I am a third-year graduate student in the Molecular Cancer Biology program at Duke University. As a childhood, cancer survivor, my interest in cancer research and patient advocacy began in earnest in high school. As a bench scientist my work could contribute to cancer treatment in a few years, however people in my community and around the country face barriers to care and healthy living every single day. I hope to continue my efforts at the intersection of community and legislative action and scientific endeavors towards healthier and more equitable places to live.