Announcing Our 2022 DURM Scholarship Winners

UW Dermatology is delighted to host our 2022 DURM Scholars, Elizabeth Mata and Leilani Roberson, as they rotate through our division this summer and fall! 

Out of dozens of worthy applicants who applied last March, Elizabeth and Leilani were selected by faculty from the Division of Dermatology's EDI Committee to receive a $2000 scholarship based on their academic excellence and interest in pursuing a career in dermatology.

The DURM Scholarship program seeks to provide funding for URM (underrepresented in medicine) students to experience the outstanding training programs at the University of Washington. The 4-week elective Dermatology rotation connects visiting students with current Dermatology faculty, students, and trainees for clinical and research exposure at several UW Medicine locations, and provides opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. 

Students may attend didactics, UW conferences, and site specific educational rotations while also taking part in division-wide and residency-centered events. Scholars will be able to meet and socialize with UW medical students and residents, explore the UW community and get a taste of life in Seattle, Wash.  

Elizabeth Mata

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Undergraduate School: University of Arizona, BS in Nutrition Sciences

Graduate School: The University of Arizona College of Nursing, MS, Registered Nurse

Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

Clinical & Research Interests: My clinical and research interests include skin of color dermatology, transplant dermatology, rural health, and health disparities in dermatology. 

Future Career Plans/Goals: After matching into a dermatology residency program, I hope to continue working with skin of color as well as those who are underserved.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: I love to spend time with my family, traveling, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and staying active. My favorite activity to do in a new city is to tour MLB stadiums.

Leilani Roberson 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Undergraduate School: Loyola Marymount University, BA in Psychology

Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Clinical & Research Interests: My clinical interests include skin of color, alopecia, scarring, and acne. My research interest includes health disparity and equity research.  

Future Career Plans/Goals: As a future dermatologist, I hope to create an environment where people of color can feel comfortable pursuing and receiving dermatological care. I want to address the clinical needs of underserved communities, as well as conduct research that advances health equity within the field of dermatology. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: I enjoy everything related to food, so in my free time I enjoy cooking, baking, juicing, and trying new restaurants. Some of the other things I enjoy are candle making, Pilates, and hanging out with friends and family.