My name is Julianna Blackman, and I am a senior at Harrison High School in Harrison, New York. I hope to pursue a career in clinical medicine with a particular concern for increasing healthcare equity and accessibility for all patients. I have been considering these inequalities while shadowing professionals in hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories, and while conducting original research. At Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and USC Keck School of Medicine, I conducted original research to determine whether functional communication scores can be used to predict crystalized verbal intelligence in children with cisplatin-induced hearing loss under the mentorship of pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Melissa Balderrama. I am currently conducting a continuation study on the impact of socioeconomic status on pediatric cancer survivors with hearing loss. And at the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development, I conducted research on the effects of surgery on brain structure and language skills among children with isolated cleft of the lip and/or palate under the mentorship of clinical psychologist Dr. Amy L. Conrad.

       I am passionate about the performing arts. I train in tap, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and ballet styles at my studio, where I serve as a Senior Company member. I am President of the Harrison High School Footlight Players, a Metro Award-winning musical theater group.

     Combining my passions, I founded the "Don't Worry, Be Tappy" initiative, which has a four-pronged approach to increase dance accessibility in underserved communities: 

1. I created an extensive series of original, free online tap dance instruction videos with accessibility tools for deaf and hard of hearing dancers.

2. I researched, developed, and present a live performance, interactive, multimedia presentation on the history and evolution of tap dance for senior living and community groups.

3. I organized a collection of more than 1,000 pieces of new and gently used dancewear, shoes, and costumes for donation to underprivileged dance programs.

4. I volunteer weekly as a teaching assistant for dance students ages 2-5.

     

     Please explore my page to learn more about me. Thank you so much!

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