Few individuals achieve extraordinary milestones across various areas, like HTQL’s recent graduate, Alyssa Arreola. She is an individual who has consistently demonstrated a passion for making a difference. Let’s take a closer look at Alyssa’s outstanding academic accomplishments, aspirations for the future, and notable awards.

Alyssa has recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Sciences, specializing in Biology, with a supporting area in Medical Humanities/Public Health. She has also pursued minors in Dance and Psychology while holding certificates in Learning Beyond the Classroom and Medical Humanities.

Throughout her time at Purdue University, Alyssa’s academic prowess was undeniable, as evidenced by her consistent inclusion on the Dean’s list and semester honors for an impressive eight consecutive semesters. Accumulating a remarkable final GPA of 3.81, Alyssa’s dedication and commitment to her studies shine through.

Looking Ahead

Alyssa’s academic journey continues as she prepares to embark on her graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been accepted into the master’s program in Public Health Genetics, offered by only two universities nationwide! She is also a recipient of the Human Genetic Achievement Award, a prestigious partial scholarship that recognizes her potential and commitment to the field.

Alyssa aspires to apply for a second master’s program in Genetic Counseling. Her overarching goal is to address health disparities within the genetic healthcare service realm, focusing on leadership, policy-making, and giving back to her grassroots community. She intends to serve as a mentor for minorities and women in STEM, supporting and guiding them in their academic and professional journeys. Despite her busy schedule, Alyssa remains committed to self-care and her love for dance, aiming to join community clubs and share her passion by teaching dance to the youth.

Within the Health TechQuity Lab

Alyssa has made significant contributions to research and academia. As part of a team, she conducted recruitment in Lake County, Indiana and interviews for community member research studies, analyzed qualitative data, and co-authored the manuscript, “Feasibility and Anticipated Acceptability of CHW-facilitated HPV Self-sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in Lake County, IN.” This manuscript has been submitted for review and promises to advance medical knowledge in the field further. Together with her partner Sathveka, they presented a research talk on their manuscript at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

A Series of Notable Awards have Marked Alyssa’s Journey

In 2019, Alyssa was awarded the Lilly Scholarship Endowment for Lake County, Indiana. This highly competitive scholarship, granted to only six recipients out of 3,000 high school students, covered all of Alyssa’s tuition and book expenses.

She was also named a Jandos Scholar for the College of Science her senior year (2022-2023), an award highlighting those invested in inclusion, diversity, and equity.

Alyssa volunteered at a local suicide hotline, where she recognized the urgent need for improved mental health education and destigmatization. Alyssa took the initiative to collaborate with another recipient of the Lilly Scholarship, and together, they successfully secured a grant for Tippecanoe County. The resulting Community Suicide Prevention Training Project empowered 161 individuals within the community by increasing mental health education and reducing the number of proxy callers. This project showcases Alyssa’s compassion, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Alyssa has grown personally and professionally and played a vital role in ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive. Most recently, the College of Science awarded her the prestigious Championing Diversity Award. This award is granted to students who actively participated in programs sponsored by the Science Diversity Office throughout their years at Purdue University.

Alyssa’s Advice to Others

“Explore your passions and let them lead you. Be vulnerable and willing to advocate for yourself during this adventure. The most meaningful activities and moments for me are the ones I have because of my genuine curiosity and authentic human engagement, not to fill a requirement for a program. During my time at Purdue, I wrote in wet concrete and changed the foundation of my academic and community involvement by creating a new major, a new club, and writing grants for both Purdue University and Tippecanoe County.”

On behalf of the Health TechQuity Lab, we wholeheartedly wish Alyssa a future filled with success, fulfillment, and endless possibilities. May her journey be illuminated by her unwavering dedication, intellectual curiosity, and passion for making a positive impact. She will continue to inspire others, address health disparities, and contribute significantly to her field. Here’s to a bright and prosperous future for Alyssa from all of us at HTQL!