Meet Our College of Health Sciences Students

A smiling man seated on a outdoor bench
Owen - Perfusion Technologist Student Channels Isaac Newton, Name-Drops Fig Newtons
Owen McKinley is earning his master’s in cardiovascular perfusion – and pursuing his passion for statistics at the same time.
Laura Rios standing outside amid trees
Laura - Listening to Her Dream
Doctor of Audiology student Laura Rios always had a passion for health care. Now the DACA program is making it possible for her to pursue her dream career.
Kellye Walters-Warren standing on rooftop with Chicago skyline in background
Kellye - South Side Nourishes an Appetite for Clinical Nutrition
Life events have provided Kellye Walters-Warren with more than enough food for thought. Now her focus is on food for health, through the master’s in clinical nutrition program at Rush.
Rashidi Kitete
Rashidi - Safe and Sound
Rashidi Kitete, who fled war in Congo as a child, is now on his way to a career in health care imaging technology—with a bachelor’s degree in vascular ultrasound from Rush, and a message of hope and perseverance.
Sarah Pyle
Sarah - A Natural-Born Occupational Therapist
Sarah Pyle is working towards a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the same place where she was born: Rush! Learn how Pyle’s passion for swimming impacted her academic career and may influence her future work.
Health Systems Management student Olivia Velasquez
Olivia - Blazing a Trail to Health Equity
Olivia Velasquez is on her way to a second degree from Rush University. After completing a master’s degree in health systems management, Velasquez hopes to work her way towards a health care leadership position.
Richard Hansen
Richard - Singing the Praises of Physician Assistants
Richard Hansen chose Rush’s physician assistant studies program because of Rush’s academic reputation, inclusive community and location. 
Carly - Speech-Language Pathology Student Profile
Carly Blodgett provides a glimpse into what it’s like to be a speech-language pathology student at Rush.
Beth Markos
Beth - Stepping Back to Move Forward
Beth Markos took her time after receiving an undergraduate degree to figure out her long-term career goals. This introspection led her to Rush’s respiratory care program.
Daniel Enger
Daniel - In Pursuit of the Complete Package
Daniel Enger started in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps before pursing a master’s degree in health systems management at Rush.
Jesus Gonzalez
Jesus - Quest for Answers Inspires Master’s Student
Initially inspired by trying to find answers to questions about his father’s backyard crops, Jesus Gonzalez became the first college graduate in his family and is now pursuing a master’s in medical laboratory science.