During my time at Columbia University, I was involved in research and academia. I worked in the Robotics and Rehabilitation Laboratory under Dr. Sunil Agrawal and in the Small Scale Mechanics Laboratory under Dr. Jeffrey Kysar. These professors have greatly impacted my passion for research and extremely supportive in my decision to pursue higher education in Mechanical Engineering, with emphasis on Bioengineering. I hope to conduct further research in engineering applications in hearing medicine. Last year, I was elected senior class representative of my school’s Engineering Student Council (ESC). I was in charge of advocating for the engineering student’s concerns to the administration as well as hosting the senior class bonding and events. I also served as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

I have the honor of being Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has sponsored my entire undergraduate career. The foundation will also sponsor my Ph.D. studies as well. This scholarship has allowed me to pursue my goals of developing new technology and insights into hearing research and otolaryngology. I wish to improve the lives of hearing-impaired children all over the world through my research. At Columbia University, I have been selected to be a Senior Marshal, an honor bestowed upon members of the graduating class who have demonstrated achievement in their academics and extracurricular activities. I have been awarded the King’s Crown Leadership Excellence Award for my contributions to the community at Columbia University.

I will be pursuing my Ph.D. studies at Georgia Tech in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Bioengineering. Eventually, I hope to become a professor or researcher involved in expanding engineering insights to hearing medicine.

I am most proud when I can help defy the negative preconceptions of deaf people. Whether it is taking on leadership roles at a mainstream school like Columbia or mentoring deaf children and consulting concerned parents of children with hard of hearing, I am passionate about defying such expectations in hopes of empowering deaf children by expanding their horizons.

Also, I am most proud to see other deaf scholars pursuing and accomplishing their goals and aspirations without bounds. I am extremely honored to be a part of the AG Bell Community.