About Cindy

Hometown:
Naperville, IL

University Partner:
Columbia University

Degree:
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, 2006

Grant Partner:
Hospital for Special Surgery

Senior Mentor:
Dr. David Altchek, Attending Orthopedic Surgeon

"I began the summer searching for answers, and I left it still looking. Too often we are pigeon-holed into thinking that there's only one thing we can and should devote our time to, and the earlier we know what that one thing is, the better. For once, I look forward to not knowing for sure what I am going to do. Before this experience, that kind of doubt would have enraged and stifled me. But I am beginning a new chapter with great new friends, ideas and thoughts. And I'm reveling in the doubt, because it lets me be daring and inquisitive."

Scholar Background

Raised by her grandparents in China, Cindy came to the United States at the age of eleven to reunite with her parents, whom she had not seen for seven years. Knowing no English in an unfamiliar place, she worked tirelessly to improve and excel, not wanting to disappoint her parents, who sacrificed their careers to provide her with a better future. Graduating in the top one percent of her high school class, Cindy was a Jack Dicker Scholar, King’s Crown Leadership Award recipient, and a recipient of the Dean’s Marshal award upon graduating from Columbia. In addition to being a strong student, Cindy was involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She was VP Intergroup in charge of funding for the Engineering Student Council and volunteered at Missionaries of Charity, a convent and women’s shelter. She was also a mentor to high school students at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics. Never satisfied as just a spectator, Cindy was drawn to the field of surgery for its intensity and demands of technical expertise.

Internship Highlight

At the Hospital for Special Surgery, Cindy shadowed orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Altchek, participating in clinical evaluation and observation in the operating room. Cindy also worked on two clinical studies, the first studying the effectiveness of operative and conservative treatments of adhesive capsulitis and the second evaluating total hip replacements as treatment for chronically dislocated hips in patients with cerebral palsy. Though accustomed to medical settings, Cindy was amazed when, on the first day of her internship, she found herself just a few feet away from an operating table. Dr. Altchek directed some of his commentary to her as he worked, immediately riveting her attention and appreciation for the surgeon’s versatility and dedication.

Where are they now?

After graduation, Cindy spent a year working as a coordinator facilitating the strategic planning process of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. After spending two years as Steamboat Foundation's first full-time Associate, she left in August of 2009 to pursue a career in China at Wieden+Kennedy, an advertising agency.