Degree: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The SPS program at Georgia Tech connected me to incredible individuals who became my friends, mentors, and inspirations. The experience which particularly shaped me was facilitating freshman Tech Treks to Alaska and Quetico for incoming scholars. On these expeditions, I was able to deeply connect with the group and grow as a leader as we conquered challenging terrain. The Stamps Scholarship also allowed me to travel internationally for multiple academic conferences and professional opportunities. These experiences connected me with leaders in the biomedical field and helped shape my career path. Lastly, my cohort of scholars has provided with a flourishing environment for intellectual growth. At our retreats and gatherings, we would challenge ourselves with questions such as “What is progress?” and discuss how to most effectively and ethically act in service to communities. Being a part of this program has made me more mindful and grateful for the privilege of education and knowledge.
Knowing what you know now, what advice can you offer to incoming freshmen Stamps Scholars?
My advice is to find friends in college who are different from you. It is easy to gravitate towards like-minded students with similar backgrounds and interests, but college is about challenging your beliefs and learning from your peers.
Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
The individual who has likely had the greatest impact on me is my graduate student mentor in my research lab. Since my freshman year, he has helped to shape me into the researcher and engineer I am today by trusting me to work independently, encouraging me to apply to departmental fellowships, and thinking about difficult biological questions together. He played a significant role in my intellectual and scientific growth throughout my biomedical education at Georgia Tech.
Who or what is inspiring you during this trying time of COVID-19?
I am inspired by the biomedical researchers and scientists who are dealing with the pandemic and facing roadblocks such as political scrutiny and polarization. In the past few months, I have been reading academic journals detailing the progress on vaccines, point-of-care diagnostics, and therapeutics being developed at an unparalleled rate. I am also taking the summer as a chance to decompress and reflect on four years at Georgia Tech.
What comes next?
In the fall, I am beginning a PhD in Biological Engineering at MIT. I hope to study DNA technology (such as nucleic acid vaccines) and immunlogy.