Meet Brooke Martinez. Her journey to UCF began with an invitation to audition for the UCF orchestra. While looking through promotional materials from various institutions across the nation, the one that caught her eye was UCF. Though orchestra was off the table due to a medical condition, she felt UCF still had something to offer. Originally, she intended to pursue a degree in biology to prepare to enter the medical field. After being diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – a group of disorders that affects the connective tissue – she became interested in learning more about the condition and switched her major to health sciences. There, she met Assistant Professor Joy Scheidell who exposed her to the field of epidemiology. After graduation, Brooke plans on returning home to Texas and pursuing a graduate degree in public health.
Hometown: Rockwall, Texas
Major: Health Sciences
What will you be doing after graduation?
I will embark on my Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of South Florida this fall to deepen my understanding of epidemiological principles and their application in public health. I look forward to pursuing my passion and contributing positively to the world of public health in the future.
What are your long-term career plans?
My long-term career goal is to become an epidemiologist so that I can continue researching and helping marginalized populations within healthcare.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
I am proud of my undergraduate thesis, which I completed through the Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT) program. Through this program and with the help of my mentor, Dr. Scheidell, I could connect with my community and start my research journey. It was an unbelievable experience. It was incredible seeing my face on the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Society’s social media platforms, having fellow zebras (EDS patients) message me their support and experts giving me encouragement for my future.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
I loved the circle of friends I was able to make here. It was them that made the move from a different state so much easier. I have made so many beautiful memories here with my wonderful friends. UCF’s sense of community allowed me to create a home here easily.
What was your favorite class, professor, or experience at CHPS, and why?
My most significant accomplishment of an undergraduate thesis would not have been possible without the help and mentorship of Dr. Scheidell. She taught me the world of research and assisted me as I applied for graduate school. Because of her guidance, I am confident in my abilities and look forward to the challenges of graduate school. She has provided inimitable advice, and I am forever grateful she undertook me as her mentee. We will continue to work together as I progress as a researcher and remain in touch throughout our professional careers. She will forever be my favorite epidemiologist and the best guide I could ever ask for.
