I’m majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Business and a certificate in Public Health. Two things I care about immensely are health and the environment; I’d like to ultimately bring forth change in both by entering a career involving public health and medicine. My freshman year, I was involved in CU Boulder EcoReps, a sustainability leadership program through which I was able to gain a better understanding of the extended impact that environmental issues have on all of our futures. I found a natural fit for my interests in environmental health spring semester of my freshman year as a research assistant in the Alderete Diabetes and Obesity Research (ADOR) Laboratory, an interdisciplinary environmental epidemiology lab which studies the consequences of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and health disparities. Here, I’ve been able to contribute to a literature review evaluating current scientific evidence linking exposure to air pollutants with the gut microbiome, in addition to a paper analyzing the associations between protein and amino acid deficiencies and postpartum weight gain in a population of low-income Hispanic women. I absolutely love working in this lab, as it has allowed me to contextualize the significance of what I learn in my classes, and solidified my deep-rooted interest in health disparities and environmental issues as they relate to one another.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I am a residential advisor, and also a member of an on-campus a Cappella group. I’m an RA in CU Boulder’s newest residence hall, Williams Village East, where I enjoy putting on programs for residents such as bi-weekly Harry Potter movie nights. I also sing and *occasionally* beatbox in CU Boulder On the Rocks, CU’s only all women’s a Cappella group. In addition to being able to have fun singing with my friends twice a week, I’ve been able to perform at events such as the Denver Womxn’s March which have emphasized the importance of music and unity to me.
I’d like to thank each and every member of the alumni association who made this scholarship possible. You’ve made it possible for me to spend my time in college pursuing my interests outside of the classroom, which have made my college experience feel complete. I know that it is these experiences which will allow me to make an impact after I graduate. Thank you so much for helping me pursue my education!
