4 minute read
Girls For Science Magazine Vol. 1
RAMYA CHAMKERI
Chamkeri gives advice to fellow pre-med women
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by Sejal Mohan
Ramya Chamkeri is an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida. She is a Biomedical Sciences major toso she can pursue the premedical path.
She is also the current Administrator Chair for the American Red Cross Club at USF and is involved with a research paper concerning cells.
“I’ve always been more inclined towards science and math as a child, and after volunteering in hospitals during high school I decided I’d like to major in something related to medicine. My aspirations in STEM are to do research and contribute to the medical field, whether that be through becoming a practicing physician or working towards systemic justice in healthcare,” Chamkeri said.
She has been a part of the Red Cross club in her high school but started getting consistently involved this past school year when she joined the chapter at USF.
Her duties as Administrator Chair include assisting the President and Junior President in organizing and planning events. She puts hours into the Redinto Red Cross to support the idea of equal and fair treatment for everyone, regardless of borders.
Whether her contribution is small or large, Chamkeri hopes that her work and involvement can impact the medical field in a positive way, especially because the cell membrane plays a significant role in cancer proliferation.
She feels that research in this topic can help those who are impacted by cancer.
“Ideally, I’d like to enter the medical field and treat patients while conducting research on certain conditions and the flaws of the healthcare system. If not in the medical field, I’d also be interested in participating in the political sphere to bring light to medical justice and healthcare reform,” Chamkeri said.
Chamkeri’s passion is not limited to medical procedures, but to the overall field of medicine to ensure equal medical treatment for anyone who needs it.
Even though a lot of strides have been made to bring women into the STEM field where she grew up, her personal experience has not been negatively affected because of her sex.
“However, my experience has made me think about women in more conservative, poverty-stricken areas, and how they may be barred from obtaining an education and entering the STEM field. Knowing this makes me very grateful to be able to go to school and work towards my ambitions, and it motivates me to take advantage of every opportunity I am given,” Chamkeri said.
Chamkeri makes sure to be grateful for her opportunities and makes the most of them.
To advise other women who may want to pursue STEM, Ramya has advice on how that would work out in a college setting.
“I’d say that one thing that has really helped me get my foot in the door for STEM has just been actively participating in classes and clubs. For example, going up to teachers after lectures to ask them a question or making an effort to attend club meetings in-person instead of online has allowed me to form connections and feel more engaged in what I’m studying,” Chamkeri said.
Ramya emphasizes the importance of finding a community of people who see your full potential and are willing to help you reach it.
Having a STEM major or working on a STEM-related track can prove challenging, but not impossible, and certainly not unfruitful for those who really have the passion to put their ambition into practice.
