Major: Forensic Science and Pre-Med
Year in School: Freshman
Hometown: Papillion, Nebraska
Please describe your big idea in a few sentences.
My big idea is the lung/trachea sleeve that will detect when asthma attacks occur and relieve the symptoms. It is a surgically placed sleeve with micro-sensors that releases anti-inflammation medication. My goal is to help individuals with asthma live an improved quality of life.
What impact do you want to have on the world?
I will impact the world by starting with my community. Volunteering is an amazing opportunity to give back, and I will do that as I’ve been volunteering for a very long time. Since I was a little girl, volunteering and giving back has been a standard. I had many opportunities to help out in homeless shelters in my local hospital as a teenager. In the future, I hope to voluntarily offer medical assistance to low-income and homeless individuals and families. By helping the members of the community that need it most, I hope to inspire others to do the same.
How has the Change Maker scholarship and CASNR community helped you discover your passion and grow your skills?
The Change Maker scholarship has helped me strengthen my passion for medicine. Research is a growing aspect of medicine that I am being introduced to through this scholarship. It is steering my growth in ways that I did not know it could. I take a couple of classes on East Campus and the CASNR community has been more than welcoming. My peers and professors are very kind, approachable and helpful. I am beyond happy to be a Change Maker in the CASNR Community.
How has your mentor/mentors shaped your experience thus far?
Professor Wachs is an amazing mentor who has been instrumental in steering me on the right path for the project. Because this scholarship offered me my first opportunity in research, I didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, Professor Wachs is a brilliant and experienced biomedical engineer with a knack for research. I’m excited to work with her over the next few years!
What advice would you have for someone who is not sure if they should apply/if their idea is big enough?
My advice is to try. If you are unsure of your idea or if you should apply, you should still try. It is a powerful cliché, but you never what will happen if you don’t give yourself the opportunity. If your project doesn’t get chosen for this scholarship this year, that is okay. There is going to be another opportunity in the next year or in the future.