Victoria Hickerson

Dedicated student committed to learning and community outreach. Thrives in dynamic academic environments where a strong work ethic facilitates effective collaboration, creative problem-solving, and integrity. Eager to contribute skills and enthusiasm to new projects, opportunities, and positions that provide clinical exposure, research experience, and healthcare system insight. Passionate about the intersection between psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, seeking to become a physician who compassionately addresses patients' physical and mental health needs.

Atria Senior Living, Memory Care Community Volunteer, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 08/2022 - 06/2024

• Assisted residents with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in daily functions and hygiene facilitating residents bathing and access to clothes and well-rounded meals. Encouraged residents' participation in daily exercise, individual walks, and physical and mental therapy. Advocated for the safety of residents within the memory care unit through careful room examination for health risks, cleanliness, and physical obstacles. Engaged in personal conversations that inspired happiness and content among residents.

NOVANT Health Charleston Breast Center, Healthcare Volunteer, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 10/2024

• Initiated an annual donation drive for breast cancer patients. Developed awareness and empathy for patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Educated volunteers on the best materials, donations, and words to provide comfort to patients. Communicated with healthcare professionals about the needs of their patients to cater the donation drive to specific desires and necessities. Packaged and delivered over 50 care boxes for patients battling breast cancer.

Independent Research Project 08/2024 - 05/2025

Charleston County School of the Arts, Charleston, SC

• Conducted self-guided research on psychological effects of rhetoric in the diamond market influencing preferential choices. Executed mixed-methods study sampling Charleston County high school students through digital survey.
• The survey asked quantitative questions about diamond preference when shown pictures of two equal quality diamonds headed by a different label (lab-grown, natural, or conflict). Qualitative questions were asked about the participants' knowledge of the difference between these diamond labels.
• Analyzed relationships between recorded responses to identify trends and insights using Excel. Reviewed and evaluated scholarly sources to inform experimental design and conclusions.
• Authored a 5,000-word research paper discussing data trends and potential causes and consequences of that data. Delivered findings in a 20-minute presentation and oral defense.