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Hobbies and interests
Soccer
Begad Abouelnaga
545
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/begade8d20376a2eb48e5acdadf4e8a34e1a6.webp)
Begad Abouelnaga
545
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am a senior at Beacon School, New York, NY. I am an incoming freshman at Columbia University majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am passionate about cancer research. I am a research intern at Columbia University Irving Medical Center conducting research on Kidney cancer. I have experience in utilizing AI in gene editing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. My goal is to be the CEO of a major AI company devoted to curing the deadliest diseases facing humanity.
Education
Beacon School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Biochemical Engineering
Career
Dream career field:
Biotechnology
Dream career goals:
Financial Literacy Mentor
Infinity Educational Programs2021 – 20221 yearLeadership Through Self-Awareness Mentor
Infinity Educational Programs2023 – 20241 yearBusiness Analyst
Business Analyst2022 – 20231 year
Sports
Soccer
Varsity2018 – Present6 years
Research
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
NYU ARISE — Research Intern & Lab Assistant2023 – 2024Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
University of California Santa Cruz — Research Intern & Lab Assistant2022 – 2023Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Columbia University Irving Medical Center — Research Intern & Lab Assistant2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Muslim American Society Youth Center — Peer Tutor Volunteer / Charity Events Organizer / Head of Tech Support Team2016 – PresentVolunteering
Columbia University Irving Medical Center — Research Intern & Lab Assistant2022 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
John F. Rowe, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores.
Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. Fortunately, I interned at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the John F. Rowe, Jr. Memorial Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Napoleon Hill was right. Overcoming this adversity made me a dream-seeker who is ready to overcome any barriers, get the best out of them to achieve my goals, and make a positive change in people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness. That's why I am seeking to continue my research in Healthcare and Public service in order to help save lives and help design a better future for cancer patients that is full of hope and survival.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.
Simon Strong Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores.
Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. Fortunately, I interned at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the Simon Strong Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Overcoming this adversity developed my resilience, resourcefulness, and mental and emotional growth. So, don't get depressed when you face adversity, you never know the benefits it holds for you in designing a better future. I believe the way a person reacts to adversity is what makes a difference in one’s life. Ultimately, I learned that Napoleon Hill was right, every adversity can be beneficial as it enhances your skills and perspectives, and guides you to make a positive change in your life and people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.
HM Family Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores.
Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. Fortunately, I interned at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the HM Family Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Napoleon Hill was right. Overcoming this adversity made me a dream-seeker who is ready to overcome any barriers, get the best out of them to achieve my goals, and make a positive change in people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.
Let Your Light Shine Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores.
Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. Fortunately, I interned at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the Let Your Light Shine Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Napoleon Hill was right. Overcoming this adversity made me a dream-seeker who is ready to overcome any barriers, get the best out of them to achieve my goals, and make a positive change in people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.
Jesus Baez-Santos Memorial Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores.
Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. Fortunately, I interned at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the Jesus Baez-Santos Memorial Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Napoleon Hill was right. Overcoming this adversity made me a dream-seeker who is ready to overcome any barriers, get the best out of them to achieve my goals, and make a positive change in people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.
Ubuntu Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores. Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. Fortunately, I interned at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the Ubuntu Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Napoleon Hill was right. Overcoming this adversity made me a dream-seeker who is ready to overcome any barriers, get the best out of them to achieve my goals, and make a positive change in people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.
Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship
Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it a seed of an equal or greater benefit.” After my parents’ separation, my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which metastasized to her lymph nodes. I felt I was trapped in a nightmare that I yearned to escape its clutches and wake up from. Despite all the misery that weighed heavily on my heart, my resilient nature empowered me to react positively and practically to replace my dad’s role and help my mom fight cancer. So, I hid my fears with smiles, took a part-time job to help with household expenses, and helped with household chores. Nonetheless, I didn’t want my mom to blame herself if my grades fell, so I pushed hard at school, too. However, knowing that cancer can be treated but not cured ignited a flame of inspiration within me that will never be extinguished until I find a cure for cancer. I became determined to help in finding a cure for cancer and help my mother and other cancer patients in my community and beyond to get fully cured. So, I volunteered as an intern at renowned cancer research centers like SMRI at Columbia University Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center and NYU ARISE where I researched how gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, tissue engineering, and stem-cell-based regenerative medicine are used in treating cancer. I was fascinated with utilizing AI to treat cancer tissues and replace damaged organ tissues.
Eventually, this adversity was the seed of my growing passion for Biomedical Engineering since I dove deeply into research and lab trials in this field with the ultimate goal of ending cancer for good. As an incoming Columbia University BME student, I will be empowered with the infrastructure, tools, and resources to use gene editing to enhance immunotherapy through T-cell transfer so the immune system can detect and fight all kinds of cancer cells; not only a few as it’s the case today.
However, as a first-generation low-income student, many friends believe that reaching my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer is just a dream since I can’t afford college tuition or research expenses. However, my indomitable spirit rejected the idea that money could hinder me from thinking big, planning for my future, and reaching my goals. So, I worked hard at school to be in the top 5%, did scientific research, volunteered in community service, and achieved a lot of honors. Ultimately, I learned that believing in myself, working hard, and never giving up were the roots of my success that could overcome any barriers to achieving my goals. That’s why winning the Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship will enable me to pay for college and pave the way for me to reach my dreams.
Napoleon Hill was right. Overcoming this adversity made me a dream-seeker ready to overcome any barriers, get the best out of them to achieve my goals, and positively impact people’s lives through empathy, resilience, and resourcefulness.
Ultimately, being an engineer is the stepping stone to fulfilling my greatest dream of becoming the CEO of a leading AI company devoted to serving humanity and curing the deadliest diseases facing the world.