Emmabella is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Health, and Society at the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She hopes to attend medical school and is interested in understanding how social and environmental factors influence chronic disease development and health outcomes, particularly among underserved communities. She is especially interested in the intersection of public health research and clinical care to address health inequities.
What motivates you to do this work?
Growing up in the East Los Angeles area, I became interested in how the environments and resources available to our communities shape our health. I saw how access to affordable nutritious foods, healthcare services, and safe spaces for physical activity can influence an individual’s ability to manage their health. These experiences have motivated me to better understand the social factors that contribute to chronic disease and health inequities. As someone who hopes to pursue medicine, I believe it is important to understand patients beyond their diagnoses and recognize how their circumstances outside of clinical settings affect their health. I am excited to contribute to research exploring how addressing social needs can improve chronic disease management and quality of life while expanding my understanding of public health research.