| Personal Statement |
My experience at Lafayette has been shaped by intellectual curiosity and a commitment to service, embracing the College’s ethos of academic excellence, community engagement, and global stewardship. As a Bergh, EXCEL, and LEARN Scholar, I have pursued interdisciplinary research that bridges scientific inquiry with social impact. My role as a Resident Advisor and McKelvy Scholar has allowed me to cultivate a living-learning community rooted in dialogue and collaborative service. As a Tutor, Supplemental Instructor, and Open Education Fellow, I have worked to make learning more accessible, supporting my peers’ academic growth at both individual and structural levels. These experiences have instilled in me the value of reciprocity, where knowledge is not a passive acquisition but an ongoing, shared practice at the intersection of scholarship and service.
This philosophy drives my work as President of Events, Outreach, and Development for Refugee Action. Committed to the hands-on work of refugee resettlement, I have sought to integrate experiential learning with Lafayette’s curriculum, developing and piloting a service-based refugee studies course with the International Affairs Department. Through the Bergh Scholar Program, I have also initiated a joint research and service internship to sustain resettlement efforts during academic interims while expanding student opportunities for research skill development. I am now collaborating with our administration to bring the national Every Campus A Refuge conference to Lafayette in Fall 2025, further establishing the College as a leader in advancing a more just and inclusive society—a mission I am honored to represent and uphold on our campus and beyond.
These efforts—as president, scholar, tutor, advisor, and peer—are rooted in the belief that education should not sit idle but compel action. They reflect what I see as the quintessence of the Lafayette Ideal: a lifelong commitment to asking, “Why not?”—and choosing to do. |
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| Academic Activity / Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Bergh Scholar; Research Assistant, Department of Neuroscience at Lafayette College |
3 years (1 semester & 1 winter interim awarded Bergh Scholarship) |
In the Hallock Lab, I work on the project Inhibition of the Rodent vHPC-PFC Circuit during a Translational Working Memory Task, which seeks to elucidate how neural circuits drive memory and attention-guided behavior. By identifying key patterns of activity, this research aims to inform the development of novel biomarkers for diagnosing and treating memory- and attention-related symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders. My contributions include operating the Trial-Unique Nonmatching-to-Location (TUNL) spatial working memory task in a sample of 16 mice to assess hippocampal-prefrontal cortex circuit function. In addition to behavioral testing, I assist with viral DREADD injections and stereotaxic surgeries targeting the locus coeruleus and hippocampus to investigate neuromodulatory influences on memory. My role also involves preparing frontal lobe and hippocampal tissue slices for in situ hybridization (RNAscope) and immunohistochemistry analysis, utilizing cryostat and microtome techniques to examine molecular markers of neural activity. |
| EXCEL Scholar; Research Assistant, Department of International Affairs at Lafayette College |
1 year (1 year awarded EXCEL scholarship) |
I research intersex political activism in Germany and the United States, a topic that remains under-examined despite its profound legal, medical, and social implications. After conducting a comprehensive literature review on the history and impact of intersex social movements, I now assist in developing and revising a manuscript that explores how activism has evolved in response to shifting policies, medical frameworks, and societal attitudes. This work has broadened my perspective on human rights advocacy and policy change, deepening my understanding of how identity and activism shape legal and social progress. |
| Supplemental Instructor (SI) & Peer Tutor |
2.5 years (1 semester SI; 2 years Peer Tutor) |
As an Organic Chemistry Supplemental Instructor (SI), I facilitated structured learning sessions and office hours twice a week, working with over 30 students to reinforce key concepts, develop effective study strategies, and create educational resources to support their learning. These sessions fostered a collaborative environment where students could engage more deeply with course material, ask questions, and refine their problem-solving approaches. This role also allowed me to refine my teaching pedagogy, adapting my methods to accommodate different learning styles and promote active engagement. As a Peer Tutor, I assessed individual learning needs and worked with students across natural and social science disciplines to set personalized learning goals and implement study techniques that enhanced comprehension and long-term retention. Beyond content review, I promoted confidence building and active learning, ensuring that students not only mastered the material but also developed the skills to think critically and learn independently. |
| LEARN Scholar Research Assistant, Department of Neuroscience & Psychology at Duke University |
1 summar interim |
At Duke University, I conducted an independent research project examining whether insula volumes predict emotion dysregulation in a clinical transdiagnostic sample and healthy controls. Since emotion dysregulation is a component of many psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, understanding structural differences in the insula—a key brain region for emotion regulation—may improve target selection for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy, ultimately enhancing mental health outcomes for clinical populations. My research compared insula segmentation methods across different parcellation schemes to refine how we characterize insula structure in relation to emotion regulation symptoms. I designed templates for the LaBar Laboratory’s semi-automated structural MRI pipeline and processed structural MRI analyses for lab projects on the Duke Computing Cluster. Using R software, I predicted emotion dysregulation behavior based on insula subregion volumes and compared fully automated and semi-automated segmentation methods across parcellation schemes ranging from 2 to 14 regions of interest. I presented my findings at Lafayette’s neuroscience symposium. This experience introduced me to the field of emotion regulation neuroscience, and Lafayette’s interdisciplinary ethos encouraged me to extend this knowledge beyond the lab. Drawing on my work with Refugee Action, I sought to apply emotion regulation research to populations affected by forced displacement. After completing my research at Duke, I pursued an independent study through the International Affairs and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies departments. I was later selected as a semifinalist for the Fulbright Research Award, where I plan to investigate the influence of gender, culture, and refugeehood on emotion conceptualization and regulation strategies among Syrian refugees in Jordan. |
| Fulbright Research Award Semi-finalist; Independent Study, Department of International Affairs (IA) and Women’s, Gender, & Sexualities Studies (WGSS) at Lafayette College; Independent Study Project at School for International Training (SIT) Jordan: Refugee, Health, & Humanitarian Action Program |
1 year (Fulbright Research Award – in deliberation; 1 semester IA & WGSS; 1 semester SIT) |
Building on my cognitive neuroscience and psychology research at Duke University and my refugee resettlement efforts, I developed an independent research project examining emotion conceptualization and regulation strategies among Syrian refugees. This project emerged from my interest in how sociocultural factors, particularly gender, shape emotion regulation in displaced populations and how Western frameworks of emotion regulation influence clinical practice in refugee mental health care. Over the past semester, I conducted a literature review through the International Affairs and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies departments and applied for a Fulbright Research Grant in Jordan to expand this work. As the next step, through a semester abroad with the School for International Training (SIT) Jordan: Refugee, Health, & Humanitarian Action Program, I am conducting interviews with clinical psychologists to gain regional and clinical perspectives that will refine the semi-structured interview protocol for my proposed research project. I am currently a Fulbright semi-finalist and remain hopeful for the opportunity to continue this work post-graduation, deepening my engagement with cross-disciplinary research and global mental health initiatives. |
| Best Position Paper, Model United Nations Lehigh University-United Nations Partnership |
1 year |
I participated in Lafayette’s Model United Nations club and the Model United Nations Lehigh University-United Nations Partnership for the Model International Labor Organization Conference thematically concentrated, “Just Transition: From Fossil Fuels to Green Energy,” where we explored sustainable pathways for transitioning to renewable energy. Serving as a Government Representative of Kenya, I examined policies that balance economic development, environmental responsibility, and labor protections in the shift away from fossil fuels. Through research and policy analysis, I developed a position paper outlining Kenya’s stance and proposed strategies, which was recognized with the Best Position Paper Award. Engaging with Kenya’s perspective required me to analyze economic and environmental priorities shaped by a nuanced history and geopolitical context different from my own. This experience strengthened my ability to critically assess, articulate, and understand differing perspectives on policy and how it is negotiated on a global scale. It also sparked my interest in developing sustainable pathways for acquiring resources to support refugee resettlement, leading me to explore collaborations between Refugee Action and Lafayette’s Office of Sustainability to integrate environmentally responsible practices into our efforts to assist refugee families. |
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| Campus Service Activity/Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Refugee Action (Events, Outreach, and Development) |
4 years |
Since my first year at Lafayette, I have sought to bridge responsible citizenship with engaged learning, fostering opportunities for both advocacy and meaningful community engagement. My involvement in Refugee Action has evolved over the years, from participating in service initiatives to spearheading programming that integrates academic inquiry with meaningful action. I served as the Events Chair my sophomore year, initiating collaborative events such as a discussion on refugee identity and the importance of cultural understanding with Paxinosa elementary school in partnership with Laf Kids Connect and a menstrual hygiene drive for our local resettlement agency and women’s shelter, with Lafayette for Reproductive Autonomy, Justice, and Empowerment (L-RAJE). Stepping into the role of President of Events, Outreach, and Development during my junior and senior years, I expanded these efforts by working to develop and pilot a service-based learning course on refugees, collaborating with the Department of International Affairs and Dr. de Toledo Piza to create a curriculum that connects students with refugee resettlement efforts. Seeking to strengthen experiential learning opportunities, I also initiated a joint summer research and service internship through the Bergh Scholar Program that allows a Refugee Action member to provide support to our refugee families while researching barriers to healthcare access for refugees in the Lehigh Valley. Currently, I am leading the effort to host the annual Every Campus A Refuge conference at Lafayette in Fall 2025, a proposal I initiated to further conversations and actions surrounding refugee resettlement in higher education. These experiences have all been rooted in the idea that community engagement should be reciprocal—not only supporting refugee populations but also creating spaces where students, faculty, and the Easton community can learn from one another, deepening our collective understanding of displacement, resilience, and global responsibility. |
| Resident Advisor |
2 years |
As the Resident Advisor of McKelvy, I have worked to cultivate a living-learning environment that fosters genuine excitement for the pursuit and exchange of intellectual ideas and community-building. Each semester, I develop and execute seven or more community programs centered on cultural awareness, artistic expression, life skills, and academic enrichment for 17 residents and 12 additional scholars. In addition to organizing these initiatives, I facilitate residential responsibilities, mediate interpersonal conflicts, and coordinate maintenance issues. I have also directly supported the Office of Resident Life to cultivate fellow resident advisors skill sets by hosting an informational training session on self-advocacy, enabling residents to articulate the soft skills and leadership experience they developed through their RA responsibilities and connect them to career planning and professional growth. |
| Open Education Fellow |
1 year |
Through the Open Education Fellowship at Lafayette, I have worked to support efforts to make higher education more accessible by researching the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) for course materials. This has involved conducting faculty interviews to assess sentiment on OER implementation, designing and distributing a research survey to evaluate faculty attitudes, and analyzing data from over 70 participant responses to identify trends and barriers to adoption. Through this work, I have gained insight into the challenges and opportunities in expanding OER use, reinforcing my commitment to the development of sustainable mechanisms that promote equitable access to education by reducing financial barriers for students. |
| Biology Inclusion Committee |
3 years |
As the Community-Building Chair of the Biology Inclusion Committee, I have worked to create a more supportive and engaging academic environment by developing initiatives that foster mentorship, equity, and stronger student-faculty relationships within the biology department. To enhance student retention and academic engagement, I have helped organize community-driven events that make career and course planning more accessible. These include the “Carnival of Courses,” which connects students with faculty and advising resources for course selection and research opportunities, as well as the “Listen and Learn” workshop, co-hosted with the Office of Intercultural Development, to facilitate discussions on fostering more inclusive classroom experiences. Through these efforts, I have worked to support the Biology Department and associated field of Neuroscience to create a sense of community belonging where students feel supported and empowered to navigate their academic and professional paths with confidence. |
| Lafayette College Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month Planning Committee |
1 year |
I worked to develop programming that promoted cultural understanding, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement through researching keynote speakers, coordinating programming, and fostering relationships with student organizations to create events that highlighted diverse AAPI experiences and perspectives. Some of the key events I helped organize and moderate included a faculty panel on navigating identity and its intersection with research and professional work, as well as a keynote with Tanuja Dehne, President & CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to discuss leading an antiracist transformation in philanthropy and shifting economic power to communities in just and regenerative ways. I also helped promote these events to the student body through social media marketing and graphic design for fostering dialogue, reflection, and celebration of AAPI identities and experiences on campus. |
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| Community Service |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Refugee Action (Resettlement) |
4 years |
For the past four years—and alongside my leadership role as President of Events, Action, and Development for Refugee Action—I have been deeply involved in our club’s resettlement efforts, working in direct partnership with Bethany Christian Services to support refugee families in the Easton community. My work has included conducting outreach to professors, landlords, and local organizations to secure housing, employment, and essential resources, as well as providing cultural orientation to help families navigate their new environment. I have also assisted families in accessing healthcare, applying for insurance, and navigating government assistance programs, in addition to tutoring English as a Second Language (ESL) across all age groups and facilitating school enrollment for refugee minors. This work has not only strengthened my commitment to service and fostering community belonging but has also given me lifelong friendships and inspiration from my fellow RefAct members and the resilient families we support. |
| Volunteering St. Luke’s Hospital & Gracedale Nursing Home |
2 years (2 years at St. Luke’s Hospital; 1 semester Gracedale Nursing Home) |
The past two years, I have volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Room and this past semester with Gracedale Nursing Home, engaging in community service through patient care and healthcare system support. At St. Luke’s, I assisted emergency room patients, prepared hospital rooms for new arrivals, and maintained critical supply inventories, including intravenous solution kits and blood culture kits, ensuring that healthcare professionals had the necessary resources for urgent care. At Gracedale Nursing Home, I worked closely with dementia residents, assisting with daily activities such as eating, grooming, and mobility, while also providing social connection, emotional support, and cognitive stimulation. Through these experiences, I have gained insight into both acute and long-term care, recognizing the importance of compassion, attentiveness, and human connection in healthcare settings. More than anything, this work has provided me with experiential learning opportunities while also allowing me to give back to my community, strengthening my commitment to service and patient advocacy while I pursue my passion for medicine. |
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| Athletic Activity/Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| Gold Medalist, Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, Women’s Frosh/Novice Four w/Coxswain |
1 year |
During my first year at Lafayette, I joined the crew team while recovering a severed tendon in my dominant hand. Committed to my team’s shared goals, I pushed myself to be a driving force in our boat, balancing recovery with the demands of a highly competitive sport. By the end of my first semester, I earned a seat in the women’s novice varsity four, and our crew’s dedication and teamwork culminated in winning gold at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, the largest collegiate regatta in the United States. While I ultimately stepped away to focus on my leadership role in Refugee Action, the discipline, trust, and camaraderie I developed on the water continue to shape my collaborative spirit and tenacity in pursuit of excellence. |
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| Special Interest Activity/Award |
Total years participated |
Briefly describe your involvement |
| McKelvy Scholar Program |
3 years |
For the past three years, the McKelvy Scholars Program has been a space for me to engage in interdisciplinary exploration and community building through thoughtful discussion and shared learning. As a scholar, I have helped foster a residential environment that extends intellectual engagement beyond the classroom, organizing and participating in weekly discussions and community initiatives. I have hosted discussions on diverse topics, including the ethics of mandatory reporting, the philosophical integration of Thomas Hobbes’ social contract theory, and the perception of meritocracy, drawing over 50 student and faculty attendees at each discussion. Additionally, as a member of the executive board, I have worked to connect McKelvy with the broader campus community, helping to organize keynote watch parties and post-discussion dinners where scholars could reflect, share insights, and engage in deeper dialogue. Through these experiences, McKelvy has not only strengthened my intellectual curiosity but also deepened my commitment to creating spaces where conversation and critical thinking thrive. |
| St. Luke’s Pre-medical Oberservership |
1 semester |
Seeking opportunities to expand my understanding of medicine and patient care, I connected with the Pre-Health Professions Program at Lafayette, which encouraged me to apply for this program. Through hands-on engagement with physicians, I gained invaluable insight into patient interactions, healthcare challenges, and the nuances of compassionate care. Wanting to give back in a meaningful way, I also pursued volunteer work in the St. Luke’s emergency department, ensuring that my learning was coupled with reciprocity—both gaining from and contributing to the communities I engaged with. This experience not only solidified my passion for medicine as my future vocation but also strengthened my intellectual curiosity and personal growth, broadening my perspective on the human experience and reinforcing my commitment to medicine as a field of both knowledge and service. |
| Lafayette College Association of Visual Arts (LAVA) member |
4 years |
For the past four years, I have been a member of the Lafayette Association of Visual Arts (LAVA), a community that has fostered my creativity and provided a space for artistic exploration. Collaborating with LAVA and the McKelvy Scholar Program, I helped organize Chalkfest, a community-wide event that brought together Paxinosa Elementary School students and the greater Lafayette community to engage in artistic expression. Seeing art create a shared space for connection reinforced its role as a unifying and transformative experience, inspiring me to carry this mindset into my programming as a Resident Advisor and incorporate creative activities that give my residents opportunities for self-expression and connection. |
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