Cristal Ortiz '25 - Duke Engage and NC Spine Society Conference

Cristal

Duke Engage: Boston
During the summer of 2024, I completed a rewarding internship with 826 Boston through the Duke Engage Program. 826 Boston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students in grades K-12 through writing, tutoring, and publishing initiatives. Our mission is to amplify young voices and develop future leaders.

During my time at Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA), a Boston Public School serving immigrant adolescent English language learners, I had the privilege of:
-Utilizing my Spanish proficiency to bridge communication gaps
-Applying my neuroscience background to enhance learning strategies
-Collaborating with dedicated educators to support student growth
-Contributing to a welcoming environment for newcomer families

This experience has been transformative, allowing me to:
-Gain hands-on experience in the education and nonprofit sectors
-Develop cross-cultural communication skills
-Deepen my understanding of immigrant student needs
-Strengthen my commitment to community service

I'm grateful to Duke Engage for this opportunity and to my cohort and program directors for their support. Special thanks to my mentor, Richard Wheelock, for his invaluable guidance. This internship has reinforced my passion for community impact and the relevance of supportive neuroscience for a child's growth. I'm looking forward to applying these insights in my future endeavors. BINcA will always have a special place in my heart.

Research: Conferences & Presentations

During the summer, I also had the honor of attending the NC Spine Society Conference 2024 in Winston-Salem, NC. Established in 1994, the North Carolina Spine Society (NCSS) provides a platform for orthopedic and neurosurgical spine physicians and physician assistants from across the state to access resources, educational opportunities, and networking avenues. Our research team had the privilege of presenting our findings on "The Impact of Social Support on Outcomes in Spine Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." It was an insightful and enriching experience for which I am truly grateful.

In the summer of 2024, I am also thankful to have received the award for poster presentation in the undergraduate category at the 2024 Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Research Day earlier this May. I had the privilege to present "The Impact of Social Support On Outcomes In Spine Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis" This could not have been done without the Bass Connections program: Spine Surgery Patient Navigators. I want to give a special thank you to the Social Support Pod, for this award reflects our hard work this past year. I have loved being part of this team this past year and am very thankful for this opportunity.