As a Medical Team Research Intern with Global Health Leaders, I engaged in a multifaceted role that combined research, fieldwork, and hands-on healthcare service in the Dominican Republic. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to impactful initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and improving public health outcomes.One of my primary responsibilities involved collecting and analyzing medical and socioeconomic data to develop an independent research project. By gathering insights on healthcare access, health outcomes, and systemic inequities, my work aimed to inform evidence-based policy recommendations for the Dominican government. The goal was to provide actionable solutions to reduce healthcare disparities and promote equity within the public health system. This process deepened my understanding of the critical intersection of policy, socioeconomic factors, and health outcomes.In addition to research, I volunteered in Global Health Leaders' mobile clinics, which served underprivileged communities with limited access to healthcare. I assisted with a range of tasks, from patient intake and health education to supporting clinical staff in delivering essential care. This direct involvement gave me invaluable exposure to the challenges faced by underserved populations and highlighted the importance of community-centered healthcare delivery.Working with Global Health Leaders was a transformative experience, providing me with a unique opportunity to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. Through this internship, I developed key skills in data collection, analysis, and cross-cultural communication, as well as a deeper appreciation for the complexities of global health challenges. This experience strengthened my commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare access and advocating for policies that promote equity and sustainability.

As a Project Analyst for the GO Foundation through the Behavioural Economics Association (BEA) at Berkeley, I have been privileged to contribute to a mission that fosters equity and empowerment through education. My work involves analyzing and optimizing program initiatives that support diverse students in achieving academic and personal success. This role has allowed me to combine my passion for behavioral economics with tangible impact-driven efforts.In this position, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to conduct in-depth research on the foundation's programs, identifying key metrics to measure their effectiveness. By applying behavioural economic principles, I designed strategies to improve engagement among GO Fellows and ensure their interventions yield maximum benefit for students. For example, I worked on streamlining mentorship workflows, creating user-friendly resources, and crafting incentive structures to encourage proactive participation.Additionally, my role required synthesizing complex data into actionable insights and presenting findings to stakeholders. This experience sharpened my communication skills and deepened my understanding of how evidence-based solutions can drive social progress. Working closely with the GO Foundation also reinforced my belief in the power of education to level the playing field and unlock opportunities for underrepresented communities.My time as a Project Analyst has been both professionally enriching and personally rewarding, as it aligns seamlessly with my long-term goal of leveraging economic principles to create sustainable social impact.

During my summer internship under Dr. Vivek Rao at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto, I had the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking cardiovascular research and observe world-class clinical practices. My work centered on the ex vivo heart perfusion research project, where I gained hands-on experience in performing heart transplants and other surgical procedures on animal models, such as pigs. This invaluable exposure enhanced my understanding of the complexities of cardiac surgery and the innovative techniques used to extend the viability of donor hearts.Additionally, I participated in an introspective research study exploring the intersection of COVID-19 and heart health, contributing to data analysis and insights into the pandemic's cardiovascular implications. Through this, I developed a deeper appreciation for the dynamic nature of medical research and its role in addressing emerging global health challenges.Shadowing Dr. Rao and his team allowed me to witness open-heart surgeries firsthand, providing an unparalleled perspective on the precision, skill, and teamwork required in the operating room. These experiences solidified my passion for healthcare and my interest in advancing technologies that improve patient outcomes.This internship was transformative, equipping me with advanced research skills, clinical exposure, and a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between innovation and patient care. It reinforced my commitment to contributing to high-impact healthcare initiatives and inspired me to explore the intersection of medicine, research, and technology in my future endeavors.

Serving on the committee for Canada’s first National Anti-Vaping Awareness Day was a profoundly rewarding experience that allowed me to contribute to a cause with far-reaching impacts on public health. Our mission was to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, particularly among youth, through a collaborative and impactful campaign.Our team worked diligently to secure national recognition for the day, which received widespread provincial media coverage from outlets such as CP24 and BlogTO. Major landmarks, including the CN Tower and Niagara Falls, were illuminated in yellow to symbolize unity and support for the cause, amplifying the campaign’s visibility.Through our efforts, we reached over 30,000 students across the country, with 30+ schools actively engaging in educational programming to address the risks associated with vaping. These initiatives ranged from classroom discussions to larger community events, ensuring that the message was both relatable and actionable for youth audiences.As a committee member, I contributed to strategic planning, outreach efforts, and the coordination of educational resources. Collaborating with schools, media outlets, and health professionals taught me the power of effective communication and teamwork in driving social change. It was inspiring to witness how a united effort could mobilize an entire community to address a pressing issue and ignite meaningful conversations.This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of advocacy and education as tools for positive change. It also strengthened my organizational and leadership skills, which I aim to continue applying in future projects that strive to create healthier, more informed communities.

Attending the Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center was an extraordinary experience that combined rigorous astronaut training with hands-on engineering challenges and team-building exercises. Through activities such as operating the 1/6th Gravity Chair and Multi-Axis Trainer, I gained a practical understanding of the physical and technical challenges astronauts face in space.One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was designing, building, and launching a team rocket while ensuring the safe recovery of its payload. This experience deepened my understanding of the complexities of aerospace engineering and the importance of precise planning and collaboration. Additionally, I explored the principles of heat shield construction and rover design through engaging engineering challenges. At the end of the program, our team won the Engineering Commander's Cup Award.A highlight of the program was experiencing neutral buoyancy while SCUBA diving in the Underwater Astronaut Trainer, which simulated the effects of microgravity. This activity underscored the value of adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic environments. I also tested my piloting skills in jet aircraft simulators, gaining insights into the intricate coordination required for space exploration.The simulated Mars mission taught me how to prepare for contingencies and emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving long-term goals. I also learned about the critical role of the International Space Station in fostering global collaboration and advancing scientific research.Overall, the Advanced Space Academy provided me with a unique blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and a profound appreciation for the impact of space exploration on humanity. This experience inspires me to contribute to high-growth industries that drive innovation and global progress.