Alaina
Parker
Hometown: Cary, NC
Major: Biomedical and Health Sciences Engineering, with a minor in Health and Society
Research Interest: Drug delivery systems, improving healthcare access in underprivileged communities, and treatments for rare diseases
“In my future STEM career, I hope to improve the lives of millions of people through my research and develop new medical technology that the world has never seen before.
What attracted you to the CSS program and Carolina?
What attracted me to the Chancellor’s Science Scholars program was the chance to build a community with students from diverse backgrounds who share a common love for STEM with me. Another thing I love about CSS is that the program encourages us to reach our highest aspirations by supporting us with an abundance of research throughout our undergraduate years, and also setting us up for a successful future in graduate school. Being a native North Carolinian, UNC has always been at the top of my college list because of its level of prestige and its amazing student life opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing at Carolina over the next four years?
Over the next four years, I am looking forward to experiencing all of the clubs UNC has to offer. I plan to become very active on campus. I’m excited to meet people from all over the world and make lifelong friends. I am also looking forward to attending athletic events.
What research topic(s) are you interested in exploring and why?
I am interested in exploring new ways to efficiently deliver drugs in the human body, improving access to healthcare in underprivileged communities, and developing treatments or cures for rare diseases.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your future STEM career?
In my future STEM career, I hope to improve the lives of millions of people through my research and develop new medical technology that the world has never seen before.