Maria Balhara

Fulbright University of Birmingham Summer Institute - British Cultural Heritage

Maria studies philosophy and religion at the University of Pennsylvania, learning from Professors Quayshawn Spencer and Steven Weitzman.

Her favorite work is being an Americorps teacher and mentor to 5-7th grade students each summer. She also volunteers with the National Publications Committee of the Latino Medical Student Association.

Since 2021, Maria has pursued research on SDOH related to food and housing. She also worked on hypertension in the lab of her mentor, Dr. Annet Kirabo. She is now working on a university-funded project to link homelessness and philosophy findings under her mentor, Dr. Jennifer Morton.

Maria’s interest in philosophy and religion first took root after classes with Professors Matthew Congdon and Adeana McNicholl, respectively. She is building on these interests through Clinical Pastoral Education under Rev. Liam Robins.

Maria volunteers with Philly House, a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. She contributes remotely to the UK-based Nutrition Society, working with Cassandra Ellis.

Maria is excited to explore British culture and learn more about innovations in compassionate patient-centered care, particularly within the National Health Service (NHS), where chaplaincy has long been integrated into patient support. She’s excited to bring what she learns in the UK back home to the US.