Randal Burks is a graduating senior majoring in biology from Waldorf, Maryland. Randal is a member of the "Sweet" Mu Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., showcasing her commitment to both academic and social excellence. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of Technology Services for the Spelman Student Government Association. She has a rich history of leadership roles, having previously served as the Co-publicity Chair for the Class Council for two years and as the Vice-President of the Junior Class Council. Notably, she was honored as a 2020 Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Scholar. Randal's involvement extends beyond academics; she has contributed to the Health Careers Club as the Co-Publicity Chair. Additionally, she holds a Nursing Assistant Certification and has gained valuable experience through her work at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center and Health Partners Inc.
Throughout her tenure at Spelman College, Randal had the opportunity to engage in research under the mentorship of Dr. Maira Goytia from the Biology Department. In the summer of 2021, she participated in the RISE Program, delving into the study of horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in Neisseria. Continuing her research journey, from 2022 to 2023, Randal rejoined Dr. Goytia's lab, focusing on the modification of the Thayer-Martin medium to facilitate selective growth of 24 commensal and pathogenic Neisseria species, contributing to advancements in the field. Transitioning into a new realm, Randal ventured into the corporate world as an E-commerce Insights Intern at PepsiCo in New York City. In this role, she orchestrated comprehensive market research, competitive analyses, user testing, and A/B testing for Lay's Chip Variety Packs on Amazon.com, delivering invaluable insights for product enhancement.
Randal will pursue a fully funded Master’s Degree in Data Science at Michigan State University. She will pursue research using innovative data-driven approaches to address pressing issues and gaps in women's health, such as reproductive health, maternal health, and gender-specific diseases. After completing her Master's Degree in Data Science at Michigan State University, Randal is set to embark on the next phase of her academic journey with a clear vision in mind. She plans to pursue a medical degree at a top medical school, driven by her aspiration to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Through her combined expertise in data science and medicine, she aspires to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare outcomes and promoting gender equity in healthcare delivery.
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“LINCS Scholars are two-year cohorts of women scientists at Spelman College, who aspire to become leaders in STEM. These students contribute dynamic science and diverse perspective to a growing field. Typically, most of our LINCS Scholars reside in Laura Spelman Residence Hall, a social justice dorm on Spelman’s campus."