In the sixty-fifth episode of Vitals and Voices, we sit down with Simone Trainor, a sophomore Pre-Medical Honors student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, double majoring in Biology and Psychology and a distinguished Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Simone’s journey into medicine is defined by resilience, representation, and a powerful commitment to advancing equity in healthcare through both research and clinical care.As a laboratory research assistant in the Dr. Jens Rister Lab, Simone studies the development of photoreceptors and cone cells through Drosophila models, exploring genetic pathways that may translate to human eye diseases and broader biomedical discoveries. Her passion for research extends into cancer biology, where she is a YES for CURE Scholar, conducting cancer-focused research alongside the Harvard Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Through this work, Simone is building toward her long-term goal of becoming an MD/PhD and bridging scientific discovery with compassionate, patient-centered care.Outside the lab, Simone is deeply engaged in clinical and community-based experiences. She volunteers at Beth Israel Medical Center, shadows at Boston Children’s Hospital, and serves as a licensed EMT-B, gaining firsthand exposure to patient care across diverse settings. Whether in the emergency department, operating room, or community spaces, she approaches healthcare with empathy, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.Simone’s path into medicine was shaped by her lived experience as a Black woman in STEM. Growing up, she rarely saw representation in science and healthcare, which at times left her questioning whether she belonged in those spaces. Rather than allowing that doubt to define her, Simone turned it into motivation—committing herself to becoming the representation she once needed. Through her work as a teaching assistant, she created opportunities for younger students to engage in hands-on science, showing them that they, too, belong in STEM.She is especially passionate about cancer biology and addressing health disparities, recognizing that communities of color are disproportionately affected by cancer and often underrepresented in research and care. Through her involvement in translational research and public health initiatives, Simone hopes to contribute to solutions that not only advance scientific understanding but also improve equity in healthcare outcomes.Among her many accomplishments, Simone is particularly proud of being selected as a McNair Scholar—one of just 33 students chosen from over 12,000 undergraduates—as well as her competitive research positions, including her work at Tufts and Dana-Farber. Each of these milestones reflects her dedication to excellence, perseverance, and her commitment to making a lasting impact in medicine.Simone’s story is a powerful reminder that representation matters—and that by breaking barriers, she is not only shaping her own future, but opening doors for the next generation of students who will follow in her path.