Manu’s Pre‑Med Chronicles
Junior Year Begins
First day of junior year of high school—new goals: top grades, and best memories ever
The Research Journey Begins
Kicked off my Alzheimer’s research at Des Moines University, diving into it from a biostatics and genomic perspective.
CNA Classes + Internship Start
Started my CNA classes and a summer internship—an first step into physically interacting with patients
First Day at the Nursing Home
Worked my first shift as a CNA at the nursing home, Arbor Springs -- Specialized Dementia Care
Research Recognition
Took home first place at the DMU Research Symposium for my Alzheimer’s project.
VANDERBILT ACCEPTANCE!!!!
FINALLY!! I officially committed to Vanderbilt University to study neuroscience on the pre‑med track.
First Day at Vanderbilt
Arrived in Nashville to begin studying neuroscience on the pre-med track, stepping into a new chapter of independence, purpose, and possibility.
Joined the Darby Lab
Began research in systems neuroscience using lesion-network mapping and neuroimaging to study brain networks, consciousness, and neurological disease.
Joined the Gonzalez-Hunt Lab
Expanded into wet-lab neurodegeneration research, connecting molecular biology with the clinical realities of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Partners in Health Leadership
Joined the Presidential Advisory Committee, helping guide student-led global health initiatives focused on equity and access to care.
First Remote Area Medical Clinic
Volunteered at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic from November 7–9, Shadowed a Jaw Reconstruction, gave out surgical supplies in a sterile field, and made and delivered 11 pairs of glasses in lab.
Co-Founded the I&O Healthcare Podcast
Launched a podcast interviewing physicians and healthcare leaders to learn directly from those shaping the future of medicine.
DiffEx Wins Vanderbilt Hult Prize
Co-founded DiffEx, an AI-driven clinical decision support system designed to reduce diagnostic error and strengthen medical reasoning—earning 1st place at Vanderbilt’s Hult Prize, $3,000 in funding, and advancement to the National Competition in Boston.
Became a RA at Morgan
Selected to serve as a Resident Advisor in Morgan, near the gym, and still with my friends
Second Remote Area Medical Clinic
Returned to serve at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic in Harriman, TN from April 10–12, delivering free dental, vision, and medical care to patients who otherwise go without.
Hult Prize Nationals in Boston
Traveled to Boston from May 1–4 to present DiffEx at the Hult Prize U.S. National Competition, pitching our AI-driven clinical decision support platform on the national stage.
Started VSTART Summer Research
Began VSTART, the Vanderbilt summer research program, committing the summer to full-time neuroscience research.
Named an Ingram Scholar
Selected for the Ingram Scholars Program at Vanderbilt—a full-ride scholarship recognizing a commitment to pairing professional ambition with sustained community service.
Building a Free Medical Camp in Guatemala
Flew to Guatemala from July 15–19 to solo organize a free medical camp in partnership with Hospital General San Juan de Dios, funded by the Simon Collier Grant from Vanderbilt’s CLACX (Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies), while conducting public health research on the ground.