Meet Winifred Dorlean ’24

This chemistry major, Brady Scholar, and first-generation student is making it all happen at Rochester

What kind of career do envision? How has your undergraduate experience helped you work toward that?

Throughout college, I’ve pursued my interest in medicine and research. For instance, I’ve been an organic chemistry teaching assistant (TA) twice and I interned two summers ago at UNC Chapel Hill, where I conducted pharmacology research. The post-doc who led that project recently told me that the research got published and I was listed as a coauthor. That was surprising and exciting. And right now I’m doing a research-based internship in Strong Memorial Hospital’s emergency. I love it. It’s really sparking my interest in potentially pursuing a career in diagnostic radiology. In addition, I’ve been a Writing Fellow for about two years, which I’ve really enjoyed.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m applying to a variety of post-baccalaureate programs with the intention of pursuing my interest in medicine and research, ideally with a clinical and/or public health focus. My plan is to take a gap year, gather more experiences, and then apply to medical school.

How do you spend your time outside of class?

During the first few years, I spent a lot of time at the Office of Minority Student Affairs, which is a great, safe place where students can get the academic and support they need and socialize with other students. As the years have gone on, I’ve found additional ways to help me explore what’s important to me.

For example, I’ve been a leader within the First Generation Society for a few years and am now the group’s president. I’m also a Student Alumni Ambassador, which gives me an opportunity to represent the student body at various University events like Meliora Weekend, Forever Rochester, and Commencement. I also get to meet alumni and donors regularly and interact with groups like the University’s First-Generation Network and the Black Alumni Network.

What has been made possible for you at the University of Rochester?

Throughout college, I have been exposed to many opportunities including research and interacting with doctors and medical students from School of Medicine and Dentistry, connecting with great professors, and connecting with many students from different backgrounds. I really like and appreciate how diverse Rochester is. In fact, about 20 percent of the undergraduate population is first-generation like me.

What’s it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?

In high school, as a low-income student, I was worried about paying for college. My mom was concerned about it, too, and didn’t want me accumulating debt. After being accepted at Rochester, I was thrilled to receive the Brady Scholarship. That scholarship, along with the financial aid that has come with it each year, has made it possible for me to attend college.

What would you like Dr. Pungello Bruno and other donors to know?

First, how thankful I am. And that I’m grateful this scholarship exists to support students like me, who come from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds. It’s interesting to me that Dr. Pungello Bruno’s own research as scientist has focused on child development and that the Brady Scholarship supports the kinds of people she has focused her work on. She knows that access to education has the potential to really change someone’s life, as it has mine.