Eli Wisdom is an incoming MD-PhD student at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He originally grew up in La Grande, OR, a rural town with easy access to the natural world and a supportive hometown community. While attending Pacific University for his Bachelors of Science in Biology, Eli also played 4 years of varsity baseball. His choice to hang up the cleats and pursue a career in basic research and medicine was prompted by several fascinating research experiences he had in microbiology and neuroscience. Having benefitted from the mentorship he received from Project Short during his application cycle, he is excited to now give back as a mentor, and help future students pursue their goals.