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Meet Shreya Singh

INDS Spring 2026 Graduate Highlight Series

B.S.: Healthcare Provider Wellness

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or honors that will be on your graduation record: 

Degree Mentors:

Shreya and Thalia wearing their UMBC INDS shirts and smiling.

Why did you choose to major in INDS? 

While a strong scientific foundation is important for medicine, I believe that being an effective physician requires a deeper understanding of the human experience, including the psychosocial and philosophical factors that shape well-being.

I was introduced to the INDS program during my freshman year through a presentation by Dr. Freeland in my BIOL 142 course. I was initially drawn to the program because of its reputation for helping students stand out in graduate school applications, including medical school. However, I quickly realized that what truly made INDS valuable was the freedom and support it provided to explore my interests in a meaningful and intentional way.

The program's flexibility has allowed me to engage with disciplines I might not have otherwise considered, such as philosophy, which became one of the most impactful areas of my education. INDS encouraged me to step outside a rigid academic path and to build coursework that reflected my intellectual curiosity and aligned with my long-term goals. During this process, I discovered new interests while also expanding my understanding of existing ones.

Shreya in black t-shirt with INDS logo talking to students at the INDS welcome week event

Thanks to this creative and interdisciplinary approach, I was able to design a degree in “Healthcare Provider Wellness”, an area that is personally meaningful and highly relevant to the growing issue of physician burnout in the United States. I have long been interested in the relationship between physical and mental health, particularly how lifestyle habits influence well-being, performance, and resilience. INDS gave me the opportunity to transform that interest into a structured academic focus that bridges multiple disciplines with the lived experiences of healthcare professionals.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduating from UMBC, I plan to take two gap years before beginning medical school. I will use this time to gain clinical experience as an EMT with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, I have accepted a full-time position with MissionFit, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization where I have volunteered for the past year. MissionFit’s mission is to empower Baltimore’s youth through health, wellness, and community building, while developing the skills they will need for a successful transition into the workforce. I am excited to step into this role, as it closely aligns with my passions and values. My experience at MissionFit has reinforced the importance of preventative health, community support, and sustainable wellness practices, principles that I hope to carry into my future career in medicine. Outside of my professional pursuits, I plan to prepare for my first bodybuilding competition following graduation, as well as my first Muay Thai fight shortly thereafter, both of which reflect my commitment to physical activity and long-term health.

Shreya with a group of students from the MIssionFit Program

My INDS degree is directly connected to these goals, as it has allowed me to explore the psychological, social, and philosophical dimensions of healthcare, as well as the scientific. In particular, my focus on “Healthcare Provider Wellness” has shaped my understanding of physician burnout as a systemic issue that impacts providers and patients. Through my gap year experiences and future medical training, I hope to apply this perspective by prioritizing sustainable practices, advocating for healthier work environments, and contributing to a model of medicine that supports patient outcomes and physician well-being.

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? Did you hold any leadership positions? URCAD? URA? Off-campus internships? On-campus research experiences?

During my time at UMBC, I have been deeply involved in both academic and community-based initiatives. 

Shreya with fellow students from the Vonhoff Lab smiling in the University Ballroom

  • URCAD Researcher (2026)| 
    • Physician Burnout Through the Emotional State Theory of Happiness
    • USP8 Manipulations Lead to Synaptic Morphology Alterations and Sensory Behavior Disruptions in Drosophila LarvaeURCAD Researcher (2026)

Shreya smiling in a blue top next to URCAD poster

Shreya lifting weights in the UMBC RAC

  • Organic Chemistry Tutor- Two Years
  • Teaching Assistant| UMBC Classes- BIOL 302, INDS 335, and CHEM 102L
  • UMBC Phage Hunters- 2025/2026


Beyond the classroom, I continue to serve as: 

  • Volunteer EMT| Arbutus Fire Department 
  • Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, 
  • Tutor| P2P program- where I work with formerly incarcerated students pursuing higher education.
  • Youth Health and Wellness Coach| MissionFit

Shreya and student from MissionFit smiling


Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

  • John W. Jeffries Dean's List Award
  • President's List (4.0 GPA, every semester)
  • George, Lela, and Bruce Warr Scholarship
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Phi Kappa Phi
  • Commended INDS Degree Plan

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the INDS faculty and staff for their unwavering support throughout my academic journey. The mentorship I received in this program has been invaluable. At every stage, the INDS team has gone above and beyond to guide, challenge, and support me, opening doors to opportunities I could not have imagined at the start of my college career.

I highly recommend the INDS program, particularly for pre-med students seeking a meaningful way to differentiate themselves while pursuing their passions. In addition to allowing me to tailor my education to my goals and interests, INDS has also helped me grow into a more thoughtful and reflective future professional.

Shreya practicing in the gym for first Muay Thai fight

For More information on Shreya's INDS journey please click here!

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Posted: May 4, 2026, 9:03 AM

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Shreya wearing a red top and navy blazer while smiling in front of a blurred background