Hello. My name is Maria Clarissa McCoy, and I am a committed chapter leader on the executive team of the NCCC Durham chapter. As an undergraduate student at Duke University, majoring in international comparative studies with a minor in chemistry, I am passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and women’s health, specifically as an epidemiologist specializing in cervical cancer. My extensive research on maternal-fetal health with the Posner Lab has fueled my interest in this field and inspired me to take on a leadership role in the NCCC.

I want to make a difference in the Durham community by educating people on preventative treatments. Cervical cancer used to be a significant threat to women in the United States. Still, with the development of screening tests like the Pap test and the HPV test, those at high risk can now receive timely treatment before the cancer becomes life-threatening.

Prevention is a critical tool in the fight against cervical cancer, and I, along with the Durham chapter team, am dedicated to raising awareness and funds within the community. I am primarily focused on working with local clinics to distribute vital information about cervical cancer and HPV vaccines to underserved areas in Durham, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources needed to prevent this disease effectively.