Lucia Gonzalez-Revilla

Neuroscience & Global Health

I am thrilled to introduce myself as an incoming Cardea Fellow at Duke University, where I will be joining the esteemed Class of 2027. Hailing from Panama City, Panama, I bring a unique perspective as the middle child among three siblings and as a proud left-hander. Currently pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Global Health, I am deeply passionate about bridging the gap between public and private health sectors in developing countries and addressing neurodevelopmental challenges in children.
   
From a young age, inspired by my family's medical legacy and my father's dedication to community service, I have been driven to make a meaningful impact in the medical field. My experiences include shadowing a renowned Pediatric Occupational Therapist in Panama, where I gained profound insights into autism and other developmental psychology disorders. This has fueled my desire to further explore neurological conditions and contribute to innovative solutions that enhance patient care.
   
As a Cardea Fellow and a Fall 2024 Global Fellow Cohort participant, I engage with a dynamic community of leaders and scholars at Duke, where I am equipped to tackle global health challenges through enriched academic and practical experiences. My recent internship with Speak Out Sisterhood: Generation YES involved analyzing survey data and leading the development of initiatives to empower high school students in STEM clubs with financial literacy strategies. This project not only honed my leadership skills but also underscored the importance of empowering young women in our communities.
   
My professional aspirations include traveling the world to learn from diverse health systems and applying these insights to support underserved communities in Panama. I am committed to becoming a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, where I can utilize my academic background and field experiences to help neurodiverse children reach their fullest potential. At Duke, I look forward to contributing to research, engaging in community service, and preparing myself to create lasting impact in the field of global health.