Beulah C. Parker Memorial Scholarship

As I stood at my father’s graveside, letting the red sand slip through my fingers, I couldn’t ignore the role medical misinformation had played in his passing. It was a moment that shaped my perspective, reinforcing my belief in the power of knowledge and technology to make a difference. I knew then that I wanted to use STEM to create meaningful change that could improve lives and prevent others from facing similar challenges. STEM, to me, is more than a field of study; it’s a gateway to transformative solutions. From the way technology can connect people to how mathematical models guide real-world decisions, STEM has the potential to impact every area of life. Motivated by this belief, I sought every opportunity to deepen my knowledge, competing in events like the National JETS Competition, where I placed first, and the KSF National Math Competition, where I earned gold. These achievements represented more than personal milestones. They proved how education and innovation could open doors to a better future. As a Black student from Nigeria attending Fisk University, I represent a voice often missing in STEM. My background has given me firsthand insight into the challenges low-income students face while pursuing higher education, from the financial strain of tuition to limited access to resources. Despite these obstacles, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned recognition as a W.E.B. DuBois Honors Scholar and Erastus Milo Cravath Presidential Scholar. These accomplishments have strengthened my resolve to use my education to create meaningful change. One pivotal moment in my STEM journey was leading a team at the Microsoft X Vanderbilt Accelerate Your AI Un-Hackathon, where we developed TruthRx. This AI-powered tool identifies healthcare misinformation with over 90% accuracy. The project, inspired by my personal experiences, became a way to address the issue of misinformation. It reminded me of how technology can solve problems that directly impact lives. Additionally, it reinforced my goal to create tools that prevent others from enduring similar tragedies. Representation is critical in STEM, not only to ensure diverse perspectives but also to pave the way for those who follow. Through roles like Senior Ambassador for the International Youth Math Challenge and involvement in organizations such as HBCU20x20 and the National Society of Black Engineers, I work to empower other students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to show them that they can overcome barriers and make an impact in STEM. The Beulah C. Parker Memorial Scholarship would alleviate the financial challenges that often distract from my studies and projects. With this support, I can continue developing solutions like TruthRx and mentoring others to pursue STEM. Every project I undertake—from creating AI tools to designing quantum circuits—is a step toward building a future where misinformation no longer costs lives and all students, regardless of their background, can realize their potential. I am committed to shaping a world where STEM will be a tool for equity and opportunity, ensuring that previous mistakes do not define the future. By championing diversity and inclusion, I aspire to create pathways for others to thrive in STEM, leaving no voice unheard and no potential untapped.

Growing up in The Gambia, I was often told that my dreams of becoming a software engineer were too ambitious, especially for a girl. My community celebrated traditional career paths, but my fascination with technology set me apart. The first real challenge I faced in pursuing my interest in STEM was overcoming the deep-seated belief that I did not belong in this field. The lack of representation of women in technology, especially in my environment, made it even more difficult to visualize a future where I could thrive in this industry. My determination was tested early on when I sought opportunities to learn coding. Resources were scarce, and I had to rely on outdated computers and slow internet connections to teach myself the basics. However, these obstacles only fueled my desire to succeed. I spent countless hours in internet cafes, poring over online tutorials, and practicing coding on whatever devices I could find. My perseverance paid off when I began to excel in school, earning top scores in science and math, and eventually securing a spot at West African International School, where I continued to pursue my passion for technology. The turning point in my journey came during my internship at the Medical Research Council Unit in Fajara, where I worked on biomedical engineering projects. This experience opened my eyes to the intersection of technology and healthcare, igniting a new passion for using software engineering to solve real-world problems. I realized that my journey wasn't just about proving that I could succeed in STEM; it was about making a tangible impact on people's lives through technology. This experience has shaped my aspirations to revolutionize the education sector by developing innovative and affordable educational tools that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning. I envision a future where every student, regardless of their background, has access to high-quality education tailored to their needs. My ultimate goal is to create educational tools that incorporate robotics to enhance learning experiences, making education more accessible and engaging for students worldwide. The importance of representation in STEM cannot be overstated. As someone who has faced and overcome significant barriers, I understand the critical need for diversity and inclusion in this field. When individuals from diverse backgrounds are represented in STEM, it fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader range of perspectives. This diversity is essential in developing solutions that cater to the needs of all communities. To contribute to increasing diversity and inclusion within my field, I plan to mentor young girls who are interested in STEM, particularly those from underrepresented communities. By sharing my story and providing guidance, I hope to inspire the next generation of female engineers to pursue their passions fearlessly. Additionally, I intend to advocate for more inclusive curricula and resources in schools, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to explore STEM fields. In conclusion, the challenges I have faced in pursuing my interest in STEM have not only strengthened my resolve but have also shaped my aspirations to create meaningful change in the world through technology. By increasing representation and fostering diversity in STEM, I hope to contribute to a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in this dynamic and transformative field.