Local Student Melissa Duran: From Ecuador to Onondaga, on the Path to Becoming a Surgeon

Melissa Duran, originally from Ecuador, has been recognized for her academic success and ambition to become a surgeon. Duran moved to the United States 11 years ago, settling in New York City. She balanced full-time work with her studies, earning Biology degrees from Laguardia Community College and Brooklyn College. However, her grades were not high enough for medical school.

When her sister moved back to Ecuador, Duran relocated upstate to live with her mother. She enrolled at Onondaga Community College (OCC) in 2023, choosing the Surgical Technology degree program to gain experience and boost her GPA. Her efforts resulted in a GPA increase from 2.9 to 3.8, earning her membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Honors College, and recognition as a Meg O'Connell Scholar.

Duran also tutored other students in Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology 1, and Spanish 1 and 2 at the Learning Center. She conducted research at Syracuse University with Professor Sarah Hall, studying environmental programming of gene expression.

At the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP) at Coulter Hall, Duran appreciated the support from her advisors. She admitted to sometimes feeling like an imposter, but positive feedback reassured her of her place in academia.

Duran is due to finish her Surgical Technology degree in May 2024. She intends to transfer to SUNY Upstate Medical University for a master's degree in MedPrep Enhancement. This program will help her improve her grades further, preparing her for medical school and her goal of becoming a surgeon.

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