What UROP Program(s) were you a part of?

2018 (Traditional UROP as a Freshman - Health Sciences)

2020 (Peer Facilitator)

2021 (WAGSFP: Women and Gender Summer Fellowship Program)

What made you choose UROP?

I chose UROP because I wanted a unique experience outside of the classroom that would allow me to explore my interests in the health field through research. I was so excited to do UROP because I would be surrounded by a supportive group of peers additionally interested in research just as much as I was.

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

My UROP experiences have taught me resilience, confidence, and grit. UROP threw me in a unique setting where I had to ignite my critical thinking skills and push the bounds of my knowledge in new ways. On top of my analytic skills and academic commitment in research, I learned more about the kind of person I want to become in advocating for underrepresented communities through research in healthcare.

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor?

Dr. Erica Marsh was my freshman UROP mentor. She was incredible to work with my introductory research skills and taught me many different types of methodologies when working on community engagement projects. My second mentor, Dr. Lindsay Admon, was amazing to learn from during my Women and Gender Fellowship experience. Dr. Admon opened my eyes to new topics and spent a lot of one-on-one time mentoring me on different analysis techniques. Both Dr. Marsh and Dr. Admon have become lifelong mentors and friends. I am forever grateful for their constant support and intentional mentorship for my growth as a young researcher. Today, we continue to work on projects together. As I enter graduate and medical school in the next upcoming years, I am super excited for our future projects.

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey?

UROP undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping my career interests, aspirations, and motivations. I learned the hows and whys behind my personal and professional goals I want to accomplish in research. Now, I find that I am still utilizing the original skills I learned in my freshman seminars. Throughout my undergraduate experience UROP remained a central figure that help to support any newfound interests I had in research.

Where are you in your professional journey?

Currently, I am in my final semester at University of Michigan and will be graduating with honors for a Bachelor's of Science in Public Health. I am additionally participating in the Michigan In Washington program, living in Washington DC this semester, and working as a full-time Health Policy Strategist intern at the American Heart Association.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

The only way you will learn and grow as a researcher (and person) is to challenge yourself by stepping into the unknown. This is your path, and you pursue it with excellence. You must face your fears because your goals demand it. You are far too GREAT to be the only thing standing in your way. Keep going!

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of?

I have been accepted into graduate programs for a Masters in Public Policy - health policy focused.

Is there any other advice you would like to impart to current or future UROP students?

Nothing is impossible. If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough!