Emily O.

About Emily O.

Emily Otten is currently a second year medical student at Marian University Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a member of the Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Osteopathic Service Fraternity and the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA). She graduated from Purdue University in 2023 with a degree in Biological Sciences. During her time at Purdue University, Emily developed a strong passion for advocacy. She volunteered as a crisis counselor for the National Crisis Text Line and ambassador for the Center for Advocacy Response and Education. She performed research with the Interdisciplinary Women’s Reproductive Health Collaborative in Lafayette, Indiana and Florence, Italy. She has research manuscripts published in BMC Public Health Journal and Women’s Reproductive Health Journal. Additionally, Emily has presented her research at the American Academy of Health and Behavior and Purdue’s Undergraduate Research Conferences. Upon graduating, Emily worked at Dawes Fretzin Dermatology as a medical assistant. During her work, she developed a passion for helping those struggling with chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Emily is a member of the Indy Leadership Committee for the National Psoriasis Foundation and helped raise with the annual Indy Soirée. Expanding her passion for advocacy and dermatologic interests, Emily developed a research project focused on the skin protection needs of people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was awarded the MUWCOM Summer Research Fellowship and will present her research at the American Academy of Health Behavior conference in 2026. While Emily continues her medical education, she will continue to focus on serving those in need and promoting overall health and wellness of individuals and the community.

Experience

1. Research Fellowship

   Marian University Indianapolis

   May 2025 — Present · Indianapolis, IN, US

   My research focuses on the skin protection needs of people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis, Indiana. Through interviews with service providers and people experiencing homelessness, I aim to identify areas where policy makers and service providers can improve to better serve the skin protection and general health needs of this vulnerable population.

Education

• Purdue University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Biology, General

• Hamilton Southeastern High School

  High School Diploma

  2014 — 2019

• Marian University Indianapolis

  Doctor's Degree, Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy