Happy New Year! The start of a new year is traditionally a time of new beginnings, and for some members of our LEDA Community, that means the start of a new academic program. I’m delighted this month to introduce you to Cynthia Zapata, a 2020 LEDA Career Fellow who this month begins a graduate program in biomedical informatics at UT Houston. Below, Cynthia shares more about what she hopes to accomplish with her degree and what advice she has for other members of the LEDA Community:
What first sparked your interest in health informatics, and how did your experiences as a LEDA Career Fellow help shape or clarify that path?
My interest in biomedical informatics began while I was studying abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea, where I took a data analytics course focused on healthcare applications. Through that experience, I learned how health data and technology could be used to improve quality of life, particularly for residents in nursing homes. It helped me strengthen my technical skills while also seeing the real-world impact technology can have on communities.
Through LEDA, I was able to explore different professional environments through fellowships and internships that emphasized skill-building, communication, and service. These experiences helped me better understand how my interests in technology, learning, and community impact could intersect, and reinforced my desire to continue developing my skills.
Health informatics sits at the intersection of data, health, and equity. How do you see this field as a tool for advancing more equitable outcomes—particularly for communities that are historically underserved?
Health informatics can be a powerful tool for understanding and addressing disparities in healthcare. By analyzing health data, institutions can identify gaps in access, improve how care is delivered, and better understand the social and economic factors that influence health outcomes in underserved communities.
Through my coursework, I’ve also learned about the importance of ethics in data use. The way data is collected and interpreted can directly influence outcomes, which makes it essential for professionals in this field to be thoughtful and responsible. Having diverse perspectives in technology and healthcare is one way to help ensure systems are designed to serve a broader range of communities fairly.
LEDA emphasizes using education as a lever for leadership and change. In what ways do you hope your degree will position you to lead, influence systems, or drive innovation in healthcare?
I hope my degree will position me to contribute thoughtfully to the intersection of healthcare and technology. I’m interested in roles that allow me to work on improving systems, supporting informed decision-making, and applying technical knowledge to real-world challenges in healthcare.
More broadly, I see education as a tool that allows me to remain adaptable, continue learning, and contribute meaningfully to organizations and communities focused on improving health outcomes.
As someone pursuing an advanced degree in a rapidly evolving field, what advice would you offer current LEDA Scholars and Fellows who are considering graduate study but may be unsure whether they ‘belong’ in spaces like health informatics?
I would encourage them to reflect on their past experiences and recognize how much they already bring to the table. Classes, projects, internships, and even interests can often connect more clearly than we initially realize.
I’d also encourage applying even when doubt is present. Feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you don’t belong, it often means you’re growing. Surrounding yourself with supportive peers and mentors can make a big difference, and sometimes taking a chance is what opens the door to new opportunities.
Congrats and best of luck to Cynthia, and to all our LEDA Community members who are pursuing new opportunities this year! We are so proud to be able to support them on their journeys.
To hear more from LEDA Community members like Cynthia, make sure you’re following us on Instagram @LEDA_Scholars.
Here’s to a happy and healthy year ahead!
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