David Shamalov
He/Him
Yalow Honors Scholar at Hunter College
Hi! I am David Shamalov, a Yalow Honors Scholar on the pre-med track hoping to become an aspiring Cardiovascular Surgeon. I am majoring in Physiological Psychology, with a minor in Chemistry and Hebrew. I am currently doing research at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) under Jingli Cao Lab, studying the characteristics of the Zebrafish Pericardium and its potential role in heart regeneration with epicardial cell markers and genes (TCF21). Aside from research, I currently work as a dental assistant at Dr. Dmitry Davy DDS PC and am finishing up my certification in Medical Assisting. I am involved in many leadership roles and positions including Vice President of the American Heart Association’s Heart Club at Hunter College and founder and CEO of the nonprofit, Bio-Z, and Global Brigades initiative. I am looking forward to connecting with many, especially with those with similar interests 🙂
Social
Contact
Website
davidshamalov9.commons.gc.cuny.edu
Education
CUNY Hunter College
Bachelors in Arts (BA) in Physiological Psychology, Expected in 2026
Minor: Chemistry and Hebrew
Clinical Work
Dental Assistant – Dr. Dmitry Davy, DDS PC (2021 – Current) –> 2500 hours.
– Assisted Dentists on all procedures; cosmetic, implant, general, etc.
Wound Care Nurse and Nursing Admin Assistant – Fairview Nursing Care Center (2022-2023) –> 1,000 hours
– Assisted NPs and RNs in treating resident’s wounds
– Scheduled all appointments and updated resident charts
*CCMA Certification Expected by May 2025
Research
Undergraduate Researcher at WCM’s Cardiovascular Research Institute Jingli Cao Lab (2023- Present)
– Studying heart regeneration in Zebrafish models
– Currently working on exploring the characteristics of the Zebrafish pericardium and its potential regenerative capacity with epicardial genes (TCF21) and epicardial progenitor cells
*Undergraduate Research Conference (URGC) participation is expected on April 30th with a poster presentation
Columbia University’s Failure Psychology Research Internship (EPIC) at the Teachers College (2021-2022)
– Assisted researchers in data collection and interviews of different athletes and how they perceive failure in the sports industry.
Special Programs
Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons GET-UPP Program (Sept. 2024-current)
– Attending weekly workshops that involve shadowing physicians, participating in simulations, and interacting with medical students and physicians in various medical fields.
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Advanced Practice Program (AP3) Completion + Certificate – Jan 2025
– Virtually shadowed NPs, PAs, and other advanced practice professionals in the various fields of medicine: Cardiology, Pediatrics, Oncology, Surgery, Gastrointestinal, etc.
Tau Mu Lambda Pre-Medical Scholars Program (Nov. 2024- Current)
Leadership
Founder and CEO of Nonprofit – “Bio-Z” (2022-Present)
– A 501(c)3 fiscal-sponsored nonprofit whose mission is to empower scientific minds, one generation at a time by utilizing a trivia learning-based platform to enhance knowledge of biology, chemistry, and more.
– Students can answer trivia questions to earn points to purchase FREE merchandise on our shop, alongside generating 5 cents per question answered correctly to donate lab materials to schools in need.
Vice President (VP) of American Heart Association’s Heart Club at Hunter College (Spring 2024-Present)
– Assisting the president of the club in managing our teams, such as advocacy, social media, education, treasurer, etc.
– Spreading awareness and educating the public about Cardiovascular diseases and conditions.
– Organizing events for our club members to participate in –> follow @heart_huntercollege for more info + updates
Yalow Honors Scholar Scholar Peer Leader (2023- Current)
– Assisting lower-class Yalows in academics, research, clinical work, etc.
– Advising mentees on scheduling for classes and making effective academic planners.
– Planning and conducting events/activities for all Yalows to participate in
Global Brigades Initiative (2025-Current)
– Recently joined the Global Brigades nonprofit organization Hunter College chapter to aid in assisting refugees in countries worldwide.
Awards
1) Yalow Honors Scholar Outstanding Hunter College Leadership Award (2024)
2) Yalow Honors Scholar Early Scientist Development Award in Scientific Research (2024)
3) Yalow Honors Scholar Outstanding Mentor Award (2024)
4) Peter F. Vallone Academic Scholarship (2022-2024)
