While my primary focus is on biology and my goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, I have recently developed a growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), especially how these technologies are transforming the field of medicine. Although I haven’t yet had the chance to create my own app or write advanced AI code, I’ve been taking proactive steps to build a foundational understanding. Over the past several months, I’ve been engaging with online courses, tutorials, and articles that introduce programming languages like Python and AI frameworks. This self-driven learning has sparked my excitement for the potential AI holds in improving patient care. What excites me most about AI is how it can support doctors in making faster, more accurate diagnoses and personalize treatments for each individual. For instance, AI systems that analyze medical images or monitor vital signs in real-time could be a game changer in surgeries—like those in cardiothoracic medicine—by helping surgeons anticipate complications and tailor procedures to each patient’s needs. This blend of technology and medicine represents the future, and I want to be part of that future. I also see a powerful opportunity to use AI and ML to address disparities in healthcare. Many underserved communities face challenges in accessing quality care, and AI could help bridge some of those gaps by enabling earlier detection of diseases, remote patient monitoring, and personalized health education. As someone who plans to serve diverse populations, I believe learning these technologies will help me create solutions that make a real difference. My plan is to deepen my programming skills—especially in Python—and get hands-on experience with AI tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch. I want to work alongside engineers and data scientists, bringing the perspective of a medical professional to the development of AI applications. This collaboration is essential because it ensures the technology is not only innovative but also practical and patient-centered. Although I’m still early in my journey with AI and machine learning, I’m committed to growing in this field. I understand that combining medical knowledge with AI expertise can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I want to be a doctor who not only heals with skill and compassion but also innovates by using the latest technology to improve outcomes. Receiving support and mentorship in AI would be invaluable in helping me explore this exciting intersection between medicine and technology while continuing my core studies in biology and pre-medical preparation. It would give me the resources and confidence to pursue research opportunities, internships, and projects that bridge both fields. In the end, I see AI and machine learning as tools that can help me make a bigger impact—not only in the operating room but in the broader healthcare system. I’m excited about the future and eager to contribute to a world where technology helps save lives and improve health for everyone.

My name is Isaiah Saxton, and I am currently a biology major at Rowan University. I graduated from West Deptford High School with a 3.8 GPA and began my college journey at Morehouse College—one of the most respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country, and the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. My time at Morehouse was transformative, teaching me the importance of leadership, service, and the power of carrying a legacy with pride. It’s these lessons that continue to inspire me as I pursue my goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. I chose biology because I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and heals. From a young age, I was drawn to stories of medical breakthroughs and the difference doctors make in people’s lives. But beyond the science, what truly motivates me is the chance to connect with people on a personal level—to provide not just treatment, but comfort, understanding, and hope. I want to be a surgeon who not only saves lives but also educates my patients so they can better care for themselves and their families. Although my path is in medicine, I strongly believe that education is not confined to the classroom. I view education as a lifelong process that happens through mentorship, conversation, and example. As a future surgeon, I plan to educate my patients by taking the time to explain their conditions and treatment options in ways they can truly understand. I want to build trust and empower patients, especially in underserved communities that often face barriers to quality healthcare. I am also committed to mentoring young people, particularly Black youth who don’t often see themselves represented in STEM and medicine. I want to be a visible example that it’s possible to break through barriers and succeed in fields that are traditionally underrepresented. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face. In addition to my academic and career goals, I have a passion for language and culture. I have been learning French for the past two years and plan to study Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese—the language of my family heritage. I believe that being multilingual will enhance my ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. Communication is a key part of healthcare, and I want to make sure every patient feels seen, heard, and respected. Learning new languages is also a way for me to honor my roots and build bridges across cultures. This commitment to education, service, and connection is the foundation of how I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my career. Whether it is through surgery, patient education, or mentoring the next generation, I want to be someone who uplifts others and helps create healthier communities. I am deeply grateful for opportunities like this scholarship, which will help reduce the financial burdens of my education. It will allow me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical experiences, and less on the stress of expenses. With this support, I will be better equipped to reach my goals and give back in meaningful ways.

From a young age, I was fascinated by the human body—how it works, how it can heal, and how small changes can save lives. That curiosity, combined with a deep desire to help others, led me to pursue biology as my major. My ultimate goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, specializing in heart and lung procedures that make a direct, life-saving impact. The heart is the core of human life, and I want to dedicate my life to protecting it—especially in communities where access to proper care is often limited. In the short term, I aim to maintain a strong academic record at Rowan University while gaining hands-on experience through research, internships, and eventually medical school. Long term, I plan to open my own practice and give back to underserved communities by offering affordable, high-quality care and mentoring the next generation of young Black men in medicine. I want to be more than just a doctor—I want to be a role model and a symbol of what’s possible. Being an underrepresented minority in the medical field has only strengthened my drive. There are very few Black cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States, and that lack of representation sends a message to young people like me that success in this field is rare. I want to change that. I want to break barriers, not just for myself, but for the young Black boys who will come after me and need to see that someone like them made it. My identity is not a challenge—it’s my motivation. In addition to my academic and career goals, I’ve been learning French for the past two years and intend to learn Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese—my family’s native language. I believe being multilingual will allow me to connect with patients from all backgrounds and offer more inclusive, culturally sensitive care. It also reflects my commitment to global health and my belief that being a great physician means being able to truly understand the people you serve—not just medically, but personally and culturally. Financially, this scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my journey. Medical school is incredibly expensive, and even undergraduate costs can become overwhelming. Receiving this support would allow me to focus more on my education and career development, rather than worrying about how to afford textbooks, lab fees, or living expenses. It would help relieve stress and give me the freedom to take on opportunities that build my future. This scholarship isn’t just about money—it’s about believing in someone who’s ready to change lives, uplift his community, and represent Black excellence in one of the most demanding fields in medicine.

As an African American student, I carry with me the strength, resilience, and ambition of those who came before me. While I haven’t participated in formal community service programs, I’ve contributed to my community in quiet but meaningful ways—by uplifting others, staying focused on my education, and striving to represent Black excellence in everything I do. After graduating from West Deptford High School with a 3.8 GPA, I began my college journey at Morehouse College—the #5-ranked HBCU and the same institution that produced leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Being part of that legacy taught me the value of leadership, discipline, and pride in my identity. Morehouse instilled in me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Black man in America striving toward greatness. I now continue that journey at Rowan University as a biology major, working toward my goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. I chose this path not just because of my interest in medicine, but because I want to be part of the solution—helping communities that are too often underserved and overlooked in the healthcare system. I believe that representation matters, and I want patients to see someone who looks like them, understands their background, and treats them with the care and respect they deserve. Being African American has shaped my entire outlook on education and success. I’ve grown up understanding that I may have to work twice as hard to get half as far—but I’ve never let that stop me. Black excellence, to me, means pushing through despite the odds, standing tall with pride, and holding the door open for those coming after you. I try to live that every day by setting a good example for younger family members, staying committed to my goals, and never giving up on the future I see for myself. Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be a recognition of the journey I’m on and the values I carry. It would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to fully invest in my studies, research opportunities, and preparation for medical school. Most of all, it would remind me that I’m not alone on this path—there are people and organizations who believe in students like me and the impact we’re meant to make. I’m committed to honoring that belief by continuing to pursue excellence, both in the classroom and in the world beyond it.