my life story
I was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss shortly after birth. The loss is mild/moderate in my left ear, and severe/profound in my right ear.
At seven years old, I was diagnosed with a genetically unknown neuromuscular disease that resembles Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). This disease causes slow deterioration of the myelin sheath in my limbs, permanently damaging nerves.
To deal with these two conditions, I wear hearing aids in both ears, and use mobility devices. I used a walker and leg braces for a decade, until I became wheelchair-bound winter of 2023.
Work experience
Research Intern
(November 2024 - Present)
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
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Contributing to cutting edge research in the Disney Lab.
Education experience
B.S., Honors Biochemistry and Data Science
(August 2022 – Expected May 2026)
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University
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Delegate, National Model United Nations (NMUN)
Member, Honors College Judicial Board Council
Volunteer, Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Member, Leon Charney Diplomacy Program
Officer, Disabled Student Union (DSU)
Officer, Math Club
High School Diploma
(August 2018 – May 2022)
Bartram Trail High School
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President, Quill and Scroll Honor Society
President, Technology Club
AP Scholar
volunteer experience
State Ambassador of Florida
(2017 – 2019)
Muscular Dystrophy Association (Jacksonville, Florida)
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I volunteered many hours into raising money for neuromuscular disease research and patient care.
I did this by giving speeches at events and being involved with my local community to share my story and spread awareness.
I'm so grateful to say that I raised over $120,000 for the MDA!
Fundraising Volunteer
(2013 – 2021)
Muscular Dystrophy Association (National)
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Supported and ran MDA Gala, Muscle Walk, Boot Drive, and more private/public events, as well as my own fundraising teams.
Raised roughly $300,000 over seven years to support my disabled peers.
Unfortunately, the pandemic forced these events to pause. I hope to be involved again soon.
some personal fun facts
I'm a blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do.
I was born on July 2, 2004, so I am twenty years old.
I have lived in thirteen different houses during my lifetime.
I love researching new technology and making my own prototypes/solutions.
I have been wearing leg braces since I was eight years old and am now in a wheelchair.
My family has three Australian Shepherd dogs, five goats, five horses, four cats, and a bird!
I saved my mom’s life when I was four years old by spotting skin cancer patterns on her back, which helped ignite my love towards helping others.
During the fall of 2023, I took care of my grandmother for six months until she passed away. This exposed me to clinical environments including hospital, rehabilitation, and emergency settings.