I was born in Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, NY to an Oncology nurse and FDNY fireman from Bayside, Queens. My parents were born and raised in queens and loved it like anyone loves their home, but when my two younger brothers were born over the next few years, they decided we needed more space. In 2004, my family and I moved to Levittown, NY into a quiet section of the neighborhood, nearly in the shadow of the high school. I started school shortly after, and when I entered Kindergarten I met my best friend Nick. We were inseparable and a bit too loud for our teachers. We started playing Tee-ball at the local little league and made some friends around the neighborhood and we spent all day playing tag, football and exploring the town. Some of the most exciting days were when we had no responsibilities except some homework and getting home for dinner.
In school I was always an honor student and ahead in my reading ability. History and English came easy, Math required some extra practice although I enjoyed the challenge but I was particularly fond of science. Chemistry and Physics were my favorites in grade school because of the application of math and abstract thinking. The intertwine of these two fields also allowed me to use them to understand each other and practice the application of concepts. The nearly infinite ways of combining chemicals and unpredictability of the properties of chemicals as well as the unchanging nature of the laws of physics and brilliance of the scientists who discovered them is something I still find myself baffled by. It is this interest in the laws and mechanisms of the universe that allow me to remain open minded and welcome new information with enthusiasm. I became interested in Neurology and neuroscience while participating in a biology and genetics lab in high school with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories. The hands-on experience collecting samples and performing experiments exploring the effects of inhibiting certain genes in the nervous system of nematodes opened my eyes to the many fields of exploration regarding the nervous system and brain.
Neuroscience and Biochemistry became two of my favorite fields of research as I continued my education for the reason that there is so much still left unknown and undiscovered. The human brain remains such an uncertain area of study with many mechanisms and pathways still not explored and understood in depth. My exploration of the scientific world has revealed to me that my biggest passion is in human interactions and impacting people. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the principles of the world and the diversity of particles and organisms that exist, and my work in wet chemical manufacturing is some of the most challenging and educational, but my most enjoyable experiences have come from volunteering in schools and in nursing homes.
My most memorable and impactful experience that influenced this the most was singing in a nursing home for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's. Many of the residents did not have a long memory but when we started singing Christmas carols for the ladies and nuns who ran the facility, they all came to life and the room turned into a concert hall. The happiness on their faces and the sudden change in their mind was amazing and stunning to me. It overwhelmed me with joy and also led me to inquire about dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. This led me to my interest in researching the protective mechanisms of fasting in the brain, the influence of Glial cells in neuron degeneration, and positively influencing the way that prescription drugs are given to children. I believe that this passion was instilled in me from my parents, who were both public servants, and taught in multiple if not all aspects of my upbringing to give me the principles I value today. As I watch my friends advance in their careers and others move away, I find that I value the time I get to spend with them more dearly. My passion for others connects me to science and drives my interest in exploring and teaching about information that will hopefully benefit the whole of society.
My current aspirations are to complete a master's degree within the field of neuroscience, and eventually continue on to Medical school to pursue a career in neurology. The motivation to achieve these goals stems from my desire to impact people and positively influence lives. I believe the best way I can do this is by devoting my life and time to serving the health of others and working so that I may be a conduit of science to those who do not have the time or opportunity to engage in study. The path to getting an M.D. is long and tiring, but it is one that I know I am capable of conquering and a challenge that I look forward to facing with full enthusiasm.