Mariam Farag, Co-Editor in Chief (she/her)
Mariam is a second-year medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Growing up in Egypt until 2013 gifted her with memories and experiences that continue to shape who she is today. These roots, along with her curiosity about people, drive her passion for exploring the many facets of the human condition, in and outside of medicine. Writing has become her way of processing life’s assortment of emotions and of revealing dimensions in events that couldn’t otherwise be seen. Outside of school, She enjoys yoga, making candles, trying new food, and joining in on any racket sport. As editor of Ripple, Mariam feels honored to support a space where friends, classmates, and teachers vulnerably share a part of themselves. She sees Ripple not only as a creative outlet but as a bridge that brings people closer together, reminding us that even in passing, we know each other more than we think.
Karen Liu, Co-Editor in Chief (she/her)
Karen is a second-year medical student at HMSOM with interests in hematology/oncology and cardiology. A lifelong reader and writer, she fell in love with storytelling and its power to build human connections. Books have been a constant companion for as long as she can remember, while writing has grown into an evolving outlet for reflection and self-expression. Her time with the school newspaper sparked a passion for amplifying the voices of others. She continues to channel her thoughts and emotions through writing, painting, and playing piano (with varying degrees of proficiency). Karen is proud to support this space of creative expression that serves to highlight the voices, creativity, and perspectives of her peers. She is drawn to exploring the ways in which the arts can enrich medical education or practice, and views the magazine as a space where these connections can be celebrated and shared. In her spare time, she enjoys tending to an ever-growing collection of houseplants, solving crossword puzzles, and watching classic films.
Swathi Sowmitran, Co-Editor (she/her)
Swathi is a second-year medical student at HMSOM. While reading was always a safe space for her, whether under the blankets at night or under a desk during class, she didn’t discover a love for writing till a high school creative writing class. Fiction writing has since been her greatest source of escapism and comfort. She values her ability to share the epics bouncing around in her head, while helping her loved ones with their own forms of creative expression. With the magazine, nonfiction writing has been a new challenge, but now she’s better at finding the stories in her own life and putting them to paper. Swathi is so proud to be part of this magazine, and help foster an environment for others to share their own narratives. In her free time, she can be found watching every horror movie out there while thinking of her own horror novel, and starting new crochet projects, with her cat by her side.
Allison Piazza, MHA, MLIS, Faculty Advisor (she/her)
Allison Piazza is thrilled to be Ripple Magazine's faculty advisor. Allison was a Medical Librarian at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine for 5 years. She is a (very!) amateur collage artist.
