About Me

During spring break of 2023, I participated in a transformative volunteer experience in Riobamba, Ecuador. Working closely with local physicians, our diverse team provided essential healthcare services to indigenous communities, heavily affected by civil conflict and systemic healthcare barriers. Part of our approach involved assessing each city uniquely to implement changes that could have a lasting impact on their health outcomes.

While we were there, we also collaborated on infrastructural projects; together, we helped build the foundation of a house, illustrating an exceptional demonstration of teamwork towards a shared goal. This experience took place in an unfamiliar cultural context, requiring me and the team to adapt and learn about the local way of life. The richness of their culture, food, customs, and resilience despite adversities were humbling learnings for me, significantly increasing my global and cultural awareness.

This transformative volunteer experience in Riobamba, Ecuador vividly illustrates my dedication to the competencies of Global/Cultural Awareness and Teamwork. It represents my commitment to enhancing Global/Cultural Awareness, as I immersed myself in an unfamiliar cultural context, fostering a deep appreciation for their customs and resilience. Additionally, I demonstrated my ability to work effectively as part of a team with the shared goal of serving indigenous communities, overcoming challenges, and fostering community development. This experience underscored that these competencies are not just abstract concepts but vital proficiencies for effective communication and community betterment.

Engineering Competencies: Global/Cultural Awareness and Teamwork

I pursued a grant with the aim of furthering my professional development as a dedicated Michigan Medicine employee. During this endeavor, I identified a critical operational inefficiency within our clinical trials processes. This inefficiency stemmed from the traditional practice of having both a laboratory technician and a phlebotomist physically present on-site. This arrangement led to a myriad of issues, including errors and miscommunication, which in turn jeopardized the integrity of our clinical trials.

In response to this challenge, I envisioned a streamlined and innovative approach. I proposed a comprehensive solution that would transform our clinical trial unit into a one-stop shop, where I would take on the dual role of drawing blood from patients and processing it myself. This approach not only promised to significantly enhance operational efficiency but also ensured the highest level of patient comfort and care. I emphasized the need for this approach to include rigorous training for me to assume the phlebotomist role to maintain patient safety and quality.

This initiative clearly demonstrates my commitment to the Engineering Competency of Leadership, as it seeks to cultivate an environment where shared goals are embraced, and teamwork is encouraged to drive collective success. Moreover, it showcases my unwavering dedication to Lifelong Learning, as I recognized and addressed a knowledge and skill deficit within our clinical trials process and actively pursued the necessary skills and expertise to bring about this positive change in our healthcare practices.

Engineering Competencies: Leadership and Lifelong Learning