Alexis Fleming is a driven, bright leader with dreams that have always extended past the boundaries of Bainbridge, Ohio. Growing up, she lived a life similar to many other Bainbridgians. She commenced and concluded her primary and secondary educations in the Kenston School District, chatted in the local Giant Eagle parking lot with friends on the weekends, and attended social gatherings in barns, rather than traditional homes. I crossed paths with Alexis during my freshman year of high school when I joined the cross country team, and if you are a runner, you know that the easiest place to bond with someone is on a trail. The next three years that were spent running, laughing and complaining together passed in a flash, and it was suddenly time for Alexis to graduate. Unlike many Kenston High School graduates, though, who tend to stay as close to their homes in Bainbridge as they possibly can, Alexis slipped on her big girl pants and traveled 2,500 miles to the University of Washington. Since then, she has not looked back. As a mere junior, she is carving a way to better healthcare for generations to come.
Age?
21! Woo!
What is currently keeping you busy?
I am busy non-stop, but with everything that I love to do. My most prominent role is a biomedical engineering student at UDub. My classes this year are extremely rigorous and challenging, but they are also extremely interesting because they are finally focused on my major. When I am not in classes, I am usually in the research lab (I will expand more on this in a later question). In addition to being a student and researcher, I have taken on a couple of leadership positions this past year. To start, I am a part of GlobeMed, a national organization with university chapters that educates and trains student advocates for global health equity. My chapter works with Network for Ecofarming in Africa (NECOFA) to strengthen the sustainability in Kenyan communities. I am also in a women's outdoor group on campus. This group offers me the opportunity to simply get outside and have some fun through hiking, skiing and rock climbing. With all of these obligations combined, life can become pretty hectic sometimes.
What is like being a woman in a male-dominated field?
Before I began my classes at the University of Washington, I was a little worried that I would be out of my league because not only am I a woman, but I am also a part of a selective 75-person major. However, I quickly realized that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and, as a result, I have excelled in all of my college classes. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry brings me great pride, and I will always strive to achieve my goals because I will never allow anything to hold me back.
Dream job?
I would love to be a physician! I plan to gain clinical experience this summer to see if the career is one that I actually want to pursue. If all goes well, I will apply to medical school.
What aspect of your major is most intriguing?
There is always something new to be discovered. I am constantly reading articles that portray how the industry is ever-changing. For example, I just read a UW publication this past week that unraveled the new utilization of DNA to store knowledge, like photos, because it saves information more efficiently and does not degrade.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from leaving your small bubble of a hometown and moving across the country for college?
You are missing out if you do not leave your bubble. You are missing out on new foods, people and mindsets. Leaving the Bainbridge bubble has allowed me to develop an identity that is separate from my hometown. Nonetheless, I have also learned that there are bubbles everywhere, not just in small towns. Many people in Seattle stick to their oh-so liberal opinions and do not attempt to understand others'. While Seattle is simply an echoing chamber of one-sided perspectives, it still opened my eyes to a different type of bubble.
You ran every day in high school. What is your workout routine like now?
Like many, I began college on a very optimistic note by working out almost every day. But once my classes kicked into full gear, I did not have the time or energy to devote an hour or two to running. Now, though, as a second-semester junior, I am trying to focus more on myself, rather than solely on my studies and research. I still run, but I have been into weight lifting lately because my boyfriend has been teaching me about it!
When was the last time you challenged someone? What did it entail?
My boyfriend Tarin and I have been helping one another accomplish specific goals. I am challenging him to workout more and Tarin is challenging me to build stronger relationships with people. It helps both of us to know that we are being held accountable by the other person.
What is one thing you are proud of yourself for doing in January?
I met with the Principal Investigator (individual who runs the research lab that I work at) last Friday to discuss my most recent work. To provide some background, the research lab develops low-cost diagnostic devices that are simplistic, portable and fast in order to diagnose influenza, Ebola, etc. The research that I conducted in this lab last year designed and tested an automated device to detect particular strains of influenza. This year, I am experimenting with fluidic and paper properties that are present in the device to hopefully improve the sensitivity of the test line (Emily here -- I just copy and pasted those sentences because they went right over my head). My conversation with the PI ended with him proposing that I plan my own project and write my own publication. How cool is that.
Have you been a part of any conversations recently that really made you think?
I engage in insightful conversations every week at GlobeMed meetings. This past week, we discussed a new tax that Seattle passed on sugary drinks. It made the group consider how big of a role the government should get to play in our lives. When is it too far?
My friend is visiting Seattle for the first time. What is something they have to do in the city?
Visit Capitol Hill! From street painting to bars to people, it is the most colorful place I have ever seen.
How do you remain sane?
My education is a big priority, but sleep is even bigger. I make sure to sleep around nine hours every night!
What are you looking forward to at the moment?
I am visiting Whistler, British Columbia for the first time at the end of February with some friends!
How has your life changed since last January?
I am more grown up now. From handling my research to enhancing my relationships to managing my own home, I have been introduced to the idiosyncrasies of reality. It is scary as hell, but exhilarating.
How are you making an impact on the lives of future Generation Z'ers?
Everything I do revolves around improving health -- studying biomedical engineering, conducting research, joining GlobeMed and running the women's outdoors group. The work that I am doing is shaping the way future generations will live their lives.
What does being a Generation Z'er mean to you?
As an older Gen Z'er, I take great initiative in redefining our name.
I feel 10x smarter after writing that. Thank you, Alexis, for sitting down and sharing your thoughts with me. Keep challenging boundaries, pursuing your passions and running. Remember, you will always have a cheer squad back in Bainbridge!
Cheers to developing your own identity.
