Meet Connie Tran, a recent graduate from Portland State University (PSU), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology & Neuroscience on the Pre-Medicine track. As a passionate advocate for underrepresented students in STEM, Connie has dedicated her college years to mentoring and fostering community.
During her time as an EXITO scholar, Connie was a research assistant in the Donald D. Trunkey Center for Civilian and Combat Casualty Care under Dr. Martin Schreiber at OHSU. Connie worked as a clinical research intern and had the opportunity to work with multiple trauma-related studies. As an intern, Connie screened patients for studies throughout the hospital and as patients were admitted to the emergency department. She worked closely with two studies; one of which included how virtual reality can be used to mitigate pain during wound dressing changes and another involving how actigraphy and questionnaires can be used to diagnose sleep-wake disturbances in children with traumatic brain injuries.
Connie served as a peer mentor in the EMPOWER program, which supports Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi students. By meeting weekly with her mentee and facilitating events, she helped create a welcoming environment for first-year and transfer students. This role exemplifies her commitment to inclusion, a theme she carried into her work as the Co-President for the Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA). Here, she organized cultural events and collaborated with other organizations to raise awareness about important issues, like the Chinese Exclusion Act.
In addition to her cultural work, Connie has been deeply involved in healthcare initiatives. As Co-President of the Pre-Medicine Student Association, she coordinated events like medical student panels and blood drives. Her leadership extended to the Women’s Collaboration for Pre-Health Students, where she worked to uplift women pursuing careers in healthcare.
Looking ahead, Connie is excited about her upcoming role with the CIMR Student Council and as the CIMR Peer Mentor, where she aims to empower more students in STEM. She is particularly passionate about trauma and neuroscience research, aspiring to pursue an MD-PhD that connects her interests in patient care and scientific inquiry.
When she’s not studying or mentoring, Connie enjoys outdoor adventures, music festivals, and video games. With her determination and diverse experiences, Connie is well-equipped to make a significant impact in the medical field and beyond!