Student

Home: Leesburg, VA

Siblings:  
Mark ’11, University of Virginia Freshman
Sam ’15, Middleburg Academy

Activities:
Member of National Honor Society; Head of School’s Freshman Scholar; President of The Green Club; Member of Student Council since Freshman year; Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse player since Freshman year (Captain of Varsity Lacrosse Sophomore year) 

Recent scientific discovery I admire most:
 I admire a new treatment for leukemia patients, which uses gene therapy to alter the patient’s white blood cells to attack and destroy cancer cells. Although this treatment has only been used on three patients, two have been cancer-free for over a year and the third has improved greatly.

Ways in which Middleburg Academy has encouraged me to consider a career in medicine/science: 
All of my teachers are incredibly supportive of me and my goal to pursue a career in medicine. I not only have access to a variety of high-level science and math courses, but I am given the tools I will need to succeed in college and beyond.

Why I chose “An Exploration of Synthetic Materials Being Used as Bone Graft Material” as the topic for a recent research paper:
I am interested in the ways new scientific innovations can affect the medical field. By advancing the technology we use in health care, there’s no telling the kinds of impact we could have on the quality of people’s lives. Synthetic bone grafts, though some are still experimental, can reduce the risks of infection and graft failure. 

What to expect from this year’s Green Club:
I hope to continue the great work the Green Club has done in the past (such as the recycling program and increasing the school’s energy efficiency), but you can also expect a few changes this year, and maybe a few surprises. 

Most exciting thing about the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team run this summer: 
Their game against Brazil. I haven’t been this excited about soccer since I saw Mia Hamm play in the 2004 Olympics. Hope Solo is my hero. 

My favorite sport to play: 
Lacrosse. I started playing in 4th grade, and I haven’t been able to stop. 

Name given to the black lab puppy my parents brought home from last spring’s school auction (and the most adorable thing about him):
Mickey! He’s almost too adorable for words, but if I had to pick just one thing about him, it would be that he likes to curl up in my lap when I sit down on the floor with him.