University of Maryland School of Medicine

At URI: B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry. At URI, I was a lead chemistry tutor at the Academic Enhancement Center. I also worked in the Ross lab, volunteered as a pre-health ambassador, volunteered through the Alternative Spring Break program, and volunteered through URI EMS. Off-campus, I worked in two immunology labs and a clinical research lab. I also shadowed prescribers and volunteered at the Rhode Island Free Clinic. Additionally, I worked as a nationally certified pharmacy technician.

After graduating: Upon graduating from URI, I relocated to Maryland to work full-time in research as a post-baccalaureate research fellow at the NIH. My primary project fell under the category of natural products research and focused on developing a novel method for discovering possible drug candidates to treat TB. Some of the smaller side projects that I conducted involved examining mutations in clinically resistant strains of Mtb and performing organic synthesis of compounds with potential to inhibit Mtb growth. Outside of the lab, I volunteered for the DC Rape Crisis Center and tutored high school and college students in STEM courses. In a few weeks, I will be starting medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Lila’s Advice: To incoming students, I would advise them to listen to the pre-health advisors here. These advisors have accumulated knowledge through many years of both experience and book-learning, and they tailor their advice based on the strengths and growth areas of individual students.

How was pre-health advising a service to you?

I cannot express my gratitude enough towards the pre-health advising team. When I first arrived at URI, I did not have a solid grasp on how to demonstrate the professional competencies required of medical school applicants. Dr. Simmons made specific recommendations, which served as a very clear guide while I was exploring the possibility of a career in medicine.