May 2, 2022
In
Gemma Porras Nielsen
Gemma is an MD student at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, VA. She earned a BA in Geosciences and Pre-medical studies from Williams College and an MSc in Biomedical Research from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. Prior to starting medical school, Gemma worked at the Research Insitute for a Sustainable Environment in Cairo, Egypt where she focused on safe water access and food security in rural communities. Her current research centers on drinking water quality and adverse health outcomes in Appalachia. In her free time, Gemma enjoys hiking, camping and reading.