Hobbies and interests
Cheerleading
Tennis
Volunteering
Rileigh Harvey
585
Bold Points1x
FinalistRileigh Harvey
585
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
McKinley Technology High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Biomedical Engineering
Dream career goals:
Sports
Tennis
Varsity2021 – 20243 years
Awards
- Coach's Choice Award
Cheerleading
Varsity2020 – 20244 years
Awards
- Most Valuable Player
- Coach's Choice Award
Public services
Volunteering
Food 4 Fuel (F3 inc) — Volunteer2023 – 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Women in Healthcare Scholarship
As an African American female pursuing a degree in bioengineering with a concentration in medical devices at Temple University, my passion for healthcare stems from both personal and societal influences. Growing up, I witnessed the disparities in healthcare access and quality that disproportionately affect minority communities. These experiences inspired me to seek a career where I could be a part of the solution by contributing to technology that help ensure innovations and equitable care for all.
Healthcare is not only a profession, but it is also a calling to serve others, improve lives, and advance society. My choice to study bioengineering allows me to bridge my love for engineering, science, and technology with my desire to create significant change. Medical devices have a lot of potential to transform patient care. From wearable health monitors to life saving surgical instruments, these innovations can make healthcare more efficient, personalized, and accessible, I want to contribute to this transformation by designing devices that meet the needs of underserved populations.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, I recognize the importance of my representation. my presence in bioengineering is an opportunity to inspire other young women, particularly African American females to not let societal expectations limit them but instead they should pursue careers in STEM and healthcare. I hope to serve as a role model, demonstrating that with determination and resilience, barriers can be broken and anything is possible.
Beyond representation, I am committed to creating inclusivity in healthcare innovation. By leveraging my unique perspective, I aim to develop medical devices that address the specific health challenges faced by diverse populations. An example of this is how many diagnostic tools and treatments are designed based on data that underrepresent minorities, leading to disparities in outcomes. I hope to advocate for research and development practices that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that the devices can truly serve everyone.
Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact on both individuals and the healthcare system. Whether it is through a device that saves lives or a mentorship program that empowers the next generation of innovators, I want my work to reflect my commitment to equity, innovation, and service. That said, pursuing a degree in bioengineering is more than just a career path instead, it is a step forward to a more equal and fair healthcare system that all individuals can benefit from, no matter if they are a minority or from an underrepresented community.
C.L. Scholarship of Black Women in Engineering
Historically, Black women have consistently shown resilience, intelligence, and accomplishments in many areas. The remarkable contributions of Black women engineers have served as beacons of motivation for me. As an African American female looking to succeed in a STEM field. An individual known as Dr. Patricia Bath, a trailblazer in ophthalmology and the development of devices, whose brilliance still fuels my interest in engineering.
Growing up, my fascination with engineering stemmed from my curiosity about how things operate and my eagerness to tackle challenges. However, it was when I stumbled upon Dr. Patricia Bath's achievements that my future aspirations transformed into a focused goal. Dr. Bath's groundbreaking creation of the Laserphaco Probe completely transformed cataract surgery, enhancing its safety and efficiency during these operations. Her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare through technology has changed numerous lives for the better and inspired aspiring engineers like myself.
Dr.Bath's journey profoundly resonates with me, as I, too, envision a future where I can utilize engineering to make significant advancements in healthcare through biomedical engineering. Dr. Bath's commitment to using engineering principles for humanity's betterment inspired me to focus on biomedical engineering. The prospect of studying, researching, designing, and evolving medical devices to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient care fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement.
Embarking on the path of biomedical engineering is a dream of mine and a way to honor the legacy of Dr. Patricia Bath and countless other Black women engineers who have shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations. Their resilience in the face of adversity, their unwavering pursuit of excellence, and their transformative impact on society constantly remind them of the boundless possibilities within reach.
In pursuit of my aspirations, I am committed to academic excellence, continuous learning, and active engagement with the engineering community. I seek to collaborate, leveraging insights from diverse fields to drive innovation while addressing multifaceted healthcare challenges. Furthermore, I aim to mentor and support aspiring engineers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, empowering them to pursue their passions and contribute to STEM.
That said, the influential work of Black women engineers such as Dr. Patricia Bath goes beyond achievements to inspire generations of innovators and leaders. Their legacies act as guiding lights, showing the way toward excellence, fairness, and empowerment. As I begin my journey toward becoming an engineer, I carry Dr. Bath's legacy, embodying her innovative spirit and commitment to making positive changes in healthcare and other spheres.