Why did you choose LSM?
In high school, I was really intrigued by the public health issue of antibiotic resistance. I spent my time with the literature and conducting scientific research on the topic but the knowledge I lacked was related to the inner workings of the healthcare ecosystem, the drug development pipeline, and the FDA approval process. I then realized that in addition to pursuing a science-based degree, I wanted a business background that would enable me to have both perspectives on public health issues and scientific innovation. The small size of the program also reassured me that I would be part of a close community of peers throughout my time at Penn.
What do you find most rewarding or enjoyable about the LSM program?
Right now I feel most fulfilled by the LSM community. The minute I got on campus I felt like I had a network of support built into my Penn journey. There are so many people willing to help you along your educational path and there are numerous opportunities available to you. I’ve met so many people who express both similar and wildly different goals in my time here. The diversity in thought and experiences is something that makes the community that much stronger. I’m also excited to keep tapping into the small yet mighty alumni network going forward in my time at Penn.
What main extracurricular activities do you do at Penn?
I am a work-study student through the Netter Center as a site coordinator for the High School Voter Project. I present on current events, civic engagement, and the importance of voting to high schoolers in West Philadelphia. We also meet with local legislators and do trips to DC! I am also a researcher in the Shaffer Lab in the Penn School of Medicine working in spatial proteomics as applied to oncology on both the wet lab and computational side. Additionally I am involved in my living community Biosphere, the Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club Investments Team and the WITG Healthcare branch.
Do you have plans for after graduation (tentative or otherwise)?
As of now, the possibilities are endless, but I’d like to pursue medical school, a PhD, or both in the future. I’d like to work in the health policy space as well with an eye towards epidemiology and combating global public health issues. One of my dream positions is and has been to be a CDC disease detective as part of the Epidemic Intelligence Service, but I’m excited to see where my Penn education takes me!