College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Mütter Museum 

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Mütter Museum: Crime Busters 

 

Student Interns:

Van Anh Tran, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine
Michelle Wang, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Renee Kottenhahn, MD, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Sara Ray, PhD, Mütter Museum 

 

Community Site:

The Mütter Museum, located in Center City, invites visitors to explore the fascinating history of medicine through its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, medical instruments, and models, presented in the style of a 19th-century cabinet museum. Through these displays, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the complexity and resilience of the human body, and to discover how medical understanding and care have evolved over time. 

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted community preceptors, including staff from the Mütter’s education department and the senior director of interpretation and engagement, in developing academic lesson plans on forensic science topics. The curriculum will culminate in a comprehensive “Crime Busters” competition for students, after the course is completed. The curriculum will be implemented in the upcoming academic year for the two after-school programs, Out4STEM and Girls One Diaspora. Held once a week at the Mütter Museum, Out4Stem and Girls One are after-school programs that teach science to openly queer high school students and female students from the African diaspora. The interns also revised currently instated lesson plans, including those the Mütter uses to teach about antibiotics, microbes, and bone identification. 

 

Reflections:

Van Anh Tran and Michelle Wang: “This summer was a rewarding experience to be able to create a curriculum from the ground up, based on a popular and interesting science topic. Even though we will not be able to fully implement the course during our time at the Mütter, it was valuable to establish relationships and collaborate with the museum educators. This project encouraged us to be creative and think about new ways to teach students about science, including engaging them through storytelling and speaking to them as if they were real investigators. We hope that the students who participate in Crime Busters will be inspired to explore potential careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.” 

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Educators for Education (E4E)

 

Pathways to Success: Guiding Philadelphia Youth Toward Professional and Personal Excellence

 

Student Interns:

Holly Akabuo, Drexel University College of Medicine

Zaria Beckley, Drexel University College of Medicine

Michael Jin, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Sydney Lam, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Yashvi Shah, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:

Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Kristen Ryczak, MD, Drexel University College of Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:

Anthony Singleton, President/Executive Officer, Educators for Education

 

Community Site:

Educators for Education (E4E) works with youth across the city of Philadelphia to provide educational services, professional development/training, advocacy, and social support. E4E offers a wide array of programs and services, including mentoring, summer camps, tutoring, job and career coaching, professional development, and more.

https://www.educators4education.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns assisted E4E with various projects, primarily focusing on the development and management of a healthcare and STEM career camp for 20 male high school students and recent graduates, as well as a job readiness and career development camp for six female high school students and recent graduates. The interns delivered presentations and led interactive workshops on academic and professional topics such as résumé writing, interview skills, professional communication, and public speaking, and more. In collaboration with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, the interns led discussions on emotional regulation, communication styles, and public speaking for local youth. They also played a key role in organizing a youth job fair, reaching out to vendors across Philadelphia to participate in the event. Additionally, the interns wrote articles highlighting E4E partnerships for inclusion in a community newsletter and provided ongoing support for other E4E programming.

 

Reflections:

Holly Akabuo, Zaria Beckley, Michael Jin, Sydney Lam, and Yashvi Shah: “Partnering with E4E to empower teenagers across Philadelphia to pursue their academic and professional aspirations has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the course of just seven weeks, we have built meaningful relationships with these young individuals while equipping them with essential skills that will support their future success. At the same time, we have gained invaluable lessons of patience, empathy, adaptability, and collaboration — qualities that we will continue to demonstrate to patients and professional peers as future healthcare providers. We are immensely proud of the growth, engagement, and resilience the students have shown, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in their academic and career journeys.”

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Girls Inc.

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Empowering Girls to Be Smart, Strong, and Bold: A Summer of Learning, Reflection, and Positivity

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Student Interns:

Lauren Fader, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Creative Arts in Therapy

Rujula Upasani, Drexel University College of Medicine

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Academic Preceptor:
Renee Kottenhahn, MD, FAAP, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine

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Community Preceptors:
Cherice Gordon, Girls Inc.
Stacey Moonjeli, Girls Inc.

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Community Site:
Using a whole-girl approach to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey serves more than 3,000 girls annually. Through Girls Inc. young girls can develop their confidence, build on their strengths, and take bold risks through evidence-based programs, mentoring, and healthy relationships, in a safe and proactive environment with other young women. Girls Inc. equips young girls to navigate barriers and face challenges while also promoting health, wellness, independence, and opportunities for girls everywhere.

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Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps student interns had the opportunity to mentor and educate young girls on key topics that promote confidence, health, and future success. The interns led lessons on the harmful effects of vaping, explored human anatomy, and promoted physical wellness through fun and engaging fitness classes. They also supported healthy body image and self-esteem through open discussions, journaling, and reflection. As part of STEM career exploration, the students were introduced to exciting paths in finance, artificial intelligence, business, and medicine, encouraging them to dream big and think boldly about their futures. The interns grew as leaders while making a lasting impact on the lives of the girls they served.

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Reflections:
Lauren Fader: “My summer at Girls Inc. has been full of rich learning experiences. I have been able to support the students as both a mentor and leader while simultaneously learning new things from them every day. Engaging in a range of STEM-based activities has been effective in showcasing the students’ ambition to learn and mesmerizing resourcefulness. The most resonant takeaway from this summer experience has been the importance of optimism, joy, and laughter despite facing challenges or adversity. Witnessing friendships blossom through collaboration and teamwork truly demonstrates the Girls Inc. mission of empowering girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Moving forward into my career as a dance/movement therapist, I plan to remember the connections I have made with the girls and continue to encourage approaching all community members with authenticity, positivity, and trust.”

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Rujula Upasani: “My summer has been filled with new experiences and lessons through Girls Inc. Before joining, I had little experience working with kids and in a camp setting. After joining, I have learned so much both from the girls and myself. Leading STEM activities all summer, I have seen how curious and knowledgeable the girls are. They are curious about different paths they could take and what their options are. I have also learned more about their background and cultures, developing their personalities more. Not only have I learned from the girls, but the whole experience has taught me more about my leadership abilities. I have learned how to facilitate learning groups, advocate for girls who may be more shy, and be communicative with girls who may be less interested. I hope to use these skills in my future as a physician, using the vital communication and trust development skills I learned in this camp.”

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Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center

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Building Community to Promote Health and Wellness for Adults with Intellectual Disability and Mental Illness

 

Student Interns:

Nashita Ali, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Matilda Brilleman, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:
Hillary R. Bogner, MD, MSCE, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Donald L. Boyer, MD, MSEd, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptors:

Beverly Bradley, Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center

Angelo Cirrincione, Hall-Mercer Community Mental Health Center

 

Community Site:

The Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center of Pennsylvania Hospital is dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by mental illness or developmental disabilities. The center has played a significant role in broadening the acceptance and advancing the care of people with psychiatric disorders or intellectual disabilities.

https://www.med.upenn.edu/hallmercer/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns supported the Adult Day Program, which provides socialization and wellness services, including group therapy, community engagement, exercise, and health education. In addition to building relationships with clients, the interns developed programming to integrate cardiovascular and oral health in fun and interactive ways. The interns designed and implemented art projects, smoothie-making, an oral health presentation with demonstrations, and a health-related Jeopardy game. These activities were aimed at promoting positive attitudes around nutrition, physical activity, and personal hygiene while also addressing the role of mental health on health behaviors.

 

Reflections:

Nashita Ali: “Working at Hall-Mercer this summer was an eye-opening experience, and working with the clients has opened my eyes to the importance of oral health and overall health in adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues.”

 

Matilda Brilleman: “As a medical student with an interest in primary care, I was able to hear firsthand experiences that made me think more about my future role as a provider and the kinds of life challenges my future patients may face.”

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Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram's Garden

 

Summer at Sankofa

 

Student Interns:

Corinne Beavers, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Lauren Oh, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Academic Preceptors:
Johanna K.P. Greeson, PhD, MSS, MLSP, University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice

Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptor:
Ty Holmberg, Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden

 

Community Site:

Located in Southwest Philadelphia, Sankofa is a spiritually centered farm rooted in the African diasporic tradition. Its mission is to connect the Philadelphia community to the land, create opportunities for food sovereignty, and educate the community about cultural crops that are relevant to people of African descent. The farm carries out its mission by serving the people of the West and Southwest Philadelphia community who live in food deserts, where there are no local grocery stores or places to get fresh food. 

https://www.bartramsgarden.org/farm/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns at Sankofa focused on preparing foods, harvesting vegetables and fruits, and educating high school interns. One BTG intern supported the cooking crew, assisting with meal preparation for the high school interns and teaching them about various cultural foods and how to prepare them in different ways. The other intern supported the market team, which harvested fruits and vegetables for the Thursday and Saturday markets. Both interns worked together on a health and wellness workshop, a dental presentation, and a lesson on social media use and screen time.

 

Reflections:

Corinne Beavers: “A pivotal moment while working was my interaction with the narrative storytelling project. I interviewed a coworker who had been working at Sankofa since she was 7 years old and who is now 18. Her perspective around her experience at the farm helped me to understand the importance of nature and community spaces and how these spaces can facilitate healing.”

 

Lauren Oh: “Like Corinne, a special moment for me was the narrative storytelling project where I interviewed a staff member who had been coming to Bartram’s Garden since she was a little girl, as she used to live in Bartram Village, so the garden was her playground. Hearing about the significance the garden had growing up and then wanting to give back to the youth made me realize how important the work at Sankofa Farm is to the Southwest Philadelphia community.”​​​

 

 

Students Run Philly Style

 

Students Help Healthcare Style

 

Student Interns:

Ida Aria, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Bryce Mills, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

 

Academic Preceptors:

Dalmacio Dennis Flores, PhD, ACRN, FAAN, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing

Abby Quinn Peterson, DMD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

Elizabeth Powell, DDS, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine

 

Community Preceptors:

Mariana Folco, MSW, LSW, Director of Programs, Students Run Philly Style

Madison Helmick, MA, Associate Director of Youth Initiatives, Students Run Philly Style

 

Community Site:

Students Run Philly Style (SRPS) is a nonprofit organization that transforms students’ lives through mentorship over miles of long-distance running and achievement. The organization pairs volunteer mentors with teams of students to inspire them to train and push themselves to complete a 10-mile run or a half or full marathon. Currently they are partnered with 60 schools in 48 zip codes and serve 1,500 students with 400 mentors.

https://studentsrunphilly.org/

 

Team’s Experience:

The Bridging the Gaps student interns focused on community engagement, event support, and resource development to enhance SRPS’s summer programming. They helped plan and facilitate events such as Scoop N’ Loop and a local fundraising 5K at Yards Brewery in Spring Garden, where they successfully raised over $800. The interns developed targeted outreach materials and assisted with an information session aimed at increasing parent registration for the Philadelphia Distance Run 5K. They collected participant quotes for future communications and interviewed members of the running community to help create content for the upcoming PDR Expo, highlighting the race’s significance and local impact.

 

Reflections:

Ida Aria and Bryce Mills: “This summer with Bridging the Gaps gave us the chance to step outside the classroom and into meaningful, community-centered work. As a dental and nursing student, we often think of health in terms of procedures and outcomes, but this experience reminded us that public health begins with people. Whether we were helping kids run loops for ice cream, organizing materials for SRPS, or hearing stories about the legacy of the Philadelphia Distance Run, we saw how trust, relationships, and presence are just as important as clinical skills. We learned to communicate more effectively, adapt to changing needs, and collaborate with each other and the broader community. Even the smallest moments, like handing out raffle tickets, helping at the finish line, or creating a flyer, taught us how consistency and care can make a lasting impact. This summer reaffirmed why we chose careers in healthcare: not just to treat patients, but to walk alongside communities and support their health in all its forms.”

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This summer’s work with Students Run Philly Style focused on community outreach, event support, and organizational development. Key contributions included assisting with the PDR Expo by researching the race’s history and interviewing one of its original directors, as well as supporting the Yards Bridge Run fundraiser, which raised over $800. Additional responsibilities involved coordinating registration and outreach for SRPS Leadership Summit Camp, organizing a healthcare careers presentation, and helping run the Scoop N Loop event. Administrative projects included building a quote library, sending postcards, and creating a centralized volunteer database. Interviews with community figures like the founder of Philly Track Jawn added depth to ongoing storytelling and engagement efforts.”