Dedicating his time to others has been a common theme in Sean Casey’s life. Much of his involvement on campus has been spent volunteering and engaging with the communities that surround him. He has a profound commitment to serving vulnerable populations both in his personal life and in his aspirations to become a neurosurgeon.

“Over the last several years, I’ve had many opportunities to open myself up to the world and experience new things,” Sean said. “These experiences helped shape and strengthen my passion to work in medicine and serve those who need it most.”

Whether it’s through volunteer projects, faculty research, or fundraising events, Sean is constantly finding ways to give back.

In Service of Others

Every year, the University of Michigan-Dearborn hosts a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. On MLK day, Sean served as a site leader for an event in partnership with Kids Coalition Against Hunger, where he led a team in packing 10,000 meal bags for children facing food insecurity across the globe.

“It was inspiring to see how a few hours of service could foster such a strong sense of teamwork and purpose,” he said. “By the end of the event, not only had we made a tangible difference in the lives of children in need, but we had also strengthened the spirit of service within our own community.”

Sean serves as Treasurer for the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE). As a part of the fraternity’s philanthropic efforts, the organization has spent two years working to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This included reaching out to businesses and family members for donations and helping plan a gala that raised $3,000, contributing to their ultimate goal of raising $10,000 for the hospital.

“I take great pride in the time and energy I have invested in making a difference,” he said. “Contributing to TKE’s financial and fundraising efforts has reinforced my ability to manage responsibilities, support others, and be part of something bigger than myself.”

Exchanging Stories

The Inside-Out Prison Exchange program is a class at UM-Dearborn that examines the criminal legal system by connecting students (outside) with people inside the prison system. As part of this course, Sean visited the Macomb Correctional Facility, where he engaged in literary discussions with incarcerated individuals. Both groups expanded on their discussion by writing and exchanging personal poetry, deepening their understanding of each other's stories.

“Through these conversations, I realized that despite our vastly different circumstances, we shared similar goals, passions, and desires,” he said. “This experience reinforced the importance of seeing people beyond their circumstances and understanding the deeper factors that shape their lives.”

The Path to Medicine

From a young age, Sean was introduced to the world of medicine through his mother, a dedicated physician who served both her local community and abroad. As he grew older, Sean started to join his mother on medical mission trips where he played a crucial role in sorting and packaging medications for patients. To date, he has attended three such trips.

“The Inside Out Prison Exchange Program and the medical mission trips have both given me new perspectives on the world, deepened my compassion for others, and reinforced my commitment to becoming a physician serving the underserved.”

Beyond his involvement in medical missions, Sean works as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Heinicke’s Genetics Lab. He has also participated in the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program (EMRAP), which provides students with the opportunity to engage in patient interaction. Sean notes that this experience enriched his understanding of preventative medicine, a key factor in mitigating disease before hospitalization becomes necessary.

“EMRAP has reaffirmed my commitment to making a real difference in patients' lives by combining compassionate care with scientific discovery,” he said. “Whether it’s patients in underserved areas or individuals in the prison system, I have seen firsthand how healthcare, education, and meaningful human connection can change lives. I hope to carry these lessons with me, throughout my life, and throughout my career, as I strive to help those who need it most.”