I’m Alyssa Edwards at Case Western Reserve University. I am also in the 8-year combined BA/MD Pre-Professional Scholars Program in Medicine and just finished my Masters of Public Health at Case. However, I am more than your typical STEM student in that I also have clinical experiences and public speaking/communication skills. After shadowing multiple medical professionals, serving as a liaison between surgical staff and patient’s family in Africa, and spending over 500+ hours for Special Olympics, my passion for public health gives me that top-down perspective on the future of research.  With my experience in speaking at conferences with 5,000 people, I am very comfortable with my leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. I have personally learned python and R in my free time, and have found a strong passion for computer science. Academically, I graduated high school with a 4.62 GPA as valedictorian and continue to excel here at Case.

At Case Western, I am currently a student researcher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine where I am exploring the molecular causes of autism using cerebral organoids, also known as artificial mini-brains. Through my experiences, I was granted the incredible opportunity to travel to Ghana to work for 3 months as a research assistant sponsored by the National Institute of Health. My goal with this project was to look at the role microRNAs play in the modulation of the severity of malaria and hemoglobinopathies. This experience over the summer allowed me to expand my horizons and put me on the frontlines of eliminating inequalities for all minorities, especially in the medical field of which I intend to pursue. Moreover, I would have not had the opportunities I had without the support and love from my sisters in Phi Mu. The unconditional encouragement, laughter, and great memories will stay with me forever.

My lifelong dream of attending medical school is moving forward, thanks to generous educational scholarships like yours. Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges but has also helped me realize the value of a college education. Without scholarship patrons willing to support education, students such as myself would be unable to pursue advanced health care degrees. I am grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me. I rely on financial aid, grants and student loans to help finance my education.  Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens and provide assistance for me as I continue pursuing my education After obtaining my undergraduate degree, my goal is to become a physician, the first biracial female doctor within my family. I will be attending Case Western School of Medicine to further pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.

I can only hope one day I will be able to give back to a Phi Mu sister just as you did for me. Your generosity truly makes a difference. Thank you!

If you would like to invest in helping women just like Alyssa, you can make a gift today at www.phimufoundation.org/give.