What makes you a Difference Maker?

I believe that I am a Difference Maker through the impact I strive to make on my community and the activities I take part of both on and off campus. On campus, I have been part of Phi Delta Epsilon, where I have a prominent role in providing other pre-medical students with resources for medical school, as well as working with our philanthropy – the Children’s Miracle Network of Michigan. I have also worked with Wishmakers at UM-D since my freshman year to advocate for children’s health and raise money to grant the wish of a child in the Metro Detroit area through the Make-A-Wish foundation. Off campus, I have worked to better understand vaccination habits that will later aid physicians in understanding their population, as well as creating a safe learning environment for children with special needs. Finally, I plan to carry all that I have learned through research with me to my future career.

Tell us about your leadership experience.

As the president of Wishmakers at UM-D, and previously the event coordinator, I have been able to work with other executive board members to organize events that have captured the attention of students to raise money to grant the wish of a child (such as annual soccer and volleyball tournaments). As the secretary of Phi Delta Epsilon, I have consistently worked to ensure that we are providing members with events and resources that will benefit them on their pre-medical journey. This has required adapting our previous approach so that students are still benefitting despite the transition to virtual events. I was also a TA for cellular biology, where I was involved in aiding students in techniques related to cell culture, while also providing further guidance to students as needed. Additionally, I am involved in a cellular and molecular biology lab, where I am involved in training new members of the lab in the workings of the lab and guiding them to understanding research and lab protocols. Off campus, I have tutored children with different special needs and worked on research that will allow physicians better serve the target population.

What is your dream career or goal?

My dream career is to become a physician, allowing me to continue empowering patients and their families on their journeys to improving health. I would like a career that allows me to make a positive impact on patients and improve their care through their treatments. I have always been interested in pursuing a career in medicine, and my family’s experience, as well as my experience at UM-Dearborn has only furthered that desire. I would also love to use my interest in research to complement my work as a future physician. Specifically, I am interested in the regulatory mechanisms leading to the development of glioblastoma.

What is your most defining moment?

My most defining moment at this university was finding the space to explore new activities. When I first joined PhiDE in my sophomore year, I found myself becoming more interested in branching out and exploring different things as I saw the different approaches I could take in my pre-medical career. I found myself encouraged to explore different activities that I may not have explored otherwise. Through this, I have become more interested in both community and bench research. Being able to explore this interest has allowed me to better understand myself and my future goals. The opportunities I have been granted along the way are ones that are most valuable to me.