Ciara Patterson is a second year undergraduate student at Brandeis University double majoring in African and African American Studies (AAAS) and Health, Science, Society and Policy (HSSP) on a pre-med track. She is interested in studying how realities of racism in the U.S. affects the health of Black women, specifically regarding maternal and reproductive health and chronic illness. In June and July of 2024 she participated in study abroad programs in Merida, Mexico and Havana, Cuba that focused on inequalities in health systems. In August 2024 she attended the Partners in Health Engage Annual Training Institute in Washington D.C. where she advocated for U.S. congressional leaders to prioritize funding for research and diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis. In September of 2024 the senate unanimously  passed the End TB Now Act. Following graduation Ciara plans to pursue an MD and a PhD in the social sciences, dedicating her future career to clinical practice and research that prioritizes health equity.