Motivation to Pursue Graduate Education

Like many others born into an immigrant family, I had the drive to pay my parents back for all the hard work it took to raise me and my sister in this unforgiving world. They taught me the importance of kindness, perseverance, and wisdom. This world is nothing without the combination of those three traits as a cornerstone of humanity. Throughout my schooling, I developed a desire to better society and an intense curiosity in science. So in truth, pursuing graduate school is an almost selfish motivation, because I want to better myself to then return my gratitude to my parents’ way of life in hopes of helping society using science.

Importance of Research

In graduate school, I will be able to research the developmental basis for neurological disorders, an area in society that I believe to be neglected and misunderstood. It is my hope to improve the quality of life for those afflicted and to help educate those who misjudge.

Academic Accomplishments

The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship helps me realize my dreams by giving me a wealth of resources and a support network to commence this journey into the world. There is no way I can fail with my family and the McKnight family cheering me on every step of the way. They inspire me to become a role model for the future generations by continuing research in this field and as well by giving back to academia once my degree is earned.