Major: Molecular Biology
Minor/Certificate: Neuroscience
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Health Professional Area of Interest: Medicine
Relevant prehealth experience: I am doing my senior thesis research in the Brooks Lab, where I am exploring if and how the gut microbial environment can influence circadian rhythmicity. I volunteer at Penn Princeton Medical Center each week during the school year and have genuinely enjoyed getting to give back in that way and explore different departments. I am co-Executive of the Outreach Team of Christian Union NOVA where we host programs to serve the student body. I also serve as an orientation leader each year—with the Pace Center of Civic Engagement or Student Athlete orientation—to welcome the incoming class of students. I have used my summers to shadow physicians, teach biology in Vietnam through Coach For College, and also work a gymnastics summer camp back home. I have served at a local church in their initiative to give out free food to those in the community. Presented my Writing Seminar Research on the healthier effects of Soul Food on African American Identity at the Mary W. George Research Conference. Interned at Houston Methodist: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine where I shadowed both the clincial and surgical rotations of orthopedic surgeons. Leadership Initiative Public Health Internship where I served as special projects chair over our program for maternal health in Bauchi, Nigeria.
What topics are you excited to talk about?
- Summer classes
- Changing majors
- Core competency experience
- Clinical shadowing
- Balancing academics and athletics
- On-campus research
What advice would you give to a first- or second-year prehealth student athlete? Take advantage of your summers and embrace your unique pre-medical journey! Start early with reaching out to campus resources (PHAs, McGraw, etc) and your upperclassmen peers pursuing the fields you’re interested in. Engaging with these resources early not only facilitates the academic transition, but also to plan ahead and create space for academic exploration and pursuit of other interests (arts, minors/certificates, etc). It's such a fun and rewarding journey— take the time to enjoy it :)!
Summer 2025 activities: This summer I am participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research program as I begin work on my senior independent work! Outside of research, I am applying to medical schools, hosting bible studies, and celebrating my siblings graduations :). After the SURP program, I plan to shadow a physician before retuning to campus as an orientation leader and PAA.
Last movie watched: The Secret Life of Bees
Favorite food: Burrito Bowls :)!
Favorite way to relieve stress: Watching movies or talks/walks with friends!
Favorite quote: Psalms 18:31-32 NIV: "31 For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."