Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
I am a Senior Honors Biology student at Spelman College on the Pre-Medicine track, with a strong commitment to academic excellence, scientific discovery, and service. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have consistently earned Dean’s List and Honor Roll recognition while engaging in rigorous research, leadership, and community-focused initiatives. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I am passionate about translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical practice. My research interests center on infectious diseases, immunology, and therapeutic development, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive disease and identifying innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. Long-term, I aim to integrate medicine and research by providing culturally responsive patient care while leading research efforts that advance drug development and address pressing global health challenges. I am particularly driven by the opportunity to leverage science, advocacy, and innovation to reduce health disparities and improve the lives of underserved communities.
I am conducting tuberculosis-related research focused on investigating the role of the *AmiB* gene in *Mycobacterium smegmatis* and its involvement in bacterial cell wall synthesis and survival. My work examines the cellular and phenotypic effects associated with *AmiB* deletion to better understand mechanisms connected to drug development and antibiotic resistance. Through this experience, I am gaining exposure to molecular biology, bacterial genetics, and translational infectious disease research aimed at advancing therapeutic strategies for tuberculosis.
Through the BLKHLTH CARES Fellowship, I am developing advocacy and public health leadership skills by participating in antiracism education, policy discussions, and community-centered health equity training focused on addressing systemic healthcare disparities. The fellowship provides opportunities to collaborate with public health professionals, community leaders, and peer fellows to critically examine health inequities and strengthen strategies related to community organizing, advocacy, and policy awareness. I am also developing a community health equity initiative focused on strengthening suicide prevention efforts among Black and Brown youth, who are disproportionately affected by limited access to mental health resources and culturally responsive support systems. This work aims to address barriers to care, increase mental health awareness, and promote equitable access to prevention and intervention services within underserved communities.
As a volunteer at the H.E.A.L. Clinic at Morehouse School of Medicine, I support efforts to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare services to underserved and uninsured individuals within the Atlanta community. In this role, I assist with patient intake, clinic operations, and community outreach while working alongside healthcare professionals and medical trainees. Through this experience, I am gaining valuable exposure to patient-centered care, health equity initiatives, and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing healthcare services.
I conducted hands-on bacteriophage research focused on isolating and purifying novel bacteriophages from environmental soil samples. My work included performing plaque assays, serial dilutions, and generating high-titer lysates to support downstream genomic analysis and characterization, while also utilizing bioinformatics tools for sequencing preparation and genome annotation to better understand gene function. Through this experience, I collaborated in a team-based laboratory environment while maintaining detailed scientific documentation and presenting research findings.
I conducted basic research using genetically engineered *C. elegans* models to investigate apoptotic pathways and genetic interactions associated with cell death and fertility. My work involved generating and screening homozygous and heterozygous strains through spinning-disk confocal fluorescence microscopy, as well as analyzing fertility and apoptosis assay data using RStudio to produce reproducible statistical findings and data visualizations. I also had the opportunity to present my research findings at the University of California, Los Angeles, to leading biopharmaceutical researchers, bioscience department heads, and executives from Amgen.