FRANKE HONORS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT - MAC MCGRAW

Name: Mac McGraw

Majors: Physiology & Medical Sciences, and Molecular and Cellular Biology

Minors: Health and Human Values, and Biochemistry

Year in school: Junior

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Clubs/Organizations: PATH Mentorship, Arizona Diabetes Initiative, Physiology Club, Street Medicine Tucson, Health and Human Values Club

Leisure Pursuits: I enjoy getting out of my apartment and either going for a run around campus or lifting weights at the gym. I also enjoy listening to and learning about music, music production and mixing.

Research Projects: I have had the incredible opportunity to work in two research labs so far as a Franke Honors Wildcat! I started working in the Papas Lab during my first year of college. This lab is working on an exciting type one diabetes treatment that replaces the destroyed insulin producing beta cells with new insulin producing cells. I am now working in the Mandarino Lab, where I am identifying the best adiposity indexes to accurately identify insulin resistance risk in a pediatric Latino/a-identifying population.

Plans after graduation: 

I plan to attend medical school. I am keeping my mind open, but I currently want to become a pediatric endocrinologist since my endo has had a positive impact on me during my journey with type one diabetes.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What has been your favorite Honors course or experience that you have been involved with?

Aside from my experience as a PATH mentor and mentee, I love being part of the Health and Human Values minor! The courses and other students within the minor have challenged my perspective on what it means to be a healthcare worker. Dr. Braitberg, the Director, has been a great mentor who pushed me to take on new opportunities and reach out to different faculty across the University to further my research.

What is something you have done during your time at the University of Arizona of which you are especially proud?

I served as the Region 2 Vice President of Arizona HOSA - Future Health Professionals during my first year of college. This experience gave me an opportunity to use my voice and story to inspire other middle school, high school and college students across Arizona to follow their passions and step out of their comfort zone. It also gave me the opportunity to explore Tucson as I visited different high schools for chapter visit presentations.

What message do you have for other Honors students on finding their own success?

Utilize your resources in the Franke Honors College! There are so many unique programs, experienced faculty and fellow students who can help you achieve your goals and connect you to the right people. I can attribute most of my involvements directly to people in Honors who pushed me in the right direction.

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

"Mac is super involved with Honors! He serves as a PATH mentor and is a student in the Health and Human Values minor. Through many of his extracurricular activities, he emphasizes the values of community and service, which I believe is reflected in his Honors involvements and beyond."

–Dani Weissert, W.A. Franke Honors College Peer

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To nominate a peer for the Franke Honors Student Spotlight, please click HERE and complete the submission form. All nominations are subject to W.A. Franke Honors College review, approval, and editing for publication.