ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

• Hometown: Cleveland, OH
• Class: 2026
• Major(s): Microbiology; Premedical and Pre-Health Studies (co-major)
• Minor(s): Spanish
• Other Activities, Honors, and Awards:
  • Honors College
  • Prodesse Scholar
  • CAS Student Ambassador
  • Secretary and Risk Management Officer of Phi Delta Epsilon (Medical Fraternity)
  • Vice President of Microbiology Club
  • Presentation: “Antimicrobial Activity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Mycobacterium Abscessus,” at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference
  • Awards/Scholarships: RedHawk Excellence Scholarship, Prodesse Scholars Scholarship, Vivian L. Drake Scholarship, President’s List, Stop the Bleed Certification, First Aid Certification, American Heart Association BLS Certification, AAPPL Global Seal of Biliteracy - Spanish

Why ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

I think there were a couple of features that pulled me into ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú at the end of the day. My mom went here, my grandpa went here, my aunt and uncle are ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Mergers, and many other family members and friends went to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. As a result, I knew from a young age the opportunities that ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú could offer me, not to mention the beautiful campus and Honors dorms. After lots of debating, the Scholars Showcase gave me a personal look at what my life could look like here. I felt like so much more than a number when I was at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, and they offered me the scholarships and support to make college seem much more reasonable.

How did you choose your major?

I always had an interest in Microbiology, but I didn't realize the additional effort it would require beyond a biology degree. This major is quite rigorous, but I would not have it any other way. It pushes me to think outside of the box, applying critical thinking to concepts on a microscopic scale. Plus, it goes further in depth than what is required by other majors, preparing me with helpful strategies and knowledge that I can use later in my education. Because this is a relatively small major, you get to know the professors on a personal level which is quite the privilege. I am really excited to take a specific class called "Medical Bacteriology." I have always had in interest in the pathogenicity of variable bacterial infections, and this course will expose me to some really complex new knowledge in this realm.

Key Moment at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

Dr. Mitch Balish and Dr. Rebecca Balish have both truly transformed my ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú experience. In challenging situations they have repeatedly given me the resources, kindness, and an open mind to help me get back on track and keep pursuing my interests. They have become a part of my support system at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, and they have pushed me to be more than the typical pre-medical student here. With their help, I have been able to think outside of the box and generate a unique and cohesive plan of study that allows my strengths to shine.

Another ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Moment 

I have had so many cool ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú experiences that have influenced me in a positive way. First of all, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica during J-term 2025, and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I had the chance to immerse myself in a completely different world of Spanish and medicine, applying the skills I had built in class to real people. I could talk about this experience forever, but I truly left the trip with a changed perspective about the difference I want to make in my career and my life. We are so fortunate in the U.S. to have access to such great healthcare, but there are still many gaps that need to be filled in regard to accessibility and cost. I hope to be an element of such changes to better the general health throughout the country.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to work with Drs. Balish in their bacteriophage program as an undergraduate teaching assistant and as a research assistant. This taught me so much about bacteriophages, but I also learned how to explain information to those around me in a way that is understandable. Using the information I learned from this course, I will be continuing my research in Cleveland with a new spin. I hope to use bacteriophages in my work to synthesize therapeutics for chronic bacterial infections in the future.

Advice to Prospective Students

I would tell new students that this is what you hear college should look like, but you can turn it into something beyond that. Yes, Oxford is a small college town with a large party culture, but it can be stretched into something completely different. I have met such a wide spectrum of people on this campus, and I genuinely believe that anyone and everyone can find a friend here. As you pass your days here, the campus feels smaller and smaller: you see familiar faces that greet you with kind smiles. With proper ambition and passion, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is a great platform to launch you into a successful future. There is no harm in trying things! That's what college is for! I have seen this firsthand time and time again through my peers, friends, and family members. I am very excited to see what my future holds throughout the rest of my ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú experience and beyond.

What are your career goals?  

I plan on going to medical school after my graduation from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. I have dreamt of being a doctor since I was a young kid, and this desire has grown exponentially with my college education. As I go through my sometimes daunting courses, I am checking off boxes that I have been waiting to check as long as I can remember. Although Oxford is a small town, I have been exposed to numerous opportunities in healthcare that will help me feel confident going into the application season in a little over a year. I can safely say that being a Premedical and Pre-Health Studies student at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has been much more supportive than I could have imagined. I continue to forge my own path here, making connections to amazing people from so many different backgrounds. This is what I hope to achieve as a doctor. I want to become so much more than a physician: I want to be a confidant to my patients, becoming a part of their lives as much as they will become a part of my life. So many changes have happened in medicine, retracting the value from quality time with patients. Time is the most valuable resource we have in this life, and I hope to bring attention back to this in the world of medicine. In an increasingly stressful global climate, I want to be a leader of positive change, opening doors for those without a voice and providing them with the best quality of care that I possibly can.