First Gen United empowers first-generation college students to realize their full potential. Through personalized mentorship and an uplifting community, we help students access the guidance, resources, and support needed to thrive in higher education. Our goal is to eliminate isolation and unlock the remarkable potential of first-gens nationwide.

Honored to be serving as a member of the National Foster Care Youth and Alumni Policy Council from 2024 to 2027. Selected as one of 6 new members from a pool of over 100 applicants and am the youngest member of the council. Assisting in raising awareness for policy recommendations through research, presentations, outreach, and advocacy.

As a volunteer crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, I provide support to people in crisis via text message. Committing 4 hours per week, I employ empathetic listening and collaborative problem solving to help texters manage challenging situations and emotions. Having seen firsthand the mental health crisis afflicting so many, especially youth, I am passionate about expanding access to compassionate mental health support. By volunteering as a crisis counselor, I aim to be part of the solution in providing judgment-free crisis intervention whenever and wherever it is needed most. My goal is to help empower texters to move from hot moments to cool calm, utilizing evidence-based Active Listening and Collaborative Problem Solving approaches. As a crisis line volunteer, I am driven to expand access to compassionate mental health assistance and promote texter wellbeing.

Analyzing data on cognitive epidemiology and infectious disease outcomes for meta-analysis manuscripts. Collaborating with the BYU team led by Dr. Dawson Hedges. Will present findings in Budapest, Hungary in April, 2024. Published on multiple papers and posters.

Working in a cellular neuroscience lab on an in-vivo two-photon microscopy project investigatingneuronal associations with the drug-induced behaviors of mice. Received the BYU CURA (College Undergraduate Research Award) grant of $2000 to pursue this research.

Conducted research for nearly 2 years analyzing the relationships between sleep, psychology, andneuroscience, using MRI and EEG methods. Presented findings at a national conference in Indianapolis,ID, and had research accepted for international presentation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Leading a team in the review, editing, and publishing of scientific undergraduate articles in psychologyand neuroscience. Previously worked as managing editor and lead-designer of Chiasm, the neuroscience equivalent.

As chair of the Distinguished Lecture Series Committee for the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI), I lead our efforts to inspire students, doctors, and the public by inviting world-renowned lung cancer experts to share their research and experiences. Through this lecture series, we aim to spread awareness and the latest knowledge regarding lung cancer screening in order to enable the early detection of lung cancer and save lives. As committee chair, I oversee organizing these impactful lectures featuring the top minds in lung cancer research and care, managing lecture logistics, promoting attendance, and ensuring these events successfully educate as well as inspire all those eager to learn more about this critical healthcare issue.

I recently was recently accepted as a member of the @AEI Collegiate Network. After being selected as one of 50 applicants (out of a pool of 250) to attend th inaugural AEI First Generation Student Forum, I was inspired to become more involved in the American political landscape as a more informed and engaged citizen and student. About AEI:The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

Worked with Dr. M Brandon Westover MD/PhD to create a machine learning model for predictingParkinson's disease using health data. I am currently finalizing my manuscript as the first author forsubmission to a publication.

Co-host of Firstly Real Talk (FReal Talk), a podcast highlighting the experiences of first-generationcollege students and professionals. Invited by founder Kevin Hu after appearing as a guest, I merged the"My First-Gen Story" project from First-Gen United with the podcast to share impactful stories of first-gen individuals. We are excited to soon be launching the second season of our podcast, which will focus on students and be themed "The American Dream: Pathways and Perspectives of First-Gen Success." The podcast will specifically highlight the experiences of first-generation and low-income college students. Our goal is to showcase a variety of journeys, including the challenges and triumphs, in the pursuit of success and fulfillment.