AMCAS Work and Activities Section

Chemistry Research, Monmouth College, 01/2020 - 05/2022 (800 hours)

I have been working on chemistry research part time through the school years and will be doing this full time during the upcoming summer through the Doc Kieft Research Program. My research is focused on exploring the chemical mechanism behind Acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity during overdose using a model enzyme for cytochrome P450s and an array of instrumentation in order to isolate, identify and characterize the intermediates and products of this reaction. So far, we have pieced together a proposed mechanism of radically mediated polymerization of Acetaminophen, which we are collectively working towards a manuscript.

I was heavily involved in the collection and analysis of data, which I became independent in. I worked closely with my PI and another student, and often solicited faculty of differing specialties to explore other experimental interests. In doing so, I was able to generate fruitful discussions that led to intriguing results. For instance, my collaboration with a microbiologist led to testing products from our main reactions as antimicrobials for a variety of bacteria, which yielded productive outcomes. This research taught me to troubleshoot solutions in clever ways, to communicate both my findings and obstacles clearly, and to pay extensive attention to detail. I find the investigative way of thinking that research requires very exciting and see its relation to clinical outcomes as entirely significant to my interest in pursuing medicine. It has been thrilling to come to novel conclusions and learn in a way that connects back to patient care and specific observations I made as an EMT, in which I have observed Acetaminophen overdoses first hand. Ultimately, this mentorship by my PI was pivotal in defining the role research will play in my future and allowed me to recognize that I want to demonstrate a union of clinical acumen and investigative excellence.

Volunteer Firefighting, Central Warren Fire Department, 10/2018 - 05/2022 (400 hours)

I began volunteer firefighting for the rural villages of Cameron and Kirkwood during my Freshman year of college and continue to do so. Volunteering in this medically underserved area, I assist the rest of my crew as both a firefighter and EMT in responding to 911 calls such as medical emergencies, car accidents, and fires. I remain on call at all times outside of other commitments. Biweekly training sessions allow myself and others to practice various scenarios in order to get comfortable using equipment and working as a team. This could range from training for search and rescue, managing the water pumps, or tearing apart junk cars using auto extrication equipment.

Often, emergency calls are spontaneous. I and others must stop what we’re doing and quickly get to our central station at a moment's notice, and respond to the call’s locations with less than adequate information available. One such time, I found myself heading to a structure fire to support another fire department. After weaving through traffic, what was initially reported as a small fire over the radio had come to engulf an entire house. I manned the hose as support just outside of the house and worked to give the rest of my crew an opening for a search and rescue. The heat at this point had become so intense that it felt as if the sweat on my chest was boiling. Working as a team of eight, we were able to contain the fire from spreading and help the two occupants get out. While the experience of helping this family escape the ensuing inferno was energizing, I found myself more concerned with the woman who was destined for the nearest burn unit. This enlightened me to get my EMT-B license so I could further assist the department and explore healthcare. Volunteering here, I was able to gain my first pertinent patient care experiences, the ability to improvise in critical circumstances, develop essential teamwork skills, and ultimately serve my under-resourced community in an impactful and rewarding way.

National Conference Presentation 04/2021

I was chosen by my PI to present my chemistry research concerning the mechanism of Acetaminophen oxidation via cytochrome P450s during overdose conditions at the ACS Spring 2021 National Conference. The abstract was titled "One electron oxidation of Acetaminophen"