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My name is Giovanni Medy, a Haitian-American, second-generation biomedical engineering student and JANUS Scholar. I am an active member is several organizations on campus, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Planet Kreyol, National Society of Black Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Society, and First Star Youth Academy. Being a Plus One Scholar, I will be spending an extra semester at the University, graduating Fall 2021. Post-graduation my plan is to conquer the FE exam to become a certified engineer in the state of Florida and work for a medical device company or pursue a career in research.
I first tried to do research my junior year but was unable to do so because of time commitments required from the two jobs I was working. At the time same time, I needed to work those two jobs to make ends meet for myself, especially with the research opportunity I was pursuing not being paid. However, both of those needs will be met as a JANUS scholar. One of my post-graduation plans is to pursue a career doing research and prior research experience at the undergraduate level is essential to that. As a JANUS scholar, I will gain exposure to the research world and acquire the skills that I can implement in future research endeavors.
It was in my ninth-grade year of high school that I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. However, I did not have anyone around me to expose me and properly guide me in this pursuit. After being in college for some time now, I reflect on the things I would have done differently to ensure I was fully equipped with the tools to be a more successful engineering student than I am today. I also reflect on the disadvantages I face being a Black male in STEM. This introspective look inspires me to mentor Black STEM-aspirants to make sure that they are well-aware of the resources available to them and how to properly access them, the challenges they may face being Black in STEM or at a PWI, and the discipline and work ethic it takes to be a standout STEM candidate.
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