Our People

Joseph is a healthcare professional, patented inventor, published scientist, serial entrepreneur, proven business leader, and humanitarian. He was honored as one of Utah Business’ Forty Under 40 business professionals in 2023 and is board eligible as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. To further his professional training, he received an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration from Drexel University in Pennsylvania, pursued MBA training at Westminster University in Utah, majored in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Pediatric Clinical Research from the University of Utah, and obtained an Associate Degree from Ensign College. He returned to the University of Utah in 2023 for further research training by pursuing a PhD in Population Health Sciences, emphasizing in Health Systems and Innovation Research, at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. With a desire to treat patients directly, as well as to further his advocacy work in healthcare, he plans to pursue MD/JD training in the future.

He is committed to giving back to the community. Outside of his church service, he volunteers on various non-profit Boards of Directors to help people gain medical resources, assist future and upcoming professionals, and empower underserved communities among other works.

A lifelong athlete, he was a four-sport athlete in high school, completing marathons and triathlons afterward. As a PhD student, he joined the University of Utah’s wrestling team to compete after a two decade hiatus from the sport. Joseph was appointed Men’s Team Captain for the 2024-2025 season.

Joseph lived on the Westside of Salt Lake City for two decades before moving to Tooele, Utah in 2020. He married the love of his life, Krischa, in 2009. They live with their eight children: Brianne, Madison, Dinah, Audrey, Adam, Declan, Myles, and Blake.

Maria Zacnite Figueroa is a pre-med, post-baccalaureate student at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. She currently volunteers with the American Red Cross. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Economics and worked in public finance for five years. She is originally from Mexico but grew up in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. Maria loves to travel and has lived in several cities across North America. Most recently, she lived in Calgary for two years, where she volunteered at Rockyview General Hospital. Maria is passionate about helping other students reach their goals and access the tools they need to achieve them. Maria loves to hike, bike, cross country ski, play squash, and watch movies with friends (pre-pandemic).

Katherine is an incoming MS1 at Ponce Health Sciences University. She graduated from Florida International University with a double Major in Biology and Applied Sciences.

“SDN helped me significantly during my Pre-Med journey and I am excited to help others on their journey as well.”

Rishika Kodaypak is a current 1st-year medical student at the Kansas City University School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed my undergraduate degree in Public Health at the University of Washington, Seattle, while pursuing clinical experience as a patient care technician at a Level 1 Trauma Center. While she is currently still exploring her interests in medicine, she is passionate about pediatrics, sports medicine, and gastrointestinal medicine.

“I look forward to working with the rest of the council members and extending my support to those who wish to pursue careers in healthcare.”

Alex serves within the HPSA Student Advisory Council. Additionally, Alex faithfully serves within the Armed Forces embedded in Human Resources. His multiple assignments have afforded him the opportunity to execute different roles, including project management and flight commander.

Alex has also worked with other private organizations such as Health Occupation Students of America and American Cancer Society. His efforts have focused on enhancing community relationships and providing resources to students.