Andrea Pulido
2025 Ignatian Hoya Recipient
Behind every diagnosis is a person with a lifetime of stories, and even small acts of connection can carry real weight.
About Andrea
Andrea is from Miami, Florida. Before coming to Georgetown Biomedical Graduate Education, she earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.
What community service activity has meant the most to you?
The community service experience that has meant the most to me has been working with the Cornell University Brain Exercise Initiative. What started as a way to volunteer alongside my interest in neuroscience quickly became something much more personal. I spent time with older adults living with memory loss, leading simple cognitive activities that were meant to stimulate recall, focus, and conversation. But the most meaningful moments were rarely about the activity itself. They were in the pauses, the laughter, the repeated stories, and the quiet wins (when someone remembered a name, finished a task they thought they couldn’t, or simply felt seen for a moment). This experience reshaped how I think about service, science, and care. It reminded me that behind every diagnosis is a person with a lifetime of stories, and even small acts of connection can carry real weight.
Why did you choose your program at Georgetown BGE for your graduate studies?
I chose Georgetown’s BGE program because it bridges science and real-world impact. With a background in biological sciences and neuroscience, I wanted to stay grounded in rigorous science while learning how discoveries move beyond the lab. The program’s focus on commercialization, regulation, and strategy, combined with its location in Washington, D.C., made it the perfect place to understand how science, policy, and healthcare intersect. Just as important, the people and community felt collaborative, driven, and aligned with how I want to grow professionally.
I came into BGE planning to take the BioScience track, but through classes, conversations, and exposure to different career paths, I transitioned into the BioBusiness track.
What do you want to do after earning your degree?
After earning my degree, I hope to work at the intersection of biotechnology, strategy, and healthcare decision-making. I’m interested in roles that shape how therapies are developed, evaluated, and brought to patients, whether through consulting, industry strategy, or regulatory-focused work. Long term, I want to contribute to building science-driven solutions that are thoughtful, ethical, and accessible.
What advice would you give to future BGE students?
My advice to future students is to stay open to that kind of evolution. Take advantage of the speakers, guest lectures, and networking opportunities since they offer real insight into how science operates outside the classroom. Being willing to listen, ask questions, and explore beyond your original plan can completely reshape how you see your future.