Welcome to Our New Residents | Class of 2030
Welcome to Our New Residents | Class of 2030
Join us as we welcome the class of 2030 to the Department of Neurology. Find out about their hobbies, interests, and reasons for studying neurology.
Daniel Bastian, MD
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
Daniel Bastian was born and raised in Snohomish, Washington, where he developed a love for the outdoors and hiking in the mountains. He pursued a degree in exercise science at Brigham Young University. While there, Daniel spent two years first as a mentor and then as a high school chemistry and physical education teacher for teenagers on the autism spectrum at The Spark Academy. During his time at Penn State College of Medicine, Daniel volunteered at the Lion Care Clinic, serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Harrisburg, and he expanded his research interests in medical education. His work focused on the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities and the use of AI-moderated patient actors. Outside of medicine, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, following college wrestling, and watching Survivor with friends.
Jason Becker, MD
Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine
Jason Becker was born and raised on a farm in rural Nebraska, where he developed an early connection to close-knit communities and the outdoors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, before attending medical school. While at Creighton University School of Medicine, he developed a strong interest in neurology, inspired by both his clinical experiences and his personal connection to Parkinson’s disease within his family. During medical school, Jason was actively involved in community outreach and mentorship, leading programs to educate underserved high school students about neuroscience and stroke recognition. He also has a passion for integrating his interests with caring for others, volunteering to help individuals with disabilities engage in physical activity, and promoting wellness through adaptive rock-climbing programs. Outside of medicine, Jason enjoys any excuse to get outdoors with his wife and their dog, Lola, particularly fly fishing, finding a remote campsite, and spending time helping his wife in their garden.
Wataru Horiguchi, MBBS
Medical School: Tokushima University
Wataru Horiguchi is originally from Kyoto, Japan. After earning his medical degree, he began his clinical training at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo. Working in a major urban academic center, he cared for a diverse patient population, including many international patients. During this time, he developed a strong interest in neurology and participated in clinical research focused on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). He later continued his training at the U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, where he gained experience in a U.S.-style medical system and further deepened his understanding of American culture and clinical practice. Outside of medicine, Wataru enjoys outdoor activities and is particularly excited about life in Salt Lake City, known for its world-class snow resorts. He looks forward to exploring national parks and enjoying snowboarding with colleagues in the surrounding natural landscapes. He also has a strong passion for music and played bass in a band during medical school, even composing original pieces.
Keiko Ihara, MBBS
Medical School: Keio University School of Medicine
Keiko Ihara was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. Through her experience in both basic neuroscience research on dopaminergic circuits in mouse models and clinical research in headache, she fell in love with the rapidly evolving field of neurology. After completing her two-year junior residency in Ashikaga, Japan, she was awarded an American Heart Association postdoctoral fellowship and continued to pursue her passion at Mayo Clinic, where she contributed to research on vascular risk in patients with migraine. She has been actively contributing to the scientific community through her roles as an assistant editor for Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain and as a junior editor for Headache and Pain Research. Keiko is thrilled to grow as a neurologist at the University of Utah. Outside of medicine, Keiko enjoys skiing, spending time outdoors, figure skating, and playing the flute.
Cade O'Neill, MD
Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Born and raised in Montana, Cade O’Neill developed an early connection to the University of Utah through both receiving care himself and observing the care provided to others. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from his hometown university, Montana Technological University, where his interest in neurology first took shape. Having been raised in Montana, Cade was exposed to the dire need for both rural healthcare and neurology representation in the Mountain West. During medical school, his passion for neurology continued to grow. He strengthened his interest through mentoring medical students in neurology, caring for acute stroke patients in rural settings, and conducting research on disparities in post-stroke care among rural communities. He later reconnected with the University of Utah through research analyzing morbidity and mortality in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. These research and mentoring experiences also solidified his commitment to academic medicine. In his free time, Cade enjoys weightlifting, hobby computer building, skiing, and spending time with his cat, Brady.
Ambria Pogue, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Ambria was born and raised in Simi Valley, California. She completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she also competed as an NCAA Division II soccer player. She has been drawn to study the brain since high school due to its complexity and the many questions that still surround it. During medical training, Ambria's passion for neurology was solidified through research on a novel calpain-2 inhibitor therapy used in traumatic brain injury and seizures as well as through clinical experiences. She came to appreciate how neurology combines diagnostic complexity with the opportunity for long-term patient relationships and lifelong learning. Outside of medicine, Ambria enjoys long-distance running and spending time outdoors hiking or snowboarding whenever she can. Ambria also likes baking sourdough and caring for a growing number of house plants.
Alexis Robert, MD
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Alexis has lived and studied in locations across the United States and beyond, ranging from mountainous Colorado to the Ohio Midwest, upstate New York, the deep South, and overseas. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Colorado State University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College, with numerous areas of research and service along the way. Alexis believes people are unique and complex, and that being a physician starts with listening to and learning from the patient. Alexis also believes in the communal nature of healing and in a practice style that emphasizes teamwork. Outside of work, Alexis and his wife, Sophia, enjoy family time at home, hosting, being outdoors, doing home projects, and staying engaged in their community. Alexis also enjoys lifting weights, playing soccer, video games, music, and reading.
Heidi Taggart, MD
Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine
Heidi received her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Classics at Johns Hopkins and then completed medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine. During her time with the Wyoming Medical Society, she learned from both physicians and non-medical stakeholders about advocating for strategic and thoughtful ways to improve medical access and outcomes in a values-driven manner. Her hobbies include skiing, knitting, cycling, and cooking.
