Building the Foundations of Patient-Centered Healthcare
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
I earned my Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA credential through the National Healthcareer Association, demonstrating my ability to translate biomedical knowledge into hands-on patient care. Through clinical training, I learned to work under pressure in high patient volume settings manage medical emergencies and assist with laceration suturing, all while maintaining accuracy and patient safety. I developed essential skills including vital signs, triaging, sterile technique, medical documentation, phlebotomy and patient-centered professionalism, and I applied these skills in diverse clinical environments interacting with patients and healthcare team members. This experience strengthened my interpersonal communication, professional responsibility, and ability to perform clinical procedures efficiently under stress. Completing CCMA certification demonstrates my readiness to handle complex clinical responsibilities independently and collaboratively, positioning me as a skilled and prepared future Physician Assistant capable of integrating patient care with professional healthcare standards.
Emerging Expertise in Translational Genetics Research and Clinical Application
Over the past four years I have developed emerging expertise in translational biomedical research genetics and clinical application. And I have strengthened my scientific communication and interpersonal skills by presenting my research at local regional and national conferences including IU Student Research and Creativity Day IUURC and ABRCMS.
LSAMP Research Poster: Femur Innervation in Down Syndrome Mouse Models
This research poster represents three years of work investigating sensory and sympathetic nerve fiber innervation in the femurs of Down syndrome mouse models in Dr. Roper's lab. My project examined how altered peripheral nervous system signaling may contribute to skeletal deficits observed in Down syndrome. Through this work, I developed proficiency in PCR, electrophoresis, immunofluorescent staining, perfusion, confocal microscopy, ImageJ quantification, and statistical analysis. Presenting this research strengthened my ability to communicate complex neurobiological findings clearly and professionally while demonstrating technical precision and analytical reasoning. To read more about my research experiences click here.
Natural Antimicrobials Research Poster: Essential Oils and Staphylococcus aureus
I conducted a Microbiology Honors project investigating the inhibitory effects of mint, rosemary, and lavender essential oils on Staphylococcus aureus growth. This project allowed me to design and execute carefully controlled experiments, develop proficiency in bacterial culturing aseptic technique quantitative data collection and analysis, and present results in a professional scientific format. Through this experience, I strengthened my scientific communication and interpersonal skills by sharing findings with peers and faculty and learned to plan experiments systematically interpret results rigorously and present conclusions clearly. The project took place in the Honors microbiology lab during Spring 2025 junior year under Dr Kathleen Marrs, providing a structured environment to apply critical thinking attention to detail and problem-solving skills. This experience demonstrates my ability to apply laboratory techniques across biological systems analyze data accurately and communicate scientific findings effectively, reinforcing my preparation for research and clinical applications in patient-centered healthcare.
Together, these experiences demonstrate my emerging expertise in translational biomedical science, which bridges the laboratory and the clinic. My research taught me to ask meaningful scientific questions, plan experiments thoughtfully, and interpret data rigorously, while my clinical training allowed me to apply biomedical knowledge directly in patient care. Both experiences strengthened my communication skills and reinforced the importance of collaboration, professionalism, and critical thinking. As I pursue a career as a Physician Assistant, these skills and experiences provide a foundation for integrating research insights with patient-centered healthcare, preparing me to improve outcomes and contribute meaningfully to the field.