Kareena Sukhnanan

CRC @ Harvard Medical School & Mass Gen Hospital | Duke Alum ~ B.S. Biology, B.A. Neuroscience | Stroke Recovery · Brain Aging · Precision Medicine Clinical Trials

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

About

Contact Me -> [email protected] + [email protected] Hello! I am a recent pre medical alum of Duke University with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Neuroscience. As a first-generation Guyanese-American, I am passionate about advancing equitable, patient-centered healthcare through research, advocacy, and service. I strive to approach every opportunity with curiosity, integrity, consistency, and compassion, balancing empathy with the confidence and assertiveness to advocate for ideas, take initiative, and support others. I value thoughtful collaboration, lifelong learning, and service to others. I currently work as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, where I run patient-facing clinical trials and translational medicine. Throughout my career, I hope to combine science, teaching, storytelling, and advocacy to improve patient outcomes, expand access to high-quality healthcare, and contribute to a more equitable and compassionate medical system.

Experience

  • Clinical Research Coordinator at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    - Brain Care Labs Clinical Trials - Stroke Recovery | Center of Genomic Medicine - Run patient-facing clinical trials focused on stroke recovery, cerebrovascular disease, brain aging, and precision medicine through the Brain Care Labs at the MGB Center for Genomic Medicine & Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard . - The team's work integrates clinical neuroimaging and genomic data to better understand why stroke risk and recovery differ across patients and to help identity pathways for more personalized therapeutics and prevention strategies.

  • Duke Clinical Research Institute (3 yrs 6 mos)
    • Research Assistant - Radiation Oncology
      Jan 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

      - First author publication published in Radiation Research Journal on ECEVs and the process of hematopoiesis - Co-author of manuscript on chord blood ECEVs and its effect on hematopoietic reconstruction. Investigating hematopoietic and immune reconstitution post radiation injury to treat various blood based cancers.

    • Research Assistant - Psychiatry
      2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Analyzing In-Person Changes in Treatment-Seeking Populations for Severity of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in the Higher Level-of-Care Treatment Seeking Adults in the United States.

    • Health Policy Research Analyst
      2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Work alongside various medical professionals, medical students, etc. to create more equitable living for those of the severely visually impaired. Specifically, I work on the data collection + analytics team through conducting patient phone interviews + patient outreach.

  • Duke University (2 yrs 3 mos)
    • Office of Student Conduct Board Member
      Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

      Assist in advocating and supporting students during alleged conduct and academic violation processes.

    • University Judicial Board Office of Student Conduct Board, Panelist
      Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

      Appointed by President Price to adjudicate alleged violations of Duke University policy through formal conduct hearings. Vote and deliberate on serious disciplinary outcomes—including suspensions and expulsions—while upholding standards of fairness and integrity. Trained in both student conduct procedures and peer education on academic and behavioral integrity.

    • Honor Council President
      2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Lead of organization associated with the Office of Student Conduct Duke University. As president, I lead several initiatives including anti-hazing week, the honor council opinion column in the Chronicle, & honor week.

  • Duke University Hospital (2 yrs 11 mos)
    • Clinical Observer
      2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

      Observed 170+ hours of care through oncology related physicians in the clinic and the operating room in pediatric oncology, neurological oncology, and brain tumor surgeries.

    • Neuroscience Patient Experience Support
      Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

      • Facilitate music-based activities to enhance relaxation and cognitive engagement. • Offer emotional encouragement, and provide companionship to reduce feelings of isolation. Activities may include playing games, reading, or simply being a compassionate listener. • Assist patients with movement, ensuring their safety and comfort. • Offer nourishment and hydration, ensuring patients receive appropriate options.

    • Pediatric Oncology Patient Support
      Aug 2023 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Provided 160+ hours of volunteer support for pediatric oncology patients and families on an interpersonal and creative level between and before procedures.

  • The Chronicle (1 yr 10 mos)
    • Opinion Recruitment Chair
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Opinion Columnist Writer
      Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

      • I write articles reflecting my personal experiences and advocating on behalf of important societal issues including wealth disparities, social scene, legacy admissions, etc. • Highlight underrepresented voices, challenge structural inequities, and foster dialogue around diversity, inclusion, and equity.

    • Opinion Editor
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

      I curate and edit student perspectives on campus, cultural, and national issues, helping to shape one of Duke’s most influential forums for dialogue.