“
Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. I am a human being, nothing human is alien to me
.”
— Terence
About Me.
I have strong interest in molecular biology and my goal is to specialize in stem cell and infectious diseases research. My focus has been to increase my exposure to and knowledge about multiple clinical research environments. I have a background in clinical research in inborn errors of metabolism (ex: PKU, Achondroplasia, LSD, MPS), pre-arrest law enforcement assisted diversion programs, virology and social impact research on COVID-19, and currently how DNA is being used as a form of identification.
I have enhanced important skills such as creating literature review tables, conducting research, translating documents, writing review articles, interviewing political officials, publishing infographics, and running statistical analyses for datasets. I have grown confident in my ability to pursue higher education in science and policy, while finding new interests along the way.
I was born a Chicago native and a recipient of the Posse Scholarship at Oberlin College. I majored in Biology with a minor in Creative Writing, Chemistry and French. I was a part of Oberlin’s Varsity Track & Field team, Peer Advising Leaders Program (PAL), and Oberlin’s Musical Union Choir.
In addition to science, I have an avid interest in writing poetry and short stories. I find writing poetry is the same process as the scientific method. Starting with the research, idea, and creation of a hypothesis. Then carrying out the experiment. Lastly, observing the results and finetuning the things that work and those that do not. Ultimately, a product- the poem, - finalized and holds potential to teach, expand upon, or even reimagine a known fact.
I want to be able to communicate with more people and understand different cultures so language has always been an interest of mine. Currently, I am fluent in English, French, Spanish and am studying Italian and Portuguese.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.”
“Doing right may not be expedient. It may not be profitable, but it is good for the soul.”
“When you learn, each. When you get, give.”
FAQs
Why do you want to pursue physican-scientist as a profession?
I will pursue a M.D/Ph.D. to become a physician-scientist working on independent research while advocating for science-policy establishment in congress. I want to pursue immunology because of its direct impact on the scientific community and its indirect impact on healthcare. Immunology is a field that has the potential to work towards treatments and vaccines for viruses and diseases that impact a specific community of individuals. On the other hand, I want to physically build and maintain relationships with my patients. I want to advocate for systemic change by writing policies by a scientist that knows both the law of the government and sciences.
What made you want to continue to learn languages?
I speak five languages, mainly because of my desire to communicate with all people. I grew up as Spanish as my first language. As the years went on, English came second hand, and I noticed what made me different from the rest of the group. At Lincoln Park High School, I was admitted to the most advanced French program and started my eighth year learning French. I will be completing my first year of Portuguese and Italian this coming year. The shame I once felt for being seen as inferior for speaking a different language now is overcome by pride. I continued to read and learned about different cultures, philosophies, and core values through studying each language. I use each language and their histories to provide me insight into a foreign world to the Western World.
Why did you start running?
I was in fifth grade when I first signed up to be part of Cross Country and Track & Field. After completing my first tempo workout, I was sure nothing could ever get in my future. I quickly fell in love with running as a form of meditation and time of reflection. I felt aware and present while being at practice all year round for at least those two hours. No matter how cold, how hot, how much snow, or how much rain, I was always present physically and mentally. Lastly, running challenged me mentally and physically. I learned about the importance of self-motivation and discipline. Now, I am proud to call Oberlin College’s Track & Field Team, my family. Go, Yeo!
What interested you in poetry?
Poetry is in its most authentic form of self-expression, I would argue. Poetry can be meditative and help reflect and expand on the human condition. Poetry has always offered me an outlet to understand myself and question my beliefs. Also, poetry allows me to write about the human condition that can resonate with any reader, no matter the background. I have grown to understand the impact of language and its ability it store tradition and culture.
What interested you in music?
One of my most vivid memories is at the age of ten, when I sang my first song at church. I remember being scared, but only for a brief second. I knew I was performing and loved the ability to move people through music, through language, through vulnerability. I later went on to take lessons in piano and private singing lessons for two years in High School. Now, music serves as an outlet, much like poetry. I can use music to feel inspired, feel happy, feel sad, feel connected to my heritage, or write my music. Music has a profound impact on the soul, and it is the one universal language we all speak.
