Tennessee Girls in STEM (TGIS) Conference
While recent state law does not allow public institutions like MTSU to mandate the wearing of face masks except under severe and specific conditions (which include a declaration by the governor of a COVID-specific state of emergency), we strongly recommend their use while inside campus buildings or when social distancing is impractical.
Maria Hite
Medical Student
Meharry Medical College
Maria Hite is a second-year medical student at Meharry Medical College and alum of Middle Tennessee State University. She has lived in LaVergne, Tennessee for almost her entire life. Her parents inspired and encouraged her love of learning from a young age. As a high schooler, she attended two TGIS conferences. Maria enjoyed exploring different STEM fields and meeting others that also liked science. She then volunteered as a group leader for TGIS in college. Maria hopes to pass on her passion for learning and science to the next generation.
Maria is part of the inaugural class of MTSU and Meharry’s Medical School Early Acceptance Program (MSEAP). The purpose of the seven-year accelerated program is to increase primary care physicians in medically underserved areas in Tennessee. This mission resonated with Maria because it places doctors where they are needed most. During her time at MTSU, she was involved in several organizations, including Borderless Arts TN, Honors Student Ambassadors, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Maria also tutored students in biology and psychology and completed a virtual internship with a mental health organization in Vietnam. She had the opportunity to conduct cell biology research on macrophages, some of which contributed to her undergraduate honors thesis.
Now at Meharry, she embarks on learning the art and science of medicine. She also volunteers as a Health Technician for Meharry’s student-run Salt Wagon Clinic, which provides free healthcare to the community. Looking ahead, Maria plans to pursue interests in clinical research, public health, and eliminating health disparities.
TGIS is now on Facebook. Please follow us if you have attended TGIS before, plan to attend, or are interested in volunteering.
Contact Us!
tgis@mtsu.edu
(615) 494-7763
TN Girls in STEM is open to all without a preference or restriction based on sex.
