Carly Lyons is an undergraduate student in the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, majoring in biochemistry with the goal of pursuing medical school and a career in emergency medicine. Her interest in concussion advocacy and research is deeply personal. As a competitive soccer player, she sustained four concussions over a fourteen-month period and was ultimately medically retired from the sport.

Beyond her own experience, Carly has spent significant time focused on concussion recognition and immediate assessment through her work as a state-certified soccer referee. Seeing concussions from both the athlete’s and official’s perspective has shaped her understanding of how often these injuries are overlooked, misunderstood, or inadequately addressed.

She is driven to better understand concussions at a scientific and clinical level and to contribute to advocacy, education, and research that improve recognition, care, and long-term outcomes—particularly in athletic and emergency settings.