Adversity wears many faces. For some, it arrives as a single, seismic event. For others, it lingers quietly, shaping life over time. Regardless of its presentation, adversity appears from the cards we are dealt, and through my life, I learned how to play my best hand. I was raised by my single mother in a lower-income neighborhood in Atlanta. When I was little, I vividly remember her telling me that children are a blessing to a couple. In an innocent outlook, I looked at her, saying, “Then I must be a mistake because Mommy didn’t mean to have me.” I wasn’t hurt; rather, my young mind was connecting my reality to my identity. My mother, visibly shaken, cupped my cheeks and responded, “No child is a mistake. Mommy made plenty of mistakes, but you are not one of them.” She raised me with love and determination, but financial strain shaped much of our home life. My mother worked long shifts, placing me in childcare most of my early life. Consequently, her constant stress was evident, and our circumstances led me to be independent early on. School became my refuge, introducing me to exploring interests outside of home. My teachers became my best mentors. They encouraged my curiosity and challenged me to pursue more. One of those interests was the life sciences, as I was fascinated with cellular biology. Because my mentors nurtured my learning, my curiosity in the field blossomed. Little did I know that this fascination would last to this day. However, school was socially difficult. My love for academics set me apart, and others weren’t kind. Many called me "weird" or treated me as entertainment. From their treatment, I initially believed something was wrong with me, but my teachers were supportive. They reminded me that my character and interests shouldn’t be influenced by others’ opinions. This encouragement helped me stay true to myself, and I became more comfortable in my independence. Looking back, much of the mistreatment stemmed from colorism and stereotypes. Many of my peers had darker skin and held rigid ideas about how light-skinned Black girls “should behave”. It’s ironic; our skin tones, shaped by our cellular biology, became the basis for social division. I’m grateful for my teacher's guidance as I navigated through the years. Environments may change, but the lesson remains: some will underestimate you, but your value is not for them to decide. At home, my mother’s hard work paid off. After years of struggle, she found stability. Financial security is no longer the primary focus in our household. After everything, she shared that she regretted not being the available mother she wanted to be, but she worked tirelessly to build a better life for her daughter. Her revelation resonated as her perseverance shaped my trajectory; I earned my Biology degree from Emory University. Now, as a young woman pursuing an Immunology Ph.D., I am advancing cellular biology to develop therapeutic platforms. The process to be where I am took resilience, drive, and a supportive community. To those who are facing adversity, your circumstance never defines you. Hold on to your core values. Don’t let others judge your situation. Most importantly, surround yourself with the people who uplift you. Being born to a single parent came with its fair share of struggles: within and outside of the home. Even with this, I am proving that my humble beginnings don't dictate my destination. Many are not given a fair deck, but when you play the best hand you can make, you surprise yourself with how far you can go.

In the Wistar Institute's Life Science and Innovation Course, I presented a pitch for a biotechnology kit designed to diagnose early-stage ectopic pregnancy. The condition remains a significant unmet need in women’s health. While judges commended the presentation, our pitch was not selected for investment. They explained the reason was limited market reach. Crestfallen, I sought feedback, and my mentor responded, “It’s no coincidence your product to serve women was declined by a panel lacking them.” I have been captivated by modern biotechnology’s ability to advance medicine throughout my academic journey. The world of science introduced me to its limitless potential during an independent research course at Emory University, where I investigated escape mechanisms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to identify methods to hinder metastasis. Through my Columbia Summer Internship, I researched adaptive immune cell activation pathways to determine the therapeutic potential for Lupus patients. Now, as an Immunology PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, I focus on engineering adaptive T cells to enhance their ability to locate, hone, and eliminate selected targets such as auto-reactive cells. My research experiences introduced therapeutic potential in utilizing biological mechanisms. Yet, what surprised me more than scientific development would be the gaps in women’s health. TNBC disproportionately affects African-American women, contributing to a 30% higher mortality rate. Unfortunately, TNBC is less responsive to traditional breast cancer treatments and has a higher recurrence rate. At Columbia Hospital, I learned Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that disproportionately impacts young women, with most women being diagnosed between 15 and 44. At UPenn, I discovered that there is a knowledge gap for understanding autoimmunity, as many conditions predominantly impact women. This issue became deeply personal as my cousin struggles with multiple sclerosis, a disease where four times as many women have the condition as men. What I thought was simple fatigue turned out to be a disease in which her immune system attacked her nervous system, leading to a diminished quality of life. Regular transfusions bring her only temporary relief. Witnessing her pain solidified my commitment to biotechnology as a path toward durable, life-changing therapies. At UPenn, I decided to incorporate my research into a versatile platform that can address these medical gaps in women’s health. My work in T cell engineering aims to create an immunotherapeutic applicable to different disease burdens. With refinement, immunotheraputics can surpass conventional therapies with their durability, efficacy, and reduced systemic burden. My mentor, supporting my aspirations, directed me to take the Life Science and Innovation course to learn more about drug development. The course taught me how innovation, such as immunotherapies, undergoes a pipeline for patenting, manufacturing, and distribution to reach patients. Yet, once more, I was struck by the women’s health disparities through the course as well: women’s conditions remain understudied and deemed a lower priority. The lack of emphasis on women’s health is compounded by the underrepresentation of women in biotech development because promising therapies to address these issues are struggling to garner support. Without more women in leadership, promising therapies may never reach the patients who need them most. This realization led me to advocacy beyond the bench. In my pursuit to uplift women-driven research, I translated my conviction into a dialogue on campus. As president of the Black Graduate Women’s Association (BGWA), I foster spaces to enable women of color to present their research efforts, highlighting current efforts to support women-specific disease disparities. Initiatives such as lightning talks feature participants to share an informal 10-minute presentation of their research, while Wine Down Wednesday cultivates conversation where women can openly share their research journeys. From computer engineering to epidemiology, many students and I learned from many excellent research projects addressing the current gender-specific disparities. As we pursue our research journeys, I am proud to establish a foundation where women can support one another as we overcome obstacles towards progress. Serving in BGWA taught me the importance of creating a community, yet I also learned an unexpected yet crucial skill: networking. Indeed, building connections with my peers developed durable connections amongst other graduate and faculty women experts in my field. As my network grew, I found more support and opportunities from my community that elevated my personal and professional development, including invaluable fellowships and conferences. My career aspiration is to become a director in a biotechnology consulting firm, guiding startups toward success. Black women make up only 9% of the STEM workforce, and even fewer hold leadership positions. My research journey demonstrated many diseases needing improved remedies, yet it requires women’s leadership to direct therapeutic development. Through UPenn’s Immunology graduate program, I am building the knowledge necessary to advance biotechnology platforms that are clinically relevant, commercially viable, and responsive to real patient needs. If awarded the Baby OG: Next Gen Female Visionary Scholarship, I will honor the support in my pursuit of excellence in biotechnology innovation. The funding will provide support for vital networking opportunities– conferences, workshops, and seminars-allowing me to leverage expertise for professional growth. As someone from humble beginnings, this scholarship would substantially support my professional endeavors, sharpening my knowledge and visibility. My pitch presentation serves as a lesson, cementing a resolve to seek solutions in women’s health. As biotechnology development continues, I aspire to become a leading driver of innovation to improve the status quo, where millions of patients like my cousin can attain a better quality of life.

In 2023, 630,000 people died from HIV/AIDS-related causes. Driven by a passion for scientific discovery, I joined the research community seeking an HIV cure through new medicines in immunotherapy. However, true progress is hindered when scientific investigations fail to engage the communities most impacted by the disease. Despite significant advancements since the HIV epidemic of the 1980s, the virus continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating health disparities and reinforcing harmful stigma. Recognizing the importance of community involvement in scientific research, I participate in the Martin Delaney Community Advisory Board (CAB), where I collaborate with the Philadelphia HIV community on education, outreach, and awareness initiatives. In my position as Co-Chair of the Education and Outreach Committee, I design and execute engagement events to foster meaningful dialogue between students and HIV community members. The experience is rewarding as I witness unity, strength, and compassion within the Philadelphia HIV community. During the monthly meetings, we revisit our goals to spread awareness about HIV cure research trials and increase the HIV community engagement. To reach our goals, I proposed opportunities for CAB members to discuss their experiences to connect with the UPenn undergraduate students. When I present my proposals, I am always greeted with overwhelming support. One of the most impactful projects I led was the Red Ribbon Holiday Party, an event where undergraduate and graduate students joined HIV CAB members for dinner and conversation. I wanted to create an environment where students can hear firsthand accounts of lived experiences, deepening their understanding of both the human and scientific aspects of HIV research. Organizing this event came with fiscal and logistical challenges. With a limited budget from the graduate student organization and no direct connections to undergraduate student groups, I had to find creative solutions. I reached out to the university’s undergraduate support center to propose the event and secure resources. Through a structured pitch, I garnered interest from student leaders, facilitated a meeting to delegate responsibilities, and developed a clear roadmap to ensure successful execution. Finally, I organized the CAB volunteers to participate as event speakers, ensuring their voices were central to the initiative. On December 5, 2024, the Red Ribbon Holiday Party was held in honor of HIV Remembrance Day. The event featured five HIV community members who shared their experiences with aspiring scientists and healthcare professionals. Vibrant conversation emerged as students engaged with the various testimonies CAB shared from their experiences throughout the epidemic to their current efforts for HIV cure research. I appreciated the HIV community’s kindness and strength to share their past hardships with discrimination and stigma from the epidemic, for students to see people who endured during that era. The party was a success. Following the event, the students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn directly from those affected by the disease, while community members voiced enthusiasm about sharing their testimonies—something they had historically been excluded from. Through this engagement, students gained a deeper awareness of the HIV community’s resilience and their vital role working alongside scientists in research efforts. From these experiences, I learned how kindness from the community paves the path for upcoming generations. HIV CAB members volunteer for my engaging event because they want to contribute to the students’ journeys to become compassionate young professionals. From that kindness, students experienced a profound conversation they will remember throughout their academic careers. As I continue my own journey, I aim to drive scientific innovation while ensuring that historically underserved voices are recognized and involved.

In the Wistar Insitute’s Life Science and Innovation Course, I presented a pitch for a biotechnology kit designed to diagnose early-stage ectopic pregnancy. The condition remains to be a significant unmet need in women’s health. While judges commended the presentation, our pitch was not selected for investment. They explained the reason was limited market reach.Crestfallen, I sought feedback, and my mentor responded, “It’s no coincidence your product to serve women was declined by a panel lacking them.” I have been captivated by modern biotechnology’s ability to advance current medicines throughout my academic journey. During my undergraduate career, I investigated escape mechanisms of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) to conjure a method to hinder their metastatic behavior. Through my Columbia Summer Internship, I researched adaptive immune cell activation pathways to determine the therapeutic potential for Lupus patients. Now at the University of Pennsylvania, I focus on engineering adaptive T cells to enhance their ability to locate, target, and eliminate selected pathogens. My various research experiences introduced therapeutic potential in utilizing biological mechanisms. Yet, what surprised me more than scientific development would be the gaps in women’s health. TNBC disproportionately affects African-American women, contributing to a 30% higher mortality rate. Unfortunately, TNBC is less responsive to traditional breast cancer treatments and higher recorruence. At Columbia hospital, I learned Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that disproportionately impacts young women,with most women being diagnosed between 15 and 44. Once I transitioned into UPenn, I decided to incorporate my research into a versatile platform that can address these medical gaps in women’s health. My work in T cell engineering aims to create an immuntheraputic applicable to different disease burdens. With refinement, immunotheraputics can surpass covential therapies with its durability, efficacy, and reduced systemic burden. My mentor, supporting my aspirations, directed me to take the Life Science and Innovation course to learn more about drug development. The course taught me how innovation such as immunotherapties undergo a pipline for patenting, manufacturing, and distribution to reach patients. Yet, once more I was struck about the women’s health disparities through the course as well: women’s conditions remain understudied and deemed a lower priority. The lack of emphasis on women’s health is componded by the underrpresentation of women in biotech development because promising therapies to address these issues are struggling to garner support. My pitch presentation serves as a lesson, cemented a resolve seek solutions in women’s health. Following my course experience, I discovered that Black women represent only 9% of the STEM workforce, with even fewer in leadership positions. My research journey demonstrated many current diseases seeking improved rememdies, yet it requires a women’s leadership to direct therapeutic development. Consequently,I decided to pursue an authorative positon to drive innovation specific to women disease burdens. At the University of Pennsylvannia, I aim to get my Immunology PhD and make my mark into the biotechnology field to create a better future for women.

My cousin has lived with multiple sclerosis for most of her adult life. During family gatherings, she struggles to keep up because her mobility limited by the disease’s progression. Though she undergoes regular transfusions, their effects are temporary and diminishing. Watching her endure these challenges has deepened my awareness of the limitations of current medicine and inspired my belief in promising new technologies like CAR T cell therapy. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is an immunological innovation that reprograms a patient’s own T cells to recognize and eliminate harmful cells. Originally designed to treat cancers, CAR T technology has now become a versatile platform for combating a range of chronic illnesses,including autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. The therapy’s high potential is demonstrated through a successfual case. In 2013, when a young patient named Emily Whitehead was cured of leukemia through CAR T treatment. That case transformed oncology and sparked new applications in diseases such as HIV, lupus, and breast cancer. Unlike conventional treatments such as antiretrovirals, biologics, chemotherapy, CAR T cells offer precision, and reduced systemic burden to the patient. In autoimmune pathology, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. For my cousin, this means her own immune cells target her nervous system. CAR T therapy could be programmed to eliminate those autoreactive cells, offering a potential path to remission. What makes this technology remarkable is its durability; after treatment, the engineered T cells can persist in the body as memory cells, offering long-term protection without continuous medication. Now, at the University of Pennsylvania, I research immune modulation to help redefine treatment approaches to disease, including CAR T therapy. In my work, I advocate for scientists to think beyond the bench and considers the promising platform CAR T therapy offers. Indeed, the therapy’s versatility, prospective durablity, and minimzed adverse side effects cements its candidancy to change medicine as we know it. As biotechnology development continues, CAR T therapy will become a treatment standard to improve the quality of life with many patients like my cousin.

Dr. Edward Jenner developed the world’s first vaccination using cowpox to prepare the immune system to fight the deadly smallpox virus. Though he didn’t fully understand the science behind his discovery, his pioneering work in immune modulation revolutionized medicine and ultimately saved millions of lives. His legacy continues today: the COVID-19 vaccine is estimated to have prevented approximately 15 million deaths. Yet despite the proven power of vaccines, our ability to prime the immune system against deadly diseases is still hindered by vaccine hesitancy, development challenges, and distribution limitations. These obstacles contribute to ongoing public health crises and the resurgence of diseases once thought to be under control. As an African-American woman pursuing an advanced degree in immunology, I am committed to addressing both the scientific and societal gaps that hinder vaccine access. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve learned that scientific progress is not enough without meaningful community engagement, mistrust and inequity persist. The scientific and healthcare fields must implement innovative strategies to improve vaccine uptake and distribution to tackle this issue. Through community engagement and developmental solutions, vaccine investment can reshape public health once more, leading towards a healthier future. Vaccine hesitancy has existed throughout history, yet its prevalence was recently demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation spread unabated throughout information sources. Many feared the vaccine, with some outright revolting against it. This issue became personal as I became alarmed to learn that my community, including my family, refused to take the vaccine. Understandably, historical injustices sowed mistrust in the African American community. As I watched loved ones refuse potentially life-saving protection, I realized that vaccine availability isn’t enough; communication and social awareness matter. Providing outreach initiatives for community engagement can mend trust gaps,creating the bridge to overcome the barrier of vaccine hesitancy. This has been demonstrated through Dr. Ala Standoford’s efforts in her Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium. Her organization bridged health inequity in the pandemic by disseminating vital information for marginalized populations, empowering and equipping the Philadelphia community to consider the vaccine. Her example is evident of the possibilities when the field seeks connections with the community. Coincidentally, structural barriers in vaccine development and distribution persist. An example is Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine storage requirements. Throughout initial rollouts, the Pfizer vaccine required ultra-cold storage, which was an infrastructure challenge for many low-income regions. Consequently, distribution was limited in these areas. In contrast, the Moderna vaccine, which can be stored at standard freezer temperatures, was more accessible in these settings. This enabled successful reception, enabling vaccine protection within these communities. Now, at the University of Pennsylvania, I am actively researching immune modulation to redefine treatment approaches against disease. In my work, I advocate for scientists and providers to think beyond the clinic to consider the real-world applications and accessibility of their innovations. We must develop not only potent vaccines but also ones that are viable for widespread manufacturing, distribution, and storage. Simontaneously, we must build trust through intentional community engagement, especially in marginalized communities that harbor fears against the field. If we fail to address these scientific, logistical, and societal gaps, we risk allowing preventable diseases to resurge. But if we take decisive action, we can keep deadly diseases in the past.

Dr. Edward Jenner developed the world’s first vaccination using cowpox to prepare the immune system to fight the deadly smallpox virus. Though Jenner didn’t fully understand the science, his pioneering work in immune modulation revolutionized medicine, priming the immune system to efficiently defend against disease. Jenner’s discovery ultimately saved countless lives by preventing what were once devastating illnesses. Though I didn’t grasp the significance of the vaccines I received as a child, my fascination with how vaccines prime the immune system has deepened over the years. Today, I am captivated by how modern biotechnology can enhance immune responses, especially through the development of specialized immune cells that provide durable, long-term protection. However, while we have made remarkable strides in vaccine and immunotherapeutic development, many diseases continue to evade our best defenses. There are many gaps yet to be filled, and I plan to dedicate my career to pursuing new applications for engineering, bolstering, and modulating immunity. Once applied, these approaches can address the remaining limitations in treating infectious diseases, cancers, and autoimmune disorders. To prepare for my resolve, I’ve applied to the Ph.D. program in Immunology at the University of Pennsylvania, where I can further explore the complexities of our immune system I have developed my background to further understand our mysterious immune system. I have taken internships to study immune biology, learning about cellular mechanisms that modulate immune cell activity. From my initial research experience in triple-negative breast cancer to my recent experience investigating chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for HIV, I discovered fascinating projects that challenge the status quo for therapeutic development. As I dove deeper into the material, I learned more about the knowledge gaps in the immune field. These gaps became insightful opportunities, as I am interested in understanding more about the basic biology within our immune cells to modulate improved immune responses against disease conditions. My scientific journey has led me to aspire for a career in biotechnology and immunotherapeutic innovation. I aim to become a biomedical scientist to support immune research for investigations to can be developed for clinical applications. Currently, there are many efforts to optimize T cell engineering, B cell maturation, and adaptive T cell trafficking. Driven by the vast opportunities in current research, I aim to pursue an immunology graduate degree. Following graduate school, I plan to lead initiatives in biotechnology development, translating research into therapeutic products. Further, I am interested in roles within technology transfer offices or biotech business development, helping researchers bridge discoveries with real-world applications that reach patients In addition, as an African American woman, I plan to share my background and lived experiences to direct the field to consider the health disparities that impact my community. My identity plays a substantial role in how I will contribute to my graduate community and to my professional environment. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the mistrust, misinformation, and racial inequities that brought disastrous outcomes to the African American community. In consequence, I plan to integrate the African American perspective in my work. Throughout the discussion of innovation projects and research studies, I plan to share potential oversights or limitations that do not consider African American health or therapeutic accessibility to marginalized groups. Moreover, I also plan to utilize my position to give back and educate my community about STEM to bridge trust with the scientific community. As my career will center on biotechnology and immunotherapeutic innovation, I plan to implement time to support outreach efforts to share the scientific principles with youth. I plan to dedicate my time to introducing young African American students to immunology and the field of research. I aim for them to see how the field is available for them to pursue, and to teach others about the scientific material. Trust is developed through relationships, and I plan to build them with my community throughout my career. I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in immunology at the University of Pennsylvania, as the degree will empower me to lead advancements in this field and apply my skills to the biotech industry. Unfortunately, throughout my upbringing, finances have continued to be an obstacle. I have a financial burden in acquiring resources that enable success in my academic and professional endeavors. This scholarship will be substantial, supporting my academic endeavors through providing resources: I need financial support to purchase the equipment that will allow me to keep online notes and read academic journals. These expenses are often overnighted; however, I ask for financial support for a note-keeping tablet, laptop, and software that will be deeply beneficial to keep a record of my lectures, key concepts, and important journal articles. The scholarship will be deeply helpful to get the tools needed for my graduate studies, thus I can perform the work required to be a successful, innovative biomedical scientist in biotechnology development. Upon completing my graduate studies, I plan to transition to the biotech industry, where I will lead projects that translate cutting-edge discoveries into therapeutic products. The progress made in immunotherapy and vaccine development over recent years is remarkable, and I am eager to contribute to the production of reliable, effective treatments for diseases that were once considered incurable. Alongside my work to advance immunotherapeutics, I will also incorporate the African American perspective in biotech development. My identity will serve to contribute a person of low-income, and the African American experience to the table. In addition, I will bring my service outside the office to advance outreach and education opportunities to connect with the African American community about the scientific field. Fear and separation enable negative consequences for marginalized groups when innovation does not consider them. I want to enrich my career and my community by disseminating knowledge-forming the bridge between the people and science. The Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my academic goals. With this support, I can build an equitable learning environment for myself, enabling me to thrive as a scientist, innovator, and community advocate. Through this journey, I hope to enrich both the field of biotechnology and the communities it must serve.

Dr. Edward Jenner developed the world’s first vaccination using cowpox to prepare the immune system to fight the deadly smallpox virus. Though Jenner didn’t fully understand the science, his pioneering work in immune modulation revolutionized medicine, priming the immune system to efficiently defend against disease. Jenner’s discovery ultimately saved countless lives by preventing what were once devastating illnesses. Though I didn’t grasp the significance of the vaccines I received as a child, my fascination with how vaccines prime the immune system has deepened over the years. While we have made remarkable strides in vaccine and immunotherapeutic development, many diseases continue to evade our best defenses. I am determined to address these gaps by advancing strategies to engineer, enhance, and modulate immunity. As an African-American woman pursuing an advanced degree, I am committed to addressing medical disparities in women’s health. My scientific background has exposed glaring gaps in biomedical research—issues that have long been overlooked. Through my expertise, research, and drive, I intend to reshape standards in medical treatment. My journey began at Emory University, where I collaborated on a project focused on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). The science captivated me, as I became deeply invested in understanding the immune system’s mechanisms for defending against malignant tumors. Yet what struck me more was the disparity—TNBC disproportionately affects African-American women, contributing to a 30% higher mortality rate. My rose-tinted glasses with scientific exploration were replaced with the clear lenses of reality. This is just one of many diseases disproportionately impacting minority women, yet many remain understudied, as they are deemed a lower priority in biomedical research. The lack of emphasis on women’s health, compounded by the underrepresentation of women in research, strengthens my resolve to enact change. I plan to pursue research to advance therapeutic options through immunity, address persistent issues within these demographics. The scientific field carries immense potential, but discoveries are limited when marginalized communities are forgotten. Now, at the University of Pennsylvania, I am actively researching immunotherapeutics to help redefine treatment approaches. Within UPenn’s biomedical research buildings, scientists are engineering the immune system to combat solid tumor cancers, defective cells in autoimmune disease, and infected targets in HIV. My research focuses on adaptive T cells—enhancing their ability to locate, target, and eliminate pathogens. If successful, T cell therapeutics could serve as additional treatment options when conventional protocols fall short. In tandem with research, UPenn has introduced me to biotech development. I participate in an innovation fellowship bridging academic projects into tangible medical advancements aimed at improving patient outcomes. This experience strengthens my foundation, preparing me to pioneer immunotherapeutics that can transform women’s health. Enforcing my ideals to seek pioneering therapeutics for women’s health became more imperative as I have witnessed substantial rejection for the field’s innovative progress. A promising diagnostic platform to detect early ectopic pregnancy biomarkers was rejected by a male-dominated audience panel, showcasing the significance of women's leadership in biotechnology. This reality demands action, and what began as a fascination with immunity has evolved into a mission to advance biomedical innovation. Currently, I am pursuing my advanced education at the University of Pennsylvania to bridge gaps in medical treatment, ensuring that women and vulnerable populations are no longer an afterthought. After I acquire my degree, I plan to have a leadership position within the immunotherapeutic sector, as I will represent the underrepresented at the table. In my pursuit of excellence in research, development, and representation, I intend to invoke the words of Shirley Chisholm in healthcare: "If you don't have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."

In 2023, 630,000 people died from HIV/AIDS associated deaths. Despite significant advancements since the HIV 1980s epidemic, the virus continues to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, perpetuating health disparities and harmful stigma. I joined the research community seeking an HIV cure through immunotherapeutics—an innovative sector that brings us closer to transformative treatments. However, scientific progress is limited when the field fails to engage the communities most impacted by the disease. Often, many scientific discovery overlooks vital perspectives, leading to undesirable consequences. This is shown in the lower efficacy of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in women compared to men due to biological differences-differences that could have been better detected through more inclusive clinical trials prior to final product development. Recognizing the significance of community, I participate in the Martin Delaney Community Advisory Board (CAB).In the organization, CAB members are people with HIV experience through the epidemic, and they interact with investigators in the pursuit of an HIV cure. As a student, I collaborate with the Philadelphia HIV community on education, outreach, and awareness. As the leader of the CAB's Community Education and Outreach at the University of Pennsylvania, I design and execute engagement events to foster meaningful dialogue between students and HIV community members. One of the most challenging and impactful projects I led was to host a Red Ribbon Holiday party, an event where undergraduate and graduate students conversed and shared dinner with HIV CAB members. My objective was to enable profound learning for the next generation of healthcare professionals and investigators by hearing firsthand accounts of HIV community members’ testimonies outside the didactic setting. Through social engagement events, upcoming professionals can witness the significance of the community perspective and involvement in scientific progress. Organizing this event came with fiscal and logistical challenges. With a limited budget from my graduate student organization and no direct connections to undergraduate student groups, I had to find creative solutions. I reached out to the university’s undergraduate support center to propose the event and secure resources. Through a structured pitch, I garnered interest from student leaders, facilitated a meeting to delegate responsibilities, and developed a clear roadmap to ensure successful execution. I led efforts to secure funding, create promotional materials, and build engagement through collaborative marketing strategies. Additionally, I recruited HIV CAB volunteers to participate as event speakers, ensuring their voices were central to the initiative. On December 4th, 2024, the Red Ribbon Holiday Party was held in honor of HIV Remembrance Day. The event featured five HIV community members who shared their experiences with aspiring scientists and healthcare professionals. Students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn directly from the HIV community, while community members voiced enthusiasm about being included in research discussions—something they had historically been excluded from. Through this engagement, students gained a deeper awareness of the role community members play in scientific progress, and I hope these lessons help shape their future careers and approaches to research. As I continue my own journey, I am committed to fostering lasting relationships between science and the communities it serves. While immunotherapeutics hold limitless potential to revolutionize medicine, meaningful advancements require active collaboration with those most impacted. By prioritizing community involvement in biomedical research, I aim to drive scientific innovation while ensuring that historically underserved voices are recognized and involved in the mission for scientific progression.

My fascination with immunology sprouted from a seemingly simple moment in A.P. Biology. My instructor stated that the immune system could theoretically overcome any disease. Curious, I asked, “Why are some diseases still incurable?” His response—“There are many unanswered questions in immunology”—sparked my desire to explore this field. Since that conversation, I have been naturally curious about a career to further improve our immune system. While we have made remarkable strides in vaccine and immunotherapeutic development, many diseases continue to evade our best defenses. I am determined to address these gaps by pursuing new applications for engineering, bolstering, and modulating immunity. My interest in immunology led to a formative research experience during my undergraduate studies at Emory University, where I collaborated on a project focused on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). I was captivated by the science and deeply invested in understanding the immune system’s mechanisms for defending against malignant tumors. However, this experience revealed the significance of disease investigation. I learned that TNBC disproportionately impacts African-American women, with an increased mortality rate of 30%. My rose-tinted glasses with scientific exploration were replaced with the clear lenses of reality. TNBC is, unfortunately, one of many diseases to disproportionately impact African-Americans. This reality is more disheartening upon learning that many women-associated diseases and conditions are understudied as they are not considered a priority. This is compounded by the lack of diversity in biomedical research, where African-American women are still vastly underrepresented. Rather than discouraging me, these truths only strengthened my resolve. My passion for immunology deepened into a mission: to support and represent my community in science. This mission simply became more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world needed an answer, science once more revolutionized the status quo with the novel mRNA vaccine. The technology successfully primed the immune system to defend against disease severity-saving millions. Inspired, I pursued a summer internship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where I investigated a lesser-known signaling molecule for its potential to boost cancer immunotherapy. I felt pride in contributing to research aligned with my mission to develop accessible treatments that disproportionately affect communities like mine. However, as I delved into immunotherapy, I became alarmed to learn that my community was less keen on scientific research, as many-including my family, refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Understandably, historical injustices sowed mistrust in the African American community. As I watched loved ones refuse potentially life-saving protection, I realized that knowledge alone isn’t enough—representation and communication matter. I became a scientific resource for my family, breaking down the scientific concepts and addressing their fears. Eventually, I convinced even the most skeptical relatives to reconsider. That experience showed me the power of my voice—not only in the lab, but in the lives of those I care about. What began as a high school conversation has now become a calling. I am now seeking my immunology Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania for immunotherapeutic development against diseases that disproportionately affect African-American women. Throughout my journey, I plan to implement my knowledge in outreach opportunities to educate my community and rebuild trust in science. The scientific field holds so much promise, but discoveries are limited when marginalized communities are forgotten. Through my research and advocacy, I will serve as a voice for African-American women and a bridge for the African-American community. I plan to ensure my work in immunotherapeutic development serves to support the problems and people historically considered a non-priority. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to honoring the Sloane scholarship through excellence in research, representation, and community engagement.