Elena Hayek
Cleveland Heights
Summary
Sophomore Neuroscience major with minors in Chemistry and Bioethics on the pre-medical track. Passionate about the intersection of science, ethics, and patient care, with hands-on experience in genetics research, clinical support, and community health outreach
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospice Volunteer
Heartland Hospice
Cleveland
01.2025 - Current
- Provide emotional support and companionship to patients receiving end-of-life care, ensuring comfort and dignity in a sensitive, respectful manner.
- Dementia-trained to offer informed, patient-centered care to individuals with cognitive impairments, fostering calm, meaningful interactions tailored to their needs.
- Assist with non-medical tasks such as reading aloud, engaging in conversation, music therapy activities, and presence-based support.
- Collaborate with hospice staff to report observations, and ensure continuity of care in accordance with each patient’s care plan.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all volunteer responsibilities.
Patient Care Nursing Assistant
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Cleveland
07.2024 - Current
- Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), ensuring emergency preparedness and safe patient care practices.
- Accurately measure and document vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature.
- Lead structured therapeutic groups for pediatric patients, focused on emotional regulation, coping strategies, and expressive communication. Design and facilitate developmentally appropriate assignments to foster self-awareness and reflection.
- Maintain detailed patient records through charting, documenting behavioral observations, vital sign trends, and responses to interventions.
- Collaborate with the rest of the care team to properly communicate patient needs and observations in order to provide holistic, effective care.
Research Intern
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland
05.2021 - 01.2025
- Contributed to an Alzheimer’s disease research project investigating the role of RNA-binding protein CLP1 in reducing beta-amyloid plaque accumulation using a transgenic mouse model.
- Performed a range of wet-lab techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and brain dissections followed by tissue sectioning.
- Conducted behavioral assays to assess cognitive function in mice, including the Barnes maze, Y-maze, novel object recognition, and fear conditioning.
- Supported data collection, analysis, and interpretation related to molecular and behavioral outcomes.
Swim Instructor
Urban Swim CLE
Cleveland
06.2023 - 09.2024
- Provided affordable swim lessons to underserved and low-income communities, ensuring access to water safety and swimming education, regardless of socioeconomic background.
- Designed and adapted individualized instruction for swimmers of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and developmental disabilities, non-verbal children, and individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Fostered a safe, supportive, and confidence-building environment, using visual cues, touch guidance (when appropriate), and routine-based teaching to support diverse learning styles.
Education
Neuroscience BS
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH05-2027
High School Diploma -
Gilmour Academy
Mayfield Heights, OH05-2023
Timeline
Hospice Volunteer
Heartland Hospice
01.2025 - Current
Patient Care Nursing Assistant
University Hospitals of Cleveland
07.2024 - Current
Swim Instructor
Urban Swim CLE
06.2023 - 09.2024
Research Intern
Case Western Reserve University
05.2021 - 01.2025
Neuroscience BS
Case Western Reserve University
High School Diploma -
Gilmour Academy