Lucy Pellenbarg
Public Health Student
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About Lucy
I am a junior at the University of Florida majoring in Public Health with a certificate in Medical Anthropology on the pre-medical track. I’m passionate about the intersection of medicine, business, and global health, with academic interests in medical anthropology, international public health, and healthcare management. I’m currently conducting international research on pain management and palliative care practices in Tanzania, exploring how cultural values and healthcare systems shape patient experiences. I’m especially drawn to work that blends science with leadership—whether through global fieldwork, healthcare innovation, or strategic approaches to health systems. In the future, I hope to be on the administrative side of a healthcare startup or organization, helping drive impactful, sustainable solutions in global health. Let’s connect! 👉 linkedin.com/in/lucy-pellenbarg-35b27a284
Relevant Experience
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Undergraduate Researcher – Medical Anthropology
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​University of Florida / Tosamaganga Regional Referral Hospital, Iringa, Tanzania
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May 2025 – August 2025
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Conducted independent ethnographic research under Dr. Adrienne Strong, focusing on the culture of death and dying in Tanzanian hospitals, specifically at Tosamaganga Regional Referral Hospital. Engaged in participant observation and semi-structured interviews with patients, families, and healthcare providers to explore how cultural norms, religious beliefs, and hospital infrastructure shape end-of-life care experiences. Contributed to ongoing academic discussions surrounding global maternal health, structural violence, and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.
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Undergraduate Researcher
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College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, UF
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August 2024 – Present
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Engaged in guided readings on the lifecycle of malaria and emerging vaccine strategies. Joined the Dinglasan Lab, an NIH-funded International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, to support projects targeting global health and vector-borne disease transmission.
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International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) – UF Team
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January 2024 – Present
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Current: Serving as Human Practices Co-Captain, overseeing a team of 8 and leading efforts in stakeholder engagement, public education, and international fundraising. Working on the development of antimicrobial peptides to combat antibiotic resistance.
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2024: Selected to the UF iGEM team to develop an in-vitro synthetic biology model of human bone marrow using iPSC-derived organoids. Led outreach efforts and collaborated with professionals across disciplines. Presented at the 2024 iGEM Giant Jamboree in Paris.
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UF Honors Luminary
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February 2024 – Present
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Selected to represent the UF Honors Program as a student ambassador. Leads webinars, campus tours, and Q&A sessions for prospective students and families. Regularly participates in presidential events and alumni panels to promote academic excellence and community engagement within the program.
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Undergraduate Researcher
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Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment (ESSIE), UF
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January 2024 – May 2024
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Conducted literature review and assisted on research examining how extreme weather events influence the fate and transport of pollutants and pathogens in coastal communities, with a focus on public health in Brevard County. Presented findings—specifically comparing short- vs. long-chained PFAS—at the 25th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
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Florida’s Future Leadership Program (FFLP)
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September 2023 – May 2024
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Selected as one of 25 students for the Florida Blue Key–affiliated leadership program. Participated in weekly sessions focused on leadership development, mentorship, and executing a spring service initiative. Engaged with top campus leaders and professionals from diverse fields.​
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Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Chi Omega Fraternity
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November 2024 – Present
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Elected to serve on the executive board of UF Chi Omega, managing Diversity and Inclusion programming for over 300 members. Delivers weekly educational sessions on inclusivity, wellness, and mental health. Previously served as D&I Recruitment Chair, helping the chapter adopt inclusive values during recruitment.
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Executive Board Member, Make-A-Wish Philanthropy Team (Chi Omega)
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September 2023 – May 2024
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Led a 5-person team organizing UF Chi Omega’s annual Make-A-Wish Telethon, coordinating alumni outreach, fundraising, and promotional efforts. Managed day-of logistics and strengthened alumnae involvement in chapter philanthropy.
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Education
2023-2027
Bachelors in Public Health
University of Florida
Honors Program
University Research Scholars Program
At the University of Florida, I am pursuing a Public Health major through the University Honors Program with a focus on the intersection of medicine, culture, and global health systems. Over two summers, I conducted field-based medical anthropology research in Tanzania, observing healthcare delivery and maternal care practices at institutions like Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Tosamaganga District Hospital. I also serve as Human Practices Team Lead for UF’s iGEM team, guiding stakeholder engagement and community education in a globally competitive synthetic biology project.
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As part of my Honors curriculum, I’ve taken courses such as World of Nonprofits, Introduction to Medical Anthropology, and Professional Development for Pre-Medical Students, all of which have enriched my interdisciplinary approach to health. Additionally, I serve as a UF Honors Luminary, representing the Honors Program at university-wide events and mentoring prospective students through outreach and engagement efforts.
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2019-2023
IB Diploma
Hillsborough High School
I received the International Baccalaureate diploma with the sixth highest marks in my class. I took Biology, History of the Americas, and English at the higher level, and Art, Spanish, and Mathematics Analysis at the standard level. I played on the Varsity volleyball team for four years, was president of Key Club and National Art Honor Society, and was an ambassador for prospective students.
Skills
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Team Leadership
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Project Management
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Interviewing
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Video Production
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Communication
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Microscoft Excel
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Organization
Awards
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Bailey Family Foundation Scholarship
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Florida Region Volleyball Scholarship
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Thomas J. Rao Scholarship
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Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
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University Research Scholars Program Scholarship
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Wentworth Scholarship
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Chi Omega Humphreys Study Abroad Scholarship
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Summer Undergraduate International Research Program
Interests
Outside of academics, I’m passionate about outdoor leadership and adventure. As a Trip Leader for UF’s Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education (CORE) and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), I lead backcountry expeditions and am trained in remote emergency medical care. I love hiking and exploring remote regions—Patagonia is a recent favorite—and I hope to one day thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and complete the Camino de Santiago. I also enjoy competing in Tough Mudder and Spartan races, crocheting and sewing custom clothing and accessories, and plan to pursue SCUBA certification as my next challenge.