Captivating my gaze with its hypnotic flames of possibility and innovation, scientific research inspires me to utilize my critical thinking, courageousness, and curiosity to deliver clinical breakthroughs for neurological disease treatment and improve the lives of millions. Beginning my scientific journey as a first-generation Latina from a single-parent household in Aurora, CO, my interests in exploring the world of science were isolated by barriers of accessibility and underfunding. However, facing these obstacles further fueled my drive to pursue my aspirations to become a clinical neuroscientist and enact meaningful change for my society. Eager to catalyze progressive strides for Aurora’s next generation of STEM dreamers, I joined my community college’s student government as the Senator of STEM and accepted the role of a Supplemental Instructor for College Biology. Through my time as Senator, I organized and hosted an event that connected our students to the Top-Leading STEM industry employers in Colorado in addition to an Excel Energy Sponsored Panel and Mixer that bridged connections between the college’s STEM Faculty and students. In the course of fulfilling my role as a Supplemental Instructor, I seized the opportunity to help instruct biology students and elucidate the more challenging concepts presented in the course; through this, I was able to gain invaluable experience as an educator and translate the complex beauty of biology. As I now explore the world of Neuroscience as a rising junior at the University of Michigan, I seek to deepen my contribution to science in both the lab and community. After years of studying, trying on different hats of research in several labs, and learning from my research mentors, I find myself inspired to pursue higher education to lead a research team as a Principal Investigator. Through my research, I seek to collaborate with a team of medicinal chemists, epidemiologists, and pharmaceutical scientists to curate a holistic, affordable treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In regards to working towards this goal, I have been working alongside the Hoang lab at the University of Michigan for the past year studying neurodegeneration and cell-to-neuron reprogramming. Currently, I work as a student-researcher through the STAR U program at Columbia University studying how the fluctuating concentrations of the biomarkers Tau and Amyloid cause the brain inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Looking forward, I will present my research at the end of summer and begin graduate school preparation as an applicant. Outside of the lab, I await to welcome the incoming 2024-2025 cohort of the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars as a Peer Advisor at the university, for I will be able to gain experience in guiding, empowering, and learning from the next generation of trailblazing scientists. Through his invaluable contributions to science, his family, and millions of aspiring scientists, William Griggs stands as an inspiration to allow my curiosity, determination, and passion for Neuroscience to drive my ambitions of bettering my society both in the lab and community. With the financial support of the William Griggs Scholarship, I will be able to honor his legacy through the pursuit of higher education and inspire the next generation of STEM dreamers to pursue a career in STEM no matter the obstacles (especially women from minority backgrounds). Most of all, I will be able to touch the moon and stars much like the lifework of William Griggs and deliver promising clinical breakthroughs for neurodegenerative diseases.