Chidera Kalu-Uka

Chidera Kalu-Uka is currently a senior at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, Texas. Apart from her engagement at school serving as President of the Skills USA’s Health Science chapter for her school district, President of Black Student Union, and Founder of People of Color Alliance where she strives to create a comfortable space for minorities and promote cultural respect, she also works with First Gen Support - an organization dedicated to providing college preparation resources for first-generation, low-income, and immigrant students. Chidera is also a member of the Dormant Biology Lab at Stony Brook University. She is mostly interested in the fields of neurology, hematology, and public health, specifically healthcare access advocacy. Chidera hopes to double major in public health and neuroscience on a pre-medicine track and is excited for the doors YCCI has and will open up for her.

About my YCCI Internship

My internship experience with YCCI has definitely been the most inspirational 4 weeks of my life. Listening to each presenter discuss their work and their interests heightened my passion for healthcare and made me realize that my dream of restructuring the healthcare system in African countries is definitely achievable. Coming into the internship with no prior knowledge of clinical research, I would definitely like to pursue this field afterward. Having the opportunity to work with and develop relationships with high-achieving and like-minded students from different backgrounds was one of my favorite aspects of the internship. Engaging with the leadership team and professionals at YCCI was such a surreal but simultaneously exciting experience. You would be surprised to find out that clinical research encompasses a wide array of career opportunities—not just in medicine, but also in information technology, engineering, graphic design, and other contrasting fields. I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the YCCI Exposures Program!

For Students Considering YCCI

Don’t be hesitant to apply if you have no prior experience with clinical research. Taking part in this program is truly life-changing. From “lunch with a leader” asking professionals, who are the best in their field, questions, to brainstorming ideas with your group for your project, this internship will equip you with knowledge and skills that will be beneficial in the pursuit of whichever career path you choose to take.