Meet the Staff
Michael Stewart-Meza - Program Manager
Serving as the MRU’s Program Manager, Michael oversees the operational function and long-term health of the MRU. In addition to his expansive administrative responsibilities, Michael is committed to providing training and mentorship to student-responders to form them as today's emergency medical responders and tomorrow's healthcare leaders. Michael is responsible for implementing a meaningful experience for our student-responders that equips and encourages them to serve others with both high competence and deep compassion. Before working at FSU, Michael served as a paramedic in both rural and urban 9-1-1 EMS systems and as a critical care transport paramedic. In addition to working at FSU, Michael continues to serve as an adjunct EMS instructor for first responder, EMT and paramedic courses. In his free time, Michael enjoys being active within his church, reading philosophy, playing guitar, eating Peruvian food, and spending time with his husband and their dog, Major.
Will Gieson - Training & Operations Coordinator
Will Gieson serves as the MRU's Training & Operations Coordinator, where he ensures Responders are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver the highest level of care to the FSU community. Will also leads the MRU's field supervisors, providing real-time support and guidance to crews in the field. Will joined the MRU during his sophomore year, earned his EMT certification at TSC, and advanced to Crew Leader before stepping into his current role. He graduated from FSU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Chemistry, and currently serves as an EMT with Gadsden County EMS, gaining extensive patient care experience in a rural ambulance setting. Having grown up in Saudi Arabia, Will brings a unique global perspective on communication and cultural awareness that strengthens the MRU's ability to serve a diverse campus. He plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. In his free time, Will enjoys critiquing movies, hiking, playing pickleball, and learning piano.
Student Leadership Staff
Bryce Couey - Student Executive Director
Bryce Couey is the Executive Director of the Florida State University Medical Response Unit (MRU). In this role, he is responsible for creating, presenting, and defending the MRU budget, leading the application process, and overseeing the executive board. Bryce is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in Biological Science with minors in Chemistry and Philosophy of Science. Passionate about public service and healthcare accessibility, he plans to attend medical school with the long-term goal of practicing in rural Florida. Outside of MRU, Bryce enjoys active hobbies such as running, rock climbing, and fishing.
Sophia Deitrich - Student Director of Operations
Sophia (Soph) is the Director of Operations for the Medical Response Unit where she manages event staffing for MRU obligations and oversees the Unit’s inventory. She is originally from Colts Neck, New Jersey, and got her start in emergency services in 2021 when she joined the Colts Neck First Aid Squad as a cadet volunteer. She became a certified EMT in 2023 and joined the Medical Response Unit in the fall of her freshman year. Now in her third year at FSU, Soph is majoring in Biomedical Sciences and plans to attend medical school after graduation to ultimately specialize in pediatric trauma surgery. Outside of MRU, she’s a member of the Presidential Scholars Class of ’27 and an active sister of Delta Gamma. Soph is extremely social and loves meeting new people, spending time with friends, going to the beach, and making her crews participate in karaoke battles with her.
Anakha Vargheese - Student Director of Administration
Anakha Vargheese is the Director of Administration for the Florida State University Medical Response Unit. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining accurate responder hour records, reporting all patient care activity, and representing the MRU at public outreach events. A senior pursuing a degree in Neuroscience, Anakha plans to attend medical school and is committed to patient advocacy, striving to build strong, empathetic relationships with those she serves. In her free time, she enjoys running, listening to music, and trying out new coffee shops in town.
Daniel Jordana - Student Director of Special Projects
Danny is the Director of Special Projects for the Florida State Medical Response Unit. In this role, he oversees external initiatives including outreach, public relations, event planning, and all media operations for the unit. This includes managing MRU’s digital communications strategy and ensuring responders have access to professional photography and media assets. Danny has been a member of MRU since his sophomore year and holds his Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification. A senior at FSU majoring in Public Health with a minor in Political Science, Danny plans to attend nursing school while leveraging his experience working with state legislators and agencies to drive meaningful change in healthcare policy. Outside of MRU, he enjoys photography, running, listening to music, and exploring new foods.
Nick Turoff - Student Executive Director
Nick Turoff is a senior at Florida State University majoring in finance with minors in biology, chemistry, and interdisciplinary medicine. As MRU's Student Executive Director, he oversees the organization's operations and supports its members. He previously served as Stop the Bleed Coordinator, helping train more than 2,000 students in hemorrhage control. Outside of MRU, Nick works as an EMT with Gadsden County EMS and conducts research through the FSU College of Medicine. After graduation, he will attend medical school and pursue a career combining patient care and healthcare leadership.
Gil Izquierdo - Student Director of Operations
Gil Izquierdo is a Biomedical Sciences student at Florida State University, originally from Miami, Florida. He joined the Medical Response Unit in Spring 2025 and is now MRU's Student Director of Operations, where he keeps the unit's equipment, events, and operations organized and helps create a reliable experience for both responders and the students they serve. Outside of MRU, Gil works as an Emergency Care Technician and takes part in research, work that has strengthened his experience collaborating with others and supporting the FSU community. After completing his undergraduate degree, he plans to attend medical school and continue building a career focused on helping others. In his free time, Gil enjoys going on walks, cooking, and traveling to new places.
Maria Mankin - Student Director of Standards & Compliance
Maria Mankin is a junior at Florida State University pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience on the pre-medical track. As MRU's Student Director of Standards & Compliance, she maintains accurate responder hour records, reviews patient care reports, and makes sure the unit's data and documentation are recorded accurately and efficiently. She cares deeply about patient care, leadership, and service, and hopes to attend medical school with the goal of specializing in pediatric surgery. Outside of MRU, Maria is a UROP Leader, works as a Learning Assistant, and participates in research focused on aging and Alzheimer's disease. In her free time, she enjoys working out, spending time with friends, and meeting new people.
Giselle Pfeifer - Student Director of Culture & Engagement
Giselle Pfeifer is a third-year student at Florida State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-medical track. She is originally from Chicago and moved to Orlando during high school. As MRU's Student Director of Culture & Engagement, Giselle oversees the organization's social media presence, public relations efforts, merchandise, and member events. She works to create a welcoming environment where members feel connected and part of a family, and to share MRU's impact with the university and the broader first responder community. Outside of MRU, she is involved in research within FSU's Department of Psychology, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, and Greek life. After graduation, Giselle plans to work as an EMT before attending medical school to pursue a career as a physician. In her free time, she enjoys baking, practicing yoga and Pilates, and reading.
