Through the Women’s Health Research at Yale Undergraduate Fellowship, students have the opportunity to be mentored by faculty from many different departments and obtain first-hand experience in clinical and research settings. We also offer the opportunity to learn how to write about science with our Communications Officer Sara Luciano and contribute to our student-led blog, “Why Didn’t I Know This.” Kira Berman (’25) took on science writing with Sara this academic year and explored topics ranging from cardiovascular health to menopause to autoimmune disorders. Below is an excerpt from her final piece.
It’s hard to believe that my time as the author of the “Why Didn’t I Know This?” Women’s Health Research at Yale Blog has come to an end. Through both challenges and successes, I have learned so much through my first experience in scientific writing. First and foremost, I've discovered that I can dive deeply into researching medical topics and emerge with a workable understanding of the material, and I can translate that knowledge into accessible, engaging content for others.
When tackling an extensive topic in healthcare, such as cardiovascular health, I found myself challenged by the desire to cover everything while reminding myself that I had to prioritize what seemed most important, striving to make the articles understandable yet not oversimplified. Each article became an exercise in distilling the science to its essential points, without losing the medical information that allows readers to better understand their own health.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this research process has been conducting interviews with Yale faculty physicians. Speaking face-to-face with medical experts has enabled me to gain a better understanding of their fields beyond what the literature imparts and capture aspects of the clinical intuition that guides real-world decision-making—insights that don’t always make it onto a printed page. This experience has shown me the dedication of these physicians to their patients and I am thankful for their generosity in sharing their time and expertise.
It’s also been a privilege to learn alongside thoughtful colleagues, namely my fellow undergraduates who also have spent the year working to address important gaps in medicine and health. The work my peers and I have pursued this year has made it clear how much progress is possible—but how much work still remains.
Between writing about autoimmune diseases and menopause and cardiovascular health, I have explored many other important topics in women’s health. I have found helpful answers, but I know there are many unanswered questions. As I graduate, I will bring with me a drive to challenge long-standing assumptions, push for better research, and prioritize women's health in every aspect of care. The Women’s Health Research at Yale Undergraduate Fellowship has taught me just how critical it is to keep asking the difficult questions that too often go unasked and unanswered. I will proudly carry these new skills with me into each stage of my career.