Meet The UConn Rescue Executive Board
President
Christopher Thompson, Senior, Biological Sciences (Pre-Dental)
Hey Everyone! My name is Chris Thompson and I am this year's president and former training coordinator. UConn Rescue is an incredible resource for fellow pre-health students and those interested particularly in emergency medicine. I am looking forward to another productive and successful year with the club!
Vice President & Training Coordinator
Kathryn Wilkinson, Junior, Molecular and Cell Biology
Hello, my name is Kathryn Wilkinson and I am a junior majoring in MCB on the pre-medical track. I will be serving as the Vice President and Training Coordinator of Uconn Rescue for the 2022-23 school year. I am a BLS and STB instructor. I have also been a volunteer EMT with Trumbull EMS since 2020. Outside of UConn Rescue, I am the Program Director for Generations Connect, a program through Community Outreach, and I serve on the Academic Board of my sorority, Phi Sigma Rho.
Secretary
Ishika Soni, Sophomore, Molecular Cell Biology; Pathobiology; Astrophysics
Hi, My name is Ishika Soni and I am a Sophomore pursuing a dual degree in Molecular Cell Biology & Pathobiology on the pre med track while minoring in Astrophysics. I volunteer at my local fire department and am currently on the way to get certified as an EMT. Outside of UConn Rescue, I dance for UConn ThundeRaas, and participate in many organizations here such as Community Service Days, Pre Medical Society, USG, and more. I volunteer at Hartford Hospital and love helping my community. In my free time, I love going to the gym and reading!
Treasurer
Jeremy Lesser, Sophomore, Physiology & Neurobiology
Hey everyone! My name is Jeremy Lesser and I’m a sophomore majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Spanish. I’m on the pre-med track and I have been an EMT since 2020. I’m really looking forward to this year and serving on the E-board!
Involvement Chair
Kylie Elsass, Junior, Biological Sciences
Hello Everyone! My name is Kylie Elsass and I am a junior Biological Sciences major on the pre-med track. I have been a certified EMR since 2017 and I am also a Stop the Bleed instructor. A fun fact about me is that I am also a member of the UConn Marching Band and I can play six different instruments!
Social Media Chair
Roshica Dehaney, Graduate Student, PharmD Candidate 2023
Hi everyone! I am a current P4 student here at the University of Connecticut as well as a CPR and Stop the Bleed instructor. In my spare time, I enjoy painting and trying new recipes. Fun fact, I was born and raised in Toronto!
Publicity Officer
Brooke DiVasto, Sophomore, Physiology and Neurobiology
Hi everyone! My name is Brooke DiVasto and I am a sophomore majoring in physiology and neurobiology with a minor in psychology. I am on the pre-med/pre-pa track. I have been an EMT since March 2022 and I volunteer with Trumbull EMS. In my free time I volunteer with UConn Community Outreach and I love to go running!
Delegate
Poorna Balakumar, Senior, Molecular and Cell Biology; Pathobiology; Asian Arts, Culture and Feminism
Hi everyone! My name is Poorna and I am a senior at UConn in the Special Program in Medicine. I volunteer as an EMT with Tolland Fire Department, and I am also a BLS and Stop the Bleed instructor with UConn Rescue. In my free time, I serve as the captain of UConn Thunderaas, an Indian competitive dance team on campus!
Delegate
Rhea Koyambreth, Junior, Psychological Sciences; Physiology and Neurobiology
Hi, my name is Rhea and I am a junior pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and PNB on the pre-med track. I have worked as an EMT at Seymour Ambulance Association and Covid-19 Vaccinator for the Naugatuck Valley Health District since October 2020. I am very excited to be a Delegate and continue as an BLS and STB Instructor for UConn Rescue! In my free time, I enjoy working out and dancing in UConn Surya.
Faculty Advisor
Michael Zacchera
Michael Zacchera is the faculty advisor for UConn Rescue. His office is in Koons Hall, Room 112.
Mike is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Allied Health, where he teaches AH 4092 EMT Training. A paramedic since 1991, Mike worked as an Educator at the Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation at Hartford Hospital, and as a part time paramedic for the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association. He currently is a Regional Coordinator for the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).
Feel free to contact Mike at michael.zacchera@uconn.edu