I am a Molecular & Cell Biology student at UC Berkeley with a growing passion for biomedical research, medicine, and service. For the past year, I have been fortunate to work in the Pao-Tien Chuang Laboratory at UCSF, where I study pulmonary biology and explore the scientific questions that shape our understanding of human health and disease. I plan to continue this research throughout my undergraduate years, developing as a scientist and learning how discoveries in the laboratory can ultimately translate into better patient care.

My interest in medicine has also grown through experiences beyond the laboratory. As a California-licensed EMT, I gained early exposure to patient care and learned the importance of staying calm, attentive, and compassionate in moments when people are most vulnerable. Through physician shadowing and my work with cancer patients at Epic Care in Emeryville, I have continued to explore the human side of healthcare.

At UC Berkeley, service and leadership are an important part of my journey. As an officer in Cal Red Cross and through my involvement in USMO, I have had opportunities to work with others, take initiative, and contribute to my community. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not simply about taking responsibility—it is about listening, collaborating, and finding ways to make a meaningful difference.

Music remains another important part of who I am. As an active member of the Cal Jazz Choir, I have performed internationally in Turkey and Canada. At Epic Care, I have been able to bring my love of singing into the care environment through music sessions for cancer patients. Seeing how music can create moments of comfort, connection, and joy has reinforced my belief that healing extends beyond treatment alone.

This  is a reflection of my journey toward medicine—shaped by science, music, research experiences, and the people who continue to inspire me.