What inspires you to work in public service?
I am inspired to work in healthcare because I understand how foundational good health is for so many other important aspects of our lives. Health policy and health in the public sector are especially exciting areas to me, as they aim to improve outcomes regardless of what people can (or cannot) pay, and help people on a scale much greater than I could impact otherwise.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
I am pursuing a Biology major with minors in Portuguese and Public Policy.
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
Many of my academic experiences have profoundly affected my thinking: Serving as the Vice President of Operations of the OSU Men's Glee Club radically grew my understanding of day-to-day leadership practice. Studying abroad in Brazil helped me understand social inequality and transformed both my communication skills and cultural competency. Shadowing physicians, I personally witnessed patients' experiences, fearing burdensome pharmaceutical costs and gaps in insurance coverage. All of these experiences have affirmed my drive to work through public systems to improve human health.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
My biology coursework and biomedical laboratory experience have built very strong research and analytical skills. Experiences serving as the Glee Club vice president, studying public affairs, and learning to communicate in Portuguese have all immensely strengthened my communication skills. Visiting clinics in Brazil, researching disease in my laboratory, and shadowing physicians have all built a greater understanding of the fields and industries affecting human health. I hope to bring the lessons from all these experiences with me and utilize what I have learned for the sake of positive societal change.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
I am proactive, happy to volunteer my help, and always ready to make a collaborative plan. I have the flexibility to account for other people's considerations, but I am also always ready to share my own ideas.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
I hope to pursue a career as a medical doctor who is also involved in the larger-scale regulatory systems that affect our health. In addition to doing clinical work, I hope to advocate for and work towards more affordable and accessible healthcare options, and support preventative health efforts, including by empowering patients through education. I hope to work within the field of health policy this summer, and to learn what the process of systemic change really looks like up close.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
I have really enjoyed the independence of pursuing my own research project in the biomedical research laboratory I work in. Not only has this work deepened my understanding of science, but overcoming the challenges associated with basic science research has radically boosted my confidence in my own perseverance and ability to succeed in complicated work.