We’re excited to welcome the 2023 Summer Associates to UPMC Enterprises. Get to know them through their answers to fun questions.
Digital Solutions
Zachary Bohn
Q: What makes you a geek?
A: I love reading fantasy books
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: A black cat named Dewey and a German Shepherd Pug mix named Puddles.
Alice Levy
Q: What made you interested in the health care industry?
A: As a young adult, I was introduced to gut health and the world of integrative health and functional medicine. Fascinated with the idea that our daily practices and lifestyles directly impact our health and vitality, I became certified as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I grew up in Waccabuc, NY, in Westchester County, just an hour north of the city.
Q: What’s in your perfect meal?
A: A whole roasted branzino (with the skin!) and an arugula salad with goat cheese, pistachios, pickled onions, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Fernanda Mazon
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I’m completely new to Pittsburgh! I grew up in a small Brazilian town, and I’ve been living in the US, specifically in Chicago, for a year now.
Q: What’s your favorite quote from a movie or TV series?
A: My favorite quote is from Gloria (Sofia Vergara) in the TV series Modern Family: “Do you even know how smart I am in Spanish?” Although my native language is Portuguese and not Spanish, I love how Gloria’s quote captures a relatable feeling in such a humorous way.
Q: If any musician or band could give you a personal concert, who would it be?
A: The amazing Pennsylvania native, Taylor Swift!
Marketing
David Vargas-Garcia
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I am not a Pittsburgh local; I grew up in Lebanon, PA, which is 20 min away from Hershey, PA.
Q: What’s your least favorite word?
A: My least favorite word is moist. It’s a very cringy word.
MyUPMC
Shannon Gorny
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I am from Pittsburgh. I grew up in the South Hills in a small town called South Park.
Q: Where in the universe would you like to visit someday?
A: My dream place to visit is Santorini + Mykonos in Greece.
Q: If any musician or band could give you a personal concert, who would it be?
A: If I could have a personal concert performed by anyone, it would be country singer-songwriter, Zach Bryan.
Technology Services
Anna An
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I am currently located in Baltimore, MD, but I was born and raised in Jeju, South Korea. Jeju is a small island located at the very south end of South Korea. It is a beautiful island with nice weather and the ocean around it, so I really recommend visiting.
Q: Do you have an unusual talent or hobby?
A: It’s not an unusual hobby, but I like soccer and online games. I was once on a varsity soccer team during high school and am a Tottenham fan. I also play a few online games, and one of my favorites is League of Legends.
Christopher Chi
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I’m originally from New York City and am in Pittsburgh for college (CMU).
Q: Do you have an unusual talent or hobby?
A: I have been a competitive Rubik’s Cube solver since 2014. The national championship is in Pittsburgh this summer (at the convention center downtown), which I’m super excited about.
Q: Which is better: board games or video games?
A: Video games over board games by a mile.
Paige Counihan
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a cat named Violet.
Q: If any musician or band could give you a personal concert, who would it be?
A: Cage the Elephant.
Anushri Hatti
Q: Where in the universe would you like to visit someday?
A: Seeing the Northern Lights has always been on my bucket list. I plan to experience it with my partner, especially since we’re getting married this year.
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I come from a beautiful small town in India known for its natural beauty and lush green forests. I recently moved to Pittsburgh, which has quickly become a place I love calling home!
Enmin Li
Q: What made you interested in the health care industry?
A: I graduated from SCI College of the University of Pittsburgh, and I know UPMC is very famous in the medical industry. Therefore, I want to work in an industry combining technology and health care.
Q: Are you a Pittsburgh local, or did you grow up elsewhere?
A: I am not a Pittsburgh local. I grew up in Beijing, China, and finished my bachelor’s degree (MIS) in Wuhan, China.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have a very cute cat called Kaka.
Translational Sciences
Jonathan Birabaharan, MPB
Q: What made you interested in the health care industry?
A: I became interested in the health care industry because I was drawn to the opportunity it presents for addressing society’s most complex scientific and ethical dilemmas. I firmly believe that the health care sector will be the most groundbreaking and innovative field during my lifetime, and this prospect fills me with great enthusiasm.
Q: What’s your favorite quote from a movie or TV series?
A: “It’s not who you are underneath, it’s what you do that defines you.” -Batman Begins.
Q: What’s in your perfect meal?
A: My perfect meal would consist of my mom’s homemade chicken biryani paired with a delightful cup of chai. And to wrap up this culinary journey, I would indulge in a heavenly Oreo cheesecake, satisfying my sweet tooth with every velvety bite. This combination of flavors, from savory to sweet, creates a truly unforgettable dining experience prepared with love by my mom.
