Nicole is a public health researcher with a Master of Public Health from UCLA. She brings a strong foundation in qualitative research, with a focus on community engagement and advancing health equity. Her work has centered on improving access to care, fostering more inclusive research practices, and creating opportunities for communities to shape the health solutions that affect them. She is especially committed to work that uplifts underrepresented voices and promotes more equitable health systems.

Motivated by both professional experience and personal connection, she is deeply invested in improving the lives and long-term outcomes of cancer survivors.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys hiking with her two dogs, baking sourdough and other homemade treats, and spending time outdoors.

Kevin is a third-year Pediatrics resident at Stanford interested in caring for children with life-altering illnesses, particularly blood disorders and cancers. He grew up in the Seattle area, and after receiving a BA in Neuroscience and Science in Human Culture at Northwestern University, he returned home to complete an MD at the University of Washington. In 2023, he found a new home in the Bay Area, where he hopes to provide clarity and comfort to young patients and their families, now as an pediatrics resident and in the future as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and palliative care physician.

Briana is a researcher dedicated to improving the lives of people touched by cancer. She grew up primarily in rural Eastern Washington and received a BS in Bioengineering from Stanford University. Briana is passionate about elevating community voices in research to develop people-centered health interventions. She aspires to become a physician, combining her interests in community health, oncology, and policy to advance a more equitable healthcare system. In her free time, Briana loves finding new coffee shops, cooking, spending time in nature, and exploring the Bay Area with friends. She is now a medical student at the University of Washington and continues to work with the CoCOS lab as time permits.    

Josiah is a medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine interested in researching ways to better understand and serve the unique needs of children with cancer. He received a BS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Rice University, as well as a PhD from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University. He aims to integrate technology, education, and community service to pioneer innovative and accessible healthcare solutions, embodying a vision of medicine that is both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in social justice.

 Joey is a medical student at the Stanford School of Medicine who is personally devoted to improving the lives of those impacted by childhood cancer. He received a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Johns Hopkins University and spent multiple years gaining research experience in a variety of fields such as neurology, neuroscience, and pediatric orthopedic surgery. He strives to build upon his research experience to expand on the clinical impact he will have as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist in the future.

Juan is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator for Stanford’s SCI-CTO, specifically with the Pediatric Oncology Liquid Tumor team. He moved across the country from NJ after graduating from Pennsylvania State University (We Are!) with a degree in Biobehavioral Health. Havingalso previously worked with Stanford’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center focusing on community engagement and outreach, he felt Dr. Smith’s team and studies were an amazing place to help out when not busy with the pediatric clinical trials. He hopes to attend nursingschool in the near future to become a PNP-AC.

Mary Anne Kochenderfer is a researcher and educator interested in developing systems that improve how humans navigate their lives. She holds a PhD in Medicine (Public Health focus) from the University of Edinburgh and a Master's in Education from Stanford University. She is a childhood cancer survivor.

Brianna is the Programs Manager at Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, where she leads a dedicated team in delivering impactful programs and organizing meaningful family events to support those navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer. She is committed to creating experiences that bring joy and comfort to the children and families served by the organization. She collaborates closely with Jacob’s Heart partners to continuously improve support systems and enhance the quality of life for families in need.

Yuritza Arciga has been with Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services for almost four years, where she previously was the Transportation Supervisor and now is a Family Support Specialist. Yuritza graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with a concentration in Social Work and plans to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work. Outside of her professional and academic commitments, Yuritza enjoys spending time with her two young children, as well as taking personal time to visit Disneyland, attend concerts, and go on trips with her friends.

Sequoia, the CoCOS team mascot, loves all people (especially kids), getting belly rubs, and riding in the car (anytime, anywhere, the longer the road trip the better). He is a huge fan of coffee shops (he’s convinced they all give out doggie biscuits), bookstores, and digging in sand on the beach. One day he hopes to train to be a therapy dog so he can come to the hospital/clinic with Steph.

Rebecca is a third-year Internal Medicine resident at Stanford. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, and subsequently received a degree in Biology at Haverford College before pursuing a MD at Harvard Medical School. She plans to pursue a Hematology/Oncology fellowship, with particular interests in cancer survivorship and in addressing disparities affecting people impacted by cancer. Outside of medicine, she enjoys baking and spending time outdoors hiking and skiing.

Anica Gaggar is a rising senior at Woodside High School from Redwood City. Her passions include giving back to her community and volunteering. In the future, she hopes to work as a pediatric oncologist or in the medical field. For fun, she loves to act, play flag football, and coach her 8u softball team.

Judith is an upcoming senior at Fremont High School. She has a strong passion for helping cancer survivors and their families. She has always been drawn to science and hopes to pursue medicine where she dreams of leaving a footprint in every life she encounters. Outside of academics, she is a part of her school’s cheerleading team and leadership groups. She hopes to build long standing friendships and grow alongside those who also deeply care about this cause. She dreams of becoming a surgical oncologist!