‘The Alliance’ in focus — Meet Elise Gahan

Fifty-five members of the UNMC High School Alliance are among the students taking classes at UNMC.

The alliance students come from high schools around the Omaha area and take college-level classes at UNMC to prepare for health careers. Once each month, UNMC Today will profile an alliance student to let us get to know more about these young learners.

Elise Gahan

How did you get involved in the alliance?

I had applied to attend during my junior year but was not accepted. I knew I wanted to be a part of the program after I talked with classmates who attended school here.

What sparked your interest in science?

I was born with an ectopic kidney and needed to get ultrasounds occasionally as a child. Walking through the hospital doors, I was immediately mesmerized; I fell in love with medical science for the first time. Further interaction with doctors and health professionals renewed my interest in becoming a part of health care as well.

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to major in public health with a minor in biology and then get my master’s in either public health biostatistics or something else I have yet to learn about.

What has been the best part of your alliance experience?

I have loved starting classes and the wealth of knowledge I have been able to learn in just a few classes. I am thrilled to be a part of such a great experience that is unavailable to most high school students.