Biomedical Graduate Student Ambassadors

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Program: Translational Biotechnology MS

Hometown: Cary, NC

Undergraduate School: Appalachian State University

Why Wake? I was drawn to the TBIO program because of its uniqueness in the fact that it trains students in not only the science behind regenerative medicine therapies, but the business and regulatory affairs sides as well. As someone who is interested in a career in the biotech industry, I feel this training is extremely helpful, if not indispensable. Appealing also was the fact that the program is hosted in WFIRM and provides students with access to faculty expertise and a wealth of opportunities to perform cutting-edge research.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: West End Opera House

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Program: Molecular Medicine and Translational Science PhD

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Undergraduate School: Washington State University

Why Wake? I went to a giant undergraduate institution with 30,000 other students and I realized after graduating that there are so many small universities with really unique offerings for students in the graduate space. Wake Forest provided the small school platform and personalized learning environment that I sought, but also has the resources equivalent to a big university. Simultaneously, the community within the graduate program is massive and enthusiastic, which makes it really easy to find a home here.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Tanglewood Park

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Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: Maryville, TN

Undergraduate School: University of Tennessee

Why Wake? Following my undergraduate career at Tennessee, I knew that I wanted to continue my passion for research in the regenerative medicine field. After attending the BMES conference and visiting the Wake Forest table, I learned about the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and knew this was the place I wanted to be. I have been extremely impressed by the collaborative approach that WFIRM takes because it allows me to interact with many different people outside of my research focus. I have also enjoyed the city of Winston-Salem because of the hiking nearby, the Saturday farmer’s market, and the many events around town.

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Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: New Hartford, NY

Undergraduate School: Clarkson University

Why Wake? Having previously spent a summer at the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, I was captivated by the cutting-edge research and the collaborative environment. The intersection among researchers, faculty, and students allowed for a dynamic environment where ideas seamlessly intersect, fostering innovative approaches to scientific inquiry. The unique blend of pioneering research and a collaborative community solidified Wake Forest as my top choice for graduate school.

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Program: Cancer Biology PhD Program (Previously BMSC)

Hometown: Cary, NC

Undergraduate School: Penn State University

Why Wake? As much as I loved undergrad at Penn State, I knew I wanted to come back to the Carolinas (if possible) for graduate school. At the time I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue a PhD or medical school, and Wake’s Biomedical Research program was the perfect option for me to explore both interests. I ended up loving my lab and research so much that I ultimately decided to stay to pursue my PhD.

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Program: Cancer Biology PhD

Hometown: New Bern, NC

Undergraduate School: The University of Alabama (Master’s: Tulane University)

Why Wake? When I decided to apply to doctoral programs, Wake Forest was an easy top choice for me. I grew up in a military family and out of all the places I’ve lived in, North Carolina has always felt the most like home to me. Wake also offered the more intimate institution style that I grew to love when I attended my master's program. The faculty and staff I met prior to and throughout the application and interview process were genuinely supportive and instantly made me feel at home. Winston-Salem has also quickly grown on me as there are tons of amazing local restaurants and beautiful outdoor spaces available.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: EVLV Fitness, Bookmarks, and Taco Mama

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Program: Neuroscience MS

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Undergraduate School: University of Pennsylvania

Why Wake? I was drawn to the curriculum and how supportive everyone is here! The classes really appealed to my interests, and I loved how thoroughly research is integrated into the program. I was initially nervous about how intensive the research would be, but from my interview it was clear that the professors were really invested in helping students succeed and all the students in the lab were happy to spend time helping each other with their projects and teaching each other new techniques. From day one, everyone has been so cooperative and helpful and as a result, I’ve gained so many new skills and research has been so fun!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem:

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Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Undergraduate School: Appalachian State University

Why Wake? I am an employee and this is a great opportunity to pursue a career in biomedical science/healthcare.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Washington Park

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Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Lewisville, NC

Undergraduate School: Louisiana State University

Why Wake? After nearly 15 years in the military, I chose Wake Forest as the bridge between my military aviation career and my goal of returning to medicine. As a Lewisville resident, I already have a strong connection to the Winston-Salem community and wanted to continue growing and serving here. Wake's close-knit program, supportive faculty, and opportunities for hands-on biomedical research have provided the perfect environment to strengthen my scientific foundation while preparing for my next chapter in medicine.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Noodle Ju'B, Bobby Boy Bakeshop, and Reynolda Gardens

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Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Vass, NC

Undergraduate School: Gardner-Webb University

Why Wake? Intentional faculty mentorship and research opportunities!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Love walking on the Reynolda Trail and going to Sayso Coffee Shop

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Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Chapel Hill

Why Wake? Coming from a large undergraduate institution, I was looking for a program that would not only strengthen my preparation for medical school but also provide meaningful mentorship and a more personalized learning environment. From my interview, it was clear that the faculty and staff at Wake Forest are genuinely invested in their students' success and committed to supporting us throughout the journey to medicine. I was also drawn to the program's unique Capstone course, which gives students the opportunity to design and pursue a research project aligned with their individual interests and career goals. Beyond the academic preparation, this program has allowed me to build invaluable relationships with both my classmates and faculty, creating a supportive community that has made my experience truly rewarding.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: BYGood coffee

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Program: Medical Physics PhD

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea and Vienna, VA (I spent half my childhood in each place)

Undergraduate School: University of Virginia

Why Wake? I was an REU intern and loved my experience in my lab. During my time as an intern, I was introduced to the medical physics program at Wake Forest and immediately knew it was where I wanted to be!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Incendiary Brewing

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Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: Norman, OK

Undergraduate School: University of Oklahoma

Why Wake? I fell in love with Wake and Winston-Salem after spending a summer as an intern at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. I enjoyed the welcoming nature of the faculty and graduate students, and the ever-growing list of things to do in Winston-Salem! The collaborative environment and access to opportunities made Wake my top choice for graduate school.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Dough Joe's

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Program: Genetic Counseling MS

Hometown: Kannapolis, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Charlotte

Why Wake? I wanted to attend a program that truly felt like home and where I could be myself. With the program being located in my home state, along with the sense of acceptance and excitement I felt from program leadership during my interviews, it seemed like the perfect fit for me!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: The Grand Winston-Salem

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Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Undergraduate School: Clemson University

Why Wake? I had the opportunity to spend a summer at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine during my undergraduate and absolutely fell in love with the laboratories and research being conducted here. The faculty and graduate students were so welcoming and excited to share their knowledge with others that Wake immediately became my top choice for graduate school. The city of Winston-Salem was also a huge draw considering there is something new to checkout every weekend (farmer's markets, pop-up shops, sporting events, and so much more).

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Lot 63

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Program: Microbiology and Immunology PhD

Hometown: Hickory, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Wilmington

Why Wake? I loved the approach to learning so much, after doing my masters here I stayed for my PhD!

Favorite Spot in Winston: Tucker’s Tap Yard

Fun Fact: I have a golden retriever named George

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Program: Cancer Biology PhD

Hometown: Wallingford, CT

Undergraduate School: University of Connecticut (UConn)

Why Wake? I was initially drawn to Wake Forest because of its PhD program in Cancer Biology, which aligned with my academic goals. Coming from the Northeast my whole life, I wanted to experience something new (and warmer). After completing my master’s in the BMR program at Wake, I knew that I wanted to continue my journey here and apply to the PhD program with the same mentor. The supportive, student-focused atmosphere was a key factor in my decision. The faculty and staff genuinely care about the students and are always receptive to fresh ideas and perspectives, ensuring a rewarding educational and research experience.

Favorite Spot in Winston: Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail and Melrose Coffee

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Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Richmond Hill, GA

Undergraduate School: Mercer University

Why Wake? I had a professor I admired transfer to Wake, and that made me look into Wake's programs. I was interested from the start when I saw the neuroscience programs and drug research done at Wake, and I immediately put it on my list of schools to apply to. I got accepted and toured the campus, and walked around Winston, and knew that this was a great choice because it fit all of my requirements for location as well as schooling.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Salem Lake and That Place in West End

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Program: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Undergraduate School: UNC Chapel Hill

Why Wake? I chose Wake Forest’s MCB program for the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting-edge biomedical research, and to join the close-knit scientific community that Wake fosters. The small program and class sizes make it easy to build strong connections with professors and peers, and the collaborative lab environment has made me feel very supported. My graduate experience at Wake has been better than I could have imagined, and I am very thankful for all of the amazing scientists I get to work with every day!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Reynolda Gardens and Chad’s Chai Tea House

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Program: Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology PhD

Hometown: Slippery Rock, PA

Undergraduate School: Allegheny College

Why Wake? The sense of community within the school and the area is unmatched. You always feel like you have a support system in classes and lab, and you never run out of fun things to do with friends. There are so many different areas of research happening at Wake; you never know where you'll end up! I received an MS at Wake, moved to Seattle to work for 4 years, and missed the area so much that I had to come back for my PhD.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Bernardin's Restaurant

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Program: Neuroscience MS

Hometown: Burlington, VT

Undergraduate School: Towson University

Why Wake? Wake had one of the few Neuroscience MS programs in the country, and having a lab with the closest research interests to my own (PTSD) moved it to the top of my list. Despite being outside of the research triangle, the collaborations Wake has with Baptist, the VA, and other research institutions greatly expands our resources as students.

Favorite Spot in Winston: Reynolda Gardens

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Program: Biomedical Engineering PhD

Hometown: Chesapeake, VA

Undergraduate School: University of Pittsburgh

Why Wake? I loved the diversity of partnerships and funding at Wake. Many labs partner across academia, the Dept of Defense, and private industry, which means that they are securely funded despite lean funding decisions at the NIH and NSF. Plus, it’s given me the opportunity to learn about different career paths beyond the traditional academic research path!

Favorite Spot in Winston: The new Bodegas Alvarado soccer complex! You can catch me there almost every Saturday

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Program: Medical Physics PhD

Hometown: Garden City, NY

Undergraduate School: SUNY Maritime College

Why Wake? The faculty in our program are absolutely incredible! Everyone in our department also works in the clinic, so what you are being taught in class will directly apply to the field. The program is very small, so classes are pretty intimate, and you get a lot of attention both in class and in clinic. Reach out to me if you have any questions!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Tanglewood Park Golf Course or Pilot Mountain

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Program: Cancer Biology PhD

Hometown: Oxon Hill, MD

Undergraduate School: Wake Forest University

Why Wake? I chose Wake for both my undergraduate and graduate school education because of the tremendous support I feel as a student from program leadership and peers. In addition to Wake's conducive learning environments, Wake offers students a great many opportunities to explore their professional interests while getting involved in the community, contributing to their growth and development as future changemakers in healthcare.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Bailey Park

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Program: Genetic Counseling MS

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Undergraduate School: Grand Valley State University

Why Wake? Wake instantly felt like home. The students and faculty were so incredibly warm and welcoming!

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Dough Joe's

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Program: Biomedical Science MS

Hometown: Newton, NC

Undergraduate School: Lenoir-Rhyne University

Why Wake? Like my undergraduate school, Wake Forest feels more personal and interconnected with the smaller class sizes and care that professors put into teaching. I also learned more this way because Wake Forest gives me an opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge gaps to give me a better chance at being able to pursue my career goal in medicine.

Favorite Spot in Winston-Salem: Umi Sushi and Seafood Buffet and Bailey Park