Lillianna attends a networking lunch hosted by Moffitt Cancer Center, where she worked as a research intern. Because of her experience, she plans to incorporate research into her future career in medicine.
ExCel with Experience - Lillianna Cwynar
Excel with Experience | Erica Chong | Naomi Burton | Lillianna Cwynar
Lillianna Cwynar, junior, majoring in psychology
By Dave Scheiber
illianna got a head start on her dream of becoming a physician at Park Vista High in Lake Worth, Florida. As a student in the Medical Academic Magnet Program, she explored many aspects of health care and became a certified phlebotomist. She landed a job as a lab assistant at Delray Medical Center the summer before enrolling at USF in 2023.
Her parents influenced her decisions: Her mother, a director of secondary education in the Palm Beach school district; her father, a former nurse, works as director of informatics at a hospital.
“My mom received her PhD and my dad got his master’s degree when I was growing up, so both of them put a lot of emphasis on furthering their education,” she says. “And both of them encouraged me and said, ‘You can be whatever you want to be.’”
At USF, Lillianna applied for an internship her first semester: a research opportunity at Moffitt Cancer Center. She loves the work, learning how research articles come to fruition and the disparities in different types of cancer.
“For me, it was right in that sweet spot of research and hands-on — a combination of both,” she says. “And I really felt like I was part of the team, rather than just an intern.”
Favorite experiences include a summer 2024 presentation at the Museum of Science and Industry for elementary school children, teaching them about the dangers of vaping. She also participated in a booklet series, created by her mentor, discouraging smoking among Hispanics by illustrating how it affects them. It’s now being turned into an app.
Lilliana’s internship has kindled a strong interest in research, which she now plans to pursue during a clinical career as an OB-GYN.
She serves as co-research chair of Oncology Bulls — a student-led organization promoting cancer awareness, education and advocacy. Her goals include helping club members connect with mentors, creating effective presentations, getting involved in research and landing internships like the ones that have benefited her so much along the way.
Lillianna Cwynar
