Hannah P. (IN A NUTSHELL)

Hi! My name is Hannah and I am a current junior at Stanford University majoring in biochemistry. Originally from the Chicago area, I've been mentoring middle- and high-school students for 5 years, anywhere from their latest math homework assignment to a research paper on Alzheimer's. I'm particularly passionate about improving health literacy for students, and I have led various programs to teach medical fundamentals and mentor student projects related to prevalent conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. On campus, I conduct neuroscience research, mentor female undergraduates as a part of Stanford Women in Medicine, and serve as a pre-clinical volunteer at our free clinics. I aspire to become a physician-scientist, providing holistic treatment for patients while also advancing clinical research.

I became interested in learning about health--especially the brain--in high school, when I learned that I have a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). These compulsive behaviors, like hair pulling or nail biting, may seem like bad habits, but they can interfere with an individual's daily life and self-esteem. Learning this about myself helped me feel validated, and I threw myself into research ever since to learn more about my own brain and those around me. A few months later, I found out my close friend also struggled with a BFRB, and I realized that more people than I initially thought suffered in silence. I now prioritize awareness and positive destigmatization along with research, aiming to create a supportive, welcoming environment for all of my students, no matter the background.

When I'm not studying the brain or the chemicals inside it, I like leaning into my creative side. I especially love singing and baking, but I recently picked up crocheting, too! I'm also currently training for a half-marathon, so stay tuned for progress on that :) I'm so excited to work with you!