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.

Dr. Okun and Navi-Gator
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.

Navi-gators

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.

Navi-Gators

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

Navi-gators

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.

Navi-gators

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.

Navi-Gators

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.
Navi-Gators
Navi-Gators meeting Tim Tebow!

Program Leader

Doug Jackson, M.Ed, PMP

Project Manager, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

Doug Jackson

How to apply

Fixel Navi-Gator applications are now closed. Applications for Summer A and Summer B will open on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. Although applications are closed, we still encourage students to learn about the program by taking a tour of the Fixel Institute Campus with a current student leader.

Here’s how:

  1. Email program manager Doug Jackson at: douglas.jackson@ufl.edu
  2. Include “Fixel Navi-Gator interest” in your email subject line.
  3. Doug can answer questions and get you connected with a current student Navi-Gator for a tour of the Fixel Institute Campus.

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

Sunny Albert

Kevin Avaiya

Kevin joined the Navigator program in April of 2023. He is majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience.

Kevin Avaiya

Raghav Balaji

Raghav has been with the NaviGator program since May of 2024 and is a Nutritional Science major at the University of Florida.

Raghav Balaji

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.

Sophia Blanco

Benjamin Bloom

Benjamin is a Psychology major at the University of Florida. He has been apart of the NaviGator program since April, 2024.

Benjamin Bloom

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

Athan Bonavita

Ambrose Carbunar

Ambrose is a Biology student at UF. They have been a part of the NaviGator program since March of 2024.

Ambrose Carbunar

Hannah Ciupe

Hannah joined the NaviGator program in August, 2022. She is studying Microbiology as well as Behavioral Neuroscience at UF.

Hannah Ciupe

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.

Jazmyn Coronado

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.

Desire Duarte

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.

Tara Fenelon

Olan Gonzalez

Olan is currently studying Biology at the University of Florida. He has been with the NaviGator program since May of 2023.

Olan Gonzalez

Vladimir Handjiev

Vladimir is pursuing a degree in Microbiology, as well as a minor in Spanish. Vladimir joined the NaviGator
program in May, 2024.

Vladimir Handjiev

Brandon Huynh

Brandon is studying Biology, and joined the NaviGator program in June of 2024.

Brandon Huynh

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.

Andrew Hong

Jennifer Jordan

Jennifer is majoring in Biology with a minor in English. She has been with the NaviGator Program since September, 2024.

Jennifer Jordan

Carmen Karsonovich

Carmen is a Biochemistry student minoring in Spanish at UF. She joined the NaviGator program in September, 2024.

Carmen Karsonovich

Alexis Katon

Alexis is a Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Major at UF and joined the Navigator program in June of 2024.

Alexis Katon

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.

Hannah Kennedy

Christel Koko

Christel is a Family, Youth, and Community Sciences major, and joined the NaviGator Program in November, 2023.

Christel Koko

Rachel Lee

Rachel is a Microbiology student pursuing a minor in Health Disparities. She joined the NaviGator program in July of 2024.

Rachel Lee

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.

Nick Ladeia-Bochio

Rishabh Mehta

Rishabh is a Biochemistry major, with a minor in Public Health at UF. He joined the NaviGator program in June, 2024.

Rishabh Mehta

Achyutha Madamangalam

Achyutha is a Biology student at UF and has been apart of the NaviGator program since January, 2024.

Achyutha Madamangalam

Ana Mata

Ana joined the NaviGator program in July, 2024. She is currently studying Applied Physiology & Kinesiology at the University of Florida

Ana Mata

Jacqueline Murray

Jacqueline is studying Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida. She has been with the NaviGator program since February, 2024.

Jacqueline Murray

Andrea Noy

Andrea has been with the NaviGator program since September of 2022. She is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida

Andrea Noy

Anushka Patil

Anushka has been part of the NaviGator program since July of 2024. She is currently studying Health Sciences at UF.

Anushka Patel

Shaily Raval

Shaily joined the Navigator program in April of 2024. She is studying Psychology with a focus in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience.

Shaily Raval

Fatima Shadhid

Fatima is a Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience major. She has been apart of the NaviGator program since July of 2024.

Fatima Shadhid

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.

Kayleen Siason

Sofia Stansbury

Sofia is currently working on her master’s degree in Neuroscience at the University of Florida. She has been with the NaviGator program since September, 2023.

Sofia Stansbury

David Starr

David is studying Biomedical Engineering at UF and joined the NaviGator program in August of 2023.

David Starr

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.

Josephine Tu

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.

Liam Tvenstrup

Quinn Yuan

Quinn is a Data Science student at the University of Florida and has been with the NaviGator program since August, 2023.

quinn yuan