she received confusing and often contradictory health care information, and was both amazed and frustrated by all of the barriers she faced just to get basic and consistent care. She has learned a lot about self advocacy and the medical system, and looks forward to bringing that knowledge to a greater audience through working within the healthcare system to increase accessibility and quality of care. 

Rachael received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John's College, equivalent to a double major in Philosophy and the History of Mathematics and Science, with a minor in Comparative Literature.  She is also the recipient of the Most Outstanding Service to Annapolitan Youth award and Most Outstanding Essay award for her Junior year thesis.   

Rachael brings her experience in community organizing and activism to AHI. She believes healthcare is a human right, but like so many rights, there is great systemic inequality that parses down the lines of racism, poverty, ageism, sexuality, gender identity, immigration status, etc. While living in the Hudson Valley, she worked on the Coverage4All state campaign to expand health coverage to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. Rachael also brings a background in civil rights paralegal work, specifically around safe and affordable housing, and in non-profit administration. In working on a civil rights case about safe housing she learned about the toxic effects of mold in homes, and how it can permanently affect people’s life. These experiences taught her the importance of considering the entire context in which healthcare is delivered, including the behind the scenes structural support in creating lasting change. 

Seana Friedman, D.P.N., M.B.A., F.N.P., R.N.

Dr. Seana Friedman is a dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in nursing administration, finance, and operations. She graduated from SUNY Downstate in 2014 as a Family Nurse Practitioner and furthered her education, earning a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Seton Hall in 2018, followed by a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Touro University Worldwide in 2021. Currently, Dr. Friedman serves as the Executive Director of Nursing Operations and Cardiac Services at Mount Sinai Morningside.

Throughout her career, Dr. Friedman has excelled in directing multidisciplinary teams, developing strategic business plans for specialized programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She also holds a role as an adjunct clinical instructor at the Phillips School of Nursing and has contributed to various publications and presentations in critical care. Her achievements include receiving the 2022 United Hospital Fund Excellence in Healthcare Award for Quality Improvement Champion and being inducted as a fellow in the Academy of Medicine in 2024.

Dr. Friedman is passionately committed to driving excellence in patient care delivery, enhancing operational efficiency, and optimizing financial productivity.

Sabrina Gustin, LMSW

Sabrina Gustin is currently a behavioral health clinician at the prestigious non-profit organization The Jewish Board. She received her B.S. in Public Health from SUNY College Old Westbury in 2014, and her M.C.S.W.  in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University in 2020.

Sabrina works with the vulnerable mental health population and conducts clinical assessments and psychosocial evaluations.  She  works with a multi-disciplinary team using evidence-based practices and treatment to ensure the wellness and longevity of her clients. She plans to combine this experience with health informatics to improve access and quality of mental health services to these vulnerable populations.

Augustine Korang (not pictured)

Augustine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Ghana and an M.A. in Development Economics from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan. His professional journey is marked by his roles as a Project/Research Assistant at the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana and as a Personal Assistant in the Parliament of Ghana.

While in Ghana, Augustine served as a Medical Records Technician at the University of Ghana Hospital, where he honed his skills in managing electronic health records and patient information. This role sparked his interest in the intersection of healthcare and information technology, leading him to pursue advanced studies in health informatics. His pursuit of the Master of Science in Applied Health Informatics at Fordham University is driven by his desire to leverage his quantitative skills and experience in healthcare data management to contribute to better patient outcomes and informed decision-making in the healthcare sector.

Gabriella Michelle Leiba

Gabriella is embarking on her healthcare career, eagerly exploring its diverse facets as she progresses both professionally and academically. Her educational foundation began with a B.S. in Health Science from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where she cultivated a comprehensive understanding of diverse health sectors, including public health, healthcare technology, and healthcare administration. She has received academic accolades for her studies that have made her stand out from her peers. Having enriched her education through studies in Ireland and Costa Rica, Gabriella now seeks to further expand her knowledge through the AHI program, and is especially excited to participate in the Oxford residencies.

Her aspiration to address healthcare disparities drove Gabriella to enroll in the AHI program at Fordham. This academic pursuit represents a significant long-term goal for her professional advancement. She is optimistic that the educational resources, faculty expertise, and collaborative environment at Fordham University will empower her to make meaningful strides toward achieving her objectives.

Alondra Minyetty Beltre (not pictured)

Alondra Minyetty Beltre has  a great passion for learning new skills. She completed her B.S. in Computer Science at the Universidad Tecnológica del Sur in the Dominican Republic, where she graduated with honors. Since then, she has been working as a computer science and technology administrator for Journakes, S.R.L.

Alondra received the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCYT) Scholarship for Excellence to study in the Fordham University Applied Health Informatics program. She looks forward to the program’s collaborative and project-based approach to learning, and to being a part of AHI’s greater professional community. Her goal in completing this program is to improve healthcare delivery in the Dominican Republic.

Michael Owicho Odeh, M.B., B.S.

Michael Odeh is a distinguished healthcare professional and medical educator with a strong background in research, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Jos, Nigeria, as well as an associates degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with a specialization in Vascular Sonography from the ACE Institute of Technology in  New York City.

Throughout his career, Michael has been a Clinical Lecturer, a Medical Officer, and an HIV Clinician at prominent hospitals in Nigeria. He has expertise in research, medical education, and patient care, and community outreach leadership. As the CEO/President of El-Roi-Inland Missions Hospital and Center for Family Healthcare-Nigeria, he has overseen medical operations and driven healthcare excellence.

Michael is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON). He has also attended prestigious training programs, such as the ART/HIV Medicine Conference and the TB/HIV Co-management Workshop by the Harvard/APIN Plus Program. He will be starting his masters degree in Applied Health Informatics at Fordham University this fall.

Sonia Ricks, L.P.N.

Sonia's background consists of working as a Licensed Practical Nurse, where provided nursing care in home settings, clinics, and nursing homes to patients ranging in age from infants to seniors. She spent over a decade in the military on active duty in several positions specifically supporting individuals and families. Sonia has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy. I look forward to expanding my professional experiences in Applied Healthcare Informatics.

Abidemi Olubenga Adeyemo

Abidemi works with the Centre for Integrated Health Programs in NIGERIA, a major implementing partner supporting comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and treatment services, funded primarily through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Prior to the AHI program at Fordham, he earned a bachelor in Health Services Management & Public Administration and honors in Social Behavioral Studies (HIV/AIDS) from the University of South Africa. Currently Abidemi works in the strategic information unit (SIU), the engine room of the entire operation. In the SIU Abidemi, along with the health informaticists and strategic information teams, ensure that there is concurrence between the electronic records and physical documentation. Data integrity and quality control is a critical part of his daily routine. Abidemi often visits the health facilities to ensure that documentation is in order, provides guidance where there are knowledge gaps, and communicates recommendations to the various stakeholders. His team drives the vision of the organization to ensure that people infected and/or affected receive services.

Myra Ahmad, M.D. (not pictured) 

Myra became a licensed medical doctor in Pakistan during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Pakistan did not have any centrally organized telemedicine systems then, so Myra became part of a small popup online clinic. Her experience as a volunteer doctor brought home the fact that doctor  could only help patients who could make it to the hospital in time. By bringing healthcare to people's homes, Myra was able to help treat the chronically ill, geriatric patients, and other parts of the community that had been previously neglected. When she found the AHI program, everything clicked in place. For her capstone, she plans to build an Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for a local hospital so that the pathology department and blood bank can run more efficiently. She hopes that the new LIMS will help pathologists and the staff do less paperwork and more clinical work.

Shahid Ahmed

Shahid Ahmed earned a bachelor's in computer science in 2017. He currently works as a technical support software engineer at Motive, previously known as KeepTruckin, in his home country of Pakistan.  

Shahid joined the AHI program in Fall 2023 because he found the courses really interesting, well crafted, and current with not only the state of the technology but where things are headed. Now that he’s in the AHI program, Shahid reports that he finds that “...the faculty in the Applied Health Informatics department are just fantastic. They're super supportive and give you a lot of personal attention.” He is grateful AHI gives him a chance to explore how technology and healthcare come together, and appreciates how it covers everything you need to know about informatics in healthcare settings. “It's a great opportunity for  to use my tech skills to make a positive impact on patient care and outcomes,” he says.

Sohaib Ahmed 

Sohaib is passionate about  innovation and global health. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Health Informatics from Fordham University remotely from his home country in Pakistan. Prior, Sohaib completed a bachelor’s degree concentrating in the biological sciences . He is interested in exploring how Health Informatics can inform the Research and Development of biological therapeutics. Sohaib is also interested in leveraging practical applications of Artificial Intelligence to advance biomedical research, engineering, and improve healthcare outcomes. The AHI program has taught essential skills as well as given new perspectives through its project-based approach to learning.

 

Kerry Gilder, CASAC-T

Kerry has always had a knack for psychology and a passion for computers. With Applied Health Informatics, she’s returning for her third degree at Fordham, this time blending her expertise in both psychology and data security/privacy. She’s proud to have completed her CASAC-T certification for addiction counseling under the tutelage of Connie Pacheco at Recoveries-R-Us.  These experiences led her to the AHI program—where her passions for psychology, addiction recovery, and cybersecurity can converge within healthcare technology. In her own words, Kerry says “The program isn't just about managing and safeguarding digital health information; it's about being at the forefront of creating accessible health solutions in a world where tech in healthcare isn't just an option but a necessity.”

Kerry was able to attend a seminar on Electronic Health Records at Oxford through AHI. It not only refined her technical skills, but also gave her the opportunity to dialogue about health equity in a global community. “It was a privilege to absorb wisdom from the diverse voices of my fellow students and understand a range of perspectives that influence healthcare. Understanding the unique perspectives we each bring to the table is, above all, my favorite aspect of this program,”  she says. Discovering a niche that embraces all of Kerry’s interests and skills, and connecting with others who share similar passions, has been incredibly special for her. She is grateful that, “...after bouncing around careers in search of fulfillment, [she found] a field that offers all these elements makes [her] future feel more promising and bright.”

Aamir Mahmood

Aamir is a psychologist from Pakistan, currently pursuing a Master's in Applied Health Informatics. He also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. In Pakistan, he runs a therapy practice where he sees private clients and also volunteers as a mental health coach for a UK-based charity organization.

Aamir decided to enroll in the Applied Health Informatics (AHI) program because of his  lifelong passion for improving the healthcare industry. Originally he aspired to become a doctor, but his intellectual journey led Aamir to psychology, a field he has pursued with great dedication. The AHI program is a natural progression for Aamir, allowing him to blend his expertise in psychology with advanced health informatics. Aamir believes this integration is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, particularly in mental health services.

Aamir reports that the thing he appreciates the most about the AHI program is its multidisciplinary approach, combining healthcare, technology, and data analytics. “This comprehensive framework provides me with the skills and knowledge necessary to address contemporary challenges in healthcare,” he reports, “...the program's emphasis on real-world applications and innovative solutions aligns perfectly with my goal of improving mental health services in Pakistan and beyond.”

Outside of Aamir’s academic and professional pursuits, he enjoys writing and reading, exploring nature, hanging out with friends, playing chess and video games, drawing, music and dancing, and enjoying art in all its forms. These activities enrich his life and inspire his work, he says,  providing a balanced perspective that Aamir brings to his practice and studies.

Imelda M. Soledad, RDH, RN, BSN, BMTCN

Imelda graduated from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2009 and an Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, in 2004. Currently, she works as a bone marrow transplant clinical coordinator at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Pursuing a Master of Science in Health Informatics is not just a career move for Imelda; it's a passion. She reports that this field provides her “with advanced knowledge of health information technology, including electronic health records, health data, and clinical informatics, allowing her to contribute even more to the medical industry and make a significant difference in healthcare.”

Imelda is thankful the program offers a hybrid option that caters to working healthcare professionals. She finds the professors and the program's dean are not just supportive; they are invested in the success of their students. The highlight of her experience in the program has been the  residential course in Oxford, which was not just a learning opportunity for her, but a chance to develop social skills and presentation confidence through group work and the collaborative learning environment. Imelda says the experience “...also provides a chance to expand her network globally, build new friendships,  and fosters a supportive and engaging learning community.”

Triana Abel-Encarnacion, MD.

Her journey began in the Dominican Republic, where she pursued medical studies. She received the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (MESCYT) Scholarship for Excellence to study in the Fordham University Applied Health Informatics program. This recognition highlighted her academic prowess and potential to contribute to the medical field through health informatics.

Leveraging her background and commitment to public health, Triana is now working in research at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging (CNSA) at the University of Miami. Her focus is on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, contributing to the understanding and management of these conditions. Her main goal is to contribute to understanding and managing these conditions through innovative data analysis and interpretation techniques.

Triana is driven by a vision to bridge the gap between clinical research and practical healthcare solutions and a dedication to turning her achievements into actionable benefits in the community. She believes that advancements in the study of cognitive disorders must have a direct impact on patient care and the quality of life of both patients and caregivers. 

Mishal Ahmed

Mishal Ahmed was in the first AHI class. She previously received a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Health from Roehampton University. After attending the residencies in Oxford, Mishal was inspired to undertake my project on developing effective, free software health records to deliver health care in developing countries. For her capstone project, she was introduced to the international relief organization Humanity First by Naveed Dogar, who in turn connected to the African orphanage in Benin to convert its paper health records into electronic files. As part of the project, she created an online record of a patient’s personal information and medical history data that can be regularly updated over their lifetime.  The electronic health record system she has designed allows the orphanage to store information securely, as well as communicate with its governmental regulatory overseers. She will travel to Benin soon to implement her system in the orphanage. 

Fernando Castro Gomez, MD.

Dr. Castro Gómez is a Medical Doctor with over 23 years of experience in Clinical and Surgical disease management and control, Public Health Programs Development, Project management, Software Development, Biotechnology and Digital Transformation. After years of working in the clinical field in Colombia and Brazil, Dr. Castro Gómez moved to the U.S. in the winter of 2014 where he started his entrepreneurial journey. Since then, he has been dedicated to projects related to innovation, Digital Solutions implementation and Leadership in the field of healthcare, as well as collaborating with various stakeholders from private sector, governmental organizations, and NGOs.

In January of 2019, Dr. Castro Gómez took over DISC's (Development Innovation System C) daily operations as Chief Operating Officer (COO) as well as the Biotechnology branch as Director. Under his leadership, the multinational company developed the software "COVID-19 Watch," a digital platform created to assist local and national governments in the mitigation of the disease caused by the coronavirus. In 2023, he designed and led the development team of MaternApp, a global public health initiative focused on the prevention of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality across the globe.

Currently, he works for the Department of Human Services of Prince George’s County, Maryland and he is actively engaged as a member in both the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA).

Camille Dorset

Sanjana Prasad (not pictured)

Sanjana Prasad serves as the Program Manager within the Data and Technology team at CHCANYS, leading statewide initiatives focused on EHR training and technical assistance for health centers. She is responsible for developing and refining detailed work plans to achieve target outcomes related to Patient Engagement and Health IT Usability and Adoption. Sanjana facilitates EHR-specific user groups that teach PHCs about workflow optimization and system usability and helps to develop EHR-agnostic curriculum for PHCs. Partnering with PHCs and HCCN leadership, Sanjana supports advocacy initiatives aimed at engaging EHR vendors around improving product functionality such as structured data capture, interoperability, and FHIR capabilities. She plays a key role in evaluating and reporting on the overall impact of HCCN HIT projects, providing valuable insights to inform decision-making and future planning efforts.

Rakhee Sachdeva, Ph.D. 

Dr. Rakhee Sachdeva holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Immunology and has completed a postdoctorate at the Columbia University Medical Center where she developed cutting-edge technologies for screening experimental compounds to support drug discovery.

Dr. Sachdeva joined the Health Informatics program in 2022, aiming to harness advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes while fostering innovation in healthcare. Motivated by her background in molecular and cellular biology, she is invested in working on Health Informatics that will advance precision medicine through the integration of genomic and proteomic data into EHR systems. Dr. Sachdeva currently works for the Population Council, and is a member of both the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) and the New York chapter of Women in Healthcare.