Cohort One

Darren Annor is a second-year at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is majoring in Kinesiology. He is the first generation of the E.X.I.T.O health research program. This programs helps undergraduate students to pursue a career in biomedical research. In the future Darren is planning to pursue a career in physical therapy. He has a drive to help those in need and is working hard to accomplish his goals.

Ciara Balkcon is a second-year Kinesiology student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with aspirations of minoring in Disability and Human Development. She is a fellow of the Enhancing Cross-disciplinary Innovation and Training for Opportunities (E.X.I.T.O) program, where she is gaining valuable research knowledge and mentorship while developing the skills to design, conduct, and present her own research.

She brings experience in nutrition and exercise research from her internship with Leidos, where she collaborated with research teams to collect and analyze data on army cadets this past year.

In her academic journey, Ciara is focusing on the interconnected fields of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and psychology as they relate to human movement, while also delving into the cultural, historical, and policy-driven perspectives surrounding disability. Her personal experience as a disabled person deeply fuels her passion for both the biomechanics of human movement and a nuanced
understanding of disability culture and advocacy.

With her upcoming degrees, Ciara aims to work in the field of disability rehabilitation and research. She is committed to advancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and contributing to the ever-evolving body of knowledge surrounding their rehabilitation, health, and well-being.

Adamaris Diaz is a second-year student at the University of Illinois Chicago, pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus on pre-occupational Therapy. While new to the formal research experience, she has successfully completed coursework in Introduction to Clinical Research, Research in Psychology, and Introduction to Assistive Technology. Adamaris is particularly interested in exploring cultural competence in assistive technology adoption and cultural considerations in rehabilitation programs. Her passion for cultural competency is deeply rooted in her experiences and perspective as a Latina, giving her a firsthand understanding of the importance of addressing cultural nuances in healthcare and community engagement. She has gained practical experience as a rehabilitation aide at a physical therapy clinic for the past year. After graduation, Adamaris plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy to enhance her skills and knowledge in assisting individuals with diverse needs.

Joanna Del Pilar is a transfer student from City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), where she completed her associate’s in general studies. She is currently pursuing a degree in nutrition with the goal of becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). She is a fellow of the Enhancing Crossdisciplinary Innovation and Training for Opportunities (E.X.I.T.O.) program, where she can obtain tools, training, and experience in research. She will also be participating in the Healthy Flames, where she will be working with other students from nutrition and public health. Her desire is to assist patients with options other than pure medicine and deal with the whole body before, after, and during a diagnosis and injury by implementing the concepts that food and exercise is medicine.

Alexander Garcia is a second-year student at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Disability and Human Development with a pre-PT focus. Alex also works parttime at O’Hare International Airport during the school year and full-time during the holidays and summer breaks. As a first-generation college attendee, his interest in PT and Health stems from seeing others reach personal health goals while learning to push new limits. Alex is excited to see how much he can accomplish as a first-generation college student, including taking on research opportunities and exploring and keeping different options open beyond his undergraduate studies, all while supporting and encouraging his younger siblings.

Steffany Medrano is a second-year student at the University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Applied Health Sciences, pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and a minor in Disability and Human Development. She became an EXITO Research Fellow in the fall semester of 2024. She is a part of Mujeres en Medicina, a student organization for aspiring healthcare professionals, as well as registered her student organization at UIC named Treat Your Shelf Club to create a space for book enthusiasts. In her dive into research, she is hoping to connect a bridge to make better connections and relationships between healthcare providers and Spanish-speaking patients. She would love to explore more into child development. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, she intends to attend graduate school to pursue a career in Speech-Language Pathology.

Julia is an undergraduate student at UIC, currently double majoring in Nutrition and Music Performance. She is passionate about not only making healthy foods more accessible to underfunded communities but also about disrupting the process by which food in society is made that makes it “unhealthy” for us. Growing up on the northside of Chicago, she was fortunate enough to participate in The People’s Music School, a nonprofit, where she began playing cello at 7 years old and continues her musical studies at UIC. Having received her music education free of cost, Julia advocates for funding of education, in all forms, for students growing up in communities like hers. Being a part of EXITO will give her the opportunity to participate in research related to public health and will expose her to real-world situations currently facing our communities. After completing her undergraduate studies, Julia plans to study medicine to become a practicing physician.

Saakshi Zala is a second-year student majoring in Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois-Chicago. She also participates in the Research Training Program at EXITO, which will allow her to spend the summer working in a research lab within the College of Applied Health Sciences. Saakshi is learning about and gaining experience in inpatient care as a certified nursing assistant at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to apply to medical school to advance her medical education and become a doctor.