As the academic year comes to a close, our senior Undergraduate Fellows and Associate Fellows reflect on their journeys through the Institute of Clinical Bioethics. In this blog post, they share the experiences that shaped their growth, the challenges they overcame, and the values that guided them. From hands-on community outreach to research and leadership, these students have created lasting memories and are now preparing for the next chapter after graduation.
Undergraduate Fellows
Caroline Curtin ’25
Working as a member of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics’ staff has broadened my perspective on the intersection of medicine, education, research, and service. My experiences with the Health Promoter Program have provided me with valuable insight into the field of medicine, as well as unique leadership opportunities. I have grown incredibly both professionally and personally through my involvement with the ICB. I will forever be grateful for what it has taught me and the friendships I have formed from it. Next year, I will be starting my medical education at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Aidan Fogarty ’25
My time at the ICB has been nothing short of formative. From my first few times volunteering at the African Health Promoter to traveling to Boston to present a poster at the Society of General Internal Medicine’s annual conference, I have worked with and learned from many great students and doctors, as well as the ICB staff. Not only has the ICB been a great place to learn and grow as a student and researcher, but it was a great place to grow as a person and friend. I’d like to thank all the fellows and the legendary ICB staff for making my experience so great!
Veronica Wheatley ’25
My time as a fellow of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. Volunteering at the Health Promoters, especially in Costa Rica, and working with the Jesuit brothers at Manresa Hall truly made me feel like I was making a difference. The moments spent creating flower arrangements and building meaningful bonds with the older brothers on Friday afternoons have been among the most rewarding of my journey at SJU. I will deeply miss the connections I made with them and the joy we shared during those meaningful afternoons.
Carolina Mercado ’25
The first two years of my undergraduate experience at SJU I understood that I appreciated biomedical sciences, and I really thought I would eventually go through the application process and end up in the medical field. However, in my junior year, I joined the Institute of Clinical Bioethics and went to my first Hispanic Health Promoter where I translated for the residents. The moment I helped facilitate a patient’s very first conversation with a healthcare provider in this country—and they expressed their deep gratitude to me in their native language—I knew then that I was meant to pursue a future in medicine. The ICB helped to demonstrate the human aspect of healthcare, which is often lost in curriculum/academics. Healthcare is a service-based profession, and through my involvement in international projects and work with the Philadelphia community, I am grateful to carry these meaningful experiences into my applications for Physician Assistant graduate programs.
Celine Beltran ’25
The Institute of Clinical Bioethics offers fellows a unique opportunity unlike any other university—providing a deep understanding of ethics and values through hands-on medical experiences, from listening to patients’ stories to engaging in preventative care. I have also expanded my network, connecting with fellow students who share similar goals as well as professionals who have already established their careers. I would like to personally thank Father Clark, Steven Silver, the BIPOC Team, and other fellows who have helped me by adding to my foundation of leadership, organization, and responsibility. I look forward to seeing how the program will grow in years to come.
Simon Sheppard ’25
The most impactful thing that I learned from the ICB was to trust in the people around me and myself. All of the wonderful projects that are run through the ICB require the dedication and commitment of many people working in tandem. In order to function properly, I had to have faith that everyone had the same end goal in mind, even if the paths deviated. The trust of others, coincided in the confidence I gained in myself to take on extra burdens and to work through any problems that came up on said deviated paths. Next year, I plan to begin medical school at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Ana Ocasio ’25
During my first year of college, I often said I felt like something was missing, and the Institute of Clinical Bioethics filled part of that gap. The ICB has helped me grow, challenged me, and encouraged me in countless ways. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was serving as a co-leader in the Mobile Health Promoter program and participating in the journal clubs, both of which played an integral role in my formation. After graduation, I plan to apply to medical school and carry forward the lessons I’ve learned about bioethics and service.
Danielle Ray ’25
Volunteering at the health promoters with the ICB for four years has allowed me to make such a strong connection with my community members. I’ve grown more confident and excited to help, direct, and meet new people on and off campus! Seeing solidarity in action has been such a blessing and has taught me so much about how to work hand in hand with community organizations. I am excited to continue my journey of service in the coming months after graduation and to keep helping my community!
Sebastián Martinez ’25
Being part of the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey at St. Joseph’s. I’m deeply grateful for the mentorship, the chance to serve vulnerable communities, and the space to grow both intellectually and as a human being. The institute has not only shaped my vision as a future professional, but also nurtured a deeper sense of compassion, responsibility, and purpose that I will always carry.
Associate Fellows
Santiago Cahue ’25
My time at the Institute of Clinical Bioethics has been a truly enriching experience, where I’ve grown through service as a health promoter volunteer and by helping at the McAuley Convent. I’ve found deep joy in spending time with the sisters and working on horticultural projects that have brought us closer together. Father Clark has been a constant mentor throughout this journey, guiding me with kindness and wisdom. Fredy has been more than a leader—he’s been a true friend, someone I look up to and admire. Every other Saturday has become a time I cherish, filled with purpose, connection, and heartfelt growth. My plans after high school graduation are to pursue a degree in PharmD at University of Pittsburgh.
Amanda Yu ’25
My experience with the ICB has deeply broadened my perspective on ethics, not just in medicine, but in all aspects of life. It has deepened my sense of gratitude and made me more mindful of the value of life and humility. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the time I’ve spent with the incredible women of McAuley Hall, whose support and friendship have been a blessing. After high school graduation, I will be attending DeSales University to study nursing.