Congratulations to Holly! Premed of the Week!

Hello. My name is Holly and I am a native New Yorker predominantly raised in the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico. Currently, I am a Medical Laboratory Scientist professionally certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, MLS(ASCP), working for the Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist II in Special Chemistry. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico (UIPR). I am also a Master of Public Health candidate at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.

When I was in high school I swam competitively and volunteered as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the US Air Force. During my time as a cadet, I attended many special activities, including civic leadership academy, where I lobbied my Congressional representative for CAP funding, Hawk Mountain Ranger School and the National Flight Academy. I have approximately 30 logged flights in a glider and pre-solo wings.

As an undergraduate student, my favorite teacher was my general microbiology professor. Her love of teaching and of all things microbiology inspired me to become a professional who is passionate about her career. I chose chemistry as my minor because it was a subject that I initially struggled with. Overcoming a challenge is something I take innate pride in so it was quite rewarding to finally grasp and attain a solid understanding and foundation of the subject. Although I am an avid cat aficionado, having five fur babies of my own, my favorite undergraduate experience was dissecting a cat during anatomy lab.

When I originally enrolled in the medical technology program at UIPR, my intent was to acquire a profession that would subsidize my graduate studies through to completion and provide me the necessary skills to strengthen future applications to biomedical research institutions. It has since evolved into a passion to not only gain research experience in the biomedical sciences but for studying medicine as well. It was at that time that I realized that I wanted to know the exact biological mechanisms and pathogenesis of diseases. My research interests encompass the following: elucidating the pathogenesis of diseases that haven’t been fully characterized, such as neuroborreliosis; exploring the myriad immune mechanisms designed to ward off specific diseases; delving into the biochemical, cellular and histological changes induced by pathogens during infection; and evaluating the mechanisms employed by pathogens to evade the immune system, remain latent in tissues and organs, and avert detection by conventional diagnostic methods. Notwithstanding my evident passion for infectious disease pathology, my medical interest includes neurosurgery and/or neurology.

Aside from my passion for biomedical science, I am a voracious bibliophile and enjoy all things water sports/activities. Ironically, my favorite book is Rubin’s Pathology Clinicopathologic Foundations of Medicine. I am also a gamer with a particular affinity for the Resident Evil franchise and I strongly advocate for and support various civic and humanitarian causes such as autism inclusion, disaster relief, disability and civil rights. To alleviate stress, I enjoy taking long, leisurely walks by the harbor, singing my heart out and expanding my culinary palate by dining at cultural/ethnic restaurants.