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Top Scholar Program, Pre-Medicine Track and Leadership Opportunities
Hello! I am a Carolina Scholar from Columbia, South Carolina, on the pre-medicine track. I am actively engaged in colon cancer research and have helped found and lead multiple pre-health projects and organizations, including MedElem. My ultimate goal is to become a physician dedicated to serving medically underserved communities. In my free time, I enjoy biking through Columbia's nature parks and attending car shows.
- Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Hometown: Elgin, SC
- Major/Minor: Biological Sciences | Business Administration
- Year: Class of 2026
Why I chose the South Carolina Honors College
The South Carolina Honors College offers unparalleled opportunities for campus involvement. Supportive faculty and approachable students are always eager to share their experiences. Many have been instrumental in my journey. When I visited during high school, I was warmly welcomed and captivated by the friendly atmosphere. The Honors College is a vibrant community where new ideas flourish, supported by abundant resources.
My advice for prospective students: Be authentic in your application and in everything you do. When you follow your true passions, your story will write itself, making each step of your journey not only fulfilling but also exciting. Embrace your unique path, and let your genuine interests guide you to success.
Favorite Honors class: I love the Honors College’s unique courses! As a junior, I’ve had the chance to take a few, but “Innovation Thinktank: Translating Science from Bench to Market” stands out. This discussion-based class focused on science-based startups, exploring their successes and failures. The professor’s real-world experience and captivating stories have inspired me to consider an entrepreneurial career in the medical field. Another favorite was “Literature and AI,” where we watched movies like Blade Runner and M3GAN and explored AI’s impact on English.
Favorite question during an information session: What kind of research are you involved in?
I’m conducting Biological Sciences research with Dr. Marj Pena at the Colon Cancer Center and Mouse House on campus. My work spans both standard cancer labs and hands-on research with mice. Currently, my project focuses on the interplay between antibiotics, high-fat diets, gut microbiota, and colon cancer. As I enter my third year, I’m thrilled to be managing my own project. Gut microbiome research is cutting-edge and has garnered significant attention recently, making this experience incredibly exciting and rewarding.
Quick Facts
| My clubs and organizations: | MedElem – Pre-Health Service Organization, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Professional Fraternity, Beta Beta Beta Biological Sciences Honor Society, Top Scholar Senior Peer Leader, Honors College Ambassador |
| Favorite place for lunch on or near campus: | Panda Express |
| Favorite study music: | I usually listen to brown noise or Lo-fi music when I study; anything without a catchy beat and words! |
| Something that makes me laugh: | At home, I have a little white dog named Milo. No matter how stressed or anxious I might feel, his vibrant and quirky personality never fails to bring a smile to my face. Though he has his moody moments, Milo is always ready to play, have fun and be absolutely adorable. His boundless energy and charm are a constant source of joy and laughter! |
| Something new I’d like to learn: | I’m a lifelong fan of high-performance exotic cars! Since childhood, I’ve devoured every episode of BBC Top Gear, visited countless car dealerships and eagerly spotted exotic cars on the road. My enthusiasm drives me to explore new models daily and attend as many car shows as possible. I’m particularly thrilled by the rise of unique electric sports cars and can’t wait to see what’s next. |