I have had a strong interest in Duke University since I was young. The university offers an excellent curriculum, a variety of sports, and a medical school that I hope to attend in the future. However, it wasn't until I attended the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) at Duke that I truly appreciated the beauty of the campus and got a sense of its community. Interacting with students from across the country gave me a glimpse of what college life at Duke might be like. This experience is important to me as I aspire to fully engage in college life, including academics and extracurricular activities.
I have always been passionate about research, and I am confident that Duke will provide me with the resources to pursue this interest. My plan is to major in biology or biomedical engineering and participate in the DUMC Department of Cell Biology. I aim to conduct research in college as preparation for my future career. My ultimate goal is to become an OB/GYN specializing in the care of babies and women. As a physician, I am interested in conducting research on health inequities affecting women of color in the United States and around the world. This interest is rooted in the experiences of my mother and aunt, both of whom did not receive proper care during pregnancy. One specific topic I look forward to researching is preeclampsia. I want to understand why this condition is more prevalent in women of color and how this health risk can be prevented. I also hope to pursue research in stem cells.
With Duke being a top research university, it is an ideal place for me to explore my academic interests while also taking advantage of the cultural opportunities available on campus and in the Research Triangle of North Carolina. In addition to my studies, I am eager to participate in the Duke Players Student Group to further develop my acting skills.
“Support is always needed in science; that is the definition of being a Cardea Fellow with it all around you.”
