Adeline Monaghan

Academic Interests: Chemistry and visual arts, with a minor in computational biology

The medical field has always been an interest of mine: figuring out the why’s and how’s of the human existence and, in turn, using this information to better it. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in which I could have a direct impact on people’s lives. As a child, much of my family struggled with health issues: my mother with severe reproductive health issues, my father receiving a quadruple bypass, cancer treatment, and a liver transplant, and my uncle who is quadriplegic who lived with us for a number of years. From these experiences, I know the difference a doctor can make. I want to improve both the physical health and emotional wellbeing of my patients. I want to be part of the movement encouraging a better, more equitable, and less intimidating healthcare system.

I am studying chemistry and visual arts, with a minor in computational biology. I believe that both of these paths of study offer a significant benefit to my journey to becoming a doctor. For chemistry, this is relatively straight forward, while for art it takes a bit of analysis. Art is essentially strength training for empathy, which I consider to be the greatest pillar of medicine. It allows you to experience another’s pain, see the world through another’s eyes, explore another’s culture. Delving into art makes me a fuller person, more informed on the breadth and beauty of the human experience, setting me up to be a much greater healthcare professional. 

Apart from the fellowship, I am involved in a number of activities. This year, I was a member of the Penny Pilgram George Women’s Leadership Initiative. Additionally, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Derbyshire Lab, became a writer and editor for a book on identity in the technological age, created art far beyond what I am required to for class, served as a counselor for the Crisis Text Line, became a volunteer at the UNC-Hillsborough Hospital, and ran my small skincare business.