JAMES SILVA

Arizona State University, BS Jamessilva@arizona.edu

James Silva completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, where he earned dual degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience. As a dedicated learner and aspiring medical professional, he is passionately driven to make a positive impact on the world through medicine.

Throughout his academic journey at ASU, James immersed himself in the fascinating world of biomedical sciences and neuroscience. His coursework allowed him to develop a strong foundation in the intricacies of the human body and mind, sparking a profound curiosity about the complexities of health and disease. James has always been drawn to the medical field, seeing it as the ideal path to combine his passion for science with his desire to help others. His experiences and interactions with patients and healthcare professionals have only further solidified his commitment to becoming a medical student and, ultimately, a physician. His career endeavors center around attending medical school where he can continue to grow and learn under the guidance of top-notch educators and mentors. James envisions himself diving deeper into various medical disciplines, exploring diverse specialties, and acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and exceptional care to his future patients.

As a future medical student, James intends to approach his studies with dedication, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of those he will serve. His ultimate aspiration is to become a physician, where he can use his expertise to positively impact individual lives, contribute to cutting-edge research, and be an advocate for better healthcare practices on a larger scale. Beyond his academic pursuits, James actively engages in volunteering and extracurricular activities that allow him to give back to the community and foster a sense of responsibility and compassion towards others. He believes that being a well-rounded individual with a focus on both academic excellence and empathy is essential in the field of medicine. James is excited to embark on the path of becoming a medical student and eventually a physician, and he looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through his dedication to the art and science of medicine.

⊲ PROJECT

The study aims to investigate the level of fentanyl awareness among the youth and their parents in Arizona and understand the sources of information they utilize. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, and its rising use has become a major public health concern, leading to an increase in overdose-related deaths. By conducting structured surveys among youth (ages 13-22) and their parents/legal guardians in diverse communities in Arizona, the study seeks to assess their knowledge of fentanyl and its associated risks. The study will explore the various sources through which respondents acquire information about fentanyl, including social media, word of mouth, and other mediums. Although preliminary data is not available, expected data will align with a similar study from the previous year, which showed a preference for social media as the primary information source among respondents. The study’s findings will shed light on critical gaps in fentanyl awareness among Arizona’s youth and parents, emphasizing the importance of targeted educational strategies and campaigns to improve awareness and prevent adverse consequences in this vulnerable population.