Our Team.
Meet our core group of dedicated spine health advocates powering Enuval's mission.
Dr. Sariah Khormaee is a board-certified spine surgeon committed to advancing global spine care research and education through bioengineering and translational science. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, her MD at Harvard Medical School, and PhD at Cambridge University. Her advanced medical training includes a residency at the Hospital of Special Surgery and a fellowship in spine surgery at Stanford University.
In addition to her research and practice in the United States, she has traveled extensively to collaborate with spine specialists in Ghana, Myanmar and Vietnam. She leads nonprofit efforts to alleviate spine care inequalities and to engage young women with scoliosis in research.
Dr. Khormaee’s decision to practice spine was influenced by family and friends with spine conditions, including her discussions with Martha Hunt when she was an orthopedic resident. Early on, she observed the debilitating effects that can result from spinal disorders, making it painful to do everyday activities like getting out of bed or walking up a flight of stairs. She understands that injuries and disorders of the spine can also affect her patients’ lifestyles, such as the ability to earn a living or engage in the outdoors or recreational sports. Most importantly, Dr. Khormaee realizes that each patient is unique and hopes that her surgical skills and research endeavors with Enuval will help those with spine conditions resume activities that bring joy to their lives.
Martha Hunt, widely recognized as a successful model, was diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age. Navigating the challenges of her condition without public figures who reflected her experience or knowing anyone personally going through it inspired her to bridge that gap for future generations. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery as a teenager, scoliosis became not just a medical condition to overcome but a catalyst for Hunt’s more profound purpose.
Throughout her modeling career, which spans hundreds of fashion shows, high-profile campaigns, and collaborative creative endeavors, Hunt has drawn strength and motivation from her scoliosis journey, continually weaving themes of resilience into her work. In 2016, during a visit to Capitol Hill for scoliosis advovacy, she met spine surgeon Dr. Sariah Khormaee, which eventually led to the founding of Enuval.
As someone who knows firsthand how isolating scoliosis can be, Hunt leverages her platform of over three million social media followers to engage them in spine research and advocacy and build community through shared purpose. As a Co-Executive Director at Enuval, she is dedicated to leading a new generation of advocates who approach spinal health with a blend of personal understanding and scientific inquiry, and hopes to inspire others to see possibilities beyond their diagnoses.
Hannah Lin is a first-year medical student at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She graduated from Columbia University in 2023 with a degree in neuroscience and public health. Hannah's own experience with scoliosis inspired her to pursue medicine and get involved in spine research and care. With Enuval, she works to coordinate research efforts and other projects with the goal of broadening access to quality spine research and connecting with people around the world interested in improving spine care.
