Marissa Douglas is an accomplished scientist, mentor, and longtime Cure JM advocate pursuing a PhD in Quantitative Biology at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She plans to build a career in conservation research.
A graduate of Harvey Mudd College, Marissa received the President’s Fellowship at both Harvey Mudd and Georgia Tech and earned recognition for the best biology thesis at Harvey Mudd. In 2026, she organized Zoo Biomechanics Day at Zoo Atlanta, bringing together her interests in science, education, and the natural world.
Marissa has also made mentorship and inclusion central to her leadership. She mentored Black-identifying first-year students through Black Lives at Mudd and has held leadership and service roles supporting students, animals, and her community.
Her connection to Cure JM spans more than a decade. Marissa has served as a juvenile dermatomyositis ambassador, volunteered at Walk Strong events in Washington and Georgia, helped organize Washington-area walks with her mother, and participated in the Cure JM Advocates Council.
Rohan Saarang is a nationally recognized speaker, student leader, and Cure JM advocate who will attend The Ohio State University to study finance.
In 2026, Rohan became the Minnesota Class AA state champion in extemporaneous speaking. He was also named a Minnesota DECA state champion and national qualifier and won his National Speech & Debate Association district competition in United States Extemporaneous Speaking.
At Eastview High School, Rohan served as speech captain, debate captain, a National Honor Society officer, and a DECA officer. His community service includes participation on the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Community Advisory Board, volunteering through Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities, and contributing more than 80 hours to his local library.
Rohan has shared his perspective through Cure JM advisory work, participated in clinical studies and surveys, and mentored younger children living with juvenile myositis. His achievements reflect his ability to use communication, leadership, and lived experience to empower others.
Kera graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri in May 2025 and will begin her studies at the University of Missouri School of Law in August 2026.
Kera plans to enter the legal profession and is interested in health law, estate planning, and international law. As a University of Missouri Honors College student, she completed advanced coursework and graduated with an honors certificate.
Her college service included leadership through Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity, work as a University of Missouri Writing Center tutor, and extensive support for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, local food banks, veterans, and other community organizations.
Kera’s Cure JM advocacy began when she was young. Between 2012 and 2020, she organized miniature golf tournaments, raffles, movie nights, and other fundraising events that raised more than $16,000 while increasing awareness of juvenile myositis in her community.
Her service earned statewide and national recognition, including being named Missouri’s middle-school honoree through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Kera now carries that foundation of perseverance, communication, and advocacy into the next chapter of her education and service.
Hannah studies Integrative Biology and Computer Science at Harvard University and plans to pursue a career as a physician, with interests in pediatric rheumatology and pediatric emergency medicine.
At Boston Children’s Hospital, Hannah conducts research on T-cell therapies for rheumatologic diseases. Her senior thesis explores how engineered regulatory T cells could be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis safely and effectively. She has also contributed to JM-related research at the University of Washington and Boston Children’s Hospital through connections developed within the Cure JM community.
Hannah’s commitment to service extends well beyond the laboratory. She co-founded Beyond State Lines, a domestic exchange program designed to build empathy and understanding among high school students. She also leads wilderness trips for incoming Harvard students, provides legal information to underserved community members, organizes outdoor excursions, and plays piano for patients and retirement-community residents.
Within Cure JM, Hannah serves on the Community Advisory Board, advises two JM-related research studies, and helped lead and speak at the 2025 Boston Walk Strong event.
Hannah continues to deepen her contribution to the community as a researcher, patient advisor, advocate, and aspiring physician.
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