I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of science and human impact; how the work done in labs can ripple outward to improve lives. My path into cancer research began with a fascination for chemistry and how small molecules can have large-scale effects on the body. This curiosity led me to the NSF REU program at the University of Puerto Rico, where I worked in Dr. Arthur Tinoco’s laboratory studying novel bimetallic compounds with potential chemotherapeutic effects. We investigated how iron chelators like triapine, when combined with metals such as titanium(IV) and platinum(II), could inhibit Ribonucleotide Reductase, an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis in cancer cells. Using various techniques, we studied metal-ligand interactions and evaluated their cytotoxicity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Our research revealed that titanium(IV) disrupts DNA synthesis by binding to the enzyme’s iron site, while platinum(II) exhibited potent cytotoxic effects. I saw firsthand how metal chemistry could be leveraged to create more effective therapies for hard-to-treat cancers like TNBC. This experience sparked my passion for translational oncology. I want to pursue an MD/PhD in medicinal chemistry to accelerate bench-to-bedside translation and expand access to innovative treatments. I believe that without addressing systemic barriers such as diagnosis delays and limited screening we can’t design truly equitable interventions. Currently, I’m working at the Rutgers Institute for Health on a project focused on women’s cancer screening and early detection in Sub-Saharan Africa. I analyze patient data from Botswana and Tanzania to assess access to breast and cervical cancer screenings. Black women already face disproportionately high breast cancer mortality rates, and women in rural areas are up against even greater challenges. I want to be a part of the next generation of physician-scientists who not only create new treatments, but also ensure that these treatments reach everyone who needs them.