Welcome to Maya Cancer Activist's Hub!
Empowering the Future of Healthcare Through Research and Advocacy
Welcome to Maya's Health Empowerment Journey, a platform dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those facing early-stage cancer, and navigating the complexities of new emerging cancer treatments.
Join me in my journey!
Maya Sharma
Cancer Activist
Maya Sharma is a dedicated high school student at Nichols High School, passionate about cancer research and healthcare activism. With a stellar GPA and strong standardized test scores, she excels academically. Maya has volunteered extensively at Oishei Children’s Hospital and conducted significant research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, acquiring skills in cell culture, PCR, and flow cytometry. She has also worked on the ALICE Project at Jacobs School of Medicine, focusing on AI in healthcare.
As President of the Medicine and Anatomy Clubs, Maya leads initiatives to engage students in healthcare education. Fluent in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Punjabi, she balances her academic pursuits with hobbies like skiing, golf, and painting.
Maya's dedication to cancer research and healthcare makes her a promising young activist, committed to making a difference.
Leadership
Research
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Perceptions of the use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare by Older Adults
Research Assistant-ALICE Project Jacobs School of Medicine-University at Buffalo Department of Family Medicine
Long-term implications of Immunosuppressant usage on organ recipients
February-May 2024
Submitted to Student Research Journal
Mentored by Professor Virgel Torremocha and Dr. Prahlad Parajuli
Pancreaticoduodenectomy in the setting of Median Arcuate Ligament causing extrinsic compression of Celiac axis: A case report, review of literature and management.
July-August 2024
Submitted to International Medical Case Reports Journal
Authored by Samaira Sharma and Nikki Suchak, and Co-Authored by Dr. Moshim Kukar
Lyme Disease: A Case Presentation in a Rural Western New York Primary Care Setting Published August 23, 2024 in the Juniper Online Journal of Case Studies
Authored by Samaira Sharma and Co-Authored by Dr. Rajinder Bajwa
Honors and Awards
AP Scholar with Distinction Award 2024
High Honors Award: Academic Honor Roll 2020-2024
Most Improved Tennis Player
Buffalo Health Exploration Experience Award
Roswell Park Summer Research Intern
National Merit Scholar
Maya's Passion Project: Newborn Care Kits for Labored Moms
I am deeply committed to supporting new mothers through my project, "Newborn Care Kits for Labored Moms." After dedicating 240 hours to working in the Roswell Park Cancer Research Lab, I have decided to use the money earned from this experience to fund the creation and distribution of these essential care packages.
Each care kit will include: Diapers, Wipes, Water bottle, Baby blanket, Baby Washcloth, Vaseline, Baby Wash, and a Healthy Snack for lactating mothers
Working at the Roswell Cancer Research Lab has not only given me invaluable research experience but also the means to give back to the community. By creating these care kits, I aim to provide a bit of comfort and support to mothers as they navigate the challenges and joys of welcoming a new baby. This project is a way to show that we care and are here to help them during this special time in their lives. Join me in making a difference for new mothers and their newborns.
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Medical Shadowing
Dr. Andrew Symons, Family Medicine
Vice Chair for Medical Student Education at Jacob School of Medicine, Family Medicine: 10 Hours July 14-August 25 2023
Assisted in history taking, medication reconciliation, and differential diagnosis conversations.
Dr. Ahmed Kadim, Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist: 10 Hours August 2024
Shadowed a gastroenterologist in an out-patient setting, observing patient consultations and learning about diagnostic approaches to identifying gastrointestinal issues.
Dr Kevin Quinvalin
Anesthesiologist at Premier Ambulatory surgery center in WNY August 2024 10 hours
Assisted in history taking, medication and allergy reconciliation, pre and post op care with the team
Dr. Gregory Marra, Family Medicine
Family Medicine: 40 Hours March 2023-September 2024
Shadowing a primary care physician in a rural setting, gained hands-on experience in minor procedures, and exposure to primary care health conditions.
Dr. Thomas Smith
Cardiologist: 5 Hours September 2024
Learned about diagnostic tests such as Electrocardiograms, Echocardiograms, stress tests, and Cardiac catheterization. Observed how cardiologists evaluate patients’ symptoms, medical history, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Ellen Welch
Registered Nurse director for Premier Ambulatory Surgery Center
August 14-30 2024 20 hours Assisted nursing staff in pre and post operative care of outpatient Ambulatory surgery patients in input data, history, medications and documentation.
Research Internships
Student Researcher -Buffalo Health Exploration Program Roswell Park Cancer Institute
9th Grade total 70 hours
Had the opportunity to pursue a cancer case study in which we interviewed cancer patients, created posters from the experience and learnt from health care professional about treatment modalities. Unique opportunity to practice a surgical case simulation on the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.
Summer Intern-Healthcare Explorers Program Erie County Medical Center
10th Grade total 15 hours
Exposure to different disciplines of medicine at a Level I trauma center serving the Western New York Region. Interdisciplinary team approach with exposure to different medical specialties in an inpatient setting.
Lab Researcher-Roswell Park Cancer Institute
10th Grade total 120 hours Dr. Lee Tang’s Cancer Research Lab
Worked in the Stem cell and experimental therapeutic labs learning the basics of laboratory research, and focused on learning techniques such as cell culture, polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and flow cytometry. Was also introduced to testing of novel therapeutics utilizing small animal models.
Summer Research Internship-Roswell Park Cancer Institute
11th Grade total 240 hours Dr. Gal Shafirstein's Cancer Research Lab
Worked in the department of Cell Stress Biology, evaluating literature reviews, and performing solid phantom experiments to test Computational Modeling of Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy.
Volunteering
Oishei Children's Hospital
9th, 10th, 11th Grade total 60 hours
Organized storage rooms, Disposed expired products, stocked supplies, offered mother and neonates help and assembled care bags for new moms
Alternatives in Education
9th, 10th, 11th Grade total 120 hours
A Safe Haven for Newly Diagnosed Students Dealing with Learning and Social Disabilities 5th to 8th grade During my tenure I had multiple roles in the organization
Power of Poetry with Maya Sharma
Poetry is an amazing way to express emotions and experiences beyond ordinary words.
In my "Power of Poetry" workshop, I want to help young students discover the beauty and depth of poetry. We'll explore literary devices like metaphors, similes, and personifications to understand poems better and appreciate their nuances. I believe poetry enhances analytical skills and fosters a love for literature, encouraging creative expression.
Employment
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons -Customer Service Cashier. As an employee I worked with customers, taking orders, entering orders into the computers, and serving the needs of the customer. Additionally, I helped with store closing, cleaning floors, equipment, and tables.
Certification
