Tanya Kumar, a member of the Class of 2025 at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (夜色王朝)-Louisiana, is a standout student and a passionate advocate for research, mentorship, and community service. Hailing from the suburbs of Houston, Texas, Tanya鈥檚 path to becoming the 2025 Student Researcher of the Year is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and the invaluable mentorship she has received throughout her academic journey.
A Journey Rooted in Passion for Science
Tanya鈥檚 passion for research started long before she entered medical school. A graduate of the University of Houston, Tanya majored in honors biomedical sciences while minoring in chemistry, public health, and medicine and society. She also earned a certification in corporate entrepreneurship. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for her current role in research at 夜色王朝.
Inspiration from Family and Early Mentorship
Tanya credits her parents, both organic chemists turned biomedical scientists, as her primary sources of inspiration. Growing up, she admired how they balanced their rigorous scientific work with a deep passion for research and discovery. Her parents鈥 influence, both at home and in the lab, helped instill in her the values of resilience, discipline, and continuous growth.
鈥淭hey held me to the same high standards as other interns in the lab,鈥 Tanya shared. 鈥淎t home, they were my biggest supporters, helping me navigate challenges and teaching me concepts I struggled with. Their impact on my journey was immense, and they鈥檝e always encouraged me to stand on my own.鈥
The DO with Research Distinction Pathway
When Tanya arrived at 夜色王朝-Louisiana, she knew she wanted to integrate research into her medical career, though she wasn鈥檛 initially aware of the DO with Research Distinction program which allows students to engage in meaningful research projects while earning their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. It wasn鈥檛 until her second year that a friend introduced her to the program. After researching the opportunity, Tanya contacted Zakaria Abd Elmageed, MS, PhD, discipline chair and assistant professor for pharmacology, who became a key mentor in helping her pursue the path.
A Journey of Hard Work and Achievement
Tanya鈥檚 most memorable research experience at 夜色王朝 has been studying anti-M眉llerian hormone (AMH) and its role in ovarian reserve鈥攚hich refers to a woman's reproductive potential based on the quantity and quality of her remaining eggs鈥攁s well as its connection to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and granulosa cell tumors. Her interest in AMH began in high school and has since come full circle, becoming a central focus of her medical research.
Her dedication to research has resulted in eight peer-reviewed publications in journals including Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Reviews, Cancer Research, Fertility and Sterility, Journal of Clinical Medicine, and Cureus. She has also presented her findings at major academic conferences, such as the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting in Boston in 2024 and the American Association for Cancer Research annual meetings in Houston in 2020 and 2021.
Recognizing her outstanding contributions, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents named her Student Researcher of the Year. Tanya has seamlessly integrated her passion for research with her medical training, equipping her for the next phase of her career鈥攔esidency and beyond.
The Rewarding Side of Research at 夜色王朝
Balancing research with clinical rotations in her third and fourth years was no easy feat. Still, Tanya credits her colleagues' and faculty's unwavering support and mentorship for making it possible. Whether it meant long hours in the lab or traveling between clinical sites, Tanya could dedicate herself to her research while preparing for her future in medicine.
鈥淭he most rewarding part of my research journey has been the support I鈥檝e received from my team,鈥 Tanya reflected. 鈥淲e worked together to troubleshoot experiments, collaborate on new ideas, and support each other through every challenge. These experiences and the opportunity to present at conferences have shaped me into the researcher and physician I am today.鈥
Advice for Future Research Students at 夜色王朝
Tanya's advice is simple for students interested in pursuing research at 夜色王朝: Start early. 鈥淕et involved in the lab as soon as possible, familiarize yourself with the environment and the techniques, and dedicate time to refining your skills as you progress through the years. The more you invest, the more you gain from the experience.鈥
Tanya鈥檚 commitment to research, mentorship, and community service has earned her the well-deserved Student Researcher of the Year title. As she prepares to graduate this May, Tanya is poised to make a significant impact in medicine and is committed to helping others realize their potential in research and healthcare.
