Name: Annie Singh
Graduating Year: Winter 2015
Major: Neurobiolgy, Physiology and Behavior and a minor in Psychology
Hometown: Union City, CA
Biggest strength: I’m a hard worker and I give my best.
Biggest weakness: Sometimes I stretch myself too thin when I try to be involved in many things happening at once.
What are you involved in on campus?
“I took advantage of UC Davis’s campus resources and events, and sought out opportunities. I’ve worked in research, clinics, hospital internships, joined clubs, and organizations.”
How’d you get involved with research?
“I started UC Davis as a biology major, but found the brain and neurology absolutely fascinating. I came across Barbara Horwitz’s Neurbiology and Physiology Lab. They specialize in studying the hippocampus and neuroprotection (essentially stroke) and I was immediately captivated. My grandma had survived two strokes during that time of my life, and I found the research to be extremely intriguing, yet meaningful.My interests in neurodevelopmental disorders lead me to an internship at the MIND Institute. At the MIND Institute, I had the opportunity to work with children diagnosed with varying neurodevelopmental disorders and I eventually assisted on an autism spectrum study. I highly suggest those who are intersted, to get involved with research. You are challenged and learn things that wouldn’t otherwise be taught in a classroom.”
Which clubs are you involved in on campus?
“Since my Freshmen year, I have founded and served on board for a neuroscience/biology outreach program called Interaxon. We work with underserved youth and present stimulating science material and fun activities. Our goal has been to foster an interest in science through education and mentorship. We’ve worked closely with high school students and presented complex biology topics in a fun, receptive manner.”
What do you love most about volunteering for a clinic?
“Everything! I really enjoy spending my weekends volunteering with Imani Clinic. I took a seminar on underserved healthcare populations one quarter and that definitely sparked my interest. I was disheartened to further learn about the severity of social and health disparities, both locally and globally. Imani is a student-run clinic that serves the Oak Park Community of Sacramento by providing healthcare services to the uninsured and underserved population. I love how we—the undergraduates, medical students, and preceptors—strive to do as much as we can for our patients and community. The commitment and dedication that I observe from all of the volunteers is inspiring. In addition, being a counselor for Imani’s health education program has been particularly rewarding. I have the privilege of participating in a patient’s journey towards improving their health. I am able to educate patients about chronic illnesses and guide them through diet and exercise plans that fit their lifestyle.”
Imani also does outreach work in the community for an organization called Youth Explosion (YXP). YXP strives to break the vicious cycle of poverty through the education and empowerment of children and families. Imani helps educate the community on diet and exercise, so they can feel empowered and involved with their own health. Annie explains that, “These experiences have developed my passion for patient advocacy, volunteerism and social justice.”
She also volunteers with BPSHI, another organization committed to tackling social and health disparities through volunteer work. One of the events Annie and her team organized for BPSHI included educating students on campus about joining the bone marrow registry to become potential lifesavers.
What are your plans for the future?
“I am planning on becoming a Physician Assistant and possibly pursuing that dream at UC Davis. I hope to make a meaningful impact and contribute to my local, as well as global, community. I’m excited to enter a profession where I’m helping people become healthier while simultaneously being a part of the growing field of medicine. I want to begin by working in a level I trauma center to develop my skills and also work in underserved communities. The PA profession is a relatively young profession and I have always had a passion for teaching, so I want to contribute to PA education as well. Another goal I have is to start an organization dedicated to improving access to quality education and healthcare in the U.S as well as third world countries.”
Who is your biggest role model?
“My parents and my older brother are my role models. My parents made a lot of sacrifices when we immigrated to the U.S and taught me to work hard and always dream big. They instilled a belief in me to always value everything and that motivates me to ‘be the change.’”
Any Advice to our readers?
“It’s our job as students that have had the privilege of obtaining a college education to put the bandages on and help this hurt world heal. I encourage everyone to go find a cause you’re passionate about and volunteer. It’s a humbling and beautiful experience to give back. Trust me, it will make college worthwhile and you will meet some amazing people. I also believe it’s extremely important to have a purpose and a drive for every activity you spend your time on. Time is a precious entity—use it wisely! Take it from someone whose Google Calendar is planned by the hour!”