Staff
Randolph S. Faustino, PhD (Co-Founder, CEO, Scientific Director)
Randy is the CEO and Founder of med/STEM Communications, a biomedical communications firm out of which the STaR Program is based, as well as Cardionostix, a digital health company focused on improving client fitness/wellness. Academically he is appointed as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Pediatrics in the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. He earned his doctorate in Physiology studying the effect of lipids on nuclear signaling using atherosclerosis as a disease model, after which he trained at Mayo Clinic in applications of stem cell biology and bioinformatics to better understand cardiac development and disease. Supported by funding from the American Heart Association as well as the National Institutes of Health, he has published 40+ manuscripts in the areas of cardiovascular science and disease, cardiac and stem cell biology, network biology, and bioinformatics.
His additional professional interests include scientific outreach and coaching, with a history of having mentored multiple trainees at various academic stages over his 18+ year career. His alumni include staff scientists, graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students who have gone on to matriculate at prestigious colleges and top-rate graduate, law, and medical programs across the country. Mentees from his lab have gone on to win full-ride scholarships, and successful applications for research funding from the Department of Defense.
Claudia C. Preston, MD (Co-Founder, President, Educational Director)
Claudia is an Assistant Professor of Biology at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, MN and a physician scientist with a professional background in cardiovascular research, ovarian cancer biology, cell biology, and advanced imaging. Her academic research interests are focused on utilizing bioinformatics to understand the roles of nucleoporins in reproductive biology. Moreover, as the CEO and Founder of IntelliOmics, a company specializing in understanding big data, Claudia brings her expertise in bioinformatics, biomedical education, and STEM outreach to the mentees of the STaR Program.
As an educator, she specializes in Anatomy and Physiology, with an emphasis on applying this knowledge in a clinical setting. She has mentored over two dozen trainees to date, with post-baccalaureate mentees that have gone onto successful careers as physician assistants, clinical research assistants, and scientific researchers. Her post-secondary students have competitively applied for scholarships and research opportunities, securing full tuition scholarships and Department of Defense funding for their work.
YSS Interns
Elise Roxas
Social Media Manager
Elise is the Social Media Manager of the STaR Program where she leads the creation and curation of engaging STEM-related content, from informative, educational posts to displaying all the fun the team & overall program experiences behind the scenes. By illustrating her expertise in social media strategy, she connects with students, educators, and the broader community, making STEM education exciting for the next generation of innovators.
At the end of summer, Elise will be a first year Physician Assistant Student at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, pursuing a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Her current STEM interests include social determinants of health and UV filter formulations for sunscreens.
Taylor Repinski
Social Media Intern
Taylor is the Social Media Intern for the STaR Program where she assists Elise in the creation and curation of engaging STEM-related content. Her favorite posts to make involve highlighting important scientists and sharing fun facts.
This fall, Taylor will be a senior at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, MN, where she majors in Biology and minors in Psychology.
Taylor has had a busy summer studying for the OAT, Optometry Admission Test, in hopes of becoming an optometrist specializing in vision therapy.
Emma Schuster
Research & Education Assistant
Emma is a student at Saint Mary's University. In the future, Emma plans to attend medical school to become a neurologist. She is interested in Alzheimer's & other neurogenerative diseases.
Gavin Ross
Research & Education Assistant
Gavin is one of the Research Assistants for the STaR Program. He works alongside Dr. Claudia Preston and the other assistant, Sadi, educating our students on their research and other STEM-related topics.
He is currently a nursing student at the University of South Dakota. Additionally, he works as a tutor at school.
In the future, Gavin plans on pursuing a graduate degree in Nursing Anesthesia, after obtaining his Bachelor of Science of Nursing degree.
Outside of academics he enjoy sports and nature!
Sadi Peck
Research & Education Assistant
Sadi is one of the other Research Assistants for the STaR Program. She works with Gavin and Dr. Claudia Preston to make some exciting things happen with our students.
She started her journey in the medical world at 13, being trained by doctors to care for her grandmother.
At 18, she received her CNA license. In 2014, Sadi went to Lake Area Tech in Watertown, SD and received her EMT license. Shortly after, she began working for a small rural ambulance service.
Currently, Sadi is a volunteer for the fire department in her town. Additionally, she is in school full-time working to become a registered nurse.
Julia Backlund
Educational Assistant
Julia is one of the Educational Assistants for the STaR Program. She works alongside Dr. Claudia Preston and the other assistant, Kate, educating our students on Bioinformatics and other STEM-related topics.
She will be starting Physician Assistant school at the Mayo Clinic in July. Julia is interested in specializing in sports medicine or pediatric oncology.
Previous research of hers focused on the in utero impact of herbicides on spatial learning and memory.
Kate Perkins
Educational Assistant
Kate is one of the other Educational Assistants for the STaR Program. She works with Julia and Dr. Claudia Preston to make some exciting things happen with our students.
In July, Kate will be attending Physician Assistant school at Mayo Clinic. She enjoys hiking, playing tennis and going to coffee shops with friends.
This past school year, Kate researched the transcription factor TBX2 and its effect on the invasive abilities of normal breast cells. Kate found empowering her peers in challenging STEM classes at Saint Mary's rewarding. She plans to teach at a PA school in the future.
Emma Stemper
Educational Assistant
Emma Stemper is our Educational Intern for Young STEM Scholars. She works alongside Dr. Claudia Preston, educating our students on Bioinformatics and other STEM-related topics.
Currently, Emma is a sophomore at Saint Mary's University of MN, where she majors in Biology - PreMedical Professions. She plans on attending medical school after she graduates, and is interested in specializing in OB/GYN, pediatrics, or oncology.
In addition to working for YSS, Emma is a CNA at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Being in Dr. Claudia Preston's anatomy & physiology class helped her learn her love for the human body, and she hopes to conduct research projects in the next two years.
