Hello! My name is Maya Johnson and I am a proud New Orleans native with a deep passion for community, science, and advocacy. Growing up in Louisiana inspired my commitment to serving my community and championing representation in healthcare and STEM. Now a senior at Howard University, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a 4.0 GPA, graduating in May 2025. My love for research has grown through my work as an undergraduate researcher in an organic chemistry lab, where I synthesize ligands for use in stereoselective epoxide polymerization catalysis. Interning at Eli Lilly & Co. further solidified my aspiration to pursue a PharmD and become a clinical research pharmacist, combining drug development with patient care to empower communities to embrace healthcare confidently. Advocacy has always been at the core of who I am. As president of my high school’s Diversity of Women Club and co-founder of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, I worked to foster dialogue, education, and outreach. I believe representation drives meaningful change, and I aim to bridge the gap between medicine and the people who need it most. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones. Although I can be a little introverted at times, I find great joy in teaching and mentoring students in two of my favorite subjects: science and math. My determination, teamwork, and empathy guide me as I work toward innovative solutions in healthcare and research, ensuring everyone has access to safe and effective medicines.