Saidy Burch and Christian Blakely embody the interdisciplinary nature of the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, excelling in both STEM fields and English.
Christian Blakely
Christian Blakely knew she wanted a college experience that combined academic rigor with a sense of purpose, leading her to choose the University of Miami. Her major, microbiology and immunology, is not commonly offered as an undergraduate major at other universities, and Blakely was drawn to the University not only because of this program, but also for its vibrant and supportive community. She minored in public health and English.
Originally from New Orleans and of Caribbean descent, Blakely developed a passion for public health and studying infectious diseases early on. In middle school, she learned about the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black women in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana. This moment sparked her commitment to understanding health disparities and pursuing a career in infectious disease research.
During her time at the University, Blakely received numerous scholarships and awards including the Housing and Residential Life Director’s Award, the Empower Me First Trailblazer Award, the University of Miami Black Alumni Society Scholarship, the Joanne C. Dauer Scholarship, and the Bruce Toll Scholarship. She also started her time at the University as a Hammond Scholar and Foote Fellow.
Blakely was a highly engaged campus leader, chairing First Generation Week in 2022 for First Gen Canes during their inaugural year, and serving as a Dean’s Ambassador for the college, a mentor through Inspire U Academy for three years, and as president of the Yellow Rose Society, uplifting Black women and creating inclusive spaces on campus. She also joined the Iota Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., serving as the chaplain and then the vice president, which she credits with helping her grow as a leader and driving her to step outside of her comfort zone.
Blakely’s research experience at the University confirmed her love for lab work, clarified her career goals, and led to her becoming a co-author. Rather than following the traditional route of pursuing a Ph.D., Blakely is embarking on a clinical path in cytogenetics. After graduation, she will complete a second bachelor’s degree in the field, followed by a master’s degree in diagnostic cytology at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center.
As she reflected on her time at the University, Blakely said what she will miss most are the people—the friends, mentors, and fellow students who helped shape her college journey. Her advice for younger students is to “Say yes.”
“Even if you’re unsure, apply, show up, and try something new,” she said. “You never know where it might lead.”
Saidy Burch
A Cuban American born and raised in Miami, Saidy Burch grew up immersed in the University of Miami community. Her father was a finance professor at the University, and the campus always felt like a second home. That sense of familiarity, combined with her curiosity across many fields, made the University the perfect place to pursue her interests.
As a graduating senior, Burch is earning a dual degree in mathematics and English with concentrations in statistics and creative writing, along with a minor in Japanese. Her academic path may appear unconventional, but for Burch, it represents a lifelong passion for exploring how seemingly unrelated disciplines intersect and inform one another.
During her time at the University, Burch found ways to blend her love of language, science, and art outside of her classes. She was involved in community-focused groups like UThrift and Art for Kids, while also serving as the editor-in-chief of Mangrove Literary Journal, where she helped bring the publication back into print and uplifted student-created work. She is also a visual artist, and one of her paintings was selected for the college’s 2023-2024 undergraduate student art exhibit. This passion for art led to collaborations with Frost School of Music musicians to create album and single cover art, blending her love for music and art. She also plays bass in a band called Ex Monarch with friends.
After graduation, Burch will continue her journey at the University as a laboratory manager and researcher at the Manatee Lab, a human neuroscience lab led by Aaron Heller, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology.
Burch views her college experience as proof that interdisciplinary passions can not only coexist but thrive together. “I’ve learned that you don’t have to choose just one path,” she said. “Your passions can coexist—and they often make each other stronger.”
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