Michael Ayo

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with a background in research and a passion for advancing healthcare. I am currently pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences, as well as a minor in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Here, I gained a solid foundation in team leadership, diversity, and inclusivity. My experience includes working as a student researcher at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, where I developed skills in data collection, technical proficiency, and communicating research to an audience.

One of my notable projects involved serving as a research mentor, guiding six high school students in investigating sources of medical error, with a focus on medication errors. This experience honed my abilities in project management, problem-solving, and analytical thinking, which I believe are crucial for a Clinical Research Assistant.

Additionally, my role as a Resident Assistant provided me with strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling me to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and ensure a supportive environment. I am committed to contributing to innovative research that improves patient outcomes and am excited about the opportunity to join the esteemed team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

In my free time, I enjoy exercising, practicing piano, and talking with my grandmother, which helps me maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

I am eager to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and am confident that my skills and experiences make me a strong candidate for the Clinical Research Assistant position.

During my time as a student researcher at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, I collaborated with a team of five to investigate the relationship between Naloxone prescriptions and overdose mortality rates in the United States. Utilizing CDC WONDER data spanning several years, we uncovered a paradoxical relationship between the distribution of take-home Naloxone and overdose mortality rates.

Under the guidance of our principal investigator, we meticulously analyzed and represented our findings through various visual formats, including charts, heat maps, and cohesive figures. We had the privilege of presenting our research to an audience of physicians and medical students at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

This research experience was invaluable, providing me with the opportunity to forge meaningful connections and acquire essential research skills that I am confident will benefit my future career.

As a research mentor, I guided six high school students in investigating sources of medical error, with a focus on medication errors. Recognizing that medication errors contribute significantly to mortality in healthcare, we aimed to develop effective prevention strategies and identify the primary sources of these errors. Our research identified miscommunication as a major factor, leading us to recommend the use of colored prescription bottles and syringes in hospitals to reduce errors.

Throughout this project, I supervised my mentees in gathering sources, creating figures, and designing a compelling research poster. Additionally, I prepared them to present their findings at an exhibit hosted by the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. This involved asking challenging questions to deepen their understanding, verifying the accuracy of all information, and ensuring the research poster was clear and readable.

This mentorship experience was incredibly rewarding, as it enhanced my skills in guiding research and prepared me for future opportunities in the field.

As a resident assistant, I was a primary point of contact for over 400 students in the residence halls. My role involved promoting inclusivity, hosting educational events, and being available to residents to cultivate a welcoming community. To ensure safety and compliance with rules, I conducted weekly on-call duty days, which included thorough walkthroughs of the entire building and acting as the first responder for any incidents reported.

Facilitating residents' adjustment to college life was a top priority. Regular check-ins allowed me to gauge and address concerns proactively. Teamwork was crucial in this role, and I collaborated with nine other resident assistants to host numerous events and handle policy violations effectively.

This experience taught me valuable lessons in responsibility, creativity, and problem-solving. It also significantly honed my interpersonal skills, enabling me to interact with residents more effectively.

I am currently a Fourth Year Biology Student at The Pennsylvania State University.