National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Scholar Portfolio

 

Education: Duke University, Class of 2025

Program of Study: Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science

Hometown: Niagara Falls, New York

GCS Focus: Engineer Better Medicines

GCS Advisor: Dr. Ashutosh Chilkoti

 

 

Why Grand Challenges Scholar?

The goal of engineering better medicines is intrinsically inseparable from, and driven by, my interests in health innovation and access. As an undergraduate researcher, I design nanobodies against Ebola-secreted glycoproteins to develop low-cost diagnostics for resource-limited settings. In parallel, I serve as a health policy intern with North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids, analyzing food insecurity screening, intervention strategies, and value-based payment models. Together, these experiences have deepened my passion for driving health innovation at the intersection of science, policy, and education—showing me how rigorous research and system design could have a profound impact on the betterment of medical innovation and health systems transformation.