I wish to be a part of the program to gain further experience in biomedical research and in presenting my research coherently and concisely. The mentorship and networking inherently in the program are invaluable, along with the lifelong friendships with other members of the program who will one day become significant figures in the scientific world. Not to mention the fascinating work being done in the Vanderbilt laboratories and the connections to other important work being done in the local and global scientific communities, which I would have access to as a participant of the program. I feel that I would be capable of bridging the gap between worlds. After growing up in Taos and having spent the last two years at Vassar, I have lived among people ranging across the socioeconomic spectrum. Taos is a town full of chem-trail conspiracy theorists, anti-GMO and anti-vaccine activists, and other alt-left movements that often pick and choose their science to support their beliefs. As a member of the program, I would be able to provide insight into communicating science to members of society who may not be as scientifically literate as …show more content…
It has helped me to become more open minded and to develop a more compassionate moral philosophy. I feel that this has better equipped me to actively participate in conversations with other interns, and with the distinguished professors brought in by the program. It has also opened my eyes to unique and specific problems that each minority group faces. While, to many, this makes me an easily offended millennial, it also makes me more aware of the effects of my words and privileges and of how I can aid my peers in a respectful way that helps everyone move forward and helps to level the playing field so that issues of equity are being dealt with as opposed to issues of