The deafening screech of tires, the sickening thud of impact – then darkness. I awoke in an ambulance, my 15-year-old body battered and broken. Clothes in rags, skin raw from road burns, jaw injured and speech impaired, I was rushed to Children's National Main Hospital. Little did I know this traumatic accident would ignite my passion for STEM. Within the sterile hospital walls, curiosity about my condition sparked questions: Which bones were broken? Why couldn't I remember the crash? How long would it take for my brain injury to heal? These questions kindled a fire for scientific inquiry that still burns brightly today. In addition to science, my recovery process instilled in me a dedication to helping others. Once stable, I'd follow my nurses and doctors around the hospital floor, observing their treatment of other kids. Their commitment and compassion inspired me, planting the seeds for my future in service and medicine. This accident set me on a trajectory I explored at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, I immersed myself in scientific research and clinical care. From lab work on rare neurodevelopmental disorders to caring for pediatric patients, I discovered my love for neuroscience and working with children. These experiences have helped shape my goal of becoming a physician-scientist who works to develop treatments for children with neurological disorders. Having graduated from Carolina, I'm now set to begin a research-based master's in Clinical Neurosciences at The University of Cambridge in England this fall. There, I'll join a team developing treatments for mt-aaRS, a rare neurological disorder affecting children. This opportunity fuses my passion for neuroscience research and pediatric care. However, realizing this dream comes with financial challenges. With my brother starting college next year, our family's resources are stretched thin. The high cost of studying abroad means substantial loans without support. I've started a GoFundMe campaign, titled "Support Dan's Pediatric Research Dream at Cambridge," demonstrating my commitment to this research and its young patients. The Richard and Rebecca Whiddon Memorial Scholarship represents more than just a financial lifeline. It's an opportunity to continue the spirit of work that Richard and Rebecca were passionate about – their incredible accomplishments in STEM and their care for people. Their life memorial service showed how Richard had a heart for the homeless; both Richard and Rebecca worked to preserve cultural heritage and showed compassion towards humans and animals. I want to emulate them, whether at Cambridge or in my local community, helping people both in and out of hospitals. If awarded this scholarship, I promise to genuinely care for these children with mt-aaRS, share the knowledge I gain, and inspire others. I want to honor Richard and Rebecca's legacy by advancing scientific knowledge and ensuring it benefits those who need it most. Again, my goal is to become a compassionate and knowledgeable physician-scientist, developing treatments for children facing neurological challenges. This scholarship would be instrumental in realizing this dream, allowing me to focus on my research at Cambridge without financial stress. As I reflect on my journey, I know it was no accident that I survived being hit by that car. The impact that could have ended my life instead ignited a passion that will hopefully save many others. It would be an honor to carry forward the Whiddons' commitment to using STEM to improve lives, continuing the ripple effect of compassion and scientific curiosity that started on that fateful day. I'm dedicated to transforming my near-tragedy into hope for countless children facing their own battles, embodying the spirit of service and innovation that Richard and Rebecca Whiddon exemplified.

As I reflect on my experiences and the path that lies ahead, my ultimate goal is to become a physician-scientist, merging my passion for research with my deep-rooted desire to directly improve the lives of patients. This aspiration has been shaped by my interactions with patients like Hazel, a young girl battling a rare neurological disorder at UNC Children's Hospital that I have the privilege of caring for. Witnessing her struggles and resilience has ignited a fire within me to pursue translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. To further enhance my skills and knowledge in this field, I am eager to pursue a Master's in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. This opportunity will allow me to investigate mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (mt-aaRS) diseases, which currently lack effective treatments and are poorly understood. By studying patient fibroblasts and examining the effects of cognate amino acid supplementation on mitochondrial function, I hope to uncover potential therapeutic avenues. However, I currently face financial constraints that hinder my ability to afford the cost of this graduate program. To overcome this obstacle, I have started a GoFundMe campaign and am actively applying to scholarships like this one. Receiving this scholarship would be a significant step towards realizing my dream of becoming a physician-scientist and advancing translational research in neurological disorders. Beyond the technical skills and knowledge I will gain, I am excited about the mentorship opportunities available at Cambridge. Learning from experienced researchers will empower me to become a well-rounded and passionate scientist, equipped to tackle grand challenges and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. As I look to the future, I envision myself as a physician-scientist, seamlessly integrating my research findings with clinical practice. I aspire to work in an academic medical center, where I can continue to pursue cutting-edge research while providing compassionate care to patients. By combining my scientific expertise with my deep empathy for those facing complex medical conditions, I aim to develop innovative therapies and improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, my goal is to be a catalyst for change in the field of neurological disorders. I want to be at the forefront of translational research, driving discoveries that directly benefit patients like Hazel. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers at the intersection of science and medicine, fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates progress and brings hope to those in need. In pursuit of these goals, I am committed to lifelong learning, embracing new challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This scholarship will play a crucial role in enabling me to pursue my Master's degree at Cambridge and advance my dream of becoming a physician-scientist. I am excited to embark on this journey, knowing that each step brings me closer to making a lasting impact on the lives of patients and their families. With unwavering dedication and a steadfast belief in the power of translational research, I am confident that I will achieve my aspirations and contribute to a brighter future for those affected by rare neurological disorders.

My name is Dan and I am a junior as well as a Chancellor’s Science Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill. My goal is to become a physician-scientist and provide quality healthcare to underserved communities. For that reason, education is incredibly valuable to me. Also, I am passionate about minority student advocacy and want to help increase the number of minority students attending college and earning degrees. But, to do this, there must first be an increase in minority role-models within STEM. A great role-model can act as both an example and support to the younger generation — inspiring students to achieve what they may have thought impossible. A minority role-model, in particular, better allows minority students to imagine themselves succeeding in STEM, increasing their confidence and motivation to succeed. I’ve personally experienced the influence a minority role-model, and the lack thereof, can have on the pursuit of academic ambitions. When I interned at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in high-school, for instance, I had no minority role-model to look up to or learn from. Because of this, it was harder to picture myself succeeding in a predominantly white field. This failure to envision my future in STEM caused me to doubt what I could contribute to my research lab, eventually discouraging me from research completely. It wasn’t until I entered college and met a dear mentor of mine— Dr. Noelle Romero, a PhD in genetics & molecular biology as well as the previous program coordinator of the Chancellor’s Science Scholars program— that my mindset was able to shift. During my freshman year, Dr. Romero taught me time management skills that allowed me to thrive in class and alerted me of research opportunities across campus. Dr. Romero not only equipped me with the skills and resources I needed, but she also inspired me to once again strive toward my scientific dreams by serving as an excellent example of minority success in STEM. That summer I joined the lab of Dr. Jonathan Berg, immersing myself in research for the first time since high-school. Because of the vision I had developed while having Dr. Romero as my role-model, I now knew that I could excel at my research and succeed just as she had. In lab, I carried myself with greater confidence, whether I was annotating patient cases, speaking up at lab meetings, or talking about my research to others. That confidence in myself enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the team, as I annotated and identified hundreds of cases and Hemophilia-causing mutations which I was able to communicate at the closing symposium. Since this experience, I have made seeking mentorship and mentoring other minority students my focus in college and life. As co-president of the UNC Health Careers Club, I have the opportunity to do that by mentoring underclassmen through our mentorship program, advising them on which classes to take and shadowing opportunities to pursue to prepare for health professional schools. Furthermore, as a volunteer for the annual Black Excellence in Science event, I can talk about my experiences in science with younger minority students, sharing advice and encouragement that will serve them in their blossoming scientific journeys. Currently, I am planning a new initiative at my school, which will focus on providing one-on-one mentorship to underserved high-school students in my area. My hope for the program is to support students in their pursuit of a college education by providing college role-models who can guide them through the process. I believe it’s initiatives like these that will equip younger generations to succeed at the college level and beyond.

My name is Dan and I am a junior as well as a Chancellor’s Science Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill. I am majoring in biology and my research interests include genetics, genomics, and neuroscience. My goal is to become a physician-scientist and provide quality healthcare to underserved communities. In addition, I am passionate about minority student advocacy, especially in STEM. I firmly believe that to increase the number of minority students earning STEM degrees, there has to be an increase in minority role-models within STEM. A great role-model can act as both an example and support to the younger generation — inspiring students to achieve what they may have thought impossible. A minority role-model, in particular, better allows for minority students to imagine themselves succeeding in STEM, increasing their confidence and motivation to succeed. I’ve personally experienced the influence a minority role-model, and the lack thereof, can have on the pursuit of academic ambitions. When I interned at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in high school, for instance, I had no minority role-model to look up to or learn from. Because of this, it was harder to picture myself succeeding in a predominantly white field. This failure to envision my future in STEM caused me to doubt what I could contribute to my research lab, eventually discouraging me from research completely. It wasn’t until I entered college and met a dear mentor of mine— Dr. Noelle Romero, a Ph.D. in genetics & molecular biology and the previous program coordinator of the Chancellor’s Science Scholars program— that my mindset was able to shift. During my freshman year, Dr. Romero taught me time management skills that allowed me to thrive in class and alerted me of research opportunities across campus. Dr. Romero not only equipped me with the skills and resources I needed, but she also inspired me to once again strive toward my scientific dreams by serving as an excellent example of minority success in STEM. That summer I joined the lab of Dr. Jonathan Berg, immersing myself in research for the first time since high school. Because of the vision I had developed while having Dr. Romero as my role-model, I now knew that I could excel at my research and succeed just as she had. In lab, I carried myself with greater confidence, whether I was annotating patient cases, speaking up at lab meetings, or talking about my research to others. That confidence in myself enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the team, as I annotated and identified hundreds of cases and Hemophilia-causing mutations which I was able to communicate at the closing symposium. Since this experience, I have made seeking mentorship and mentoring other minority students my focus. As co-president of the UNC Health Careers Club, I have the opportunity to do that by mentoring underclassmen through our mentorship program, advising them on which classes to take and shadowing opportunities to pursue to prepare for health professional schools. Furthermore, as a volunteer for the annual Black Excellence in Science event, I can talk about my experiences in science with younger minority students, sharing advice and encouragement that will serve them in their blossoming scientific journeys. Currently, I am planning a new initiative at my school, which will focus on providing one-on-one mentorship to underserved high-school students in our area. My hope for the program is to support students in their pursuit of a college education by providing college role-models who can guide them through the process. I believe it’s initiatives like these that will equip younger generations to succeed at the college level and beyond.

"Dan, hurry up and go, we're right behind you" I experienced a brief moment of hesitation. Not wanting to disappoint my friends, however, I shrugged off the feeling and led the dash across the street. Unfortunately for me, I didn't see the black SUV coming from the right until it was too late. *** On Halloween of 2016, I was pressured by my peers to jaywalk across a busy intersection. Just as the crosswalk was approaching zero, I was hit by a car. Clothes reduced to rags from road burns, skin scraped away from parts of my torso and legs, jaw and mouth injured to the point of impaired speech, I was in appalling condition when rushed to Children's National Main Hospital. At the time, I was extremely vulnerable to peer pressure and had an overwhelming desire to fit in. I believe this was because, despite growing up in the Church, I didn’t actually know Jesus Christ and therefore didn’t know myself. Because my identity wasn’t found in Him, it was found in people, external validation, and the world instead. It wasn’t until I woke up in my hospital bed that I realized something would have to change and that only God could do it. With the help of my mom, a strong woman of faith who was raising my siblings and me alone at the time, I slowly learned how to approach God and invite Him into my life. We started by praying for my healing, asking God to restore my body and speech. As weeks went by and we persisted in prayer, my wounds healed and my voice returned! My mom taught me not only how to ask for things in prayer, but also how to worship God for the blessings He’s already given us. We would sing and dance to Don Moen together, praising God for His deliverance from my accident. Most importantly, my mom stressed how crucial it was to discover Christ for myself and encouraged me to seek Him in the Word. I began to read the bible for the first time and learn who Jesus really is. My freshman year of high school, I surrendered my life to Jesus, not in a crowded pew but alone in my room as I poured out my heart to Him. From that moment on, I started to see Him move in other areas of my life. I met a new group of friends that helped turn my life in a completely new direction. Sharing common interests, such as track & field, the Minority Scholars Program, and the National Honor Society, I developed a genuine connection with them. These friends readily accepted me into their circle, cared for my well-being, and didn’t pressure me to do things. Through these people, God showed me that there are more important aspects to life than fitting in. I was empowered to pursue my initiatives at a much higher level, turning my attention toward school, athletics, and even community outreach. I enrolled in the IB diploma program, challenging myself with difficult classes and concepts, discovering for the first time that I could excel in the classroom. I trained more rigorously than I ever had in my sport, advancing from 2nd to last on the team to 2nd most improved in the state of Maryland. I became active in my community, connecting with brothers and sisters in homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and nonprofits all across the Rockville area. I was no longer concerned about following the crowd because I had already found my identity in Christ — an identity in my Father’s arms.

My name is Dan and I am a junior as well as a Chancellor’s Science Scholar studying biology at UNC Chapel Hill. I am passionate about genetics, genomics, and neuroscience. My goal is to become a physician-scientist and provide quality healthcare to underserved and minority communities. This stems from a pivotal moment I experienced in my freshman year of high school. On Halloween of 2016, I was pressured by my peers to jaywalk across a busy intersection. Just as the crosswalk was approaching zero, I was hit by a car. Clothes reduced to rags from road burns, skin scraped away from parts of my torso and legs, jaw and mouth injured to the point of impaired speech, I was in appalling condition when rushed to Children's National Main Hospital. At the time, I was extremely vulnerable to peer pressure and had an overwhelming desire to fit in. I could barely help myself, let alone help others. It was only when I awoke in my hospital bed later that I realized something would have to change. Over the course of the next few months and through the help and support of family, friends, and mentors, I was able to recover, align my focus on school, and become a better version of myself. I found a new group of friends that deeply cared for my well-being and I slowly matured, breaking out of my people-pleaser personality. I engaged in athletics for the first time, progressing to varsity on my school’s track & field team and second most improved in the state of Maryland. I became involved in community service, volunteering at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters across my hometown. My time spent in the hospital around medical professionals also sparked an interest in the sciences, especially biology, motivating me to take more rigorous science classes, tutor other students through the National Honors Society and the Minority Scholars Program, and pursue research for the first time at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Most importantly, my experience made me want to help others involved in life-changing accidents like me. Today, I aspire to do that by serving as a physician-scientist in areas that traditionally have lacked access to quality care. Though just a junior in college and not yet a medical professional, I’ve realized that there are still ways to serve my surrounding community as I work towards my goal. As the co-president of the UNC Health Careers Club, for instance, I have the privilege of organizing our annual community health fair, called Health on the Block. Each year we work to bring free medical screenings and information to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community, providing them with better health options and information to improve their lives. Leading Health on the Block has given me valuable perspective and a preview of what it’s like to better the lives of others through healthcare. In that same vein, as a volunteer in the Pediatric Play Atrium of the UNC Children’s Hospital, I have the unique opportunity to interact with patients that are the victims of unfortunate accidents or diseases. When playing and talking with these children, I’m reminded of the meaningful difference that I can make in their lives — a difference that the Dan of 2016 could only dream of making. Experiences like these have further strengthened my resolve to join the medical field and serve the communities that need it most. I would love to run a practice or clinic where I can do this. Though, I have no intention of waiting until I receive a degree to make a positive impact.

My name is Dan and I am a junior as well as a Chancellor’s Science Scholar studying biology at UNC Chapel Hill. I am passionate about genetics, genomics, and neuroscience. My goal is to become a physician-scientist and provide quality healthcare to underserved and minority communities. This stems from a pivotal moment I experienced in my freshman year of high school. On Halloween of 2016, I was pressured by my peers to jaywalk across a busy intersection. Just as the crosswalk was approaching zero, I was hit by a car. Clothes reduced to rags from road burns, skin scraped away from parts of my torso and legs, jaw and mouth injured to the point of impaired speech, I was in appalling condition when rushed to Children's National Main Hospital. At the time, I was extremely vulnerable to peer pressure and had an overwhelming desire to fit in. I could barely help myself, let alone help others. It was only when I awoke in my hospital bed later that I realized something would have to change. Over the course of the next few months and through the help and support of family, friends, and mentors, I was able to recover, align my focus on school, and become a better version of myself. I found a new group of friends that deeply cared for my well-being and I slowly matured, breaking out of my people-pleaser personality. I engaged in athletics for the first time, progressing to varsity on my school’s track & field team and second most improved in the state of Maryland. I became involved in community service, volunteering at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters across my hometown. My time spent in the hospital around medical professionals also sparked an interest in the sciences, especially biology, motivating me to take more rigorous science classes, tutor other students through the National Honors Society and the Minority Scholars Program, and pursue research for the first time at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Most importantly, my experience made me want to help others involved in life-changing accidents like me. Today, I aspire to do that by serving as a physician-scientist in areas that traditionally have lacked access to quality care. Though just a junior in college and not yet a medical professional, I’ve realized that there are still ways to serve my surrounding community as I work towards my goal. As the co-president of the UNC Health Careers Club, for instance, I have the privilege of organizing our annual community health fair, called Health on the Block. Each year we work to bring free medical screenings and information to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community, providing them with better health options and awareness to improve their lives. Leading Health on the Block has given me valuable perspective and a preview of what it’s like to better the lives of others through healthcare. In that same vein, as a volunteer in the Pediatric Play Atrium of the UNC Children’s Hospital, I have the unique opportunity to interact with patients that are the victims of unfortunate accidents or diseases. When playing and talking with these children, I’m reminded of the meaningful difference that I can make in their lives — a difference that the Dan of 2016 could only dream of making. Experiences like these have further strengthened my resolve to join the medical field and serve the communities that need it most. Though, I have no intention of waiting until I receive a degree to make a positive impact.