Webmaster, Pre-Med Advisor

• University of Maryland School of Medicine 2027

• Pacific Union College 2022

I was born and raised on Guam and attended Harvest Christian Academy for middle school, but graduated high school from St. John's in 2018. From there, I went to Pacific Union College in California and graduated with a Healthcare Management degree in 2022. I took one gap year where I went back home to work as a telemedicine technician at GMH! Currently, I am a 2nd year medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. I'm passionate about helping the island's aspiring physicians in applying to medical school. On my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, cooking, and watching sports.

Co-Director of Pre-Medical Advising

• UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine 2026

• UT Dallas 2022

I was raised on Guam and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology at UT Dallas, then went on to UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine. I am a current MS3 passionate about Global Surgery, specifically in the Pacific. My personal surgical interests include MIS and Surgical Oncology. With my free time, I love to cook complex dishes, play chess, and play video games.

Pre Med Mentor

• UC San Diego School of Medicine 2027

• UC San Diego, 2019

CJ Hattori (Familian Titang) was born and raised on Guam he graduated from Santa Barbara Catholic School in 2011 and Father Duenas Memorial School in 2015. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology at the University of California, San Diego in 2019. He then worked in a viral immunology research lab (Zuniga Lab) at UC San Diego and a virology lab (Kistler Group) at the Chan-Zuckerberg Biohub in San Francisco. He is currently an MS2 at UC San Diego School of Medicine where he is his Class President. Over the years, CJ has done research work on data disaggregation on Pacific Islander communities in San Diego and did a lot of advocacy and community health work throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic in the region. CJ's interests include health disparity research and work as well as diversifying clinical trials. He looks forward to returning to Guam as a physician to bring his knowledge and skills back. He's very interested in mentorship and looks forward to helping foster the growth and expansion of Guam's Pre-med and medical community. Some of his hobbies include tennis, bouldering, hiking, snorkeling, and traveling.

Policy and Advocacy Member, Homegrown Physician Program Member

• John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Mānoa 2025

• University of Guam 2017

Hafa Adai! My name is Eduardo "Ed" Biala, Jr. I was born and raised in Guam. I graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2013 and went to the University of Guam where I obtained my Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology in 2017. I spent a couple gap years working as a Laboratory Technician for UOG and as a Program Coordinator for GMH. I subsequently completed the 'Imi Ho'ōla Post-Baccalaureate Program in 2021, and matriculated to JABSOM. I will be applying to General Surgery and have an interest in MIS and trauma surgery. In my free time I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and trying new restaurants wherever I may be!

Co-Director of UOG Infrastructure

Policy & Advocacy Member

• Graduate Student, University of Guam

• B.S. Biomedical Sciences, University of Guam, 2020

I am a graduate student at the University of Guam, pursuing an MS in Biology. My research focuses on how environmental bacteria might contribute to liver disease in the Pacific. I have a strong interest in Pathology and community health research!

Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy

• Cornell University 2025

Håfa Adai! I was born and raised in Asan, Guam and graduated from Father Dueñas Memorial School (‘21). I am currently a senior at Cornell University studying Chemistry with a minor in Crime, Prisons, Education & Justice. At Cornell, I am a chemistry tutor and teaching assistant, member of Phi Delta Epsilon, and the Director of Recruitment for an education non-profit called The Advocacy Project. Additionally, during some summers on Guam I have participated in the Health Opportunities and Medical Exposure (HOME) Summer Program and I’ve interned at the Department of Public Health and Social Services. As a Policy & Advocacy Co-Director, I aim to collaborate with our members to educate ourselves and the public on Guam’s evolving medical landscape for the betterment of the island’s current and future state of healthcare policy. We also aim to promote positive changes through coalition building, community organizing, and civic engagement. In my free time I enjoy playing basketball, meditating, and going to the beach. I look forward to joining in community and supporting future home-grown physicians!

Co-Director of Outcomes & Metrics, Content Webmaster

• Research Fellow at the National Institute of Health

• University of Guam 2022

Hello! I'm a current post-bac researcher at the National Institutes of Health studying inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. I moved from the Philippines to Guam when I was 9 years old! I studied Biology and Psychology during my time at the University of Guam. During my free time, I like to go on hikes, climb trees, and cook!

Policy and Advocacy Co-Director

• Harvard Medical School 2025

• Harvard College 2020

Hafa Adai! I was born in Saipan, raised in Guam. I grew up in Dededo and graduated from SJS ('16) and Harvard College with an East Asian Studies major ('20). I took a gap year after college and spent it at home volunteering as a contact tracer and working at the Guam Memorial Hospital with the Infection Control department. I'm currently a 4th year Harvard medical student and will be applying to ophthalmology this cycle. I'm excited as the Co-Advocacy Director of Chålan Åmte to bring action to and awareness of Guam's healthcare scene both within and outside of our island community. I'm also looking forward to encouraging and strengthening the number of home-grown physicians through the mentorship channel. Outside of medicine, I love practicing and competing in kendo (Japanese swordfighting martial art), trying new coffee and cocktail concoctions, and strolling in nature.

UOG Student Liaison

• University of Guam 2025

I moved to Guam when I was 4 years old and have lived here all my life. I graduated from Simon Sanchez High School as part of the Class of 2021 and am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biology (Bio-Med) with a minor in Psychology at the University of Guam. I have had the privilege of participating in several prestigious programs, including the H.O.M.E. Program, the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at UTHealth Science Center in Houston, and the Careers in Science and Medicine Summer Internship Program (CSM-SIP) at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I'm passionate about sharing my experiences and offering valuable advice to students who are also on the path to a career in medicine. In my free time, I enjoy arts and crafts, particularly sewing, crocheting, and knitting. I'm also an avid reader and bring my Kindle everywhere. I look forward to supporting and guiding young students and my fellow peers on this challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey!

Director of Public Relations, Co-Director of UOG Partnership

• Graduate Researcher at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

• University of Guam 2024

I’m currently a DDP scholar at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Prior to this, I obtained my Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry and Biology degree at the University of Guam on May 2024. I have completed research and summer programs throughout my undergraduate summers. During the school year in college, I was working part-time at a clinic while holding various leadership positions for organizations at UOG. Primarily, I am working to publicize Chålan Åmte as well as collaborate with other affiliates to enhance the premedical experience at UOG. I’m super open to share anything about my experiences or give any advice if you’re interested!

Founder, Executive Board Member

• University of Minnesota Medical School 2026

• Macalester College 2022

Hafa Adai! I was born and raised in Tamuning. I attended Harvest Christian Academy from Kindergarten to Middle School and then attended Father Duenas for high school. I am currently a third year medical student and am pursuing a primary care specialty. My goal is to create a healthcare ecosystem on Guam that possesses the infrastructure to bring the training of our island's home grown doctors back to our people. I enjoy hosting BBQs, doing yard work, live music, supporting Guam sports.

Policy and Advocacy Member

• University of Pennsylvania 2027

Hafa Adai! I’m Kasey, a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania and a 2023 graduate of St. John’s School. Within Chålan Åmte, I am involved with the policy and advocacy group. Some hobbies of mine include playing basketball, playing piano, and going to the beach (when in Guam :’)).

Administrative Director

Pre-Med Advisor

• Loma Linda University School of Medicine 2026

• La Sierra University 2021

Hi Everyone! I am currently a medical student at Loma Linda University. I am hoping to pursue OBGYN residency with the plans to practice in Guam in the future. I was born and raised in Guam and am passionate about serving the community back home. I am so excited to be part of Chålan Åmte and support the future physicians of Guam! Outside of school, I love to cook, play golf, and pickleball :)

Co-Director of Resident Mentors

• Chief Resident of Internal Medicine, University of Hawaii

• IM Residency Program, University of Hawaii

• Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• University of Hawaii, 2015

Interested in cardiology and internal medicine research. Happy to help people anywhere along there medical training journey, particularly medical students and residents.

Youth Outreach Member, Pre-Med Advisor

• University of Washington School of Medicine 2025

• Pomona College 2019

I was born and raised on Saipan and Guam! I'm currently a 4th year medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine. I am in the process of applying to residency in internal medicine with the plan to pursue a gastroenterology fellowship afterwards.

Director of Quality Assurance, Pre-med Mentorship Program Design Consultant

• Santa Clara University 2023

Håfa Adai! My name is Luke Roberto and I am a recent graduate of Santa Clara University. While pursuing my degree in Biochemistry, I was heavily involved with on-campus extracurriculars, assisting in department-based research and working as a teaching assistant in lab courses. I have accumulated years of experience in administrative leadership positions, with practice in optimizing organizational infrastructure in a national pre-health co-ed fraternity setting. Additionally, I served as a founding member for SCU's first pre-health professions advising program, where I gained valuable insight into the development of effective mentorship protocols. I am currently in the process of applying to the 2024-2025 AMCAS cycle, and would be more than happy to chat to discuss the ins and outs of being a pre-health student!

Pre-Med Advisor

• John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Manoa 2028

• Colgate University 2023

I was born and raised on Guam, hailing from the village of Barrigada. However, my family (Familian Arrot) has been gathering in Malesso at the Arriola Family Beach for decades, which is a place I can similarly call home. I had amazing opportunities to do clinical work on the island under fellow Chamorro healthcare providers giving back to their people.

I graduated from Harvest Christian Academy in 2019 where I played tennis, soccer, and volleyball. I played Division 1 collegiate tennis at Colgate University and graduated in 2023. While at Colgate, I served on leadership positions within Colgate athletics and the Tredecim Senior Honor Society. I had the amazing opportunity to work in the Van Wynsberghe C. elegans lab. My research was focused on circadian rhythm gene expression and photoreceptor function. I was able to create a new protocol for a UV avoidance assay in non-photosensory worms. I have been a member of the Guam national tennis and national volleyball teams. One of my biggest accomplishments within the athletic world has been winning a gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games in the tennis team event. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to represent my home. I love to listen to and play music of all types. As a part of my personal enjoyment, I would DJ at social and philanthropic events at Colgate. I try to find time to mix my own study session music for supreme focus and zen.

Founder, Executive Director

• Harvard Medical School 2026

• University of Guam 2020

Hi everyone! I am Yapese and was born and raised in Guam. I'm a product of the Guam public school system and attended Okkodo High School. I graduated from the University of Guam with degrees in Biology and Chemistry and a minor in Sociology. During college, I was a TA for 3 years, religious pre-K teacher for 4 years, NIH-funded spearfishing physiology researcher for 3 years, and, importantly, an Infusion lover since ever since. My friends and I started an organization called Amplify which continues to rally thousands of items for Guam's children/youth shelters, annually. I spent my college summers at the NIH doing neuro-biophysics research. After college, I spent 2 years at Johns Hopkins doing computational retinal and neuroscience research. I'm now a Samvid Scholar and M2 at Harvard Medical School.

Pre-Med Advisor

• Eastern Virginia Medical School 2028

• George Washington University 2022

My name is Naomi Matsuno! I was born and raised on Guam and attended St John's School for high school and graduated in 2018. I attended George Washington University in Washington, DC and graduated in 2022 with a major in Cellular/Molecular Biological Sciences and a minor in teaching. Since graduating in 2022, I returned to Guam and worked as a medical assistant turned lead medical assistant at Guam Dermatology Institute within the past two years. I've absolutely loved the work I've engaged in as an MA and all my patient encounters throughout the past few years. At this time, my passion is to become a physician and return to practice not only on Guam, but on the other Mariana islands as well having observed the extent to which specialty healthcare is needed on Guam. During my time on Guam, I also continued my love for teaching through ESL tutoring and passion for volunteering through assisting with Typhoon Mawar relief efforts and Todu Guam Foundation. I've also taken my time back in Guam to really reconnect with my family and life back home through paddleboarding and taking walks with my dogs! I also really enjoy weightlifting regularly and rock climbing when I can. With my background in teaching, I've grown a love for mentoring and advising so I am most interested in the Advising portion of Chalan Amte! I hope to be able to help mentees in any way I can with my experiences.

UOG Student Liaison

• University of Guam

I serve as the UOG liaison for Chålan Åmte and am passionate about helping fellow pre-meds feel confident applying and getting into medical school. I am an undergraduate senior majoring in Biology-Medical at the University of Guam, with aspirations to become a physician. As a pre-med, I have gained valuable experience through physician shadowing, actively participating in outreaches and hospital volunteerism, and research experience in UOG's NSF EPSCoR program and the University of Hawaii CREATE program. Aside from my academic pursuits, I enjoy reading novels, staying active, and going to the beach!

Resident Advisor

• Orthopaedic Surgery Residency - University of Florida

• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 2024

• University of Southern California 2018

Hafa Adai! My name is Noel, and I am currently an orthopaedic surgery resident at the University of Florida. I was raised in Guam, where I attended St. Anthony and Father Dueñas Memorial School. I later pursued my undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Southern California, followed by my medical education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, working out, relaxing on the beach, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants in town.

Pre-Med Advisor

• University of California, Santa Cruz

• University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine 2026

Hi, my name is Morgan. I am currently in my 3rd year at JABSOM. I graduated from AOLG in 2015 and got my undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz. I am interested in Internal Medicine/ Primary care. I enjoy hanging out with friends and trying all different kinds of boba in my free time.

UOG Student Liaison

• University of Guam 2026

I was born in the Philippines, moved to Guam at the age of 10, and have been a resident of Dededo since. I graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2021. I am currently a sophomore majoring in the Chemistry and Biology Dual Degree program at the University of Guam. In my professional journey, I serve as a research associate at the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity (PIPCHE), working within the Biostatistics Research Core. I'm currently part of the UOG Infrastructure branch of Chålan Åmte but would like to explore my potential in the Outreach branch as well. My experiences working as a pharmacy technician on the island have given me a firsthand perspective on the challenges our community faces in accessing healthcare. Witnessing these struggles has fueled my passion for pursuing a career in medicine, with the goal of giving back to my community and improving healthcare accessibility for all. In my free time, I enjoy daily Wordle puzzles, drinking matcha, coding, photography, and listening to Pop Indie, Alternative Indie, and contemporary R&B genres, as well as Tame Impala.

Founder, Executive Board Member

• Harvard Medical School 2026

• Santa Clara University 2022

I was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii. I have great love for the Pacific and the multitude of people who reside throughout. My childhood experiences have been formative in shaping me towards pursuing a career where I give back to my community, to serve the people who have given me so much. I majored in neuroscience and biology at Santa Clara University, where I gained my first exposure to medicine and patient care through my work as an EMT. In undergraduate, I developed other interests including a love for philosophy and literature, exposure to clinical research, and a desire to work in the Global Health arena, to improve accessibility in health care. I am currently a second-year medical student at Harvard Medical School. Currently, I aspire to match into general surgery with the goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon. Ideally, I want to serve the entire Pacific and my dream is to improve the healthcare infrastructure of the many islands scattered between the Philippines to Hawaii. My interests outside of medicine include cooking and eating with friends and family, martial arts and fighting, music, movies, and the outdoors. As a member of Chålan Åmte, I hope to be a mentor to future physicians and work to build a strong, lasting community of friendship, support, and Aloha.

Pre-med Member

• University of Massachusetts, Boston 2027

My name is Samaria Quinata and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Boston studying Biology. I graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in 2023. During high school I interned at the Guam Memorial Hospital and I am now in the final stages of obtaining my EMT certification in the state of Massachusetts. I love baking and hiking and I am excited to learn more about the field of medicine with the help of my Chålan Åmte mentors!

Resident Advisor

• University of Michigan Department of Anesthesiology

• Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 2024

• University of California, Los Angeles 2013

My name is Tiffie and I am a current anesthesiology resident. I grew up on Guam and miss the community, the beaches, and the island culture! I graduated from AOLG for high school and moved to Los Angeles for college at UCLA. After college, I worked for several years before starting medical school in 2020. I worked in private practice, a surgery center, in the ED as a scribe, and in cancer research, to name a few of the jobs that I had. I also attended graduate school at Tulane University from 2016 to 2017. In medical school at MSU, I was very active in organizations which highlighted DEI, health equity, mentorship, and community service. I was a part of the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) Program in Flint, MI. I was also involved in organizations such as the AMA, SNMA, and APAMSA on a local level and ASA on a national level. I also began health disparities research as part of the Research to Reduce Disparities in Disease (R2D2) program and my chosen topic is examining how militarization can contribute to health outcomes in Guam. I just started residency, but I hope to be involved in advocacy and mentorship in some way, through Chalan Amte and other avenues. I am passionate about helping fellow first-generation college/medical students realize their full potential even after taking gap years. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, try new restaurants, spend time in the sun, and delve into skincare and interior design.

Co-Director of Pre-Medical Advising

• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine 2028

• University of Portland, Class of 2020

Hello and Hafa Adai! My name is Van Michael Quinit Saludo. I am proudly hailing from the island of Guam, where I was born and raised. I am also of Filipino heritage. In 2020, I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a pre-med focus from the University of Portland, Oregon. I also received my minor in Chemistry. During that time, I was commissioned into the United States Air Force as an Active-Duty officer. My career first brought me to Edwards AFB, California, where I was assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory: Aerospace Systems Directorate, Rocket Propulsion Division. In the past four years, I had an amazing experience as a rocket propulsion chemist and a deputy branch chief for the In-Space Propulsion Branch. I am now a first year medical school student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland where I am still an officer in the United States Air Force. Outside of work, and now school, I enjoy many hobbies including watching anime, reading manga, building Gundam model kits, and working on my car(if it goes right). I am also very passionate about boxing, resistance training, singing, and cooking. I am looking forward to meeting other medical school students from Guam and being able to connect resources, people, and experiences to the budding future physicians of Guam. I would love to work as an outreach coordinator and as a pre-health advisor for the students back home. My goal as a future physician is to return back home to Guam and provide accessible quality healthcare to my community. Providing the foundation for good health to my community empowers them to become the foundation of their families for generations to come.

Pre-Med Mentor

• New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine - Jonesboro, Arkansas, 2026

• University of Notre Dame, 2020

Håfa adai! My name is Veronica Perez, but many people call me Vern. I am a third year medical student at NYITCOM-Jonesboro. I was born and raised on Guam, and I definitely plan to go back after I finish residency in the states. I’m no longer sure about what specialty I want, so hopefully I can figure that out by the end of this year in clinical rotations! I have a bunch of hobbies so I don’t know if listing them is any benefit to you, but I can tell you that it is very much achievable to maintain hobbies and go through medical school. I’m big on balance and keeping a happy life and positive outlook. If you ever have questions on any of that, please feel free to reach out!