Washington DC-Baltimore Area
Pre-medical student at the University of Maryland, College Park, studying Neuroscience (Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological track) and Health Policy, passionate about advancing pediatric health outcomes and strengthening community mental health. I’m always eager to collaborate on research, advocacy, and analysis initiatives that work toward more just and accessible healthcare systems! [email protected]
The PIVOT program empowers undergraduate students to become future child health advocates by connecting them with pediatric professionals through leadership activities, participation in developing policy initiatives, and shadowing experiences, participants engage in addressing key issues such as youth mental health, food insecurity, substance use prevention, and school health.
An associate director and fellow of the University of Maryland's first student-led think tank that seeks to research, develop, and advocate for innovative, community-driven policy solutions to health challenges facing Prince George's County community through direct collaboration with the Prince George's County Health Department to create, advance, and critically evaluate county-wide policy initiatives to promote the health of county residents. Teaching 1 credit STIC course on health policy basics and providing oversight and guidance for development of ongoing proposals.
Completed a systemic review and analysis of the HURON report, providing recommendations implemented by the PG county DOH for distribution and weak points within $2.2 billion longitudinal budget. Proposed original initiative integrating cultural competence and transportation hubs within hypertension screening to improve current screening and referral system.
Researched K–3 literacy curricula and state compliance with Wisconsin’s Act 20, analyzing how early education policy shapes health disparities and developmental outcomes. Through my work at Forward Literacy, I also designed a Parent Advocacy Toolkit on disability and literacy rights, translating complex policy into accessible resources to strengthen family advocacy in children’s health and education. Co-authored policy briefs that contributed to the introduction of a trailer bill on curriculum equity, bridging evidence, policy, and practice to improve child well-being at the systems level.
I developed, conducted, and presented original research on early microglial response to viral disease at a lab-wide symposium. Training in various lab techniques (PCR, micropipetting, pathological staining, cell culture, western blot, etc) reinforced my passion for neuroscience and solidified my desire to pursue a career in neurology/neurobiology research as a physician. Working alongside esteemed scientists and doctors, I honed my skills in scientific writing, presenting at lab department meetings, lab procedures, and earned BSL-2 certification.