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.

• Crew Member

  Food & Beverages · Chipotle

  Jan 2025 – Present

• Advocacy
• Volunteering

• Soccer

  Club · 1 award

  2012 – 2023

  Awards:

  Hamilton Sportsmanship Award

• Researcher/Designer

  Johns Hopkins University · Biomedical/Medical Engineering

  2024 – 2024

  Research topic:

  Kidney Disease

• Student

  Triangle Math and Science. West Cary Middle. Mills Park Middle. Green Level High School. · Music

  2017 – 2021

• Color Guard member as well as Recruritment Chair for the band.

  Green Level High School · Performance Art

  2021 – Present

  Productions:

  Light in the Darkness (2021), The Lost Samurai (2022), Aim from the Heart (2023) , Bach in the Limelight (2024) , Rather Bee(2025)

• Usher

  Volunteering · Triangle Church of Christ

  2021 – Present

  Mission:

  To serve my community through ushering. Welcoming new families giving an extended to hand to all that need assistance. Sorting and keeping track of inventory for contribution and communion.

• Ambassador

  Volunteering · Student Ambassador - Green Level High School

  2023 – Present

  Mission:

  As a student ambassador, I am committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and visitors. Through thoughtful tours and genuine connections, I aim to ease concerns, answer questions, and provide a clear, authentic glimpse into our school community. With integrity, empathy, and enthusiasm, I strive to support and guide students, ensuring they feel informed, comfortable, and valued. As a proud representative, I uphold the highest standards of respect, professionalism, and school spirit, dedicated to making every interaction meaningful and memorable.

• Student Volunteer

  Volunteering · National Honors Society

  2023 – Present

• Ambassador/General Volunteer

  Volunteering · GLISS

  2022 – Present

  Mission:

  To engage other schools and to guide them through their competition experience.