B.A.: Ethics of Patient Centered Medicine

Degree Mentors:

• Dr. Blake Francis, Director of Human Context of Science & Technology (HCST)| UMBC Assistant Professor, UMBC Philosophy
• Dr. Michelle Seu, MD Loyola Medicine |UMBC INDS Alumni, B.S. Biology & B.A. INDS
• Carrie Sauter, Assistant Director, Individualized Study Program
• Eric Brown, Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study Program

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because I was interested in multiple aspects of knowledge, more specifically, in healthcare. INDS offered a route that allowed me to take control of my time and education in college, and I am so grateful to be leaving with an invaluable degree that I got to make myself. Not only do I get to leave with my unique degree, but I also get to leave with the experience of completing a capstone project. After I graduate, I get to look back and be proud of the amount of time and effort I spilled into my INDS degree.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

As a pre-medical student, my goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. My INDS degree is intentionally designed to address the ethical, psychological, social, and historical dimensions of medicine that are especially central to patient-centered care. Grounded in a holistic approach, my coursework integrates philosophy and ethics, sociology, psychology, gender studies, anthropology, and the history of medicine to examine how identity, power, trauma, and structural inequities shape healthcare experiences. These are all relevant to reproductive health, where autonomy, justice, and communication are essential. My capstone research on the healthcare and reproductive health experiences of women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) further strengthens my commitment to inclusive, disability-competent care. I trust that my INDS degree will aid me in becoming a reflective, ethical, and compassionate doctor who prioritizes empathy, autonomy, and equitable care.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

Clubs/Organizations:

• President, Filipino- American Student Association

For More information on Tristen's INDS journey please click here!

B.S.: Neuroscience

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record: Minor:

• Minor:
  • Biological Sciences
• Dean's List

Degree Mentors

• Dr. Tiffany Gierasch| Teaching Professor and Tutorial Center Director, UMBC Chemistry Department
• Dr. James Hawkins| Chair, Orofacial Pain Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
•  Dr. Jose Arenas Gomez| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC Individualized Study

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS to pursue a degree that values student agency. The core INDS courses have allowed me to expand my current knowledge and diversify my perspectives on education. The interdisciplinary approach enables me to take courses that I wouldn’t usually encounter, and empowers me to integrate various viewpoints into my studies. Additionally, the dedicated faculty have been the cornerstone of my degree, providing me with personalized mentorship and academic support. Beyond the academic flexibility, the smaller cohort size creates a strong sense of belonging. Though each of us is on our own independent exploration of our fields, we consistently support one another. By conducting my own capstone research project, I have gained practical hands-on experience in conducting primary research, interacting with established professionals, and fine-tuning my presentation skills. These experiences will allow me to translate my multifaceted education into a specialized career within the field of dentistry.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

Following graduation, I will be applying to dental school. During my gap year, I plan to continue my research at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry while further immersing myself in clinical experiences through shadowing and dental assisting internships. My INDS degree has provided me with a unique advantage in this pursuit: it allowed me to complete rigorous prerequisite coursework while simultaneously developing a sophisticated understanding of patient care through public health and sociological lenses. As I enter the field of dentistry, I will be equipped with not only the technical proficiency but also with the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to provide comprehensive, community-centered care.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

• Undergraduate Research Award Recipient| 2025
• Researcher| Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day| Spring 2026

• Researcher| Dr. Raimi Quiton's Lab, UMBC
• Researcher| Dr. Man-Kyo Chung's Lab, UMSOD
• Finance Board Member & Coordinator of Budget Analysis and Maintenance| UMBC Student Government Association
  • The Treasurer Support Team is responsible for providing high quality support to the treasurer of the organization. The team is made up of the Coordinators of Training and Budget Maintenance, who share responsibilities with one another and work together to assist the treasurer in conducting treasurer trainings, maintaining the budget, and communicating with SGA’s constituents.
• Vice President| UMBC Neuroscience Club
• Treasurer| UMBC Greenpeace

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC:

• Delegate Feldmark's Legislative Scholarship
• College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Student Internship and Service Fund Award Recipient
• Cathy Hiebler ’98 and Chip Hiebler Scholarship Recipient| Fall 2025
• University System of Maryland - Professional Edge Award Recipient

For More information on Noreen's INDS journey please click here