Madison Hersch

Entered Combined-Degree Program: Fall 2024 as entering DMD student

Biography

Madi was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, and later attended Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)—a university local to Fort Myers— where she obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience and Cognition. While at FGCU, Madi took part in three different laboratories: a Neurophysiology lab, an Organic Chemistry lab, and a Microbiology lab.

During her time in the Neurophysiology lab, she participated in ongoing research involving neurotoxin exposure of the zebrafish central nervous system, gaining experience in microdissection of zebrafish brains, spinal cords, and eyes. In the Organic Chemistry lab, Madi gained experience in Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and NMR Spectroscopy while creating a protocol for biodiesel derived from various oils (i.e. corn, avocado, grapeseed, olive). Moreover, while in the Microbiology lab, she conducted research involving

golden Staphylococcus aureus and silver Staphylococcus argenteus exposure to amikacin, as a part of ongoing research investigating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus circulating on a college campus. Along with participating in labwork during her undergraduate career, Madi enjoyed her time as a Teacher’s Assistant for General Chemistry II and serving on the board of the FGCU Pre-Dental Society, where she grew her passion for education and interaction with students.

Upon entrance into the DMD program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry (UFCD), Madi joined Dr. Luis Martinez’s laboratory in the 2023 UFCD Summer Research Program. In this lab, she conducted a research project investigating capsular gene expression of Cryptococcus neoformans following microglial cell exposure in vitro. Madi’s passion for education and labwork motivated her to apply for a spot in the UFCD DMD/PhD program, where she can build her skills as a future clinician-scientist and educator.

In Madi’s free time, she enjoys going to the beach, outdoor and water-sport activities, and spending time with her friends.