Class of 2023: Hanna Santolla receives hands-on training for medical school
Name: Hanna Santolla
College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major: Human nutrition, foods, and exercise with a minor in integrative health and wellness
Hometown: Pearisburg, Virginia
What are your plans after graduation?
I have applied to several medical schools and hope to attend next fall. In the meantime, I plan to continue volunteering as an EMT for Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and working as an EMT in the emergency department of Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery and for Carilion Clinic Patient Transport. My plan is to become a doctor specializing in emergency medicine or cardiology.
What drew you to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences?
I chose the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences [CALS] because of the friendly administrators, faculty, and staff who want nothing more than to see their students grow and succeed. CALS has a variety of incredible majors that set students up for success in their respective career fields. The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise has prepared me well for the challenging curriculum of medical school.
What research experiences, internships, or activities did you participate in?
I participated in research in the Cognitive Aging and Translational Science Laboratory under College of Liberal Arts and Human Studies Associate Professor Benjamin Katz. I was a national member of the national pre-professional honor society Alpha Epsilon Delta, volunteered and worked as an EMT, was a member of the Kappa Phi honor society, and held multiple leadership roles in various clubs.
What hands-on learning experiences have helped you at Virginia Tech?
Becoming an EMT and volunteering at Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad gave me considerable hands-on experience with patients, which is instrumental for my future career as a doctor.
Who is a faculty member who influenced you and how?
Collegiate Associate Professor Angela Anderson influenced my undergraduate career heavily, as I had her for Exercise and Health and Metabolic Nutrition. Dr. Anderson always showed up to class with the biggest smile and lots of cheer. She goes the extra mile for all of her students, both in or out of the classroom.
What’s your favorite Hokie memory?
My favorite memory was the first football game back in Lane Stadium after COVID, when we beat the University of North Carolina. The stadium was electric and we showed the world that Hokies fans never stop jumping.
