Danielle Grams is a Junior majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.  Danielle has a variety of interests including science, art, anthropology and international health.  After graduating from USF, Danielle seeks to obtain a medical degree and specialize in infectious diseases.  She aspires to work in medically underserved communities in the US and abroad.  

In the summer of 2009 and winter of 2010, Danielle traveled to Chaclacayo, Peru to volunteer at El Hogar San Francisco de Asis (St. Francis of Assisi Home), a home for destitute, ill children.  Danielle's time in Peru was both eye opening and inspiring.  One of the most difficult parts of serving in Peru was the day she assisted in taking one of the children to Lima to have blood drawn for pre-surgery testing.  The child was 6 years old but was the size of a 3 year old and was intellectually challenged, deaf and blind.  Danielle was responsible for holding the child completely still while blood was being drawn.  The little girl had no idea what was happening because she is deaf and blind.  All Danielle could do was hold her close and hope she knew someone was there for her.  Danielle's time in Peru has further solidified her desire to enter the field of international health and work with the medically underserved.   Recently, Danielle held a solo, 2 week exhibition at USF's Centre Gallery featuring photos and biographies of the children she collected while volunteering in Peru.  The exhibit had over 500 visitors and generated $1,500 for El Hogar.

While at USF, Danielle has been actively engaged in research.  From November 2009-December 2011 Danielle worked in the immunology lab of Dr. PK Epling-Burnette at Moffitt Cancer Center on projects related to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).  During the summer of 2010 and 2011, Danielle participated in Moffitt Cancer Center's Summer Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) internship, where she worked on an independent project exploring protein regulation and MDS.  Danielle worked 10-15 hours a week during the semester and 40-60 hours a week during the summer. 

In the summer of 2011, Danielle also participated in USF’s Globalization and Community Health Field School in Monteverde, Costa Rica.  Danielle spent 5 weeks in country conducting anthropology research on teen alcohol and tobacco use.  She enjoyed the opportunity to improve her Spanish and work with on a project relevant to the community’s needs.

Currently, Danielle is being mentored by Dr. John Sinnott, a USF College of Medicine professor and specialist in infectious diseases at Tampa General Hospital.  Through this mentorship Danielle has gained deeper insight into the field of medicine and a greater understanding of infectious diseases.

In addition to her research, Danielle is the Co-President of USF's Microbiology Club, is a member of the Premedical American Medical Student Association (PAMSA), Honors College Student Council (and volunteer committee) and Biology Club.  In August 2011 Danielle co-founded the student organization Timmy Global Health at USF (an international organization dedicated to access to healthcare and education).  Danielle also volunteers in the community for Best Buddies Tampa, having logged over 800 hours for various volunteer services since 2005.

When Danielle is not studying or participating in research, she enjoys biking, hiking and photography.  In the summer of 2010, Danielle completed a half century bike ride (50 miles).  Danielle also enjoys hiking and camping with her father in Utah and has hiked at locations such as: Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capital Reef National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Monument  Valley and the Grand Canyon.