Alyssa Thomason is a graduate of Boston University and currently studies at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX), where she is extending her time to focus on research with the Department of Congenital Heart Surgery at Texas Children's Hospital prior to applying for general surgery residency programs. While at BCM, Alyssa has been active with the Simulation Society, Emergency Medicine Interest Group, and Student Surgical Society to expand opportunities for students to learn and practice procedural skills. She has competed in simulation team competitions as well as authored cases for competitions and publication. Currently, she is invested in growing the simulation program at BCM to include more opportunities for hands-on practice and mentorship. She hopes to extend these experiences to schools throughout New England and foster opportunities for medical students across the country to meet, exchange ideas, and learn clinical skills through simulation. Outside of medical education and practice, her interests include swing dancing, board games, baking, and gardening.