Saron
Tewelde
Hometown: Matthews, NC
Major: Biology and Health Policy & Management
Research Interest: Rare Diseases and Public Health
“Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, my aim is to expand my contribution to health equity by delving into research concerning rare diseases, specifically those that disproportionately affect the African American community.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CSS PROGRAM AND CAROLINA?
In my search for universities to attend, I sought out programs that would afford me the opportunity to delve into both biology and public health. Carolina’s public health programs align well with this aspiration. Moreover, the principles upheld by CSS resonate with my perception of the scientific field and the importance of promoting diversity among STEM students.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO EXPERIENCING AT CAROLINA OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS?
I am excited to explore the wide range of clubs offered at Carolina. Also, I look forward to discovering research that fuels my passion for learning.
WHAT RESEARCH TOPIC(S) ARE YOU INTERESTED IN EXPLORING AND WHY?
Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, my aim is to expand my contribution to health equity by delving into research concerning rare diseases, specifically those that disproportionately affect the African American community. Additionally, I aspire to tackle the challenges posed by systemic racism and implicit bias within the medical profession, which directly undermine the quality of care received by African American patients.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR FUTURE STEM CAREER?
Envisioning myself as a future black physician, my ultimate objective is to mitigate health disparities by actively working to rebuild the trust between patients and a healthcare system tainted by historical racism. By fostering diversity in the healthcare sector, patients could potentially feel more seen and validated through shared experiences, while healthcare providers would more accurately represent the demographics they serve.