Student and Alumni Profiles

Professional experience prior to Law School:

Prior to law school, I worked for nearly four years at the Harvard School of Public Health as a research coordinator. Our lab investigated breast cancer, especially the interaction between lifestyle choices, nutrition and the disease.

What I Am Hoping to Do with My Law Degree:

I hope to combine my background in the life sciences and academic health care with the law. There are many opportunities out there, including health care law and Intellectual property law.

My Best Experience at Penn Law:

One of my best experiences was at a BBQ in the first few weeks. I realized that it was true that everyone at Penn was really friendly and accessible. I was lucky enough to sit down and start chatting with some people who I now consider some of my closest friends.

Professor Who Influenced Me Most:

I think Professor Eric Feldman influenced me most because I won't be able to walk in an elevator or get in a car without thinking of torts!

An Example of How the Law School's Cross-disciplinary Approach Influences My Legal Education:

My dual degree with the Bioethics program is case in point for how Penn facilitates a cross-disciplinary approach to law. Currently, I am taking a health law policy at the Law School and a pharmaceutical bioethics course at the medical school. I enjoy comparing these perspectives, especially since the bioethics students range from law students to doctors to nursing students to industry professionals. I think learning how to analyze and critique an issue from many perspectives is an invaluable tool, and the cross-disciplinary approach has strengthened this skill for me.

Meaningful Cross-disciplinary Experience at Penn:

I think the most meaningful experience for me is through my joint JD/MBE program, because I'm often in classes with law students, nursing students, doctors, pharmaceutical professionals, and I feel that this combination makes for a more meaningful and applicable dialogue.

Penn Law is known for its collegial environment. Why is collegiality important to a legal education? How has it affected your legal education?

I think that law school, especially first year, is difficult enough. The same can be said about working in the legal profession. The last thing students and or practicing attorneys need is stress from colleagues as well as stress from the type of and amount of work that must be completed. I think a collegial environment is key to quality of life in law school, and since law is a collaborative field, I think collegiality acts an unofficial part of the curriculum. Not only are we learning about the substance of the law, but we are learning how important cooperation and empathy becomes as we struggle through cases, issues, and the stress of a heavy workload.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

Going salsa dancing with my boyfriend in Old City.

What I'm Most Proud Of:

I volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and I'm proud to be a part of that organization. I'm proud that I managed to continue volunteering during my first year of law school.

What I Did For Public Interest:

The Reproductive Rights Law Clinic

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

I like the button in front of Van Pelt.  Where else in the world can you give directions by saying “go left at the button”!

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