My name is Shaniya Parker, and I am a passionate and determined individual driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. As a Black, LGBTQ+ student from a low-income, single-mother household, I have faced many challenges that have shaped who I am today. These experiences have taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of education as a tool for change. I am committed to using my strengths and experiences to contribute positively to society, especially through my pursuit of a career in biomedical engineering. My interest in biomedical engineering (BME) began in high school, where I had the opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and healthcare. I was inspired by a biology teacher who introduced me to the possibilities within this field, particularly in regenerative medicine. This sparked my passion for finding innovative ways to improve healthcare and quality of life for people, particularly those in underserved communities. Through my academic journey and future career, I want to contribute to advancements in medicine that can address the health disparities I’ve seen in my own community. I am especially passionate about the potential of regenerative medicine to help treat injuries, diseases, and aging, providing hope for individuals who may not have had access to advanced treatments before. Beyond my academic goals, I am deeply committed to fostering positive change in my community. Through extracurricular activities like drama club, I’ve had the opportunity to use creative expression to raise awareness about social issues, such as gun violence and injustices in my local community. This experience has shown me how art and creativity can spark important conversations and inspire action. I hope to continue using my voice and platform, whether through my work in biomedical engineering or through my involvement in community initiatives, to advocate for social justice, equity, and the importance of addressing systemic issues. In my future career, I plan to use my education in biomedical engineering not only to innovate and improve medical treatments but also to ensure that advancements in healthcare are accessible to all, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. I am determined to bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical technology and underserved communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from life-changing innovations. I see my future as an opportunity to contribute to both the scientific and social aspects of positive change, using my knowledge, creativity, and passion to make the world a better place for all.

I am passionate about pursuing a career in biomedical engineering because I believe this field has the power to address some of the most critical challenges in healthcare. My interest in BME was sparked by my 10th-grade biology teacher, who introduced me to the idea that technology and engineering could be applied to medicine to improve the lives of others. Her enthusiasm and the way she connected biological concepts with real-world applications inspired me to dive deeper into the field. This led me to apply for my first internship at Duke (DukeREP). Through this internship, I gained hands-on experience and saw the ways in which science and engineering work together to create innovations that can improve patient care, treat diseases, and revolutionize healthcare. This experience confirmed that biomedical engineering was the path I wanted to take. In addition to my passion for biomedical engineering, I have a deep love for community building, which I have explored through my extracurricular activities, especially in drama club. I believe that art, particularly theatre, has the power to create change and foster understanding in communities. Through our productions, we are able to bring important social issues to light. One show in particular, *State of Urgency*, addressed the devastating reality of gun violence and social injustices within our own community. By creating this performance, we sparked conversations about violence and how to improve the community of Durham. I realized how powerful the arts can be in encouraging empathy and raising awareness about critical issues, which reinforced my belief in the importance of using creativity to drive social change. If time were no object, I would dedicate myself to mastering musical instruments and creative writing. Both offer unique and beautiful ways to express emotions and tell stories. Music, with its ability to convey complex emotions without words, is an outlet I’ve always found calming and enriching. Writing, on the other hand, allows me to create worlds and characters that can communicate deep feelings and experiences. Through these creative outlets, I could explore new ways to communicate and connect with others on a deeper level. In the future, I hope to combine my passion for technology, community engagement, and creative expression to contribute to both the healthcare field and society. My goal is to use my skills and experiences to innovate in biomedical engineering, while also continuing to be an advocate for positive change in my community.