Hi everyone! My name is Begum Irem Erkan, and I'm currently a second-year undergraduate student at UMass Boston, originally from Austin, Texas. My main goal as a student right now is to become a well-rounded human being and be open-minded to a variety of opportunities. I am also working hard to keep up with school and gear myself towards applying to medical school. I am most interested in dermatology and specializing in Mohs Surgery. I understand that is many years down the line, so right now, I am looking forward to learning as much as possible and keeping myself motivated. After graduation, I plan on staying in Boston for my gap year working as a research technician and continue gaining clinical experience as a medical assistant. It would be ideal for me to be able to give back to the community as well and find a position that would allow me to provide care for underserved populations. As someone who was raised in a low-income family and has experienced living through various challenges, I know the impact that has on one’s physical and mental health. Even if this plan isn’t followed to a T, I know the path that is meant for me in the next 10 years from now is contributing to science and finding ways to improve the quality of life for many people.

• Gen Chem TA:Develop weekly worksheets with ACS style questions that aligned with the course curriculum Lead three 1-hour groups supplemental sessions, for 10-15 students per session, to reinforce learning

  Education · UMass Boston University

  Jan 2025 – Present

• Pharmacy Technician: Streamlined pharmacy workflow by filling prescriptions and maintaining inventory of stock in a high-volume retail environment

  Medical Practice · Walgreen Boots Alliance

  Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

• Math tutor: Provide one-on-one math tutoring for students learning up to college algebra, helping them with improving their fundamental understanding of concepts.

  E-Learning · Varsity Tutors

  Jan 2024 – Present

• Barista/Shift Lead: Dedicated to serving quality food and crafted drinks, handing high-volume rush periods serving 700+ customers per day; Responsible for training new employees and implementing a high standard for customer service

  Consumer Services · Barnes and Noble

  Jan 2021 – Jan 2025

• Supervised classroom activities during the summer as a teaching assistant and encouraged a positive, engaging learning environment for 25 students in kindergarten through 6th grade

  Education · Foundation Communities

  Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

• Set up dialysis machines and conducted quality control checks under supervision of registered nurses and a biochemist Administered dialysis treatment to patients and monitored and recorded vitals on EPIC

  Medical Practice · Satellite Healthcare

  Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy

• Volleyball

  Club

  2016 – 2017

• Undergraduate Researcher

  UMass Boston · Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences

  2026 – Present

  Research topic:

  Neurodevelopment, focusing on the minibrain/DYRK1A gene

• Measured immune antibody production response via ELISA assays and detect pathogens in DNA w/ qPCR

  LabCentral · Biotechnology

  2026 – 2026

• Participated in a preceptorship at a family medicine clinic, attended lectures about patient diagnosing and practicing in an hand-on environment, and learned how to approach complex challenges that medical professionals encounter on a daily basis

  Tufts Medical School/University of Massachusetts Boston · Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

  2026 – 2026

  Research topic:

  Clinical Experience

• Cellist

  Austin Philharmonic Orchestra/Cellist · Performance Art

  2023 – 2024

• Cellist

  School orchestra · Music

  2016 – 2023

  Productions:

  Concerts 3-4 times a year; Was one of the two cellists in the pit for our school musical "Pajama Game" (Feb 2023)

• Section Leadership

  Anderson High School Orchestra · Music

  2023 – 2023

  Productions:

  I recieved the Director's Award, which is given to a student who has contributed to the success of the section/orchestra and has demonstrated leadership skills.

• Soloist and Trio Performer

  AISD Solo and Ensemble

  2017 – 2021

  Productions:

  I performed as a soloist three times and twice as part of ensemble. I got the highest score (a 1) for all performances.

• Club Officer

  Advocacy · In partnership with St. David's hospital - To spread awareness about cancer and get more people to donate and volunteer in hospitals.

  2021 – 2021

• Clinical Pathways Intern

  Volunteering · Tufts Medical School/UMass Boston - Was provided clinical exposure by participating in a preceptorship at a family medicine clinic. Attended lectures with professors and medical students about patient diagnosing and practicing in a sim-lab.

  2026 – 2026

• Greeted and checked patients in, contributing to a kind and inviting hospital environment Helped maintain smooth operations at the front desk to make sure patients got care as soon as possible

  Volunteering · Baylor Scott & White

  2025 – Present

  Mission:

  To be a part of a system that delivers compassionate and efficient medical care for patients and their families.

• Bring drinks, snacks, or blankets per RN requests and take patient meal orders. Help stock the food and drink supplies, round on bays, and bring pre-op belongings on cart. Clean and sanitize stretchers and bays after patient discharge

  Volunteering · Tufts Medical Center

  2026 – Present

• Supervise after school activities for kids in elementary school and help out with homework.

  Volunteering · Foundation Communities

  2023 – Present

  Mission:

  Supporting young children’s education