What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My interest in neuroscience began in middle school, when a man living with ALS spoke at our school assembly. What struck me most was that he had been completely healthy before his diagnosis. This was the first moment I realized how suddenly the brain can deteriorate. Afterward, I found myself reading everything I could about neurodegenerative disorders, only to discover how much remains unknown about the brain’s mechanisms. The uncertainty is what drew me to neuroscience.
That curiosity eventually led me to the Center for Translational NeuroImaging (CNTI), where I’ve been able to explore questions about the brain. The lab uses non-invasive neuroimaging to study how various substances affect brain structure and function. My work has ranged from examining the effects of herbicide chemicals to investigating GLP-1 agonists. My first publication has come from a study on psilocybin’s effects on the adolescent brain.
This semester, I am leading my own research project. This opportunity has helped my ability to think independently as a scientist and deepened my understanding of how much translational research can advance clinical medicine.
How has entrepreneurship impacted your view on science and/or your current research/study area?
Entrepreneurship has influenced the way I think about designing research studies. Previously, I tended to focus on completing individual components of a study. Now I think more about how to organize components to create a cohesive and functional research design.
In many ways, entrepreneurship parallels the scientific method. Both involve identifying a problem, researching and understanding that problem, developing potential solutions, and creating a plan to test or execute those solutions. This perspective has helped me approach my research more thoughtfully, especially when planning my own study this semester. Instead of thinking about each step separately, I now consider how each part contributes to the overall success of the study.
Are there experiences outside of your academic work that have shaped your entrepreneurial skills?
Having the opportunity to not only contribute to research studies but also present the findings has strengthened both my communication skills and my confidence. These experiences have taught me how to refine complex ideas and results into clear, concise language, such as research posters. This skill will be useful when presenting or pitching ideas to potential collaborators in the future.
What does winning the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship mean to you?
Winning the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship means a lot to me. I am very grateful to have received this honor, and it has reinforced my confidence that my ideas could be the beginning steps toward making a difference. It motivates me to continue using my background in medicine and research to develop ideas and solutions that connect science and innovation in ways that create a meaningful impact in communities.
What do you plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship for?
I plan to use the Science Connects to Innovation Scholarship to further my ambitions. Specifically, focusing on my career in medicine and research. The scholarship will help me pursue opportunities that allow me to explore innovative ways to address health-related challenges in underrepresented communities.
Where do you see your entrepreneurship ideas going in the next few years?
In the next few years, I hope to see my ideas begin to develop into initiatives that improve access to healthcare treatment and education in underserved communities. My goal is to use what I’ve learned throughout my career in medicine and research to create solutions that address gaps in healthcare access. Even if these efforts begin by helping just one or two communities, I believe they are just the beginning of a meaningful impact in the future.
What advice would you give science students interested in entrepreneurship?
My main piece of advice for science students interested in entrepreneurship is that all ideas have potential. No matter how unrealistic an initial idea may seem, it can be refined or adapted into something meaningful and influential. Many successful innovations begin with a simple concept and grow into something impactful through curiosity, persistence, and dedication.
What is something that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my ambition and my ability to learn from mistakes and failures. Throughout my time at Northeastern, I have consistently sought out opportunities and made the most of them, even when I sometimes felt undeserving. These experiences have pushed me to grow and continue challenging myself.
I am also proud of my commitment to paving the way for younger girls who look like me and have dreams as big as mine or even bigger. I try to do this through my involvement both on campus and in the broader community. At Northeastern, I serve as Co-President of the College of Science Leadership Council, where we work to support and represent students within the college.
