Leave A Legacy Always Scholarship

My name is Essey Afewerki, and I've been driven to pursue Immunology, as my college major and career goal, for the better part of my time in high school. That's because I want to address glaring healthcare inequality, specifically widely neglected parasitic diseases affecting disadvantaged communities, like malaria, hookworms, and toxoplasmosis. My family is from Eritrea, a small country on the Horn of Africa that's one of many threatened by said diseases. In fact, one of them was almost responsible for me never being born. When my dad was only a few months older than I am now, he got sick with cerebral malaria. He was bedridden and came to the brink of death. It hit him when he was just starting college and threatened to upend his education, his only means of immigrating to the US and escaping decades of war in Eritrea. The stars aligned for his story to end on a positive note, but thousands haven't been as lucky. I have family members still in Eritrea who face this danger every day. So do almost 3.5 billion people worldwide. There's persisting global inequity responsible for leaving such a massive threat to human life and well-being unresolved. I want to pursue biomedical research, and work towards learning more about these overlooked parasitic diseases so I can change that. I ultimately hope to work towards contributing to the effort to develop preventative treatments for these diseases. To that end, I've pursued biomedical research opportunities in high school to gain hands-on experience. The first of these opportunities came during the summer before my Junior Year. During my Sophomore Year, my school's Life Science elective pathway was canceled due to low enrollment before I was far enough along to take the final class, which offered the only lab-opportunity currently available to me at my school. I was determined to find other opportunities, so that summer I reached out to the Jensen Immunology Lab at the University of California Merced, explaining my circumstances and asking for the chance to observe their lab. After some time working in an assistant role, they were impressed with my performance and dedication, and gave me the chance to conduct my first hands-on research project. Over the course of said project I learned to genetically modify parasites and knock out specific genes to observe their effects on virulence. It was a truly inspiring and formative experience, and significantly defined my career goals. It turned my simple interest in Biology into a passion that drives me and my undertakings to the day. The hands-on experience taught me invaluable skills including lab techniques like gel electrophoresis and growing cultures, as well as how to conduct scientific inquiries. It was like nothing I could have gotten in a classroom. Being able to ask questions and devise an experiment to find my own answer was an incredibly rewarding experience that motivated me to pursue a career in Biomedical research. Thoroughly engrossed by the research process, the next summer I looked for further opportunities. That's how I found out about and applied to the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program. I was accepted and got to conduct another research project. This time I learned to utilize computational biology techniques and built a machine learning model using the R programming language to analyze large patient data sets and determine positivity for Crohn's disease. It was another incredible experience that further attracted me to a research career in biomedical sciences. However, the biggest impact the Jensen-Lab had on me had to do with their greater mission. Their ultimate goal is working to develop vaccines against the parasite toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma - and parasites like it, including hookworms and malaria - have ravaged less developed tropical countries for decades while the rest of the world looks on. It coincided with my own family history and taught me how my childhood passion for biology could facilitate real change in this field. How I could help real people. I was hooked. To see other people so dedicated to addressing this issue that they're devoting their life's work to it was inspiring, and fundamental to me choosing to undertake this career path as I move into higher education. This research experience shaped me and my goals in high school, and contributed to giving me the biomedical experience I need to hit the ground running and get involved in undergraduate research in college. I'm thrilled to say that I'll be attending Yale University and working to earn a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, where I look forward to learning from and alongside some of the brightest minds in the field. This scholarship can make a major difference in helping me afford this incredible opportunity. Then, following my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a Life-Sciences Doctoral Degree. Doing so will ensure I gain the crucial knowledge and experience to pursue a career in biomedical research, and put my passion for biology towards giving these neglected diseases the attention they deserve.

Hello, my name is Chadwick Kirkland, and I am thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey as I embark on the path toward higher education and a career in medicine. Originally from Jamaica, I moved to Killeen, Texas, with my family, and am now preparing to begin my undergraduate studies. My immediate goal is to obtain an associate degree in biology, with plans to transfer to Texas A&M University in College Station to pursue a pre-med degree in biomedical science. Ultimately, I aspire to attend Baylor School of Medicine to earn my MD degree and become a neurosurgeon. My journey has been one of adaptation and perseverance. Moving from Jamaica to the U.S. presented significant challenges, including financial constraints and cultural adjustments. Despite these hurdles, my commitment to my academic and professional goals has only strengthened. I am deeply motivated by the opportunities that lie ahead and am eager to make the most of them. The transition to life in the U.S. has been both exciting and daunting. One of the most significant challenges has been adjusting to a new educational environment. The differences between the Jamaican and U.S. education systems are considerable, and I have spent months preparing to navigate these changes. Understanding the academic expectations and building a support network has been a crucial part of this process. I have engaged in extensive research, sought guidance from mentors, and connected with resources designed to support international students. Financial constraints have also played a significant role in shaping my experience. Although my parents are legal permanent residents, the cost of living and education has placed a considerable burden on our family. We have had to move in with my aunt and uncle to manage expenses, and as an F1 visa holder, I am unable to work to contribute financially. This limitation has added pressure to my academic journey, making it essential for me to find other ways to manage and overcome these challenges. Despite these obstacles, I have approached each challenge with a sense of hope and determination. I have learned to prioritize my time effectively, focusing on careful planning and preparation. Seeking support from academic advisors, participating in community organizations, and building relationships with other students have all been integral to my ability to adapt and thrive. These experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of community support. My career goal is to become a neurosurgeon, a path driven by my deep fascination with the human brain and its complexities. Neurosurgery represents the pinnacle of medical science, offering the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of patients with neurological conditions. I am drawn to this field because of its potential to improve patient outcomes and to advance the boundaries of medical knowledge. To achieve this goal, pursuing a degree in biology with a focus on biomedical science is essential. This field of study will provide me with a solid foundation in the life sciences, enabling me to understand the intricacies of human anatomy and the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. The coursework, laboratory work, and research opportunities will prepare me for the rigors of medical school and equip me with the skills necessary for a successful career in neurosurgery. Moreover, I am passionate about contributing to research that addresses pressing issues in neurosurgery. I am particularly interested in exploring innovative treatments and surgical techniques that could improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. By participating in cutting-edge research, I hope to contribute to advancements in the field and bring new, evidence-based practices into clinical settings. The impact I hope to make extends beyond individual patient care. I am committed to addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to quality medical services, particularly in underserved communities. Growing up in a low-income household has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals who lack access to adequate healthcare. This experience has fueled my desire to give back to the community and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive high-quality medical care. In the future, I plan to engage in community outreach and advocacy to promote health education and access to medical services. I envision working with organizations that focus on providing support and resources to underserved populations. By participating in initiatives that aim to bridge gaps in healthcare access, I hope to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system where everyone has the opportunity to receive the care they need. Additionally, I am committed to mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or related fields. Sharing my experiences and offering guidance can help inspire and support the next generation of healthcare professionals. I believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive medical community, we can bring different perspectives and ideas to the field, ultimately leading to better patient care and more innovative solutions. In summary, my journey as an international student has been marked by resilience and determination. The challenges I have faced, including financial constraints and cultural adjustments, have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to my academic and professional goals. My pursuit of a degree in biology and biomedical science is driven by a deep passion for advancing medical science and improving patient care. As I prepare to embark on this academic journey, I am inspired by the lessons I have learned through overcoming obstacles and am motivated to use my education to make a positive impact. The resilience and hope I have gained from navigating these challenges will guide me as I work towards my goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. I am committed to addressing healthcare disparities, supporting underserved communities, and giving back to those who have supported me throughout my journey. The opportunities that lie ahead are not just for personal achievement but also for making a meaningful difference in the world. I am excited about the future and eager to contribute to the medical field in ways that reflect my dedication to compassion, excellence, and community service.

My name is Jada Hickerson. I am a rising college sophomore at Florida Institute of Technology. I am pursuing a Chemistry B.S. with a minor in Oceanography. I have a GPA of 4.0. I intend to complete a concurrent Ph.D in Chemistry and Master’s in Environmental Engineering or Oceanography. My Ph.D would focus on analytical and organic chemistry, with some introductory pharmaceutical chemistry classes. The Master’s degree would (preferably) be coursework-based and involve courses from the Environmental Engineering and Oceanography departments. Of course, I would have to attend a school that supports this coursework combination. My top choice is the University of Washington--Seattle. My second choice is the University of California--San Diego. My third choice is Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I plan to become an environmental chemist. In general, my career aspirations entail researching and implementing environmental remediation methods and studying, testing, and developing green synthesis methods for various chemicals, such as pesticides, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. I plan to focus on organic analytical chemistry, working to characterize and understand various organic pollutants’ fate and transport in the environment. My ultimate career goal is to be employed at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a senior chemist position. I would love to do an internship at the EPA Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) regional laboratory, the Manchester Environmental Laboratory in Washington. The Manchester Environmental Laboratory is close to the University of Washington--Seattle, my first pick university for my Ph.D.. Since I will move back to Texas for a permanent career, I will seek a chemist position at the EPA Region 6 (South Central) regional laboratory, the Environmental Services Branch Laboratory. My education would be extremely well-suited to my career goals. My undergraduate and graduate studies will grant me numerous relevant skills and experience. The advanced analytical techniques acquired during a Ph.D. Chemistry program, such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry, are essential for environmental chemistry. These techniques enable precise measurement of pollutants within air, water, and soil. I will gain proficiency in these techniques, allowing me to accurately evaluate environmental quality, identify sources of contamination, and assess the effectiveness of remediation methods. Generally, I will gain experience in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. Additionally, understanding how various contaminants interact with the environment is accomplished through the lens of chemistry by understanding mechanisms that facilitate pollutants’ effects on ecosystems. Such mechanisms include pH, solubility, oxidation-reduction, inorganic-organic complexation, and adsorption-desorption reactions. Studying environmental engineering and oceanography at the graduate level will provide a broadened understanding of environmental science applications, solutions, and technologies, which are fundamentally interdisciplinary subjects. Engineering coursework offers a practical perspective on how to apply chemical knowledge to real-world environmental issues. I will gain knowledge and project experience in system design, pollution control, and environmental impact assessment. Specifically, I will focus on technologies in wastewater treatment, air quality management, and waste management. Oceanography coursework will add another dimension to my expertise, incorporating a thorough understanding of the various components of ocean systems, including the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects. An oceanography background will supplement a comprehensive chemistry foundation, allowing me to better examine marine chemical processes, analyze marine contaminants, and develop restoration strategies for marine environments. The advanced chemical knowledge and research skills I will gain through a Ph.D. will be complemented by the practical, systems-oriented perspective of environmental engineering at the graduate level. An on-par oceanography knowledge base will further grant me a more specialized skill set specific to marine environments. Combining expertise in chemistry, environmental engineering, and oceanography will enable me to uniquely and comprehensively approach environmental problems, an ability necessary to become a successful environmental chemist. When I consider the impact I want to make on my community, I have two central goals: scientific achievement and community service. As an environmental chemist, I aim to contribute to environmental remediation by focusing on mitigating waste production. My work will involve improving waste management processes, refining industrial synthesis methods, and advancing production practices across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. By designing and implementing strategies for waste reduction, I hope to contribute to the national goal of significantly reducing environmental pollution. Community service is a more personal aspect of my professional aspirations. I will work to foster engagement and support for students passionate about environmental science. My goal is to facilitate internships and volunteer opportunities by connecting students with local programs, companies, and institutions. I plan to organize workshops, Q&A sessions, and campus visits to personally engage with students and emphasize the importance of environmental science. By providing mentorship and hands-on experiences, I aim to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists, ensuring they have the connections and knowledge to pursue careers that contribute to environmental science. Through scientific achievement and community service, I aspire to make a lasting impact in my professional field and within my community.