Board of Directors
Meet the distinguished leaders guiding IRIS towards excellence in medical research and innovation. Our board combines decades of experience in healthcare, research, and academic leadership.
Co-Founder & President
Jason Sims
Research Interests: Endovascular Neurosurgery, IIH, Neurovascular Pathologies, Stroke
Institution: University of Tennessee College of Medicine, USA
Background: Jason is a medical student at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine with a strong background in neurosurgical innovation and endovascular research. His work focuses on optimizing outcomes in stroke and neurovascular disease through procedural refinement and systems-based care. As President of IRIS, Jason leads internal operations, ensuring program implementation across the organization's three pillars: Scholarship, Press, and Trust. He brings a systems-thinking approach to leadership, emphasizing scalability, execution, and the development of long-term academic partnerships.
Co-Founder & Board Chairman
Allen Kong
Research Interests: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery, Breast Reconstruction
Institution: Emory University School of Medicine, USA
Background: Allen has led and contributed to numerous clinical outcomes studies in Children's Health of Atlanta and Emory University Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He leads board recruitment, oversees organizational accountability, and ensures that IRIS remains aligned with its mission to support aspiring physician-researchers. His work centers on building sustainable infrastructure and academic partnerships that empower students to lead in medicine and research.
Member of Board of Directors
Dr. Safder Hasan
Research Interests: Hand, Microvascular, and Orthopedic Surgery
Institution: Fellow at Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center in Louisville, Kentucky
Background: Dr. Hasan specializes in complex hand and microvascular surgery, with a particular focus on nerve reconstruction and functional restoration. His clinical expertise drives innovative surgical techniques.
Member of Board of Directors
Dr. TaRessa Wills
Research Interests: Health Inequities and Improving Access to Care for Vulnerable Populations
Institution: Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Emory Division of Hospital Medicine
Background: Dr. Wills is dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Her research focuses on systemic barriers to quality healthcare.
Member of Board of Directors
Sion Yu
Research Interests: Orthopedic Surgery, Lower Extremity and Ankle Surgery, and Women's Health
Institution: Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico
Background: Sion brings valuable international perspective to IRIS, with expertise in orthopedic surgery and a commitment to advancing women's health initiatives in medical education and research.
Officers
Our dedicated officers lead key operational areas, driving IRIS's mission forward through specialized expertise and strategic leadership.
Officer of Research and Development
Govind Singh
Research Interests: Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Tumors, Health Care Inequality
Institution: University of Tennessee College of Medicine, USA
Background: Govind focuses on advancing treatment protocols for head and neck cancers while addressing healthcare accessibility issues. His work bridges clinical practice with social medicine.
Officer of Fundraising and Media, Treasurer
Harel Sims
Research Interests: Urologic Surgery, Optimizing PCNL Procedures, Renal Stone Management
Institution: University of California, Irvine
Background: Harel specializes in minimally invasive urological procedures and has contributed to advancing stone disease management. His expertise spans both clinical practice and surgical innovation.
Officer
Yuhui Cui
Interests: Finance, Consulting
Institution: Emory University's Goizueta Business School
Background: Yuhui brings extensive experience in the finance industry, with expertise in financial analysis, business strategy, and corporate management.