This past summer, Grace Huang, a sophomore biochemistry major in the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) program, found purpose at the intersection of biochemistry and public health through an innovative internship at the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing.
Huang discovered this opportunity through the Office of Undergraduate Research website, leading to a transformative experience that took place this past summer. Under the mentorship of Dr. Rozalina McCoy, Huang delved into the lab’s research on diabetes care and health disparities.
Her primary project involved a qualitative study examining the experiences of diabetes patients with hypoglycemia. In her work, she noticed a concerning trend: many patients had normalized this potentially dangerous complication, viewing it as an unavoidable part of their condition.
“There was a sentiment of hypoglycemia being unpreventable,” Huang noted. “People have been dealing with it, and this is just how it is.” This insight could prove crucial in developing more effective support strategies for diabetes patients.
The internship exposed Huang to a diverse range of projects, from ambulance care studies to scoping reviews on transit accessibility, broadening her understanding of public health research methodologies. Her experience at the Institute’s Bethesda office allowed her to connect with professionals across various disciplines, including biochemistry and computer science.
Huang credits the Honors College’s Integrated Life Sciences program for supporting her journey, particularly through networking opportunities and research guidance. Her outstanding performance earned her both an ILS research award and a SPIRE grant from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
As Huang continues her studies, this internship has illuminated a potential career path combining clinical practice with impactful research, inspired by her mentor’s dual role as a physician and public health researcher.
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The Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) Program provides a holistic, accelerated curriculum for talented STEM students, combining rigorous coursework, research requirements, service-learning experiences, and a supportive living-learning community to prepare students for successful careers in research, medicine, and education. Learn more about the ILS program at ils.umd.edu.
