Q: What have you been working on since you left SMAHRT?
A: I am currently in my 3rd year of medical school at Chicago Medical School. Next year, I will apply for residency in pediatrics. This past year, I
submitted a manuscript regarding connective tissue disorders and their social media use. I also co-wrote a review article about reproductive health topics on social media.
Q: What project are you most proud of and why?
A: I am the most proud of my Tumblr intervention project. I sent depression
resources to adolescents and young adults that posted depression references on Tumblr. I knew depression displays were common on Tumblr, but I wanted to do more than study the content. I felt as though I was actively making a difference by privately sending free depression resources. I also learned a ton about the research process because I was involved from the IRB application to the submission of the manuscript.
Q: What female role models/mentors do you have in your life?
A: I have many female mentors and role models in my life. My mom and sister are both hard working successful women that overcame many hardships to get to where they are today. Dr. Moreno is another mentor that has supported me for the past 9 years. She introduced me to the field of medicine, adolescent health and research. She inspires me to create my own path in medicine to achieve my goals.
Q: What is the best advice they have given you?
A: There is not one right way to become a great pediatrician. There are many different paths you can take to get where you want to go.
Q: What do you hope the future is like for women and girls in science?
A: My hope is for young girls to have exposure to different areas of science at a young age. I hope they can put their energy towards advancing science instead of defending why they deserve to have a seat at the table. I hope that women continue to gain leadership roles and break down gender barriers so that young girls have more female role models in science.