What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My passion for behavioral neuroscience and public health stems from a deep interest in understanding the intersection of medicine, social determinants of health, and patient care. As an immigrant Latina and pre-med student, I’ve witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare access, which has fueled my commitment to addressing systemic inequalities. Studying global healthcare systems has helped me understand different approaches to medicine, and I hope to use this knowledge to make healthcare more accessible for all!
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
My last co-op was at Northeastern’s Speech and Neurodevelopment Lab as a Research Assistant! I attended home visits with the lab where speech outcomes were predicted through “suck” (pacifier use) as well as other neurodevelopmental assessments!
As for global experiences, I participated in a Dialogue of Civilizations in South Africa that aimed to explore healthcare systems and was the foundation of my global health journey. I also spent time in Madrid, Spain through a Traditional Study Abroad program and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in a new culture and take courses in Spanish!
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
A huge extracurricular in my Northeastern career has been being the co-founder/co-president of the Menstrual Equity Club, a university club focused on ending period poverty. Through our work, we have helped raise awareness about period poverty on campus and beyond by fundraising, distributing menstrual products, and collaborating with other organizations to push for policy changes and improve access to essential healthcare items.
Additionally, I have been a member of Northeastern’s chapter of Global Medical Brigades and have had the opportunity to volunteer abroad my clinical skills in both Honduras and Guatemala so far. This year was very special because I was able to bring menstrual products to Guatemalan communities and help educate communities there on reproductive health!
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
I have had a lot of incredible experiences with COS so far but one of my favorites was participating in RISE 2024! It was my first time presenting research in a formal setting, and I was able to showcase all the findings from my co-op to other students who were equally as passionate about their topics! It was a great opportunity to network and meet other COS students as well as other students from different colleges!
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
Learning biochemistry with Professor Julian Sosnik has been a really great experience! Professor Missy McElligott was also instrumental in my biology interest, and I have learnt a lot from both of these professors!
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you?
I am currently planning on attending medical school post-graduation! I am really interested in the intersection of reproductive health and healthcare for vulnerable global populations, so I hope to be able to achieve something in that field by working with organizations like Doctors Without Borders once I am a physician!
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
After leaving Northeastern, I hope to make a meaningful impact by improving healthcare access and equity, both locally and globally! Through my work in menstrual equity and global healthcare initiatives, I want to continue advocating for underserved communities and addressing systemic health disparities.
Maria Restrepo ’26, Behavioral Neuroscience
As a future Latina physician, I aim to provide compassionate, culturally competent care while also working on public health initiatives that create lasting change. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to challenge healthcare inequalities and push for more inclusive, accessible medical systems.
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
My advice for students pursuing a degree in science is to stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Science can be challenging, but finding a strong support system—whether through mentors, classmates, or organizations—can make a huge difference.
Try to get involved in hands-on experiences like research, volunteering, or clubs to see how science applies in the real world. But most importantly, remember why you started—your passion for making a difference will keep you motivated through the tough moments!
