Matthew Po

Student at Arcadia High School

Arcadia, California, United States

About

I am an incoming Junior at Arcadia High School and a concurrent enrollment student at Pasadena City College with a strong interest in medicine, biomedical research, and dentistry. I am passionate about combining scientific discovery, compassionate patient care, and community service to improve the lives of others. Through hospital volunteering, clinical shadowing, and biomedical research internships, I have gained firsthand experience in healthcare settings while developing skills in patient interaction, laboratory techniques, teamwork, and professional communication. I completed a research internship at Keck Medicine of USC, where I worked with DNA samples, assisted with agarose gel electrophoresis, and practiced laboratory safety procedures. I also completed a dental observation internship, gaining valuable insight into clinical dentistry, patient care, infection control, and the day-to-day operations of a dental practice. I currently serve as a Student Volunteer Leader at USC Arcadia Hospital, where I mentor new volunteers, assist with interviews and training, coordinate volunteer activities, and support hospital staff in providing quality patient care. As Secretary of the Arcadia Pre-Med Club and Social Media Director for Briefings on the Brain, I enjoy organizing events, creating educational presentations, and helping connect students with opportunities to explore careers in healthcare. Community service has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience. Through nearly two years of volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, I have mentored youth through tutoring and educational programs. In 2026, I was honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award, along with recognition from local, county, state, and federal government officials for my service to the community. As I continue my education, I hope to further develop my clinical, research, and leadership experiences while pursuing a career in healthcare where I can make a meaningful difference through compassionate patient care, scientific inquiry, and lifelong learning.

Experience

  • Arcadia High School ()
    • Arcadia Pre-Med Club Secretary
      Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

      • Prepare and distribute meeting agendas.  • Notify members of upcoming meetings. • Take attendance at meetings and keep permanent attendance records. • Maintain accurate minutes of all meetings, including date and place, presiding officer and business conducted. • Prepares the minutes in the prescribed format by the next meeting for distribution to all members. • Maintain all files of the organization, including original agendas and minutes, clippings and relevant documents, and establish a policy about lending files. • Maintain contact names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of people with whom the organization regularly works. • Keep copies of activity calendars and special events documents. • Produce a membership director of the group. • Report, answer and file all necessary correspondence. •. Create and present informational, aspiring medical presentations for members. Minimum 2 per semester. •. Review incoming officers' application and Interview incoming officers' for next school year.

    • Arcadia Pre-Med Club Co-PR Officer
      Aug 2025 - Jun 2026 · 11 mos

      • Publicize club activities through the club Instagram account and/or school bulletin boards. • Issue possible news releases to the school newspaper and other media. • Creates informational, aspiring medical presentations and presents to club members. Minimum 2 per semester.

  • Dental Observer/Shadower at MARGARET SY DMD, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    Observed dentists and dental professionals in a clinical setting to gain firsthand exposure to patient care and dental procedures. Assisted with non-clinical tasks as permitted, including preparing treatment rooms, maintaining organization, and supporting patient flow. Developed understanding of dental terminology, infection control protocols, and daily clinic operations while maintaining strict patient confidentiality and professionalism. Gained insight into the workflow of general dentistry and strengthened communication and observational skills in a healthcare environment.

  • High School Research Lab Intern at Keck Medicine of USC
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    - Prepared and processed DNA samples for analysis, ensuring accuracy and contamination-free results, assisted with gel electro phoresis setup and operation. - Maintained laboratory equipment and sterile conditions. - Lab Safety Certification

  • Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills ()
    • Youth Volunteer
      Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      Working hands on with staff and young people; one-on-one tutoring. Assisting with various types of educational programs. 3 hours a week.

    • Youth@Work Intern
      May 2026 - Jul 2026 · 3 mos

      Paid minimum wage per hour in California. Learned how to submit Timesheets on a bi-weekly basis along with receiving, handling, and processing checks. Continued with regular volunteer duties, no change/addition in duties.

  • Briefings on the Brain ()
    • Social Media Director
      Dec 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    • Social Media Manager
      Dec 2024 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Creates instagram posts/stories, manages social media accounts. Attend monthly board meetings. PVSA certified organization. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.