Esma Baysal
Houston,TX
Summary
Passionate Psychology major with minors in French and Studio Arts, aspiring to become a compassionate psychiatrist. Deeply committed to understanding and helping others, I thrive on listening, problem-solving, and creating meaningful connections. Inspired by the healing power of art, I integrate creativity into my approach to mental health, fostering holistic well-being. Dedicated to volunteering and being a source of support, I aim to make a positive impact in people's lives through empathy, compassion, and care.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Student - Department of Psychiatry
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Houston, TX
07.2025 - Current
- Officially appointed Visiting Student through the UTHealth Houston Visiting Scholars Program under Salih Selek, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry.
- Shadowed Dr. Selek at the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center (HCPC), observing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnostic assessments, clinical decision-making, and medication management.
- Attended interdisciplinary group therapy sessions and gained insight into psychosocial case formulation alongside social workers.
- Participated in research seminars hosted by the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, including the Annual Research Day at McGovern Medical School (UTHealth Houston), engaging with ongoing psychiatric research and academic discussions.
- Strengthened understanding of patient confidentiality, ethics, empathy, compassion, and evidence-based clinical practice.
Founder and Head Editor
Tramvay Blog
05.2023 - Current
- Initiated and led a diverse blog with six categories: Cinema, Literature, Reading, Art, Travel, and Music.
- Managed a team of 23 writers, overseeing content creation, maintaining editorial standards, and ensuring consistency across all publications.
- Developed and executed social media strategies to promote the blog's work across various platforms, expanding audience engagement and reach.
- This role enhanced my expertise in writing, editing, leadership, and social media management, while fostering clear communication, attention to detail, and strategic planning.
Youth Mentor Volunteer and Mentor Coordinator
Bright Choice Foundation
Houston, Texas
01.2022 - Current
- Mentored groups of middle school and high school students at the Bright Choice Foundation over a four-year period, guiding them through academic and personal development.
- Enhanced leadership, patience, and communication abilities through consistent engagement and tailored mentorship while attending and leading in-person weekly meetings, planning lessons and events, providing post-meeting support, and offering continuous mentorship.
- Organized and led four 5-day overnight camps, incorporating a variety of academic and personal development activities/seminars for students.
- Committed to helping students achieve academic excellence, deepen their faith, and build strong character within a supportive and inclusive community.
Member and Project Coordinator
Erguvan Art&Academy
12.2021 - Current
- The International Erguvan Art & Academy is a global civil activist group composed of high school and college students united by a shared passion for using art as a medium to promote cultural awareness, human rights, and social change.
- As a member and project coordinator, I collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop and implement projects that advocate for world peace, justice, freedom, and democracy.
- By promoting inclusivity and using the power of art, we help create positive change both locally and globally.
Study Abroad Program
Université Catholique de l’Ouest
Angers, France
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Completed immersive coursework in French language and culture.
- Lived with a French host family, strengthening conversational fluency and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Engaged in full linguistic and cultural immersion through academic and daily life experiences.
Volleyball Coach
Horizon Leadership Academy
Houston, Texas
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Coached middle school athletes at Horizon Leadership Academy, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Planned practice sessions, developed game strategies, and created a supportive environment to promote personal growth and athletic excellence.
Art Teacher's Assistant (Summer Program)
Erguvan Art&Academy
Santa Clara, , CA
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Engaged in fostering creativity and self-expression through a variety of artistic mediums.
- Played a key role in developing an inclusive curriculum for 46 elementary to middle school-aged students, supported by 24 instructors and volunteers.
- Planned and implemented 3 cultural events and 4 activities, strengthening community ties.
- Executed 3 field trips from idea to implementation, engaging over 31 students and 5 mentors per trip in nature, science, and technology.
Student Intern
Baylor College Of Medicine
Houston, TX
07.2021 - 08.2021
- Participated in a summer research program at Baylor College of Medicine, gaining foundational knowledge in experimental design, lab safety, and data analysis.
- Engaged in a scientific journal club to explore advanced research topics through small group discussions and hands-on experiences.
- Completed individual assignments related to research topics, enhancing critical thinking and scientific literacy while collaborating with experienced researchers.
Shadowing Student
Golden Life American Hospital
, Bamako, Mali
12.2020 - 02.2021
- Completed 60 hours of shadowing medical doctors at Golden Life American Hospital during a three-month trip to Mali.
- Gained hands-on experience in vital sign monitoring, CRP techniques, and clerical responsibilities, deepening my understanding of patient care and hospital operations.
Clinic Volunteer
Ophthalmological Clinic of Temps d’Aide Mali
, Bamako, Mali
12.2020 - 01.2021
- Contributed 20 hours of service in a clinical setting, facilitating effective communication between doctors and patients by providing English-to-French and French-to-English translation.
- Shadowed medical professionals during patient examinations and cataract surgeries utilizing the phacoemulsification (phaco) technique, gaining valuable insights into clinical procedures and patient care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Houston
Houston, TX12-2026
Skills
- Fine Arts
- Volleyball Skills and Training
- Event Planning / Coordination
- Team Management
- Project Management
- Mentorship
- Social Media Management / Content Creation
- Writing and Editing
- Communication
Languages
- English
- Turkish
- French
Timeline
Visiting Student - Department of Psychiatry
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
07.2025 - Current
Study Abroad Program
Université Catholique de l’Ouest
07.2025 - 08.2025
Volleyball Coach
Horizon Leadership Academy
01.2024 - 05.2024
Art Teacher's Assistant (Summer Program)
Erguvan Art&Academy
06.2023 - 07.2023
Founder and Head Editor
Tramvay Blog
05.2023 - Current
Youth Mentor Volunteer and Mentor Coordinator
Bright Choice Foundation
01.2022 - Current
Member and Project Coordinator
Erguvan Art&Academy
12.2021 - Current
Student Intern
Baylor College Of Medicine
07.2021 - 08.2021
Shadowing Student
Golden Life American Hospital
12.2020 - 02.2021
Clinic Volunteer
Ophthalmological Clinic of Temps d’Aide Mali
12.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Houston