Grace Oldham
About Me
As a fourth year student at the University of Florida, I'm excited to still be a member of the UF Honors College and the prestigious Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. In Spring 2021, I was selected to be one of twenty University Scholars for CALS for my work on bacterial genomics in the Jeong lab at the Emerging Pathogens Institute. I enjoy being involved in my sorority Sigma Kappa and have served on our leadership twice. I serve as both an intern at the Gator Wesley Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, I'm involved with the Wellness Project, and the Gainesville Alzheimer's Association. Over Summer, I work at the Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center with rising first graders all the way to recently graduated seniors. I think everyone should spend more time practicing kindness and holistic care for ourselves, as well as those around us. After I graduate in Spring 2023, I hope to attend medical school on my path to become a physician. I have been maintaining my language studies in Spanish in order to help reduce issues of accessibility for my future patients. With the International Service-Learning Program at UF I hope to furthermore my compassion and understanding of other cultures, without losing sight of the broader community we are all a part of.
Education
University of Florida
August 2019- May 2023
I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science of Biology on the pre-professional track from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Florida, with the intent to go to medical school.
University of Florida
August 2019 - May 2023
I am currently pursuing a Certificate for Spanish in the Medical Professions from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida.
Experience
Work History and Involvement
Intern and Board of Directors, Gator Wesley Foundation
August 2020 – Present
I work on relations with Concord Coffee employees that work out of the building, organize and facilitate weekly yoga sessions, oversee our Next Steps/Involvement ministry, coordinate all mental health programming and events, serve as the liaison for our ministry on the Mental Health Initiative grant by the general conference. I am also a student representative to the Foundation's Board of Directors, and a member of its finance committee.
Camp counselor, Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Conference Center
May 2020- Present
I serve with children from rising 1st graders to just graduated high school seniors at a sleep away camp, serve as a buddy for students with various special needs, work on the waterfront as a boat driver and lifeguard to maintain safety and a positive, organized environment. I mediate disagreements among campers, direct groups of students consisting of 2 to 150 individuals, provide emotional support and structure for each week, generate enthusiasm amongst campers, as well as fulfill the role of primary caregiver for the students throughout their experience.
Programming Council, Sigma Kappa
November 2019 – November 2021
I served as the apparel chair for my first annual term and coordinated merchandise design, sales, and distribution for over 200 women at a minimum monthly basis. Communicated the requests of the executive council to various companies and coordinated organizational branding with other members of leadership. Served as the Special Events Chair for the second annual term, planning and executing Mother's Weekend in Spring 2021 and Family Weekend in the Fall of 2021 which both had over 500 people in attendance throughout the weekend. I organized in-person, hybrid, and virtual events for participants, while managing a $10,000 budget, vendor contracts, event management, decoration responsibilities, etc.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Jeong lab
January 2021 - Present
I work as an undergraduate research assistant in the lab of Dr. KC Jeong at the Emerging Pathogens Institute on campus. I investigate bacterial genomics, with a focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus while under the supervision of Dr. Jeong and Yuting Zhai. I am currently examining whole genome analysis to compare traits such as virulence factors, mobile genetic elements, resistance genes, phylogenetic relatedness, etc. of both FAMRSA (food animal mrsa) and HMRSA (human mrsa) to better understand host specificity, colonization, and dissemination.
Design Team and Facilitator, the Wellness Project
September 2021 - Present
Initiative funded by the United Methodist Church's general conference in the state of Florida that aims to provide resources, education, and peer support to students in campus ministries across the state of Florida. Additionally, we are working to educate and equip church staff who support and interact with youth and young adults in ministry to better enable them to support students. I serve on the design team, and as a facilitator for a cohort of students from Gainesville, FL. This initiative combines the efforts of people across the state.
Order of Omega Member, UF Sorority and Fraternity Affairs
Fall 2021- Present
Member of UF Greek life Honor society that aims to increase academic efforts, career planning and connections, as well as engages in various service projects throughout the year in the Gainesville area
AIM/Advocacy Committee Head, Gainesville Alzheimer's Association
October 2020- October 2021
I worked to increase promotions of the Walk to End Alz's annual event, contributed to shaping public imaging through the organization's social media presence, assisted with lobbying efforts at the state and local government level, and worked to increase participation in the local community
Sister Support Ambassador, UF Panhellenic
January 2021 - January 2022
Received training and certification in a variety of topics including Title IX, suicide prevention, substance abuse signs/symptoms, and how to steer conversations surrounding sensitive, triggering topics. Hosted monthly office hours to assist women in the Panhellenic community as they dealt with a variety of issues such as burnout, assault, interpersonal conflicts, and mental health issues.
Translator, Idaho Condor Humanitarian
March 2019
Worked as Spanish translator on a medical mission trip to Cusco, Peru in order to provide one-day clinics to a variety of underserved towns throughout the mountain regions in this area. Spent the most time volunteering with an optometrist and the reproductive health clinic, as well as some work with the dental unit.
My Skill Set
Interpersonal Communication
Gifted with clear, concise communication abilities. Able to convey information in an efficient yet personable manner that encourages positive working relationships
Spanish Fluency
Conversationally fluent and proficient in understanding spoken and written Spanish from a variety of dialects. Have been studying Spanish for 10 years
Event Planning
Abundant experience and skill with coordinating large events for hundreds of people, managing a complimentary budget, decorating, creating and facilitating activities for the group to participate in either in person, virtually, or through a hybrid format.
Administration
Talented at organization, attention to detail, delegation, controlling multiple components/groups, maintaining both long and short term goals, and adhering to organizational branding or missions.
"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality"