Major:  BS Biomedical Sciences, UW Tacoma

Projected graduation: Spring 2027

 

 

 

Tell us why you chose the University of Washington (UW)

I chose UW Tacoma because I wanted a strong science education while being part of a smaller campus community. I also liked that UW Tacoma gave me opportunities to get involved in research, leadership, and outreach while still being connected to the larger UW community.

What led you to study your major?

I have always been interested in science and healthcare, and I wanted to study something that connected the two. I became especially interested in understanding how things work at the molecular level and how that knowledge can eventually be applied to people’s health. My experiences at UW have helped me explore those interests more and have given me a better idea of what I want to pursue in the future.

What experiences at the UW have been the most influential to you?

One of the most influential experiences I have had as an undergraduate was participating in the Nelson-Mendenhall Scholars Program through the UW School of Pharmacy. I worked on a research project looking at placental transport proteins across gestation with Dr. Samuel Arnold and Dr. Eric Weaver.

This was my first experience getting such an in-depth look at what research is actually like. I learned how to work through a research question, troubleshoot problems, analyze data, and present my research. I also learned about targeted proteomics and mass spectrometry and how placental transport proteins are involved in the movement of medications and other compounds between the mother and fetus.

What I enjoyed most was getting to work on a question where there was still more to learn. The experience made me more comfortable with not always knowing the answer right away and taught me how much I enjoy the process of figuring things out. It also made me more interested in continuing to explore research and healthcare as I think about my future.

What do you want to follow graduation?

After UW, I plan to pursue graduate or professional school. I want to continue building on what I have learned in science and healthcare and explore a career where I can work with people while continuing to learn and grow.

What are your future aspirations or goals?

My goal is to build a career in healthcare that combines my interest in science with my desire to help others. I also hope to stay involved in research and continue learning throughout my career. In the future, I would like to mentor other students and help make opportunities in healthcare and higher education feel more accessible to students from different backgrounds.

Tell us about your in-school activities

I’ve been involved in research, leadership, and outreach throughout my time at UW Tacoma. I’ve worked on dengue virus research at UWT, served as Vice President and later President of the Pre-Health Club, and worked as a Student Assistant with the Sciences and Mathematics Department. I’ve also participated in the Pathways to Promise program, where I helped develop pre-collegiate outreach materials for local students. These experiences have allowed me to explore my interests in science and healthcare while contributing to and supporting my campus community.

What is one piece of advice that you have for potential new students or one thing you wish you knew before beginning your studies?

One thing I would tell new students is to be intentional about building relationships with your professors and getting involved in the areas of campus that genuinely interest you. A lot of the opportunities I’ve had and the relationships I’ve formed came from simply talking to professors and faculty, asking questions, and staying involved in the science community. You never know what opportunities might come from one conversation, so I think it’s important to put yourself out there and take an active role in your education beyond the classroom.

What is a fun or interesting fact about you?

I’m really good at memorizing numbers. I can memorize surprisingly long sequences of digits, like pi.