My Story
My academic journey in biological sciences has grown out of both curiosity and lived experience. I have always been drawn to science because it challenges us to ask difficult questions and approach uncertainty with patience, persistence, and humility. Over time, I have come to understand that science, especially in medicine, is not only about experiments or data, but also about responsibility. It requires listening carefully, earning trust, and recognizing the people behind every idea. Being part of communities that value openness, collaboration, and shared learning has strengthened my desire to pursue work where knowledge is continuously built and exchanged.
Navigating a cancer diagnosis early in my life shaped the way I view health, care, and resilience. Experiencing illness firsthand highlighted how much healthcare extends beyond biology into communication, connection, and support systems. Instead of pushing me away from difficult environments, that experience drew me toward them. It sparked a genuine interest in how scientific research and clinical practice can be grounded in empathy and bring tangible benefit to people facing uncertainty.
As a scholar, balancing academics, research, leadership, and work has taught me to be intentional with my time and energy. Serving as a College Assistant and being actively involved on campus has helped me see leadership as a collective effort that grows through shared responsibility and mutual support rather than individual credit. I have learned that communities thrive when students lift one another up and that asking for help is just as meaningful as offering it. These experiences continue to shape the way I move through my education and the kind of contribution I hope to make in the future.