Pathology Residency Program Current Residents

Bio: FNU Sonam graduated from Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Pakistan. Before moving to the U.S., she worked as a grossing assistant in the pathology department at her home institution, where she further developed her interest in pathology. After relocating to the U.S., FNU Sonam worked as a research fellow in the Department of Pathology at Mayo Clinic. She is grateful to be continuing her training at the University of Missouri, where she values the strong sense of community, excellent teaching, and supportive environment. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, painting, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth here and exploring future opportunities in pathology.

Bio: Dr. Meng's journey in medicine began in China, where she received her MD from Qingdao University and her PhD from Peking Union Medical School. She practiced pathology for several years before moving to the U.S. Her passion for the field led her through years of research at George Washington University, followed by a role in a Clinical Pathology Lab. Now, she's thrilled to continue realizing her dream as a Pathology resident at the University of Missouri. Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. Meng finds joy in cooking, gardening, hiking, traveling, and cherishing moments with her family.

Bio: Dr. Zeng earned his MD from Sichuan University in China in 2014 and practiced internal medicine before moving to the U.S., where he began conducting research in cellular therapy at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2018. Pathology has always been an integral part of his medical journey, and he is excited to continue this path within the MU Pathology Residency program’s supportive, family-like environment and the vibrant college town of Columbia. He is expected to graduate from the AP/CP track in 2029. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new cuisines, and learning foreign languages.

Bio: Dr. Zhang earned her MD from Qingdao University College of Medical Science in 2006 and completed her PhD at Peking Union Medical College in 2012. Before joining the pathology residency program at the University of Missouri in Columbia, she conducted more than a decade of research in hematology. At Missouri, she enjoys the supportive environment from both senior residents and attendings, along with the physician lounge meals and snacks. She is expected to graduate in 2029. Outside of medicine, Dr. Zhang enjoys spending time with her children, hiking, dancing, listening to music, and reading.

Bio: James obtained his bachelor's in medical humanities at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He then attended medical school at A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Away from work, he enjoys exercising, spending time with friends and family, and playing games.

Bio: Dr. Hashim completed medical school at Ameer-ud-Din Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan. MU’s resident program feels like home to him, and he feels very fortunate to be here. In his free time, he loves learning new skills.

Bio: McKenzie grew up in Maryville, MO. She studied neuroscience at Colgate University in upstate New York before completing her bachelor's degree in cellular neuroscience at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She attended medical school at the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed a post-sophomore fellowship in pathology with the MU Pathology Department after her second year of medical school. She chose to stay with the department for her residency training due to the incredible faculty, the hands-on training experiences afforded by a small program without fellows, and the supportive family-like environment between the residents (and because Columbia is an awesome town!). In her free time, she loves trail running, backpacking, going to live music events, and playing with her dog, Theo!

Bio: Dr. Benge is originally from Florissant, MO. From there, she attended Aquinas College (Grand Rapids, MI), West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV), and then University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine. After hours, she loves playing and exploring with her son, husband, beagle, and Boston terrier.

Dr. Benge matched into Forensic Pathology at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Oklahoma in Tulsa.

Bio: Dr. Nale was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. She received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Drury University before attending medical school at A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys fantasy books, television, orchids, and needle felting.

Bio: Dr. Zhang received her MD and PhD from Shandong University in 1996. After years of clinical practice, teaching, and research at Shandong University, she moved to the United States to continue her research at the University of Iowa. Her medical and research experiences inspired her to pursue a career in pathology. She is expected to graduate from her pathology residency in 2027 and will complete a GI/Liver Pathology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic during the 2027–2028 academic year.

Her favorite aspects of the MU Pathology program include the supportive attendings, the family-like camaraderie among residents, and the easy pace of life in a Midwestern college town.

Bio: Dr. Banker was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Afterward, she returned home and got her Master's in Toxicology at Colorado State University. Dr. Banker then went on to medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, trying new restaurants and breweries, and taking spin classes.

Bio: Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed earned his MBBS from the University of Khartoum, Sudan, in 2002, where he developed a deep passion for pathology. He subsequently completed a pathology residency in Sudan before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he served as a faculty member at the College of Medicine, Majma’ah University.

Driven by a commitment to advancing his career, Dr. Mohammed relocated to the United States to pursue specialized training. He was accepted into the pathology residency program at the University of Missouri, a program distinguished by its hands-on training, personalized mentorship, and collaborative academic environment.

Dr. Mohammed is on track to graduate in 2026 and has been accepted into a fellowship in gastrointestinal pathology at Indiana University. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys biking and playing soccer.