2025-2026 Researchers

Meryem Guler

Meryem grew up in the Bay Area, CA, and attends Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She was originally drawn to plastic surgery for its role in gender-affirming care but came to appreciate the breadth of the field during her third-year rotation with the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Jefferson. She joined the craniofacial research fellowship at CHLA to further explore outcomes-driven research in pediatric trauma and congenital reconstruction. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, thrift stores, and art museums; as well as spending time with her two cats and leopard gecko.

Anika Kim

Anika is originally from the East Coast, but has lived in California since her undergraduate years at Stanford. She currently attends the Keck School of Medicine at USC and decided to pursue a research fellowship at CHLA after being inspired by her experience working with burn and reconstructive patients at pediatric burn camps. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, writing poetry, and watching Formula 1 races.

Artur Manasyan

Artur was born in Moscow, Russia, but raised in Los Angeles since the age of six. He is currently a medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, where he developed an early interest in plastic surgery through his involvement in craniofacial, microsurgical, and burn research during his first year. He was drawn to plastic surgery for its head-to-toe scope and the open, visible nature of the procedures where outcomes are immediately tangible. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys taking architecture walks and visiting open houses in different LA neighborhoods, swimming, buying candles, curating niche playlists, and reading philosophy.

Caroline Kreh

Caroline was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She stayed in her hometown for medical school at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. She was drawn to the field of plastic surgery for its blend of technical precision and artistic approach to problem solving. She is particularly interested in reconstruction for congenital deformities and trauma. Outside of medicine, Caroline enjoys playing upright and electric bass, reading anything from memoirs to dystopian fiction, and backpacking.