
Hobbies and interests
Golf
Reading
Baking
Biomedical Sciences
Chess
Biology
Anime
Animation
Cosplay
Health Sciences
Manga
Medicine
Legos
Mythology
National Honor Society (NHS)
Science
Snorkeling
Sports
STEM
Television
Theater
Writing
Alpine Skiing
Beach
Board Games And Puzzles
Community Service And Volunteering
Dermatology
Fishing
Minecraft
Rafting
Running
Surfing
Anatomy
Gaming
Music
Volunteering
Reading
Fantasy
I read books daily
Isabella Melendez
1x
Finalist
Isabella Melendez
1x
FinalistBio
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 programGPA:
3.8
Lake Nona High
High SchoolGPA:
3.9
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Biology, General
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, LLC2022 – 20253 yearsVolunteer 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, FL2024 – 2024Executive 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 Center2025 – 20261 yearClinical Shadow Intern for Dr. Michelle W. Foley, DO
Parks Dermatology, New Smyrna Beach, FL2025 – 2025
Sports
Golf
Varsity2022 – 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 radiologists2025 – 2025Biological 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 findings2025 – 2025
Arts
Self
Performance Art2025 – 2025Self
Performance Art2024 – 2026Lake Nona High School Theatre Department
Theatre2026 – 2026Lake Nona High School Theatre Department
Theatre2022 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Tee it Up for Alzheimer’s — Volunteer2022 – 2026Volunteering
Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies — Volunteer2025 – 2025Volunteering
Village Walk of Lake Nona Community Food Drives — Teen Volunteer2024 – 2026Volunteering
Lake Nona High School Science National Honor Society — Activities Director 2025-2026; Inter-Club Council Representative 2025-20262023 – 2026Volunteering
Lake Nona High School Pre-Med Club — Member/Volunteer2025 – 2025Volunteering
Orange County Public Library — High School Advisory Board Member - Book Club2025 – 2026Volunteering
Lake Nona Rotary Club — Charter Member, Junior Rotarians2025 – 2025Volunteering
Orange County Public Library — High School Advisory Board Member2025 – 2026Public Service (Politics)
Florida House of Representatives — Messenger2023 – 2023Public Service (Politics)
Florida House of Representatives — Page2021 – 2021