Karl L. Burnell Memorial Scholarship

$550
1 winner$550
Awarded
Application Deadline
Dec 31, 2024
Winners Announced
Jan 31, 2025
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Background:
Has Type I or Type II diabetes
Field of Study:
Diabetes research

Karl L. Burnell was a beloved father who suffered from diabetes for many years before his death.

Karl’s battle resulted in complete loss of vision in both of his eyes, a kidney transplant, and a leg amputation, in addition to the many infections and surgeries he endured. It takes bravery and strength to not only live with diabetes but to continue to work towards one’s dreams.

This scholarship seeks to support students who have diabetes or students who plan to use their careers to research diabetes in order to make a difference.

Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who has Type I or Type II diabetes or is pursuing higher education in order to research diabetes may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, submit an essay of 250 words or less telling us how diabetes impacts your life or what research you are planning to pursue related to diabetes.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published September 3, 2024
Essay Topic

In 250 words or less, please tell us how diabetes impacts your life or the type of research you are pursuing or plan to pursue on diabetes.

100–250 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Crystal Diaz
Stanford UniversityLA PALMA, CA
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 18, three months before starting college. For years, I struggled to find my footing in a new life with T1D until I found the power of community and peer support. I embraced my insecurities and vulnerabilities to accept T1D as my own. Empowered by my diagnosis and motivated to help others like me, I began pouring myself into the diabetes community. I became involved with the DiabetesLink as a NextGen fellow and attended the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions conference virtually in 2021. In 2022, I started my own diabetes research project, surveying young adults on their relationships with their diabetes care provider. I presented my research findings at ADA’s Scientific Sessions in San Diego and the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Conference in the Netherlands in 2023. My research abstract was also published in the ADA Diabetes Journal. Most recently, I started my Master’s in Physician Assistant studies at Stanford School of Medicine where I am currently researching dermatologic reactions to diabetes devices in skin of color. Diabetes has given me meaning and purpose as I continue to advocate for our community and become a physician assistant.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Dec 31, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jan 31, 2025.