2024-2025 Researchers

Raina patel

Raina is a California native and grew up in San Jose, CA. She attends Nova Southeastern University (NSU MD) in Fort Lauderdale, FL and found her interest in plastic surgery after rotating at the Burn Unit at HCA Kendall Hospital in Miami. In her free time, she can be found outside walking dogs, reading a murder mystery on the beach, or trying out the newest restaurant in LA.

ASLI PEKCAN

Asli is originally from New Jersey, but has lived in Los Angeles since her undergraduate years at UCLA. She currently attends the Keck School of Medicine of USC and decided to pursue a research fellowship at CHLA after being inspired by her experience on the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery service at LA General Hospital. Her hobbies include hiking, hosting dinner parties, and traveling.

mELANIE bAKOVIC

Melanie is originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia, but grew up in Maryland. She currently attends the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her experience in Dr. Chai’s craniofacial stem cell biology and regenerative medicine laboratory at USC inspired her to pursue the craniofacial research fellowship. In her free time, she enjoys painting with acrylics, dancing ballet, and baking desserts.

VALERIA MEJIA

Valeria grew up in the Tijuana-San Diego Border. She currently attends the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Inspired by her service in Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and the Burn Unit at LA General Hospital, she decided to join the craniofacial research fellowship in the Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at CHLA. She enjoys art galleries, traveling, and spending time outdoors hiking and playing beach volleyball.