Susanne is a neurointensivist and clinician-scientist. She received her medical degree from the Philips-University Marburg in Germany, and her MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. She joined Johns Hopkins in 2023 as a professor of neurology, anesthesiology and critical care medicine, and neurosurgery after 15 years at the University of Massachusetts. Here she built her research lab in shared decision making and neuroprognostication and worked at a Level 1 trauma center as a neurocritical care physician. She is also a member of the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanizing Medicine.

Susanne is passionate about her research because it impacts families and patients directly and intimately. She combines expertise in qualitative, quantitative and decision sciences for her research. She feels strongly that including and listening to stakeholders in her research will drive impact and significance. Her goal is to understand how the clinician’s choice of words affects outcomes for patients and their families in the neuro intensive care unit and to translate this insight into interventions that improve lives.

Fun Fact: Susanne is an avid bike commuter and runner, and loves to inspire others to bike or run to work, especially in Baltimore.

Research Assistant

Aqsa has a bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Maryland. She is passionate about advancing clinician-family communication and is deeply interested in the ethical dimensions of these interactions, particularly how compassionate communication can help families navigate difficult decisions. As a research assistant, she is eager to learn, contribute, and support research that advances patient outcomes, improves patient-centered care, and addresses public health challenges in critical healthcare environments.

Fun Fact: Aqsa has a bucket list of countries she wants to visit, and she makes it a point to explore at least one new destination each year.

Research Assistant

Mamawa Kposowa is a passionate public health advocate who recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health Education from Morgan State University. Mamawa is dedicated to improving population health outcomes through education, effective communication, and evidence-based interventions. Her ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact on public health and patient care. As she continues to expand her knowledge, she is excited to begin her new role as a research assistant at Johns Hopkins, where she will contribute to advancing clinical research.

Fun Fact: Mamawa loves exploring new cultures, trying diverse foods, and discovering new hobbies.

Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Class of 2027

Winnie grew up in Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she majored in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology with a minor in biomedical research. Since starting medical school, she has found a passion for the medical humanities in patient-clinician communication, especially in critical care settings. Outside of her passions in science and medicine, she is also an avid graphic designer and has loved working for John Hopkins' Annual Arts Magazine: Panacea, Los Angeles County, and the United Nations building media kits for healthcare nonprofits. 

Fun Fact: In her free time, Winnie enjoys playing volleyball with friends and skiing. She also really likes bitter foods (ex: dark chocolate, black sesame, matcha)

Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Class of 2027

Celine grew up in New York City, where her love for the arts, particularly reading and writing, has always been a strong influence on her life. She is currently exploring a new creative outlet by taking a sewing class. After college, she worked in HIV Clinical Research in New York, and as an undergraduate, she double majored in Creative Writing and Medicine, Science, and the Humanities. She is excited to combine these interests as she moves forward in her medical career. In the past, Celine has conducted research on Traumatic Brain Injuries and their impact in the development of narrative, which has deepened her interest in neurology. She is also passionate about the use of language in medicine and she is eager to explore how physician-family communication can inform care decisions.

Fun Fact: Celine used to have two hamsters named Zack and Cody.

Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Class of 2028

Eleni has an undergraduate background in biology and psychology. After graduation, she worked as a clinical research coordinator at Children’s National Hospital, studying developmental outcomes in children with congenital heart and brain malformations. She is passionate about building strong relationships with patients and families while providing comprehensive care that addresses physical and mental health. Eleni is excited to join the Muehlschlegel Lab to learn more about physician-family communication and shared decision-making in neurocritical care.

Fun Fact: In her free time, Eleni enjoys reading, making puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.

Medical Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Class of 2028

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Michaela stayed close to home to earn her B.A. in Biology from UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies in 2022. Through research in invertebrate neurobiology and human neuroimaging, Michaela grew fascinated by all things brain science. She went on to work as a case manager for brain injury survivors after her undergraduate education, witnessing the immense struggles that survivors face when re-learning how to navigate daily life and listening to stories about the care that they received in their recovery journey. Now a medical student at Johns Hopkins, Michaela is passionate about advocating for patients who have experienced brain injury and is excited to continue learning how to best do so.

Fun Fact: Outside of academia, Michaela can almost always be found in or on a body of water, whether swimming, paddling, or surfing.

Neurocritical Care Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Miriam earned dual bachelor’s degrees at the University of California, San Diego and completed her master’s in public health at Dartmouth College. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed her medical internship and neurology residency at Albany Medical Center. She also pursued a Master of Science in Bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute and is currently a member of the ethics committee at Johns Hopkins. She is passionate about both the clinical and ethical aspects of brain death and neuroprognostication.

Fun Fact: Miriam is a polyglot, and she loves hugs!

Neurocritical Care Fellow, The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Junaid has clinical interests in severe acute brain injury (SABI), particularly acute cerebrovascular disease. His research focuses on neuroinflammation, music therapy, patient-centered decision-making, and neuroprognostication, aiming to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and bedside care. Growing up in Kashmir, he developed a deep commitment to advancing equitable and compassionate healthcare, which drives his dedication to improving outcomes for critically ill patients.

Fun Fact: Junaid is a nature lover who enjoys being outdoors, trail running, hiking and visiting national parks. One of his most memorable adventures was summiting Half Dome in Yosemite National Park with the cables down (shh), embracing the challenge as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!