High School Students
Valerie Bernal Balbuena
Email: bernalv26@students.ecu.edu
My name is Valerie Bernal Balbuena, I am a high school senior at Farmville Central High School and Pitt Community College, completing my Associate’s Degree in Science with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. I was selected for the Brody School of Medicine Honors Medical Research Program, where I am gaining experience in medical research. Through my ECU Health internship, I have gained hands-on acute-care experience working alongside physical therapists in patient rehabilitation and recovery. I also volunteered in the Children’s Emergency Room, supporting pediatric patients and their families. As President of FarmVilles HOSA Future Health Professionals, I lead healthcare-focused services and leadership initiatives at my school.
Email: vijayd26@students.ecu.edu
Hi! My name is Divya Vijay, and I am a senior at Junius H. Rose High School and a student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Online. I am participating in the Brody School of Medicine Honors Medical Research Program and am excited to continue exploring my interests in cancer biology and biomedical research. This past summer, I worked as a research intern at Duke University School of Medicine, where I studied Epstein-Barr virus infection and its role in cancer. At school, I serve as President of Science National Honor Society, previously served as Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and was an ambassador for Health Sciences Academy. Outside of school, I founded The Universal Cancer Collective, a student-led nonprofit focused on cancer awareness, advocacy, and community outreach. I am excited to continue growing as a researcher and learning more about the intersection of science, medicine, and service.