My name is Riley Franklin, and I will major in biomedical engineering. As a Black Caribbean American woman passionate about medicine, engineering, and service, I am committed to bridging healthcare access and innovation gaps. From biomedical research at Johns Hopkins ISPEED to leading my high school’s Black Student Union, I strive to create meaningful change in both local and global communities. I aspire to become an orthopedic surgeon, focusing on medical technology for underserved populations—a mission shaped by my father’s experience with inadequate healthcare in Guyana. Through FEMMES Connect at Duke, I’ve 3D-modeled an organ-on-a-chip and developed concussion monitoring devices for athletes. At ISPEED, I co-designed a self-cannulation device for home hemodialysis patients, deepening my passion for innovation. Beyond STEM, leadership and service shape my strenghts. As BSU President, I foster discussions on race and ethnicity, organize speaker events, and lead volunteer initiatives. As an usher, I helped increase teen participation by 85%, and as a student ambassador, I ensured incoming students felt welcomed. As band recruitment chair, I engaged with middle schools and encouraged student participation. I have built resilience and adaptability through research, leadership, and service. As I continue my journey, I hope to continue building on these skills.