About Me
Student, Athlete, and Aspiring Health Professional
Hi, I’m Kiera!
I’m from Northville, Michigan. I started my first year at Washington and Lee University in the fall of 2017, and I had my sights set on a career in the health professions. After a few introductory neuroscience and biology courses, I fell in love with the neuroscience program. I am currently a senior pursuing a BS in Neuroscience. With the MCAT under my belt, I am looking to apply for and matriculate in medical school in 2022.
Research Experience
2020: I started a summer internship as a junior analyst and research assistant under Dr. Victor Lopez Jr. and Dr. Answorth Allen with Rugby Research and Injury Prevention Group (RRIPG), associated with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). To learn more about my experience, see my RRIPG research section.
2019: I started working in a biochemistry lab under Dr. Kyle Friend at Washington and Lee University in the summer of 2019. Our research focuses on ribosome processivity. To hear more about the laboratory techniques I learned and my experience, check out my research section.
Community Involvement
This is just an introduction to my work in the community. To see more check out my community involvement page.
2018-present: I started working as a crisis counselor for the national crisis texting hotline: Crisis Text Line. After receiving my certification, I began working shifts and helping and guiding individuals to move from a “hot moment” to a “cool moment”. I have long been interested in physical health and the health professions, but my experience as a crisis counselor has exposed me to aspects of mental health that affect individuals just as frequently and as strongly as physical health.
2018: I worked at the Neuroscience center and ICU at Providence Park Hospital. I helped bring patients food, refill supplies, and discharge patients.
2019-present: I started a new position at Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital in Lexington, Virginia. I work in the emergency department and the medical surgical floor. In the emergency department, I help walk patients back to their family members and assist incoming patients with any questions or concerns they may have. In the medical surgical department, I work with the nurses at the nurses station, help refill supplies, and complete patient requests.
2018 ODAC Champs!
I’m a full-time student athlete
As a D3 student-athlete, I spend a lot of my time outside the classroom on the volleyball court with my teammates.
Our W&L volleyball program emphasizes the importance of academics. I was honored to CoSIDA Academic All-District honors alongside my teammate last season.
Here’s a few videos of my volleyball work in the last year! I have been working on my power clean form since freshman year, and it’s improved quite a bit. I also like to play beach volleyball during the summer months to keep my skills at a high level so that I’m prepared for pre-season in the fall!
Check out my fun side hobby and peak at my photo gallery!