UNF biomedical science major pursues future in healthcare leadership focused on prevention and awareness

University of North Florida biomedical sciences major Isabella Panya has combined study abroad, laboratory research and a Mayo Clinic internship to prepare for a future focused on disease prevention and healthcare leadership.

Her path was shaped in part by the loss of her father just before she arrived at UNF as an international transfer student in the summer of 2023. With the support of her family and the Osprey community, Panya navigated grief and uncertainty during the start of her time on campus, channeling her experiences into a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to helping others.

This July, Panya graduates with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences and a minor in interdisciplinary studies focused on global healthcare.

Motivated by a desire to honor her parents' sacrifices, she hopes to bridge gaps in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for communities like her own, where resources for disease prevention and treatment are often limited.

Finding a new home at UNF

A member of the Gbagyi tribe, Panya hails from Abuja, Nigeria. Following her secondary school education, she began her college studies online at York University in Toronto, Canada, during the COVID-19 outbreak.

While visiting family in Jacksonville in 2022, she toured UNF's campus at their recommendation and was impressed by the natural landscape and the warm welcome she received.

"When we arrived at the International Center, everyone was so welcoming and friendly," said Panya. "The campus was beautiful and away from the outside noise. I like an environment where I feel like I can study with little to no distractions."

Excited about the prospects of living close to family, Panya transferred to UNF, utilizing financial aid from the International Student Admissions Scholarship.

Driven by purpose

Influenced by her father's battle with sickle cell anemia and her family's history with diseases, Panya pursued biomedical science to better understand disease and advance solutions for underserved communities, like those in her native Nigeria.

"A lot of my science background stems from my personal experience with family. I wanted to understand what is happening in the body and advocate for and help others struggling with similar diseases," she said.

Her coursework in genetics, physiology and biochemistry strengthened her knowledge about how the human body functions, while faculty mentorship played a key role in her development as a biomedical scientist.

She credits faculty members such as Jennifer Lindemann for guiding her academic journey.

"I took my molecular and cell biology lab with Professor Lindemann and that's one of the classes that really shaped my trajectory of where I want to go and what I want to do," said Panya. "She taught with so much grace, kindness and empathy - it made me feel comfortable, which is very important when you're trying to understand science."

Lindemann commends Panya for consistently showing strong academic commitment and a genuine eagerness to learn throughout her time at UNF.

"Isabella is an exceptional student who has demonstrated remarkable initiative, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to learning molecular cell biology and genetics, while developing invaluable applied laboratory and research skills," Lindemann said.

In addition to her lab course with Lindemann, Panya recalls a directed independent study course titled "Teaching in Biology" with Dr. Fatima Rehman as a highlight of her undergraduate studies. The course offered her an opportunity to assist fellow undergrads enrolled in the molecular cell biology lab.

"I found that a lot of students were more open to having a peer who's been in their shoes explain things," Panya said.

Experiences in Global Healthcare

Desiring to understand how her scientific research efforts can contribute to actionable solutions for patients in the U.S. and beyond, Panya sought study abroad opportunities to learn how healthcare systems around the world operate.

Her first study abroad trip during spring 2025 took her to Seoul, South Korea, where she explored international healthcare systems through hospital visits, policy discussions and cultural immersion.

"It's one thing to read about healthcare systems, but another to experience them in person," she said.

Panya participated in a second study abroad program during spring 2026, traveling to Prague, Czech Republic, and Vienna, Austria for 10-day, faculty-led program focused on healthcare administration systems in Europe.

During the trip, she toured hospitals, biotech companies and healthcare facilities, gaining insight into how international systems operate and deliver care.

Research experience at Mayo Clinic

Through networking across campus, Panya connected with Brent Johnson, an associate instructor at the Brooks College of Health, who helped set her on a path to exploring opportunities at the Mayo Clinic.

This interaction led her to apply for an undergraduate biomedical research internship at Mayo Clinic through the UNF Department of Biology. From fall 2025 to spring 2026, Panya interned in the Mayo Clinic's Ross Laboratory, a research lab studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, focusing on protein aggregation associated with Lewy body diseases. While there, she conducted experiments, analyzed data and contributed to ongoing research into how protein interactions cause diseases in humans.

Panya says her internship experience was transformative, allowing her to gain valuable insight into what she refers to as the "three parts of healthcare:" research, patient care and administration.

"The internship at Mayo was a really great experience for me professionally," she said. "I've developed a newfound appreciation for research papers and the work that goes into them."

She presented her lab research at Mayo Clinic as part of a final capstone assignment and on campus at this year's Student Research Symposium in April. In June, she presented her research once more at a Mayo Clinic neuroscience retreat.

Campus Involvement

Beyond academics and experiential learning, Panya immersed herself in campus life through various roles supporting fellow students and engaging with prospective students.

Beginning her first year on campus, Panya has served as a Swoop Squad campus tour guide, a resident assistant and an orientation leader. She has also served the Osprey community as a Presidential Envoy, president of the International Ospreys Club, vice president of African Ospreys, and treasurer of the Health Informatics and Analytics Club, among other campus and club roles.

In fall 2025, she joined UNF's Hicks Honors College (HHC) viewing it as an opportunity to challenge herself academically, graduate with honors and become part of a community centered on scholarship, leadership and service. Panya says enrolling in the HHC exposed her to different perspectives that have enhanced her critical thinking and communication skills. It has also encouraged her to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, supporting her growth as a student leader and future healthcare professional.

She credits Gabriella Vargas, former assistant director of the UNF Welcome Center and current associate director of housing operations, for always encouraging her to be great.

"Gabriella pushed me to be great and do all of the amazing things I'm doing today," said Panya. "I credit a lot of my success to her leadership and influence."

Thanks to her profound campus participation and great academic standing, Panya was selected by the University Development and Alumni Engagement special events team, at the recommendation of the International Center, to serve as the master of ceremony at Convocation 2025: State of Osprey Nation - an experience she will always cherish.

"I enjoyed the experience. In that moment, I felt seen and heard," said Panya. "I was given the platform to represent what I stood for and show international students that we are valued on this campus."

What's Next?

Following her July graduation, Panya will remain at The Nest to pursue a master's degree in health administration starting in fall 2026. Her decision to pursue this degree path is based on her desire to improve healthcare delivery, ensuring systems run efficiently for both patients and providers. During graduate school, she hopes to embark on additional study abroad trips and intern again with the Mayo Clinic.

Her long-term goal is to become a hospital CEO within a Fortune 500 healthcare organization.

When discussing her undergraduate experience at UNF, Panya says she has grown personally, academically and professionally.

"I'm not the same person I was when I arrived here three years ago - in a good way," she said. "I've experienced all-around growth, and UNF has played a huge role in that."