Navi-gators undergraduate education program
For students interested in shadowing and volunteering, the Fixel Institute offers the Navi-Gators program. Participants in this program can assist with various tasks in the clinic while gaining the valuable opportunity to shadow providers at the Fixel Institute.
“Volunteering through the Fixel Navi-Gator program has been one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had at UF. The construction of the program – rotating through
different departments of the institute – has kept the pace exciting and the learning experience rigorous. The diversity of patient and provider populations in the
institute has given me bountiful learning opportunities and expanded my understanding of what impactful healthcare looks like. The opportunity to shadow the providers alongside regular volunteering duties has given me the incentive to reach out and make deeper, professional connections amidst my time at the Fixel. I would recommend this program and the institute to anyone looking to get involved.” –Ryan Gamberino
About the program
Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Fixel Institute, Michael Okun, MD, laid the groundwork for the program in the early 2000s.
In 2022, Dr. Okun directed the Fixel project management team to formalize the program, which has since seen around fifty active students participating.
The primary objective of the program is to enhance undergraduate student learning through a hands-on, experiential approach.
program manager Doug Jackson
Key features of the prograM
Stage 1 Patient Greeting: First 100 hours
Stage 2 Patient Rooming: Students move to Stage 2 after first 100 volunteer hours. Students with a CNA certification start immediately at Stage 2.
Clinical, patient-facing volunteering
2-4 students per shift coordinate
with the nursing team. Students engage with patients and caregivers. Students conduct vitals and room patients.
Physician Shadowing
For every twenty hours volunteered, students have the opportunity for physician shadowing (typically neurologists or neurosurgeons).
Program manager coordinates shadowing schedule between students and physicians.
While some students actively shadow, the majority focus on the experiential, learn-by-doing, volunteering work.
Opportunity for niche experiences
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the Fixel Institute, students have opportunities for niche learning and experiences including:
-Data Lab
-Assisting Genetics Counselors
-Assisting ALS clinic
-Working with Fixel Institute project
managers
-Participating in special events
Develop support network with like-minded students
Unanticipated benefit has been students
creating close friendships. These friendships, rooted in academic excellence, support student work and
dreams.
Career Opportunities
Out of the ten students that moved on from the Fixel Navi-Gator program in 2023:
-Three transitioned to student or staff research roles at UF
-Three are working as employees at healthcare clinics while applying to medical school
-One has been accepted into medical school
-One is finalizing their choice of graduate school program.
Format of program
The program features a flexible structure, combining volunteer shifts with mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance students’ healthcare experience.
- Minimum Commitment: Participants are required to commit to at least one semester, with many students choosing to engage for multiple years to gain deeper experience.
- Target Audience: The program primarily attracts undergraduate students interested in exploring careers in healthcare, providing them with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
- Volunteering Hours: Students are expected to dedicate approximately six hours per week to volunteering, ensuring a meaningful contribution while balancing academic responsibilities.
- Shift Structure: Participants typically sign up for two 3-hour shifts each week, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and consistent involvement in the program.
- Observational Opportunities: For every twenty hours of volunteering completed, students earn the chance to observe a healthcare provider or clinic for half a day, offering practical exposure to the healthcare environment.
- Mentorship: The program fosters mentorship opportunities, allowing students to connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and career advice.
- Networking: Participants have the chance to build a professional network within the healthcare community, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities and recommendations.
Program Leader
Doug Jackson, M.Ed, PMP
Project Manager, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases
How to apply
There are three steps you will need to complete in the application process.
1. Explore the Fixel Institute – Take a guided tour of our campus with a current student leader.
2. Apply to Become a Navigator – After completing a tour, you are eligible to fill out the Fixel Institute Navigators application form below.
3. Important Notice: Selection for the Navigator program requires completion of the University of Florida College of Medicine’s volunteer approval process. If selected, we will guide you through this process.
Application deadline
Summer
March 14th, 2025
application deadline
Fall
To Be Announced
Application deadline
Spring
To Be Announced
Step 1
Schedule Tours Here
Step 2
After Completing a Tour, Fill Out This Application
Fall 2024 Student profiles
Meet the participants of the Fall 2025 Navi-Gator program, a diverse group of innovative thinkers ready to embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth.
Sunny Albert
Sunny is a Biology major minoring in Pathogenesis and
Health Disparities. He joined the NaviGator program in March of 2024
Kevin Avaiya
Kevin joined the Navigator program in April of 2023. He is majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience.
Raghav Balaji
Raghav has been with the NaviGator program since May of 2024 and is a Nutritional Science major at the University of Florida.
Sophia Blanco
Sophia is dual-majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and music They have been a part of the NaviGator program since July of 2024.
Benjamin Bloom
Benjamin is a Psychology major at the University of Florida. He has been apart of the NaviGator program since April, 2024.
Athan Bonavita
Athan is studying Microbiology and Cellular Sciences while minoring in Pathogenesis at the University of Florida. He has been a part of the NaviGator program since October, 2022
Ambrose Carbunar
Ambrose is a Biology student at UF. They have been a part of the NaviGator program since March of 2024.
Hannah Ciupe
Hannah joined the NaviGator program in August, 2022. She is studying Microbiology as well as Behavioral Neuroscience at UF.
Jazmyn Coronado
Jazmyn graduated with a degree in both Biochemistry and Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University
of Florida. She has been with the NaviGator program since February, 2023.
Desire Duarte
Desire is a recent University of Florida graduate, earning her B.S. in Biology. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since July of 2023.
Tara Fenelon
Tara is currently studying Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, with a minor in Disabilities in Society. She started
with the NaviGator program in January of 2024.
Olan Gonzalez
Olan is currently studying Biology at the University of Florida. He has been with the NaviGator program since May of 2023.
Vladimir Handjiev
Vladimir is pursuing a degree in Microbiology, as well as a minor in Spanish. Vladimir joined the NaviGator
program in May, 2024.
Brandon Huynh
Brandon is studying Biology, and joined the NaviGator program in June of 2024.
Andrew Hong
Andrew has been a part of NaviGators since May of He is majoring in International Studies with a minor in French and Francophone Studies.
Edina Weinbaum
Edina is currently studying Psychology with a focus in Neuroscience. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since August of 2024.
Jennifer Jordan
Jennifer is majoring in Biology with a minor in English. She has been with the NaviGator Program since September, 2024.
Carmen Karsonovich
Carmen is a Biochemistry student minoring in Spanish at UF. She joined the NaviGator program in September, 2024.
Alexis Katon
Alexis is a Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Major at UF and joined the Navigator program in June of 2024.
Hannah Kennedy
Hannah is double majoring in Biotechnology and Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida. She joined the NaviGator program in March of 2024.
Christel Koko
Christel is a Family, Youth, and Community Sciences major, and joined the NaviGator Program in November, 2023.
Rachel Lee
Rachel is a Microbiology student pursuing a minor in Health Disparities. She joined the NaviGator program in July of 2024.
Nick Ladeia-Bochio
Nick is majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience while pursuing a minor in Innovation and Business Administration. He joined the NaviGator program in May of 2024.
Rishabh Mehta
Rishabh is a Biochemistry major, with a minor in Public Health at UF. He joined the NaviGator program in June, 2024.
Achyutha Madamangalam
Achyutha is a Biology student at UF and has been apart of the NaviGator program since January, 2024.
Ana Mata
Ana joined the NaviGator program in July, 2024. She is currently studying Applied Physiology & Kinesiology at the University of Florida
Jacqueline Murray
Jacqueline is studying Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida. She has been with the NaviGator program since February, 2024.
Andrea Noy
Andrea has been with the NaviGator program since September of 2022. She is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida
Anushka Patil
Anushka has been part of the NaviGator program since July of 2024. She is currently studying Health Sciences at UF.
Shaily Raval
Shaily joined the Navigator program in April of 2024. She is studying Psychology with a focus in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience.
Fatima Shadhid
Fatima is a Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major. She has been apart of the NaviGator program since July of 2024.
Charlee Childers
Charlee joined the Navigator program in August of 2024. She is majoring in Biology and Behavior and Cognitive Neuroscience. She is currently a Sophomore and expected to graduate in Fall 2026.
Kayleen Siason
Kayleen is a Biology student, with a minor in Chemistry, at the University of Florida. She joined the Navigator program in May of 2024.
David Starr
David is studying Biomedical Engineering at UF and joined the NaviGator program in August of 2023.
Josephine Tu
Josephine is currently studying Psychology with a focus in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since February of 2023.
Liam Tvenstrup
Liam is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida. He has been a part of NaviGators since May of 2024.
Quinn Yuan
Quinn is a Data Science student at the University of Florida and has been with the NaviGator program since August, 2023.
Zoe Chu
Zoe joined the Navigator program in August of 2024. She is majoring in Biology and minoring in Fine Arts, Digital Arts & Sciences. She is currently a Sophomore and expected to graduate in May 2027.
Haley Desai
Haley is currently studying Biology with a minor in Communication Studies and Health Disparities in Societies. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since September of 2024.
Tamara Faoor
Tamara is currently studying Psychology with a focus in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since January of 2024.
Andy Hagen
Andy is currently studying Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. He has been a part of the NaviGator program since July of 2024.
Mary Kim
Mary is currently studying Psychology with a focus in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since October of 2024.
Abigail Lofstead
Abigail is currently studying Applied Physiology & Kinesiology with a minor in Leadership. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since August of 2024.
Ari Mehta
Ari is currently studying Biology and Economics. He has been a part of the NaviGator program since December of 2024.
Aryan Shah
Aryan is currently studying Economics with a minor in Chemistry. He has been a part of the NaviGator program since August of 2024.
Ann Titus
Ann is currently studying Biology and Public Health with a minor in Chemistry. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since July of 2024.
Caitlin Brennan
Caitlin is currently studying Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience with a minor in
Deaf and Hearing Sciences. She has been a part of the NaviGator program since September of 2024.
Rachel Ulrich
Rachel is currently studying Health Science with a minor in Women’s Studies. She has been a part of the NaviGator progra
m since Ocotber of 2024.
