Outside of the Classroom
Laboratory Assistant
University of Washington Medicine Research, South Lake Union
My main academic interest is how nutrition affects body function and disease. I’ve always been intrigued by how our diet determines our overall health, so I decided to join a lab that studies just that.
I joined a lab in the Division of Metabolism and Nutrition at UW Medicine, where I worked with my incredible mentor, Dr. Laura den Hartigh. The lab focuses on the physiological effects of diet-related diseases and conditions. I worked on studies related to type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, and hypercholesterolemia.
I devoted significant time working on a study about a trans-fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and a common diabetes drug called Rosiglitazone. The article was published in the September 2017 issue of the Journal of Endocrinology, which can be found here.
I’ve learned many laboratory skills applicable to scientific careers. While the projects were meticulous and difficult, I enjoyed the challenge and appreciated the opportunity to do such fascinating work.
Volunteer at Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle Children's Hospital
"I came into Children’s wanting to change these kids’ lives, but I very quickly realized they’re the ones changing mine."
In freshman year, I began volunteering at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Every Friday during college, I spent my afternoons with patients to minimize difficulties of hospitalization.
Sometimes, I held babies who had no one else there. Other times, I read books to unresponsive patients needing company. And sometimes, I played games with children going through chemotherapy.
Those four years were humbling. The children were some of the strongest people I've met, and the the doctors were selfless. I’m glad I was able to give back to an amazing place.
All week, I looked forward to visiting Children’s, and it solidified my desire to pursue pediatrics.
Running Enthusiast
In freshman year, once I started living near UW, I started exploring the University District and surrounding areas on foot.
I ran Greenlake, Cowen Park, South Lake Union, Ravenna Park, The Center for Urban Horticulture, Interlaken, Discovery Park, and my personal favorite, the Washington Park Arboretum. I ran well over a thousand miles in these places during my time at UW.
I usually ran 5 to 6 times per week, regardless of Seattle's weather or my school schedule. Whatever the context, running became my biggest stress relief, my source of strength, and my sense of happiness.
Global Medical Brigades
President, Auction Chair, and Brigader
University of Washington Chapter
In my freshman year, I joined Global Medical Brigades (GMB), a student-driven global health organization. During summers, GMB travels to under-resourced Central American communities and collaborates with local teams to develop medical clinics and public health projects.
I traveled to Nicaragua during two summers and Panama during one summer. Each time, I helped supply medication and public health services to over 1,000 patients, gained an appreciation for alternate cultures, and learned practical medical and public health knowledge.
After my first summer in Latin America, I became Auction Chair for my sophomore and junior years at UW. While organizing our group's auctions was challenging, I was committed to leading our group of students with organization and mindfulness. We had very successful auctions, and increased previous earnings by 400%.
In my senior year, I became the president of Global Medical Brigades at UW. I planned weekly meetings, collaborated with the international Global Brigades organization, and worked with new and returning members to plan a successful brigade.
Through GMB, I met people and saw things that have changed the way I'll live the rest of my life. The communities in Nicaragua have little access to healthcare, clean water, or public health infrastructure, yet the people are resilient, giving, and gracious. They remind me of how fortunate I am and why it's necessary to help those who need it. We're all human, we all deserve health, and it's our duty to look out for one and other.
GMB makes huge differences in the lives of people in need, and I hope to continue pursuing global health work in the future.
Camp Kesem Counselor
University of Washington Chapter
Camp Kesem is a student-run organization that provides summer camps for children whose parents have cancer. For two years at UW, I volunteered as a counselor, where my camp name was “Otter Pop” (derived from my summer lifeguard job).
I tried to foster a community for kids who felt alone, empower campers through their struggles, and allow children to enjoy themselves wholeheartedly.
Camp Kesem is a wonderful organization, and I feel proud to have been a mentor for kids involved.
A Friend
At the University of Washington, I made friends that I'll keep forever. Each person added more to my four years at UW than any other class, job, or experience. They were my support systems, my sources of laughter, and my biggest cheerleaders.
We went to farmers markets, concerts, and funky coffee shops. We went running, hiking, and canoeing. We went out, stayed in, and brought the party wherever we were.
I have so much love for each of my friends. While it's sad we won't be living within a mile of each other next year, I know we'll always be close in heart.