I was born with a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). NF1 can cause speech, learning, physical, and social challenges requiring special services – which I needed. Many people who have NF1 never learn to ride a bike due to muscle weakness and balance/coordination difficulties. When I turned about 2 ½ years old, I got my first tricycle which had a reclined seat and back support. This may have helped build the strength and balance to ride it. As I grew older, I learned to ride a standard bike. I continue to ride my bike every day I can as it is one of my favorite hobbies. NF1 can cause optic pathway glioma, a benign brain tumor which can damage the optic nerve. My vision was minimally affected by this type of tumor, but it caused other medical issues. I have been going to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia since I was 3 to get MRIs and to be evaluated by doctors. The doctors review the MRI scans with my parents and me, which provides me with detailed views of my brain and optic nerves. I participated in medical research studies as part of my visits, which helped doctors understand NF1 better. I was glad to contribute to their research. I didn’t think much of any of this – it was just part of my life. In high school, I developed an interest in science by taking Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry. My love of science grew, eventually sparking an interest in biochemistry and biomedical research. While taking these classes, I realized that by studying biochemistry, I can help people like me who have rare diseases such as NF1. This realization led me to ask questions: Why does the lack of neurofibromin cause many different issues (brain tumors, speech delays, weak core muscles, etc.)? How does the lack of neurofibromin cause people to have difficulties riding bikes? Why do people who have the same mutation on the chromosome have different symptoms? Can NF1 research help other genetic conditions? Fueled by these questions, I wanted to learn more so I took AP Chemistry in my junior year and AP Biology in my senior year. My interests led me to participate in a 3-week University of Pennsylvania summer program on biomedical research. The program was divided into three parts: lectures, journal club, and labs. During the lectures, Penn professors described their research and emphasized the importance of collaboration by recognizing their research teams. In my journal club group, we studied how USP7 (an enzyme) causes autism-like symptoms. Being paired with one of the authors of the research paper provided invaluable insights into our discussions about the topic. During the labs, we learned how to do Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which is how scientists duplicate DNA fragments. We also learned how to analyze information with the help of a programming language for bioinformatics. While I appreciated the whole program, I especially enjoyed reviewing the research paper and the labs. This program expanded my knowledge of biochemistry. Having NF1, developing my interests, and participating in the summer program provided me with a unique understanding of biomedical research. Biomedical research isn’t just about the research and disease – it’s about how the disease affects people. When I am older, I want to research new treatments for NF1 and other rare diseases, so I can improve the lives of individuals. With the help of this scholarship, I hope to pursue my desire to find cures and treatments for NF1 and other rare diseases. I would be honored to receive the Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship.