Angela

Medicine

I attend Gonzaga University. I’m studying psychology on the pre-med track in order to prepare myself for medical school. Between taking classes and having fun with my friends, I hold a student assistant job in one of the offices on campus.

I am an officer for the Gonzaga Environmental Organization where I am able to share my passions for protecting our planet and promoting sustainability. I also volunteer at Seattle Children’s Hospital. In addition, I have volunteered with Campus Kitchens at Gonzaga providing meals to those in need.

I was born with Muscular Dystrophy (MD), a disease that causes significant weakness in all my muscles. The specific type of MD I have limits my ability to walk quickly and for long distances and to climb stairs. No doubt, living with MD has been a challenge. However, this disease has made me more aware of my abilities, which in turn makes me determined and capable of utilizing my college education to improve the lives of people and inspire others to push themselves, just as I have pushed myself.

My journey in STEM includes summer internships through the Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington. These were amazing experiences. I was able to work on experiments and gain valuable research experience. I studied the effects of cannabinoid receptor antagonists and agonists on slices of a mouse cerebral cortex to analyze activity in the brain. These experiences taught me that I still have so much to learn in my undergraduate career. My experience with the CNT has solidified my goals for the future in the field of medicine and possibly research as well. I hope to continue my work in the same lab and look forward to engaging in more complex research.

My post-college professional goals may change with time; however, my current plans are to enter the medical field and specialize in pediatrics or psychiatry. I hope to help people with conditions similar to mine.