Hobbies and interests
Self Care
Philosophy
Psychology
Weightlifting
Genetics
Neuroscience
Reading
Philosophy
Science
I read books multiple times per month
Blake Robinson
1,545
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Finalist1x
WinnerBlake Robinson
1,545
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
• biomedical researcher • patient advocacy board member • hospital volunteer • physician shadower •
Hello, my name is Blake, I am a premed student at the University of Memphis double majoring in biochemistry and psychology. Due to my mother's participation in a landmark clinical trial neurosurgery in 2009, I want to become a neurosurgeon. Specifically, I want to become a neurosurgeon with an MD/PhD so I can combine my interests in patient care and research innovation. Through genetic research, I want to be able to develop genetically-precise pharmaceuticals that can reduce the need for surgical interventions for neurological disorders that typically need surgery. My favorite accomplishments are the various projects I have founded. From working with national NPOs and some of the world's largest healthcare systems, I have been able to lead initiatives helping my community where it needs it most. Thank you so much for the consideration of your scholarship.
Education
University of Memphis
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Psychology, General
- Chemistry
Minors:
- Biology, General
Bartlett High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
- Psychology, General
- Medicine
Test scores:
30
ACT
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Neurosurgeon with a MD/PhD researching precise drugs for neurosurgical disorders to reduce surgical interventions
President of the campus club and volunteer within the nonprofit supporting their goal in reducing poverty and helping the unhoused.
Catholic Charities Nonprofit2024 – Present12 monthsFounder/Volunteer of My Life, My Story program, a program where I gather patient life stories to be placed in the medical chart for improved physician-patient relation
Veterans Affairs Hospital2024 – Present12 monthsFounder/Coordinator of Memphis' only Brain Aneurysm/AVM support group
Joe Niekro Foundation2024 – Present12 months
Sports
Weightlifting
2019 – Present5 years
Research
Genetics
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Dr.Mefford, MD, PhD — Researching the molecular causes of severe pediatric epilepsies to identify avenues for new treatment options2024 – PresentGenetics
Veracity Neuroscience Clinic - Dr. LeDoux MD, PhD — mice husbandry of mice with movement disorders, helped write a manuscript on blinking disorders through rabies as a neuronal tracer, data entry for a closing study2023 – 2024Biomedical/Medical Engineering
University of Memphis-Dr.Bumgardner, PhD — Developing chitosan, a cheaper biomaterial, for enhanced and low-cost wound treatment. --> Led to 1 local and 1 international presentation.2023 – PresentGenetics
University of Washington School of Medicine - Dr.Ferreira, MD, PhD, MBA — 1/3 out-of-state students selected from 500+ students in the US. Developed a new treatment option through pharmaceuticals for cancerous, recurrent meningiomas. --> 1 local and 1 national presentation.2024 – PresentPsychology, General
University of Memphis -Social Psychology, Dr.Zhang, PhD — We found that self-compassion (SC) played a role in how students act in the classroom. Those who suffered from low SC were less likely to ask for help and stay after class, which showed the importance of SC in education. Presented at a UofM conference.2023 – 2023
Arts
Altruria Elementary School
ArchitectureLittle Free Library to increase access to books2022 – 2023LeBonheur Children's Hospital
DesignI designed a t-shirt that raised over $4,000 for LeBonheur Children's Hospital.2020 – 2020
Public services
Volunteering
Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital - VolunTEEN Program — I transported over 300 patients for 120+ hrs throughout the hospital and ensured a smooth ride along the way. All of my patients turned to friends and it was a privilege to be a part of the caretaking team.2023 – 2023Volunteering
Shadowing — 115 hrs of shadowing physicians from the neurosurgeon who saved my mother's life to 11+ other specialties including radiology, emergency med, dermatology, plastic surgery, general surgery, neurology, oncology, etc.2023 – PresentVolunteering
Le Bonheur Children's Hospital — Emergency Department Volunteer: I comfort children who have been admitted into the ER and offer respite care. By doing so, I am able to ensure that the parents and children are alleviated of any further stress.2023 – Present