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Isabella Melendez

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Finalist

Bio

I am a dual enrollment student at Lake Nona High School and a member of the Seneff Honors College at Valencia College, where I have built a strong foundation in biological sciences while preparing for a career in medicine. I rank in the top 7% of my class and maintain a weighted GPA above 5.0. My academic interests have led me to programs in medicine, surgery, public health, and research. At Johns Hopkins University, I completed Introduction to Surgery, studied surgical anatomy, and earned Stop the Bleed certification. At UCF’s Future Physicians of America Medical Summer Program, I completed coursework in dermatology and plastic surgery, including simulated procedures and skin cancer detection. At Harvard University’s Pre-College Summer Program, I studied epidemiology and biostatistics, used Python to analyze NHANES data, and examined the relationship between BMI and cancer risk. I also completed a Columbia University research practicum exploring AI in early cancer detection. Beyond academics, I serve as captain of my high school girls golf team, helping lead multiple championship seasons, including an FHSAA Class 3A state title. I am also Activities Director for the Science National Honor Society and a member of Phi Theta Kappa and National Honor Society. Through healthcare volunteering, tutoring, dermatology shadowing, service in the Florida House of Representatives, and leadership on the Orange County Public Library High School Advisory Board, I have strengthened my commitment to service. This fall, I will begin as a Biomedical Sciences pre-medical student at UCF.

Education

Valencia College

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2026
  • GPA:
    3.8

Lake Nona High

High School
2022 - 2026
  • GPA:
    3.9

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Biology, General
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Medical Practice
    • Dream career goals:

      Dermatologist

    • Subcontracted Assistant, Law Offices of Melendez & Klinkbeil, P.A.: Assist w/daily office operations; Handled client communications; Maintained legal documents; and Assist in organizing public relations event.

      CMCV Management, LLC
      2022 – 20253 years
    • Volunteer Assistant Coach, Summer Golf Camp: Assisted with instruction and skill development; Provided supervision and safety; Fostered encouragement and mentorship; and Assisted with camp operations and logistics.

      Eagle Creek Golf Club, Orlando, FL
      2024 – 2024
    • Executive Intern: Assisted with organizing and maintaining book and digital resources, helped students and staff, managed technology, and supported daily operations to keep the center running smoothly.

      Lake Nona High School Media Center
      2025 – 20261 year
    • Clinical Shadow Intern for Dr. Michelle W. Foley, DO

      Parks Dermatology, New Smyrna Beach, FL
      2025 – 2025

    Sports

    Golf

    Varsity
    2022 – Present4 years

    Awards

    • Captain 2025
    • State Runners-Up 2025
    • Regional Champions 2025
    • District Champions 2025
    • Co-Captain 2024
    • State Champions 2024
    • Regional Champions 2024
    • District Champions 2024
    • All Metro Team 2024
    • Metro Champions 2024
    • MVP 2023
    • Regional Champions 2023
    • District Champions 2023
    • Metro All Team 2023
    • Metro Champions 2023
    • Rookie of the Year 2022
    • Regional Champions 2022
    • District Champions 2022
    • Metro All Team 2022
    • Metro Champions 2022

    Research

    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      Columbia University 2025 Pre-College Fall Academic Weekend Program: • Adventures through Academic Research Methodology – A Practicum — Working collaboratively, I developed an original research project aimed at publication, but was virtually presented, involving the use of AI in early cancer detection compared to the findings of radiologists
      2025 – 2025
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

      Harvard University 2025 Pre-College Summer Program: Epidemiology and Biostatistics with Python Programming — Conducted independent analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset; and Completed a final research project involving a journal-style manuscript and an oral presentation of original findings
      2025 – 2025

    Arts

    • Self

      Performance Art
      2025 – 2025
    • Self

      Performance Art
      2024 – 2026
    • Lake Nona High School Theatre Department

      Theatre
      2026 – 2026
    • Lake Nona High School Theatre Department

      Theatre
      2022 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Tee it Up for Alzheimer’s — Volunteer
      2022 – 2026
    • Volunteering

      Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies — Volunteer
      2025 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      Village Walk of Lake Nona Community Food Drives — Teen Volunteer
      2024 – 2026
    • Volunteering

      Lake Nona High School Science National Honor Society — Activities Director 2025-2026; Inter-Club Council Representative 2025-2026
      2023 – 2026
    • Volunteering

      Lake Nona High School Pre-Med Club — Member/Volunteer
      2025 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      Orange County Public Library — High School Advisory Board Member - Book Club
      2025 – 2026
    • Volunteering

      Lake Nona Rotary Club — Charter Member, Junior Rotarians
      2025 – 2025
    • Volunteering

      Orange County Public Library — High School Advisory Board Member
      2025 – 2026
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Florida House of Representatives — Messenger
      2023 – 2023
    • Public Service (Politics)

      Florida House of Representatives — Page
      2021 – 2021

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship