Antonio Alvarez Valdivia

Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University

SoP Prompt: A statement (no hard limitation on length, but it’s better to keep them within two pages) is encouraged concerning your interest in undertaking or continuing graduate study, your reasons for wanting to study at Purdue, and your professional plans, career goals, and research interests. You also may explain any special circumstances applicable to your background and elaborate on your special abilities, awards (including fellowships), achievements, scholarly publications, and/or professional history. The graduate program to which you are applying may have additional requirements.

I grew up in Mexico, a country where scientific research is limited, and academic personnel in science and technology are considerably scarce. I was unfamiliar with graduate education. I knew that scientific research was a thing from movies and cartoons, but I did not know that I could become a scientist if I wanted to. With the goal of becoming an engineer, I started my high school education at the Center for Technical and Industrial Education (CETI) in Guadalajara, Mexico, where I worked towards an Engineering Technology Degree in Automation and Instrumentation. The curriculum at CETI prepares students to join the workforce right after high school. Although there were no opportunities to get involved in research there, this formative experience shaped my current interest in mechatronics and robotics. I enjoyed my vocational education at CETI, but my curiosity was pushing me to go further. I wanted to explore and understand advanced engineering technology and participate in its advancement. After moving to the US and pursuing undergraduate education at a research university, opportunities to get involved in research opened up, and my path to becoming a scientist took shape.

Since the beginning of my undergraduate education at Iowa State University, I have been continuously engaged in academic research by participating in summer REUs, performing research for credit, and joining the McNair Scholars Program, for which I was awarded as the 2019 Outstanding First-Year Scholar. From my participation in these research activities and my McNair preparation work, I experienced engineering research environments. I learned how to communicate research by performing multiple oral and poster presentations and worked on both independent and team-based research efforts. Considering my academic journey, extracurricular activities, and research experiences, I am confident that I am ready to become a graduate student in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University.

In my first research experience in the summer of 2018, I participated in the Multiscale Sensing Actuation and Imaging REU Program at Iowa State University. I worked with Dr. Jaime Juarez conducting research on developing a portable microscopy device for microrheology, bioanalytical sciences, and healthcare monitoring. A key outcome of my participation in Dr. Juarez’s lab that summer was the prototype construction and collection of data incorporated into a manuscript published in the Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science Journal. I continued my work with Dr. Juarez as my faculty mentor by participating in the McNair Scholars Program. This program has prepared me for graduate school through my involvement in research activities exploring topics such as microfluidics, interface and colloid science, additive manufacturing, and flexible electronics. Recently, we submitted another manuscript based on my work on 3D printed self-propelled composite floaters at Dr. Juarez’s lab to the Additive Manufacturing Journal. The variety of topics and research projects that I conducted under Dr. Juarez’s supervision has helped me understand the applicability of mechanical engineering studies, which enabled me to refine my research interests. From all of the projects, I especially enjoyed working on flexible electronics when we explored a simple fabrication method to produce flexible circuits using 3D-printed patterns to fabricate microchannels formed in polymer mixtures and filled with liquid metals, such as EGaIn and Gallium. From this project, I familiarized myself with different approaches to the fabrication of soft and flexible electronics, such as textiles, flexible plastic substrates, microfabrication and nanomaterials, origami and kirigami, and microfluidics/liquid metals. These strategies can be summarized in two categories: materials innovation, for which research is focused on developing stretchable and soft materials, and mechanical design, which aims to create unique structures that make non-stretchable materials deformable by strain. I am more interested in working on structural and mechanical design. Still, I also understand that a sophisticated mixture of material innovation and mechanical design would be a better approach for creating soft and flexible electronics.

My exploration of flexible electronics and its implications for soft and flexible robotics continued during the summer of 2019 when I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Fellowship in Sensor Technologies REU Program at the University of Pennsylvania. I worked under the supervision of Dr. Kevin Turner, performing research on flexible capacitive force sensors for robotic grippers. For this project, I worked independently on prototyping and testing flexible, parallel-plate capacitive sensors using polymers in different concentrations as both the dielectric material and substrates to hold copper electrodes that were cut using a mechanical cutter. The capacitance produced by the sensors ranged in between 1-20pF for dielectric layer thicknesses of 400μm-1.2mm. To measure and interpret such minuscule changes in capacitance, I had to test multiple electronic measuring systems, from a simple 555-timer circuit and a voltage divider capacitive circuit to a capacitance-to-digital converter. These sensors’ fabrication processes are more cost-effective and straightforward than other sophisticated methods that require microfabrication techniques. Sensors like these could potentially be used in robots for gripping applications. The sensors would provide feedback about whether the force applied to the object is adequate, hence controlling the grippers’ adhesion or pressure.

From my participation in both Dr. Juarez and Dr. Turner’s research groups, I have developed an interest in soft/flexible robotics and electronics. These recent technologies, inspired by the human body and other living organisms, may diversify the applications of robotics and electronics. I plan to continue my education towards a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on material innovation and mechanical design for soft/flexible robotics and electronic system for manufacturing, healthcare, and wearable technology. As a graduate student, I am interested in exploring solutions that look at nature as an inspiration for new mechanical/robotic designs and functional materials. I want to target my research work to applications that could provide sensing capabilities to robotic grasping technologies, potentially delivering better gripping and allowing for a broader range of robotic motions, manipulation tasks, and sensing capabilities. Because of my interests in developing soft robotics and flexible electronics, I would like to work with Prof. Chortos, Prof. Lee, Prof. Blumenschein, and Prof. Arrieta. Ultimately, I envision myself developing a professional career as an engineering research scientist, preferably in an academic setting, leading research efforts to innovate soft robotics and flexible electronics. One of my goals is to study and provide innovative solutions for applying flexible electronics and soft robotics on grasping systems and wearable technology that can be used by both robots and humans in environments where human-robot interaction is (or will be) implemented.

Another critical factor for my motivation to pursue graduate education is my desire to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. I appreciate diversity and understand its importance for the advancement of society and the promotion of new ideas. As a graduate student, I am interested in becoming a mentor for undergraduate minority students wanting to get involved in research. In my own experience, networking with faculty and graduate students from underrepresented groups inspires me to one day become a role model and a source of inspiration for future generations of scientists from underrepresented groups. I am fully committed to providing my enthusiasm and energy to reduce educational disparities for minority students by actively participating in any STEM community outreach and undergraduate research programs at the School of Mechanical Engineering.

I believe my research and academic experience, in addition to strong values such as discipline, patience, integrity, and passion for my research interests, have prepared me to become a successful doctoral student. I am eager to have a positive impact on cutting-edge research at the School of Mechanical Engineering. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life and career with a doctorate from Purdue University.

Liliana Delgado

Ph.D., Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha

SoP Prompt: The statement of purpose should state goals and objectives for seeking this degree. Please identify your area of focus and the name of the faculty advisor with whom you wish to work (maximum of 500 words).

Pursuing a Ph.D. has been a long-term goal of mine since before starting my undergraduate degree. I have always had a passion for learning and discovery and have always enjoyed the universal application and language of mathematics. Therefore, I decided to study mathematics and physics for my undergraduate degree. While these topics were intellectually fascinating, there was still a passionate component missing from my education. I decided to take a leap of faith and try a biomechanics course. Immediately, I knew this was the future career path for me. Concurrently, I was supporting and caring for my younger sister who was born with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare disease that leads to a lifetime of various disabilities and limitations. My sister has been a large motivator for me to learn and advocate for a more inclusive and accessible landscape for her to grow up in. With my newfound interest in biomechanics and my ongoing ambition to create a better world for my sister, I set out to find a graduate program to suit my interests.

Being born and raised in the Omaha area I was familiar with UNO and quickly became aware of the impressive and rigorous Biomechanics Department. Shortly after I connected with Dr. Jorge Zuniga to discuss a master’s degree. I was drawn to his lab due to its emphasis on designing prosthetics and primarily working with children. A year later, I began as a master’s student under Dr. Zuniga’s mentorship. Throughout the master’s program, I have been able to learn and grow as a student and scientist by leading EMG data collections, utilizing MATLAB for data processing, and advanced statistical analysis related to my project meanwhile designing and developing 3D-printed prosthetics for children with upper limb reductions and understanding the changes in muscle activity over time through prosthetic use. The coursework challenged me to understand the mechanisms underlying motor control and learning.

It was not long after I started my master’s that I knew I wanted to stay at UNO for a Ph.D. Under the continued mentorship of Dr. Zuniga, I hope to design, develop, and validate activity-specific devices for children with upper limb reductions utilizing EMG and fNIRS technology. My goal is to encourage prosthetic use, sports, and other activity participation, and assist with acts of daily living. My master’s education has laid a foundation for me to accomplish these goals.

Following the completion of a Ph.D., my long-term goal is to start a business to develop assistive devices and technology to help not only my sister but children of all abilities to create a better more inclusive world for them. My goals align well with the department’s mission to develop biomechanics-related technologies and improve all individuals’ quality of life. Upon acceptance to this prestigious program, I will be able to provide meaningful services and a scientifically driven approach to help all those in need of assistive technology who may lack access. With the continued support of Dr. Zuniga and this department, I can achieve these lofty goals.

Kayla Elmore

M.S., Animal Science, Iowa State University

SoP Prompt: Primarily, explain: 1. Your purpose for starting or continuing graduate study, 2. Why you want to study at Iowa State University, 3. Your professional plans, your career goals, and your research interests, and 4. Any experience that is particularly applicable to the program for which you’re applying.

Secondarily, elaborate on: 1. Any irregularities or special circumstances applicable to your application, 2. Your special abilities, awards, achievements, scholarly publications, and professional history as it relates to the program of interest, and 3. Any prior research information, or contact with specific Iowa State program faculty. Length: 500 words or less

At twenty-one years old, I have finally discovered the answer to a question that I have been asked many times, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. My first answer was written on a small piece of construction paper in elementary school with purple crayon: “I want to be the first veterinarian on the moon”. Although this goal was unrealistic, my determination and desire to be a veterinarian encouraged my academic and extracurricular interests. This motivated me to work at a veterinary clinic and influenced me to further my education and study animal science at Iowa State University.

The diverse experiences I have had at Iowa State have led me to apply to your Animal Nutrition Program. During my first year of college, my career goals and interests shifted when I took an anatomy and physiology laboratory course where we studied the organ systems in mammalian species. I am now a teaching assistant for this course due to my success in the course. Helping the students has also aided in my own learning and understanding of the subjects while allowing me to observe the role of a graduate student and the positive impact they can potentially have on student learning. In my sophomore year, an animal nutrition course led me to meeting Dr. Lance Baumgard, who is my faculty mentor for the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which prepares students for entry to graduate school and the attainment of the Ph.D. My involvement in a research project with Dr. Baumgard focusing on hind-gut acidosis caused by corn starch infusions in lactating dairy cattle sparked my current interests in animal nutrition and immunology. As a McNair Scholar, I worked with four of my peers on a social science research project that focused on mentoring in underrepresented students to grasp a better understanding on how a lack of cultural empathy affects a mentor/mentee relationship. The results of this research will allow us to assess the need for cultural empathy at predominantly white institutions. I have also traveled abroad to the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece where I conducted research under Dr. Kiki Zinoviadou, studying edible and antimicrobial coating applications as a mean to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and muscle foods. I was exposed to methodologies typically used in the field of food science and microbiology and gained experience in data and microbial analysis. This experience allowed me to conduct research independently, which I look forward to continuing as a graduate student.

Ultimately, as a RA, I have developed critical thinking, and analytical and data analysis skills and as a TA, I have gained a new perspective on classroom instruction and the importance of actively listening and conveying material effectively. As a McNair Scholar, I have learned research methods while conducting research with my faculty mentor and my McNair peers. I believe that these experiences make me a strong applicant for your master’s program in Animal Nutrition. My research interests closely match Dr. Elizabeth Bobeck on nutrition and immunological response in poultry.

Thank you for considering my application.

Mia

Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech

SoP Prompt: Why do you want to undertake graduate work? Why do you qualify to pursue a graduate degree?

I gained a keen connection to the environment in Jackson, Mississippi, where I’ve spent most of my life. There, I understood how each person played an important role in maintaining the health of their local environment. My experiences later solidified this mindset after witnessing the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Mississippi residents still live with the social and financial implications of this environmental disaster; many would argue that the quality of the water has still not been restored.

It wasn’t until I was in college that I began to understand the extent to which the Gulf Coast’s water quality had been compromised beyond the oil spill. In my classes we learned how poor agricultural practices led to the Gulf Coast’s “dead zone”. Learning this reminded me of the hesitancy I and others still have when swimming in the coastal waters. Due to my connection to the topic, I took an interest in water sustainability research at my school. This work would assist me in further defining my career goal of addressing environmental remediation. This is why I am interested in applying to the Environmental and Water Resources Engineering program at Virginia Tech.

My journey exploring these research topics began with working as a Ronald E. McNair Scholar with Dr. Elizabeth Swanner in a biogeochemistry lab where we studied the role of iron cycling bacteria in an intermittent local stream. Over the course of two years, I assisted in creating a database of the microbial communities present within our creek of study through on-site field sampling and RNA extractions. This project informed me on the uniqueness of small waterbodies, such as streams, and the role that microbes play in aquatic ecosystems. I was most compelled to work on this project after reviewing literature about the growing interest in the usage of iron reducing bacteria to degrade herbicides. Learning the important role these microbes could play in targeting pollutants in the runoff connected me to my overall research and career interest in watershed sustainability.

Beginning my senior year, I became involved with another research opportunity within our Environmental Engineering program working with Dr. Chris Rehmann. This research centered on stormwater management and emerging water contamination. In the lab, I gained experience testing the efficiency of sediment removal from improved bioretention cells used in a local suburban city. In addition to this, I worked through analytical solutions of differential equations to model the fate and transport of PFAS degradation in streams. Though this research was different from my microbiome research, it connected to a similar theme of improving water quality and environmental restoration.

Moving forward, I am excited to pursue my Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in Virginia Tech’s Environmental and Water Resource Engineering program. This program would provide me with integral skills and knowledge to help me apply my research interests in my career as an environmental engineer. My interest in environmental remediation most aligns with Dr. Jingqiu Liao’s research which focuses on ecosystem health and sustainability. By working on a similar project involving aquatic microbial communities, I would be able to deepen my understanding of the role that unique microbiomes play within ecosystems. By approaching environmental restoration using microbiology and engineering, I am confident that working with Dr. Liao would assist me in further developing a biological background that I can use in my career. My research and academic experiences have provided me with the tools to be a successful doctoral student in the future, and I look forward to starting my career with a graduate degree from Virginia Tech.

Toni Sleugh

Ph.D., Marine Biology, University of California, San Diego

SoP Prompt: State and justify your interest in research areas and Scripps faculty. Discuss why you are interested in these areas and how your experiences (academic or otherwise) are relevant to your continuing academic studies. Include any research experience or publications you have and list any skills not otherwise noted in your application. Explain why you chose to become a graduate student and why you chose the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. 

A longer version of the prompt can be found here: https://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/requirements/statement-of-purpose.html

Ever since I learned that most of the ocean is unexplored, I have wanted to help expand our limited knowledge of one of the most important and fascinating ecosystems on Earth. Even though I mostly grew up in landlocked states, I devoured every resource about marine life available, and I loved discovering more about the strange, alien-like life that exists in the oceans. The way that these organisms communicate and collaborate to survive in one of the most extreme environments on earth is both captivating and inspiring. However, the more I learned about marine life, the more I learned about the ways human society harms it. My passion for marine biology quickly grew into a passion for marine conservation. I feel called to better understand the ways in which we impact the ocean in our everyday lives and how to reduce those impacts. I am now applying to pursue a Ph.D. in Marine Biology at UC San Diego so that I am better equipped to holistically preserve marine ecosystems in a way that benefits both society and nature.

Throughout my undergraduate career, I have actively pursued opportunities to expand my knowledge about marine science research and its application to conservation. The summer after my freshman year, I completed an REU at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. I worked with Dr. Aran Mooney at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) on a project examining the impacts of increasing temperature and CO 2 concentrations on the swimming behavior of squid paralarvae. I reviewed videos of larval swimming behavior using Matlab, developed methods to quantify their activity, and analyzed data using R to visualize the results. Through that project, I learned about the research process, scientific communication, and applied science. Being able to think like a scientist both confirmed my love for marine science and piqued my interest in the power of science to inform policy around important environmental issues, such as climate change. After my REU, I was excited to get more experience in marine science research, especially focusing on climate change and ocean acidification.

To meet this goal, I applied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hollings Program. Through the Hollings Program, I worked as part of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s fisheries ecology branch with Dr. Chris Chambers. Because the in-person portion of my internship was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to quickly adjust to a new, virtual project that required more independence. I conducted a meta-analysis to determine how simulated ocean acidification impacted the biological responses of marine arthropods. I led a team to design a common approach, reducing discrepancies introduced by different data collection techniques, and developed new questions based on existing research. We collected and analyzed our data, created visualizations, and presented our completed project. Even though it was virtual, this project examined the impacts of ocean acidification on a broader scale than my previous REU project and allowed me to participate in the scientific process from start to finish. Reading and synthesizing knowledge from over 150 articles gave me the perspective to appreciate the importance of each individual study and their collective informative power. In the time leading up to this internship, I began making plans to attend graduate school in marine science.

To help me prepare for this goal, I also applied for the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program at ISU which provided me with more research opportunities and resources for graduate school preparation. As a McNair Scholar, I am working with Dr. Kevin Roe to reintroduce endangered freshwater mussels to their native habitat in Iowa rivers using an artificially propagated population. We are comparing propagated mussels to wild populations to determine whether they possess comparable genetic diversity before reintroduction. This research was interrupted by COVID-19, but this fall we have been placing propagated mussels into streams and monitoring the success of their populations. In my collaboration with Dr. Roe, I learned new laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis. I have also gotten the opportunity to do field work and monitor the growth of the propagated mussels and water quality in the streams in which they were placed. The applied nature of this project has encouraged me to branch out and learn more about freshwater habitats, a subject I was less familiar with than the marine ecosystems that have captured much of my scientific interest. I also value the wet lab and field experience in conservation research and seeing first-hand how science can positively impact damaged ecosystems.

Learning more about the science behind environmental change led me to get more actively involved with various sustainably-minded local and campus organizations. As the Director of Sustainability for Iowa State’s student government, my committee and I provided funding for student-led projects, developed our own initiatives, and often collaborated with the university’s Office of Sustainability. The project I am most proud of is the Climate Commitment Plan, a call to action for the university which encouraged them to commit to transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2035 and prioritize sustainable development. The plan passed the student government senate unanimously, and we received around 1,500 student and community member signatures on a petition supporting the plan. I have since become directly involved with the ISU chapter of Climate Reality, serving as chapter chair, and became part of the Ames Climate Action Team, a grassroots organization which advocates for sustainable development. Through this work, I was selected by the university president to serve as a member of the University Sustainability Committee which directly advises the president on issues of sustainability. Just this semester, the university approved a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half as a result of our work. It has been incredibly rewarding to see positive change on campus and in our community as a result of our hard work. Through these experiences, I have learned that environmental science does not exist in a vacuum. While research is incredibly important to conservation, it is essentially meaningless without policy changes and effective implementation. For this reason, I am committed to continuing to use my scientific knowledge to advocate for sustainable policies.

For the past few years, I have grappled with the choice between an academic career in marine biology and a more public-facing career in environmental policy. However, I am determined to merge these two interests and pursue a career in which I apply marine science research to develop effective policy solutions to real world problems. I want my research to be used not only to understand how our oceans are changing, but also to understand what we can do to combat that change and preserve one of our most precious resources. In the future, I would like to work as a marine policy analyst or science advisor for a governmental agency. I want to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of current marine conservation strategies and develop dynamic management practices that benefit everyone involved. Earning a Ph.D. will allow me to dive into the specific areas of marine conservation that I am interested in and develop the research and analytical skills I need for my future career. I am specifically interested in Scripps’ Marine Biology Program because of the opportunities it offers to integrate my passions for science and policy. Both Dr. Brice Semmens and Dr. Jennifer Smith both do research that closely matches that interest. These scientists work at the intersection of fundamental and applied science. While their research explores different aspects of marine ecology, they both do so in the context of conservation. This research, which aims to improve our understanding of positive and negative human impacts on marine ecosystems, is exactly the type of work that I want to be a part of.

Being a Black, queer woman and a child of immigrants means that I have a unique lived experience and am well versed with the challenges that come with being the minority, especially in the scientific community. I have continuously battled the negative stereotypes and microaggressions that come with existing in spaces with a lack of diversity. Although these experiences can be frustrating and discouraging, they are a large part of the reason why I continue to pursue a career in marine science. I know the value of representation for underrepresented minorities in STEM. My motivation comes not just for my own success or for my family, but also for all underrepresented students who aspire to be scientists. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have worked to build community amongst students of color by founding an organization which connects first year multicultural students with events and resources from other multicultural organizations. I am determined to improve inclusivity in higher education, specifically in STEM fields, and this is something I will continue to work on in my graduate degree and beyond. Future scientists from all backgrounds should feel confident, welcomed, and safe in their respective fields. I want to attend graduate school because I am deeply passionate about marine science and conservation, but also because I want to be an example to young scientists that their passions can become careers no matter what obstacles they may face. I believe that the diverse community at Scripps is the perfect environment for me to continue to develop both professionally and personally. I am excited about the opportunity to expand my knowledge and start the next step in my journey at UC San Diego.

Nadine Veasley

Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

SoP Prompt: Please use the Academic Statement of Purpose to describe (within 1000 words):  (1) the substantive scholarly questions you are interested in exploring in graduate study, (2) your academic background, intellectual interests, and any training, research, or other experiences that have prepared you for graduate study, (3) how our program would help you achieve your intellectual goals, (4) any specific faculty members, if applicable, whose research interests align with your own interests, and (5) your professional goals.

When I was a child, I would lock myself in the bathroom and mix a bunch of hair products together to see what would happen. I always knew I liked science and math, but I also enjoyed helping people as I have taken the role as caretaker throughout my life. As I got older, I took various jobs I healthcare including CNA and pharmacy technician but never felt as if I found my place. In high school is where I was first exposed to various types of research. Participating in programs such as the World Food Prize and science fairs set the foundation for the love of research I have today. For the World Food Prize, I was able to focus on the issue of cholera in Zimbabwe and I was able to continue to focus on underrepresented communities within my research by presenting at the Iowa State Conference of Race and Ethnicity where my research group and I presented on generational trauma in Native communities. While at Iowa State, I have been given multiple opportunities to do research including lab work. Last year, I started working with Dr. David Verhoeven because I was interested in previous work he had done with HIV and the gut microbiome. I continue to work with him today as we try to utilize an mRNA vaccine to induce immunity to the HIV entry protein gp120.

When looking for summer research opportunities, Dr. Verhoeven recommended Dr. Michael Wannemuehler. After reaching out, I became an undergrad research assistant in his lab with continued to lead me to more research opportunities. In addition to doing basic lab maintenance, taking care of the mice, and assisting the graduate students on their research projects, I started working with Dr. Albert Jergens. I continue to work with Dr. Jergens today as well where I perform fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to then look at the special orientation and counts of specific bacteria in the gut of canine and murine tissues (depending on the study).

I am very thankful for and have enjoyed each one of the research opportunities I have been given. By continuing to explore various areas in microbiology and in research in general, I have found that I am most interested in the gut microbiome. I have the specific goal of trying to improve the health of people by manipulating the gut microbiome weather that be through diet, probiotics, or even fecal transplants.

I am applying to the Nutritional Sciences PhD program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign because of the interdisciplinary nature of the program as well as the vast amount of extensive research opportunities. I consider myself an interdisciplinary individual as I have researched areas ranging from generational trauma to ulcerative colitis in gnotobiotic mice, giving me a blend of unique experiences. The research in the various areas I have experienced has also given me transferable skills that I will use in your program and the future. I know that the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will support my investigation of the gut microbiome and how the environment and diet influence an individual’s health. Some of the professors within the program with research that most align with my own interests include Dr. Bryan White, Dr. Hannah Holscher, and Dr. Sharon M Donovon. I look forward to leveraging the expertise of these professors to prepare myself for a research career and achieve my career goals. I want my research to be applicable, and I feel continuing to gain a more in-depth understanding of diet and gut microbes in your program is the best way I can do that.

Derrick Garth

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Iowa State University

SoP Prompt: Primarily, explain: 1. Your purpose for starting or continuing graduate study, 2. Why you want to study at Iowa State University, 3. Your professional plans, your career goals, and your research interests, and 4. Any experience that is particularly applicable to the program for which you’re applying.

Secondarily, elaborate on: 1. Any irregularities or special circumstances applicable to your application, 2. Your special abilities, awards, achievements, scholarly publications, and professional history as it relates to the program of interest, and 3. Any prior research information, or contact with specific Iowa State program faculty.

My realization that being Black meant being different occurred early in life. Growing up in Marshalltown, Iowa, I was one of only a handful of Black kids in my grade and had no Black teachers. I was surrounded by whiteness everywhere other than at home and at my church. This experience alone resulted in racial challenges every day. One way my family battled these challenges was by being heavily reliant on our religious beliefs and involved in a majority Black church. My experiences at my home church were some of my most enjoyable times growing up. This was a place where I could forget about my worries and challenges and congregate in a spiritual environment that brought me peace.

The challenges of racism and oppression that I will continue to face in my life are shared challenges that all Blacks face. Given the significance of religion and spirituality in the Black community, it crucial to examine this intersection. I am interested in how they can promote coping and psychological well-being in the lives of Black people more generally. The literature investigating the intersection of religion and spirituality and Black psychological well-being is limited, and I am committed to bridging this gap. Through my research, I hope to understand and reveal the protective factors for preventing and reducing psychological distress in Black communities, leading to prevention and intervention measures resulting in Black resilience. It is to achieve this goal that I am applying to Iowa State University’s Counseling Psychology Program.

I have solidified my research interests throughout my undergraduate career across various research experiences. At the beginning of my junior year and my first semester as a McNair Scholar, I collaborated with my faculty mentor, Dr. Nathaniel Wade, in the Network Community Counseling Lab at Iowa State University. With this being my first in-depth research experience, I was enticed to work with Dr. Wade due to his research on multiculturalism, religion, and spirituality in psychology. Together we examined the roles that parental communication, childhood sexual abuse, and other adverse childhood experiences play in later relationship quality among Black women. I discovered that parental communication about sex through ages 10-18 was associated with greater warmth in romantic relationships later in life. Throughout this project, I discovered my passion for researching the Black community through psychological research and looking into protective factors of healthy relationships in Black families. The ability to reveal protective factors in this research project could, in the future, contribute to prevention measures regarding healthy relationships in Black communities. This project highlighted the value of parental communication about sex and, more specifically, communication about sex in relation to religious values in mother-daughter relationships within the Black family. This is where my interest was sparked in looking deeper into the role religion and spirituality play in the psychological well-being of Black people. I was intrigued due to my prior knowledge of how spirituality and religion can bring a sense of security and meaning to the Black community. Being able to conduct and present this research project helped to define my purpose and provided my “why” for studying the field of psychology. I was inspired by how much this profession might help my community. The ability to contribute and research this area of psychology that is commonly forgotten or dismissed is all the justification I needed to pursue this field.

My participation with Dr. Wade’s lab inspired my current independent research project further exploring resilience factors in the Black community. Specifically, this project examines the intersectionality of religion and the Black experience revolving around discrimination and racial identity. As this project is ongoing, I am in the process of examining the role of religious commitment and racial identity as protective measures against the psychological distress that often results from the discrimination and racism that Black individuals endure. This project is important in my transition from undergrad to graduate school because it provides an opportunity for me to conduct my own research based on my specific research interests.

In addition to my strong commitment to progressing in research, I have also dedicated myself to campus involvement, where I am involved in serving culturally diverse students. I am employed as an ISU Resident Advisor, and I also serve as a diversity, equity, and inclusion programing (DEI) resident advisor. My DEI position grants me the opportunity to provide initiatives and programs in which I provide a safe environment for all residents from various social backgrounds. Additionally, I work closely with campus organizations and staff members to provide resources available to students to best support their experiences in college. This experience alone has provided me with various opportunities to impact my campus.

My undergraduate research experiences and a strong commitment to Black psychological well-being rooted in Black identity development, culture, and racial justice, have influenced my research interests and career goals. My interest in Iowa State University’s Counseling Psychology Program is rooted directly in its faculty and the program’s emphasis on training in research and becoming a practitioner. This setting would best prepare me for an academic career involving research, teaching, and work as a practitioner. I would like to work under the supervision of David Vogel because of his research examining stigma and attitudes regarding psychological health and therapy seeking. I plan to research protective factors of Black psychological well-being and the stigma associated with seeking psychological help in the Black community in relation to religious and spiritual beliefs. Studying this intersection would result in a better understanding of the effects and stigma associated with spirituality and religion, given the historical role it plays in the Black community. Examining potential protective factors would prepare me to create community planning and outreach that would lead to prevention measures among the Black community.

Upon completing a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology, I intend to work as a professor exploring the intersectionality between the Black experience, religion, and spirituality while also applying my findings through clinical supervision. Iowa State University’s Counseling Psychology Program will best maximize my development in the field of psychology and prepare me to achieve my goals. Ultimately, I want to be in a program where my identity is valued, and Iowa State University seems to fit just that.

Autumn Pauley

Ph.D., Global Health, Arizona State University

SoP Prompt: No specific prompt

I was in ninth grade my dad was diagnosed with leukemia. After his diagnosis my family shifted our diet, making everything from scratch in order to lower my dad’s consumption of processed food. The shift in his diet drastically changed his energy and joint health leading him to be able to walk more during his chemotherapy. Witnessing first-hand how dietary changes had a huge impact on the body influenced how I viewed food and taught me the importance of understanding how food affects human health. After seeing this transition, I also noticed that different cultures had various ways of healing the body through diet. A year later, I was fortunate to visit China. One experience that stood out was how people in the villages interacted with food and how they used food as medicine. For example, they only offered us hot water because they believed it would help the digestive system process food. Seeing how people in China viewed food and the changes in my father’s health when changing our diet helped me connect the dots on why food was so important for our health. After identifying my interest in food and health, I was intrigued to see how it affected the well-being of women, specifically when it comes to menstruation and pregnancy.

This topic became personally important to me during my undergraduate education when I had to visit the emergency room due to my own health issues regarding menstruation. However, because the condition was so rare, I had to go to three different emergency rooms before I was properly diagnosed. I was extremely alarmed that none of the doctors had ever heard of the condition, and in fact, they had to look it up during my exam. This experience only fueled my interest in women’s health because I had to fight for my own well-being to be taken seriously.

My specific interest in lactation began after I read an article about the relationship between breastfeeding and childhood illness. The authors found that children who were breastfed did not get as sick when they were in daycare because they received nutrients to fight off bacteria from the breast milk they were given. I was able to connect this article to my own time working in a daycare after thinking about which children got sick more often. Since I was in charge of feeding the children, which entailed defrosting the milk and warming it up for the child, I could clearly see that those who were breastfed were less frequently ill.

With this understanding of the relationship between breastfeeding and illness, I wanted to better understand how lactation plays a role in the development of children. I read more articles and was fascinated with how women’s bodies can develop to take care of their offspring. My emerging interest coincided with the formula shortage and the Covid-19 pandemic, further highlighting the importance of lactation and why we need to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind it to ensure we are making advancements in providing for future generations. Due to these interests, I am applying to the Global Health program at Arizona State University.

During my undergraduate career, my coursework and readings have exposed me to the cultural and biological diversity present within our species. The combination with my lingering desire to learn more about the human diet led me to my current interest in the anthropology of women’s health as it is understood within cross-cultural and evolutionary perspectives. In particular, I became deeply interested in the topic of lactation, especially from a cross-cultural perspective, and I started listening to podcasts, TED talks, and YouTube videos about the variations in lactation. From my research on the topic, I realized that, in addition to food anthropology, women’s health is extremely important to me and I want to give people answers about their body in order to create a sense of empowerment within women and their communities. Although women make up the majority of the population and play an important role in the development of any community, their health often is not as valued compared to their male counterparts. It is important to me to help identify health issues that women are facing because it would allow them to be seen and understand the mechanism of their bodies. I have heard plenty of stories about women not being taken seriously about their health from medical professionals; as a result they needed to go online and post in a group discussion to find answers about their bodies. By understanding more about how the body is able to adapt to changes in order to provide for their child, my career goal is to empower women to make their own choices when it comes to their child’s health and their bodies.

Currently I am working with Dr. Andrew Somerville in the Paleoecology Laboratory at Iowa State University. My work focuses on stable isotope analysis of different animal bones from several regions and time periods. I have done collagen and mineral apatite stable isotope analysis on animal bones in order to understand the amount of plants, meat, and water ingested. The laboratory research activities I have performed have provided me with skills relevant to both anthropological and STEM research. Working in the laboratory has also given me confidence to develop my own anthropological research and begin to question our methodological approaches. As a part of my own lab experiment, I am testing different laboratory protocols with various acid concentrations to investigate how they affect the resulting stable isotope values. The goal of this project is to test different research methodologies within the laboratory in order to understand how we can change the methods to improve our sample results.

In addition to my laboratory research, I am proud to have also engaged in research on college students’ mental health. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, I worked with a small team to understand the mental health of graduate students. Our research focused on underrepresented students, including people of color, LGBTQ+, low-income, and nontraditional students. To gain deeper insight of their experiences, we created a demographic survey and held a focus group with students where they discussed the challenges of graduate school and their motivations for going. Through our work, we understood that there are many setbacks, and the stresses of people with these identities were exacerbated depending upon the access to university resources and their relationships with peers. From this research I gained a better understanding of how to conduct human subjects research. The participants discussed the roles they play in their own health and motivation, which was eye opening in the sense that I gained resources and tools to utilize when I might be struggling in graduate school. Doing this research has shown me how to work with a small community to understand their perspective without interjecting my own narrative.

As President of Iowa State University’s Anthropology Club, I have engaged students with anthropologically themed activities and experiences that are not a part of our undergraduate curriculum. I have collaborated with other students and faculty to create new lesson plans and do extensive outreach to get more students involved within the community. I have involved more students in leadership roles by creating new officer positions to help represent each subfield and to ensure that we are serving the whole anthropology community to the best of our abilities. Through my positions, I have been dedicated to helping students to achieve their goals and to presenting tools, resources, and guest speakers to help the students achieve them. While president, I have also worked with different companies and organizations to raise money for increased personal development within the club. I have striven to ensure that all of the members inside of the club have felt heard while maintaining a fun atmosphere.

While pursuing a Ph.D. and beyond, I would like to study breast milk in order to understand how hormonal makeup is different across different communities. Specifically, I would like to center my research on the ecology of lactation, particularly in topics such as variation in lipid content of milk between populations living in different environments. The Global Health program will help me to gain new skills when it comes to field work while allowing me to gain new global perspectives regarding healthcare in different regions. Additionally, it will show me different ways women care for their children, which may have different development effects on the child. Since there is not one set way to obtain samples in the field of lactation studies, I would like to develop and test my own methods to find the best way to create the highest yield and culturally appropriate sampling methods for breast milk. I would like to work with Dr. Katie Hinde due to their work in mammalian breastfeeding. Specifically, Dr Hinde’s approach in studying cultural dynamics in breastfeeding will aid me in studying the ecological adaptations of Native Americans in Arctic regions.

After obtaining my Ph.D. I would like to either work for a university or a private laboratory where I can mentor other first-generation and underrepresented students. Since we are living in an increasingly digitized world where different narratives are being pushed onto women regarding their own health, I hope to help others make informed decisions and further understand the power of their own bodies. By empowering women, I hope to inspire other young women who question themselves in a STEM field to push boundaries and their own beliefs to show that they can stay true to themselves. Inspiring and helping others has and always will be at the forefront of what I do. I always want to motivate others to be the best person they can be and not limit themselves to societal constraints.

During my first two years of college, I struggled greatly with adjusting to college during the pandemic due to the transition to virtual classes and my own health concerns. I recognize that my undergraduate GPA does not meet Arizona State University’s requirements; however, my time spent at Central College and Des Moines Area Community College better reflect my achievements and ability to succeed in my coursework. Overall, my time spent on research, leadership positions, and my collective coursework at different institutions I have attended are a better reflection of my true abilities and determination to be successful in graduate school.

Lal Thangi

Master of Public Health, Health Management and Policy, Emory University

SoP Prompt: 1,500 Words or less, summarize relevant experience, explain what you hope to achieve with your public health degree; explain the reason why you would like to attend Rollins School of Public Health.

My initial interest in healthcare started from witnessing Myanmar’s lack of medical care and the urgent need for healthcare workers. Being born in a third-world country comes with many challenges. On top of food and water scarcity, we immensely lacked access to medicine. We did not have over-the-counter medicine for emergency use. We had to travel hours by bicycle for treatments just to get in an endless line. Prices for medications were unaffordable.

Due to the civil wars, my family was forced to leave Myanmar in 2010. I was ten when we settled in Malaysia with the United Nations Asylum as refugees. That’s when I faced the most adversity and navigated the unknown as a child. Everything was foreign to us. My parents made incredible sacrifices for my education by working from early morning until night, seven days a week. Because my parents did not have a high school education, they had limited language skills. I was responsible for communicating in different settings, such as grocery shopping, clinic visits, and job interviews. For instance, I remember my mom suffering from severe stomach pain due to appendicitis. We took an hour bus ride to the hospital and stayed in the emergency room all night. I took on the role of translating without the knowledge of medical terms. Unfortunately, we could not afford the operation and my mom was only given painkillers to help with the pain. She did not get her appendix removed until we arrived in the United States in 2015. Unfortunate circumstances like this have enhanced my passion for gaining knowledge and skills in public health to help those who face similar issues.

Since arriving in the US in 2015, I have lived in a refugee community where most elders do not speak English or know about their healthcare resources, specifically insurance policies. I have served as a translator for many individuals to overcome existing language barriers and express the importance of medical knowledge for my community. Through these experiences, I have recognized my passion for addressing the healthcare system and issues that impact immigrant communities.

In 2019, I completed my advanced CNA training as I graduated from high school. Working as a CNA at a hospital and nursing home, I gained an understanding of the complexities of the medical system. For instance, I met many patients who were not able to speak English, and I noticed the differences in the quality of care they received compared to patients who could advocate for their own needs. In nursing homes, minority elders who were not able to express their basic needs, such as requesting blankets, pillows, and food, were perceived as needier than others when asking for assistance. I’m convinced it is our responsibility as healthcare workers to advocate for those at a disadvantage.

Additionally, my experience working at the Methodist Medical Center Hospital during the rise of COVID-19 taught me the importance of good collaboration among all healthcare workers. For instance, we had an older adult from my community who was admitted to the floor where I worked. While I wasn’t assigned to her, I overheard the nurse asking if anyone spoke the Mizo language because she couldn’t communicate in English, and I immediately went to help. By speaking Mizo, I was able to help the patient and providers communicate to ensure the patient’s concerns were properly addressed. When it comes to saving lives and improving population health, everyone has a vital role to play, especially healthcare providers from diverse backgrounds. My direct patient care experience has taught me that I aspire to increase diversity in healthcare and have more minority-owned facilities. Thus, improving healthcare literacy among immigrant communities has been my focus throughout my educational journey to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.

During the summer of 2020, I was accepted to the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at the University of Iowa. While participating in SHPEP, I was introduced to public health and its role in improving population health. I was intrigued to learn about the various health management sectors, and it was confirmation that I would be fulfilling my purpose by pursuing a degree in HMP. Coming into college as a first-generation student, this was the first time I learned about the field of public health. In fact, because of this experience, I changed my major from psychology to community and public health within the Kinesiology Department.

In the summer of 2022, I was honored to participate in a 10-week intensive summer program, the Future Public Health Leaders Program (FPHLP), at the University of Michigan. In FPHLP, I acquired in-depth, fundamental knowledge of public health and other healthcare professions. It equipped me with various skills necessary to succeed in a professional career. Meeting underrepresented students like me, who are passionate about improving their community and advocating for health disparities, left me more inspired to pursue a career in healthcare administration. I want to understand more about policy and solve healthcare issues, such as healthcare management regarding language barriers and advocacy, as well as education in healthcare competency among underrepresented communities. Here, I interned at the Wayne County Health Department. I worked as a COVID-19 Case Investigator to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Wayne County, Michigan. This field placement introduced me to working with quantitative data, as I was assigned 5-8 cases to investigate daily. I utilized two databases: the Michigan Disease Surveillance System and Patient Education Genius. These databases allowed me to record investigated Covid-19 case data, which assists other investigators in contact tracing. The uploaded data were later used to acquire general epidemiologic data. To obtain data, I reached out to confirm positive cases via a phone call for further investigations. This data was to inform and update the public on the latest trends. Additionally, I had the opportunity to present a research poster about mitigating the spread of COVID-19 at the CUPS Expo Showcase 2022 and the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.

I also gained qualitative research experience as a McNair Scholar. For our team research project in the McNair Program, I conducted a study exploring the impact of mentorship among multicultural and underrepresented undergraduates in their pursuit of graduate degrees. Our methodology included interviewing our graduate and faculty mentors about their educational journeys. Our findings showed the benefits of mentorship during the undergraduate degree. Those who had mentors in their undergraduate years gained more general knowledge about graduate school and more confidence while applying for programs. They also had more resources for funding and other necessities. At the end of the year, I presented a poster on this research at the McNair Symposium. My experience with this research inspired me to be a mentor for undergraduate students.

I believe my research experiences have prepared me for the Health Management and Policy program in terms of working with focused communities and developing effective strategies. When working with target populations, I can use my knowledge of qualitative research to follow proper methods and protocols. I can also incorporate the teamwork skills I gained from this experience when working on group projects in Management and Policy coursework.

After completing a public health degree, I plan to establish my own healthcare facility, whether assisted living or a walk-in clinic. Thus, I am open to all the possibilities granted by the School of Public at Emory University. I envision myself representing the community I come from within the healthcare system. Using my public health degree and skills, I hope to provide space for underrepresented communities to feel acknowledged and prioritize their sense of belonging in a healthcare facility. As I aim to represent my community in healthcare and medical decision-making, health management and policy courses at Emory University will help me to succeed. For example, a degree in HPM will grant me an opportunity to work with CDC and other leading companies which will advance my acquisition of a public health job after completion of the degree. Additionally, the specificity in management classes will broaden my skills in leadership, decision-making, and healthcare management, which will prepare me for my career goal of being a successful health manager or an administrator. The required internship will expose me to administration duties and roles more in-depth. Therefore, I believe that Emory University’s HPM will add tremendous value to my pursuit of a career that aims to make positive societal changes.