Wesleyan University (BA), Major: Neuroscience

I'm excited to be attending Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University this coming fall. I'm in the process of determining the exact field to pursue, but I am interested in working directly with patients and working hands-on in some form. Having worked rigorously on research projects this past year, I want to continue working both in clinical research and potentially bench research during my time in medical school.

I was excited to not only be completing research with a world-renowned surgeon but also to be having experience working directly with patients in the office and in the operating room. I was interested in observing and learning about surgical procedures (in particular, MIS) This research position was particularly unique because I learned a wide variety about how a physician's practice works along with experience in the OR and endoscopy suites. I also enjoyed working on organizing a multidisciplinary rectal conference in which I learned a variety about holistic patient care. Overall, the experience was rewarding in all ways and has prepared me for handling the busy workload to come as a physician.

I rely heavily on the support of my family to power through challenges. They have taught me important lessons about resilience, strength, and problem-solving I fall back on. I had a great foundational experience of working as a teacher for two years prior to doing the research, and that experience prepared me for the rigorous course load and ability to work through numerous challenges and uncertainties.

I am from right outside of Philadelphia on the Main Line (minutes from Lankenau!) After college, I was a teacher for Teach for America in Hartford CT where I lived for two years. When finishing up teaching, I came back to Philadelphia to complete a Post-baccalaureate at the University of Pennsylvania.