My name is Kristlynn. I am a college sophomore pursuing a BS in physics (pre-med track) and BSAE in mechanical/aerospace engineering. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combining my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I could develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major drawbacks from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having an intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

Hello! My name is Kristlynn. I am a college sophomore pursuing a BS in physics (pre-med track) and BSAE in aerospace engineering. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combining my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I could develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major drawbacks from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortices function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having an intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combining my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I could develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major drawbacks from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortices function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having an intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare. As a young black woman, in two heavily male-dominated fields, this disadvantage speaks for itself. It will be a constant uphill battle to fight for myself and to achieve my goals to improve the lives of many. This research will be largely collaborative and people may try to overstep or shun me, but I must stay the course and have a voice for myself.

Hello! My name is Kristlynn. I am a college sophomore pursuing a BS in physics (pre-med track) and BSAE in aerospace engineering. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combining my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I could develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major drawbacks from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortices function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having an intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

Hello! My name is Kristlynn. I am a college sophomore pursuing a BS in physics (pre-med track) and BSAE in aerospace engineering. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combining my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I could develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combining my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I could develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare. As a young black women I have experienced not being treated properly to later find out I need further treatment and surgery. I have experienced the carelessness of doctors. Minorities constantly experience these hardships at the doctor which then leads to us suffering in silence. As a community of black doctors we must forcefully remove those systemic imbalances to decrease fear and increase willingness for treatment.

Hello! My name is Kristlynn. I am a college sophomore pursuing a BS in physics (pre-med track) and BSAE in aerospace engineering. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare. My passion is the main reason I believe I’m a worthy candidate. My plan to improve health services for all people will not be an easy path, but it has been a well-thought out path. In order for me to achieve said goals, I need financial support.

Hello! My name is Kristlynn. I am a college sophomore pursuing a BS in physics (pre-med track) and BMAE in aerospace engineering. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my fields of expertise to improve the lives of many, while also advancing medicine using engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my other field of expertise, aerospace engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am hope to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective treatments for brain conditions and brain cancers. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

Hello, my name is Kristlynn Minor, I attend UAH and double major in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. The reason why I decided to major in these fields is double sided but they are interconnected. I have always had this drive to help anyone I come in contact with, whether that was making them smile, or physically helping them, I just want to help. That led me down the path to medicine. But I also, love astronomy and robotics. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my other field of expertise, aerospace engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, ALS, Parkinson’s, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

Hello, my name is Kristlynn Minor, I attend UAH and double major in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. The reason why I decided to major in these fields is double sided but they are interconnected. I have always had this drive to help anyone I come in contact with, whether that was making them smile, or physically helping them, I just want to help. That led me down the path to medicine. But I also, love astronomy and robotics. I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my other field of expertise, aerospace engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my other field of expertise, aerospace engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

Freshman year of High school (2020) and I suffered a severe physical injury. I suffered a major concussion that caused me to miss essentially the first semester of school, aside from the three weeks that I returned for before Christmas break. The injury was from a basketball accident. I suffered from amnesia and couldn’t remember little facts about me, such as my age. Due to the severity of the concussion, I had to do months of physical, cognitive, and speech therapy. Before I returned to school there was a meeting to discuss a course of action to get me back on track. They decided that instead of making me catch up in all 7 classes I was taking, that I should focus on my English, Math, and Theology courses. When I returned to school I, unfortunately, had no help from my teachers. I was fresh out from a major head injury teaching myself English, Mathematics, and Theology. Not to mention, the first day returned I had to take the PSAT. My ending GPA was well below a 3.0 and my test score was an 890. I ended up transferring from that high school the following year, and it was there where I started to grow. Now, I was playing catch up all the way up to my senior year, but I was determined to graduate as a decorated student with an academic honors diploma. I took 9 AP course in hopes of boosting my GPA and I took independent study course at the same time, just to make sure I would be able to meet my goals and graduate on time. With the help of my counselor and various teachers, I ended high school with a GPA above 3.0, and SAT score of 1330, and earned various academic honors. With those attributes, I was able to get into some rigorous universities and my dream school. I did worked tirelessly all throughout high school so I could go to college and double major in my two passions, Physics and Aerospace Engineering. The reason why I decided to major in these fields is double sided but they are interconnected. I have always had this drive to help anyone I come in contact with, whether that was making them smile, or physically helping them, I just want to help. That led me down the path to medicine. I will be using my Physics degree to go down the Pre-Med track to become a Neurosurgeon. But I also, love astronomy and cosmology and robotics. When starting the college application process, I was absolutely torn, until I realized that both fields can and have worked together. After all, aerospace engineering is what led to the MRI. After giving this some thought, it was clear what I needed to do. I need to apply my knowledge of both disciplines to contribute to the research being done about reverse engineering the brain to help treat neurological diseases and cancers. People my say I am too ambitious but we need ambitious young leaders to help improve our world. I am ambitious which is why I need all the financial help I can get. Undergraduate and Medical school is super expensive, especially as an out of state student. Knowing that part of my tuition is covered from scholarship would allow me to allocate more of my time to my studies, rather than worrying about my finances. Maintaining good grades so school will help pay for itself is my main goal, and if I can focus more on my studies, that goal is attainable.

I chose to pursue a career in neurosurgery because it will interconnect my other field of expertise, aerospace engineering. Many of the advanced technologies utilized in healthcare were originally developed by space research. By combing my understanding of the intricate workings of the brain with my engineering skills, I am to develop innovative technologies that essentially reverse engineer the brain. By reverse engineering the brain, one must know how to dissect the intricacies of the brain’s complex structures and functions. My goal is to enhance the healthcare of individuals suffering from brain diseases and cancers by leveraging reverse engineering principles to better combat, treat, and understand these conditions. One major application is in the development of neuroprosthetics, which are devices that can restore lost motor functions. By understanding how the brain processes signals, engineers can create devices that mimic these processes, allowing for improved control of prosthetic limbs. However, neuroprosthetics can have major draw backs from patients due to the invasive treatment needed to even implant the prosthetic. So, to me the most practical application which is the one I would focus on is more practical in the eyes of the patient is personalized treatments and medicines. By reverse engineering the brain’s pathways and understanding individual variations in neural function, treatments for neurological disorders can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This could lead to more effective therapies for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors. Those two applications would be great advancements in the medical field, however in order to reverse engineer the brain doctors, neuroscientists, engineers, and other scientists would have to develop a basic model and functionalities of the brain, which is the “easy” part. We already have basic models of the brain. We know the basic functions associated with the different parts of the brain. However, the development of a device that is supposed to replicate a human brain to near perfection would require neuroscientists to understand all the intricacies of all the interconnected neurons with addition to intricate operation of chemical and electrical signals. And to make matters more complicated, each brain’s varies in function. Meaning the brain for Person A can respond to different stimuli than the brain of Person B. I say all of that to say this, while there are some major issues in the understanding of the brain, we have instruments like the MRI and PET that allow doctors to observe and visualize brain activity in real time, providing more in depth insights into how brain’s regions and cortexes function. Additionally, developments in neuroinformatics enable analysts to identify patterns and correlations between human activity and the stimulus response. Using the aerospace technology that we have already developed we can further identify patterns to create an intricate and complex yet “basic” model of the brain. We may not be able to cater to each patient but having a intricate model of the brain would not only implicate a further understanding of the brain but also provide doctors with tools to develop surgical techniques that could improve the the lives of their patients, which is the most important part of healthcare.

Hi, I'm Kristlynn. I am currently an out of state attendee at my university and my fall semester bill is 5 figures and I am not able to take out loans because I have no credit history nor can my parents do it on my behalf. I'd like to use a small portion to purchase a new computer because I am currently using my high school issued Chromebook at the moment. For many years, I have been obsessed with the unknown. I have always strived to know everything I possibly could, because knowing that I don't know something and also knowing that I don't know what I don't know keeps me up at night. Right around the beginning of Sophomore year, I thought to myself, what is more unknown than our very state of being, which is when I decided that I would major in Astrophysics and be an astronaut. That following year, I started interning at my school's planetarium. After discussing my future plans with my planetarium director, she suggested that I look into possibly double majoring with Aerospace Engineering. So, I am currently a freshman Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineer double Major with a minor in Mathematics and Music. In order to continue on this ambitious path, I need all the financial help I can get. Dark matter and Dark energy make up about 95% of the total mass-energy content of the universe. Dark matter is believed to be responsible for the gravitational effects observed in galaxies and galaxy clusters that cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Despite its significant presence, dark matter, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it impossible to detect--at the moment. Dark energy, on the other hand, is thought to be the driving force behind the accelerated expansion of the universe; posing a fundamental challenge to our understanding of gravity and overall dynamics of the cosmos. The expansion of the universe is driven by all the mass, radiation and energy contained within it. The Friedmann equation is used to predict how quickly the universe is expanding mathematically. This equation states that a more massive universe expands rapidly, so expansion was fastest when all of the particles in the universe created a denser universe after the beginning of the universe. However, there’s a minor complication. The speeds of the farthest stars and galaxies that we can observe don’t match what the Hubble constant predicts. Because the light we see from a distant object has traveled for billions of years to reach us, our observations are not only affected by the present-day value of the Hubble constant, but also what it was when the universe was expanding more slowly. If I can make a giant leap in the "dark" realm of our universe, I could potentially redefine Hubble's constant to an actual constant rather than an average. Making a major impact in this field is my end goal. I would like to lead a research group for innovative approaches to detect these dark substances. The quest to unravel these great mysteries not only deepens my knowledge, and others. But I would be a part of a group who pushed the boundaries of physics. Along with my research ambitions, I'd like to have a career as an Astronaut. Combining Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineering provides a comprehensive skill set for my aspiration. The rigorous training and problem-solving skills developed through these degrees prepare me to tackle the complex challenges of space travel. Degrees in astrophysics and aeronautical engineering lay a solid groundwork for a career among the stars. The technical knowledge, analytical abilities, and practical skills gained from these fields are directly applicable to the multifaceted role of an astronaut. When combined with the specialized training and personal attributes required for space exploration, that I will have with my academic background makes me well-equipped to push the boundaries of human achievement in the celestial realm. I am an afro latinx girl, who wants other young black and latinx kids to know that they can too, push the boundary that they feel conformed to. So often in impoverished living, kids are told that they will never be more than who their father is or who their mother is. But kids have dreams and they can accomplish those dreams beyond what they ever imagined for themselves, if the adults in their lives would encourage them to pursue those dreams rather than allowing their kids to be content or complacent in the environment that they are in. I want those kids, all the way in the Dominican Republic and Africa to see someone like them pursuing their dreams, to keep their dreams alive. One of my fondest memories from my academic career was when my high school counselor handed me a scholarship my high school was giving me and said "I am proud of you." I didn't have any family at the ceremony and she showed up and was my biggest cheerleader. I believe that every kid deserves that "I'm proud of you." moment.

For many years, I have been obsessed with the unknown. I have always strived to know everything I possibly could, because knowing that I don't know something and also knowing that I don't know what I don't know keeps me up at night. Right around the beginning of Sophomore year, I thought to myself, what is more unknown than our very state of being, which is when I decided that I would major in Astrophysics and be an astronaut. That following year, I started interning at my school's planetarium. After discussing my future plans with my planetarium director, she suggested that I look into possibly double majoring with Aerospace Engineering. So, I am currently a freshman Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineer Major with a minor in Mathematics and Music. Dark matter and Dark energy make up about 95% of the total mass-energy content of the universe. Dark matter is believed to be responsible for the gravitational effects observed in galaxies and galaxy clusters that cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Despite its significant presence, dark matter, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it impossible to detect--at the moment. Dark energy, on the other hand, is thought to be the driving force behind the accelerated expansion of the universe; posing a fundamental challenge to our understanding of gravity and overall dynamics of the cosmos. Making a major impact in this field is my end goal. I would like to lead a research group for innovative approaches to detect these dark substances. The quest to unravel these great mysteries not only deepens my knowledge, and others. But I would be a part of a group who pushed the boundaries of physics. I am an afro latinx girl, who wants other young black and latinx kids to know that they can too, push the boundary that they feel conformed to. So often in impoverished living, kids are told that they will never be more than who their father is or who their mother is. But kids have dreams and they can accomplish those dreams beyond what they ever imagined for themselves, if the adults in their lives would encourage them to pursue those dreams rather than allowing their kids to be content or complacent in the environment that they are in. I want those kids, all the way in the Dominican Republic and Africa to see someone like them pursuing their dreams, to keep their dreams alive.

For many years, I have been obsessed with the unknown. I have always strived to know everything I possibly could, because knowing that I don't know something and also knowing that I don't know what I don't know keeps me up at night. Right around the beginning of Sophomore year, I thought to myself, what is more unknown than our very state of being, which is when I decided that I would major in Astrophysics and be an astronaut. That following year, I started interning at my school's planetarium. After discussing my future plans with my planetarium director, she suggested that I look into possibly double majoring with Aerospace Engineering. So, I am currently a freshman Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineer Major with a minor in Mathematics and Music. Dark matter and Dark energy make up about 95% of the total mass-energy content of the universe. Dark matter is believed to be responsible for the gravitational effects observed in galaxies and galaxy clusters that cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Despite its significant presence, dark matter, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it impossible to detect--at the moment. Dark energy, on the other hand, is thought to be the driving force behind the accelerated expansion of the universe; posing a fundamental challenge to our understanding of gravity and overall dynamics of the cosmos. Making a major impact in this field is my end goal. I would like to lead a research group for innovative approaches to detect these dark substances. The quest to unravel these great mysteries not only deepens my knowledge, and others. But I would be a part of a group who pushed the boundaries of physics. I am an afro latinx girl, who wants other young black and latinx kids to know that they can too, push the boundary that they feel conformed to. So often in impoverished living, kids are told that they will never be more than who their father is or who their mother is. But kids have dreams and they can accomplish those dreams beyond what they ever imagined for themselves, if the adults in their lives would encourage them to pursue those dreams rather than allowing their kids to be content or complacent in the environment that they are in. I want those kids, all the way in the Dominican Republic and Africa to see someone like them pursuing their dreams, to keep their dreams alive. I am currently an out of state attendee at my university and my fall semester bill is 5 figures and I am not able to take out loans because I have no credit history nor can my parents do it on my behalf. I have had to pick up two part time jobs to start contributing to my college fund. And in order to continue these ambitious goals, I need money.

For many years, I have been obsessed with the unknown. I have always strived to know everything I possibly could, because knowing that I don't know something and also knowing that I don't know what I don't know keeps me up at night. Right around the beginning of Sophomore year, I thought to myself, what is more unknown than our very state of being, which is when I decided that I would major in Astrophysics and be an astronaut. That following year, I started interning at my school's planetarium. After discussing my future plans with my planetarium director, she suggested that I look into possibly double majoring with Aerospace Engineering. So, I am currently a freshman Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics and Aerospace Engineer Major with a minor in Mathematics and Music. Dark matter and Dark energy make up about 95% of the total mass-energy content of the universe. Dark matter is believed to be responsible for the gravitational effects observed in galaxies and galaxy clusters that cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Despite its significant presence, dark matter, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it impossible to detect--at the moment. Dark energy, on the other hand, is thought to be the driving force behind the accelerated expansion of the universe; posing a fundamental challenge to our understanding of gravity and overall dynamics of the cosmos. Making a major impact in this field is my end goal. I would like to lead a research group for innovative approaches to detect these dark substances. The quest to unravel these great mysteries not only deepens my knowledge, and others. But I would be a part of a group who pushed the boundaries of physics. I am an afro latinx girl, who wants other young black and latinx kids to know that they can too, push the boundary that they feel conformed to. So often in impoverished living, kids are told that they will never be more than who their father is or who their mother is. But kids have dreams and they can accomplish those dreams beyond what they ever imagined for themselves, if the adults in their lives would encourage them to pursue those dreams rather than allowing their kids to be content or complacent in the environment that they are in. I want those kids, all the way in the Dominican Republic and Africa to see someone like them pursuing their dreams, to keep their dreams alive.

The bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God's truth/the Bible's truth-- there is an interconnection--which is considered absolute and unchanging, unlike personal truths that can vary based on individual perspectives and experiences. John 14:6 where Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life," highlights the divine truth that all Christians must understand and believe. The very premise of Christianity is to believe that God is who he said he is, Exodus 3:14 says "I am that I am", so anything that God proclaims to be, is the truth because he will never lie. We as imperfect humans have coined this phrase of "living in my truth" when instead we should be "living in our faith". Living in one's own truth, leaves room for discrepancy. Meaning that we, as humans, will have personal biases to our way, and believe that our way is the "right" way. But as mentioned before, Jesus is "the way and the truth and the life" and Genesis 4:7 foreshadows this coming statement by saying "you will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching". That very statement is why we get caught up in our worldly lives and fall into sin. So many of us, fall into the same sin because we take matters into our own hands instead of giving it to the Lord. For example, problems of promiscuity, gluttony, and pridefulness are sins that plague our world. We can identify these habits within ourselves, and develop a course of action to be set free from habitual sinning, in one of two ways: handle it ourselves or handle it with God. More often than not, the first way is the course of action we take. For some reason, we believe that we can stop, cold turkey, without the help of God. And that may be the case for a couple weeks but then you have a rough day and you eat your pain away or you go seek out a lust filled encounter, or you're too prideful to admit that it was a rough day, and you fall right back into those same sins. At some point you have got to realize, this is bigger than myself, I can't do this alone, I need God right now! 2 Chronicles 7:14 provides a clear step-by-step guide towards deliverance that states, "if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven..." By following this guide, you can say goodbye to the old you, and say hello to the new, forgiven you. But you must remain steadfast in your faith, be true to your faith instead of yourself. For this deliverance and salvation was "God [saving] you by his grace when you believed. And you cannot take credit for this; it is a gift from God" (Ephesians 2:8).

From 7th grade I have had my heart set on challenging the unknown. What’s more unknown than our Universe? My passion for obtaining knowledge drove me to choose Astrophysics and Aeronautical Engineering as my majors. I plan to use my degrees to become an astronaut. Embarking on the journey to become an astronaut is a dream that fuses the frontiers of human knowledge and the spirit of adventure. To obtain those degrees I will use money I earn from this scholarship to fund my education. These fields of study provide a robust foundation for understanding the cosmos and mastering the technology to explore it. Astrophysics is the study of the physics of the universe, including the properties and interactions of celestial bodies. This knowledge is invaluable for astronauts, who must understand the environment in which they will operate. Topics such as orbital mechanics, the behavior of different forms of matter and energy in space, and the principles of radiation and gravity are all within the astrophysicist's domain. This expertise allows me to make informed decisions during missions and contributes to scientific research conducted in space. Aeronautical engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the principles and technology of flight within Earth's atmosphere and beyond. This discipline is at the heart of spacecraft design and operation. Aeronautical engineers learn about propulsion systems, structural design, and aerodynamics, which are crucial for the development and maintenance of spacecraft and their subsystems. For an astronaut, having a deep understanding of the craft that carries them to space and sustains them there is essential for both mission success and personal safety. Combining these two areas of expertise provides a comprehensive skill set for aspiring astronauts. The rigorous training and problem-solving skills developed through these degrees prepare me to tackle the complex challenges of space travel. Degrees in astrophysics and aeronautical engineering lay a solid groundwork for a career among the stars. The technical knowledge, analytical abilities, and practical skills gained from these fields are directly applicable to the multifaceted role of an astronaut. When combined with the specialized training and personal attributes required for space exploration, that I will have with my academic background makes me well-equipped to push the boundaries of human achievement in the celestial realm. My generation is poised to be at the forefront of the next great leap in space exploration, building on the legacy of those who have come before while pushing the boundaries of what's possible. With advancements in technology, a growing interest in commercial spaceflight, and an ever-increasing understanding of our universe, my peers are stepping into a world where space travel is becoming more accessible and ambitious projects are becoming feasible. I'm growing up in an era where private companies are launching satellites, supplying the International Space Station, and even planning tourist trips to orbit. Space agencies are discussing lunar bases, sending humans to Mars, and probing the outer reaches of the solar system with sophisticated robots. The passion for discovery that defines my generation could lead to innovations in propulsion, life-support systems, and sustainable habitats for long-duration space travel. Moreover, my generation's commitment to collaboration over competition has the potential to unify nations in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration. By harnessing the power of international cooperation, the dream of exploring the unknown is more achievable than ever. The excitement and challenges of space exploration will require not just astronauts and scientists, but engineers, artists, from all fields to contribute their skills and perspectives. My generation is on the cusp of a new age of discovery, where the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

I will be pursuing an Astrophysics degree while minoring in Physics and Philosophy. One of the main reasons, I am so passionate about being an astrophysicist is because there is a great amount of information that we do not know about the world above us. And I believe that more women should be a part of aerospace, astronomy, and other Outer Space STEM discoveries. A dream of mine is discovering dark matter. More so, how to detect and interact with dark matter. Dark matter has already been discovered, however, we can not see dark matter. In contrast, most people wouldn't consider this a "discovery", because there is little to no information about dark matter. While that may be true, dark matter's presence can not be denied. It makes up 85% of our universe and its discovery has captivated Astronomers, Physicists, and Astrophysicists. Unlike other types of matter, dark matter doesn't interact with baryonic matter and it is entirely invisible to light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it impossible to detect with the current scientific instruments we have at our disposal. It truly would be one of the biggest breakthroughs in physics once it is possible to interact with dark matter. Understanding our universe, formulating formulas to get to the bottom of how the world started, how we exist, and how black holes function. The discoveries and possibilities are limitless. My pathway as a future astrophysicist will be affected by these breakthroughs exceptionally. The process of constant growth and innovation of technology and scientific research will better equip me and my fellow astrophysicist to prove theories of the Big Bang, the Multiverse, and other unproven theories. My pathway as a future astrophysicist will also be negatively affected by such-- potential-- breakthroughs. STEM is a male dominating field as we all know. When applying for grants or even a competitive college against a male counterpart, I am less likely to receive the grant or accepted, statistically. It is unfair but it's the world we live in. I've been told from a young age, that I will have to work twice as hard since I am a woman of color, I'm a walking stereotype in some people's eyes. Aside from expected obstacles, such as the ones I have listed. The road to discovery is a daunting challenge. Science is trial and error, when you fail after multiply attempts, it will mentally affect you.

My favorite scientific discovery is dark matter. In contrast, most people wouldn't consider this a "discovery", because there is little to no information about dark matter. While that may be true, dark matter's presence can not be denied. It makes up 85% of our universe and its discovery has captivated Astronomers, Physicists, and Astrophysicists. Unlike other types of matter, dark matter doesn't interact with baryonic matter and it is entirely invisible to light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it impossible to detect with the current scientific instruments we have at our disposal. It truly would be one of the biggest breakthroughs in physics once it is possible to interact with dark matter. Understanding our universe, formulating formulas to get to the bottom of how the world started, how we exist, and how black holes function. The discoveries and possibilities are limitless. My pathway as a future astrophysicist will be affected by these breakthroughs exceptionally. The process of constant growth and innovation of technology and scientific research will better equip me and my fellow astrophysicist to prove theories of the Big Bang, the Multiverse, and other unproven theories.