My name is Candelaria, or Clara for short.

I am starting my sophomore year at Brown University, where I am looking to concentrate in Medical Anthropology as a pre-medical student. As a freshman, I started working at Hasbro Children's Hospital as an Advocate with Connect For Health, a program that addresses patients' basic needs, such as food and secure housing, in an effort to alleviate social determinants of poor health.

Starting this past summer, I have been conducting community-engaged health research under Dr. Melissa Palma for Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), as a Laidlaw Scholar. I am thrilled to continue my nutrition research experience with the added dimension of cultural conversation through our study: "Kain na Tayo: Culturally Tailored Multimedia Heart Healthy Nutrition Education for Filipino Americans."

I am always looking for opportunities to connect with researchers, clinicians, and other students who are passionate about positive community impact.