Hi, my name is Lauryn Walker and as a first-generation college student, I’ve become accustomed to navigating unfamiliar territory—whether it was guiding myself through the college application process or finding my path to achieve my professional goals. From a young age, I was drawn to helping others, and with my deep interest in science, pursuing a career in medicine felt inevitable. So, when I was accepted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the top public universities in the country, I knew it was the right choice, even though it meant moving six hours away from my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Committing to this journey was a leap into the unknown, but it’s one I’ve never regretted.
Now a senior majoring in Neuroscience, I often reflect on how my personal and professional growth has evolved during my time at UNC. Although my aspiration to become a physician remains unchanged, the journey to that goal has transformed. I initially entered UNC as a psychology major, fully expecting to stay on that track. Ironically, it was my first psychology class, Psyc 101 with Dr. Loeb, that piqued my interest in Neuroscience. Learning about the brain's pathways for senses opened my eyes to a wider field, one focused on understanding the complex workings of neurons and the brain. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed the intersection of psychology and neuroscience within my major.
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was in NSCI 395, a course on independent research. Through NSCI 395, I had the privilege of working in the Social Neuroscience and Health lab under the guidance of Dr. Keely Muscatell. This lab experience provided me with invaluable insights into how race and racism can impact individual health. I gained hands-on experience in conducting research studies, working directly with participants, and analyzing data. Working in the lab fostered my collaborative skills and showed me the impact research can have on real-world issues, particularly those close to my heart, such as maternal health disparities.
I have long been passionate about understanding maternal mortality, especially the racial
disparities associated with it in the United States. My work in the Social Neuroscience and Health Lab gave me the tools to explore these issues deeply, enabling me to design studies aimed at uncovering root causes and finding ways to address these injustices. Each summer back in Atlanta, I volunteer with the BK Edmond Project, where I teach proper breast exam techniques to women of color to raise awareness about Triple Negative breast cancer, a disease disproportionately affecting Black American women. This experience highlighted the importance of advocating for women's health and rights. I further explored this passion through my role as a Gil Intern with the NC Maternal Health MATTERS program.
NC Maternal Health MATTERS, which stands for "Making Access to Treatment, Evaluation, Resources, and Screening Better," collaborates with local and national organizations to assist healthcare providers in identifying and managing perinatal behavioral health needs, especially in areas where resources are limited. Through real-time psychiatric consultation, resource referrals, and training, NC MATTERS strives to reduce health disparities and improve birth outcomes across North Carolina.
Under the guidance of Karen Burns, program director of the NC Psychiatry Access Line, and Carine Kelleher, MPH, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to NC MATTERS’ mission. In collaboration with the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC), I’ve worked on the Interactive Map for Transitions, Access, and Continuity of Care (ITACC). This project has shown me how critical access to reliable, evidence-based care is, particularly for women affected by Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD). These disorders, which impact 10-15% of women during or after pregnancy, require improved resources, especially in rural areas. The ITACC Map is a vital step toward helping women in underserved areas access the care they need.
My time with NC Maternal Health MATTERS has been transformative. I look forward to seeing the ITACC map fully implemented and am excited to start a new project focused on updating the Mom Guide, a resource that helps women find treatment options based on their symptoms. Over the next few weeks, I will conduct research for this project, and I am eager to share my results.
The skills and experiences I’m gaining with NC Maternal Health MATTERS will undoubtedly shape my approach as a future physician, allowing me to be a more informed and effective
advocate for women's health.
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