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Iyinoluwa Adedeji

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Tennis
  • Chess
  • Agriculture
  • Anatomy
  • Animals
  • Babysitting And Childcare
  • Bible Study
  • Biology
  • Board Games And Puzzles
  • Farming
  • Travel And Tourism
  • Cooking

Reading

  • Action
  • Tragedy
  • Thriller
  • Travel
  • Suspense
  • Adventure
  • Cultural

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

I am the Valedictorian of the Ben Davis University High School Class of 2025. I graduated with both Academic and Technical Honors, as well as an Associate’s degree in Science from Vincennes University. I am currently enrolled at Johns Hopkins University, where I plan to major in Neuroscience and minor in Bioethics. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how the human body functions, especially the intricate systems that keep us alive. This curiosity deepened throughout high school, where I took Medical Terminology and Anatomy courses. In the summer of 2024, I served as a research intern, studying mutations in voltage-gated cardiac sodium ion channels and their interactions with Fibroblast Growth Factors—research that shed light on their contribution to heart disorders. Currently, I am continuing this path by investigating sodium channel mutations associated with epilepsy. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading thrillers and tending to my garden. One of the most meaningful parts of my week is volunteering at Wayne Township Preschool, where I’ve learned patience, compassion, and how to communicate more effectively with others. Receiving a scholarship would greatly help my family manage the financial burden of college. It would also allow me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and research without the added stress of affordability, ensuring I make the most of my opportunities at Johns Hopkins.

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Minors:
  • Psychology, General

Ben Davis High School

High School

2021 – 2025

Vincennes University

Associate's degree program

2021 – 2025

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • Customer Service Representative

    Food & Beverages · Domino's

    Jan 2022 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Neurosurgeon
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
For many, the teenage years are a rollercoaster. My first day as a teenager was spent thousands of feet in the air as my family moved our lives to the other side of the globe. Moving from Nigeria to the U.S. was bittersweet. I left behind my home, friends, and relatives, but also gained the promise of a better future. As soon as I arrived, I realized that my life in Nigeria was not the norm—whether in infrastructure, healthcare, or education. I recall elections in Nigeria where leaders promised change but continued to perpetuate corruption. This pushed me to become the change I wanted to see and to aim for more than just a surgical career. I always aspired for a career in medicine. My interest came from trips to the zoo with my dad, a veterinarian. I witnessed a foal’s first steps and glimpsed a lion on an operating table at his office. Learning about Ben Carson separating conjoined twins inspired me to become a neurosurgeon. But I knew the Nigerian education system limited these dreams. To make the most of my new opportunities, I enrolled in a high school with a dual enrollment program, interned in research labs for two summers, attended a healthcare summit, and shadowed a surgeon. The dual enrollment program provided me with firsthand experience in what college health classes are like. When I graduated valedictorian of my high school class, it felt like I was on the path I had envisioned for myself. Over two summers, as a rising senior and upon graduating from high school, I interned in a neurophysiology lab, working on two different projects each summer: the first focused on mutations in sodium channels that influence heart rhythms, and the second on mutations in sodium channels linked to epilepsy. I gained more than technical research and software skills. I gained confidence and increased my feeling of belonging in the field. Attending a Black Men in White Coats summit was an eye-opener for me. The summit gave me the pleasure of hearing tales from professionals in various fields about their journey to and through medicine. I also learned more about different fields through presentations, interactive experiences, and simulations. Aside from nourishing my knowledge, it changed my mindset. It registered that the United States healthcare system would benefit from having more affordable and accessible healthcare services. I realized that I’d be a hypocrite if my mission was to serve the community I grew up in, and I abandoned the one that helped me actualize the goal. Finally, I was connected to a surgeon through someone I worked with in the lab. After the experience, I left the OR confident that I belong here and I’m fully prepared for the next four years studying neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University and beyond.
Beacon of Light Scholarship
Things related to the brain have filled my head ever since childhood. My interest in the brain stemmed from watching brain games on National Geographic. I recall spending evenings trying my best not to get fooled by the host. I learned about neurosurgery when I read about Ben Carson separating conjoined twins without damaging their interconnected nerves. Ever since I knew I was to be a neurosurgeon. My experience as a research intern solidified my decision to have a neurosurgery career–I got to learn about ion channels and how channel mutations contribute to the development of conditions. Attending a Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit made me realize the need for people of color in the medical field, not just in neurosurgery but in general. Before this revelation, I always aspired to be a doctor. Growing up in Nigeria, a lot of people close to me had medical conditions that could easily be corrected if medical care were available, like my uncle, who has never been able to use his right hand since birth. This is one of the many reasons I want to be a doctor. Besides that, the majority of people cannot afford medical care, so their illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. For example, I remember driving and seeing a man with a mental illness roaming the streets, all because he and his family couldn't afford healthcare. I was more assured that I wanted to become a doctor when I had to visit the urgent care. A man had come in and fainted in the doorway. I was fascinated by how quickly the medical personnel in the lobby responded and got him hooked up to oxygen. As a neurosurgeon, I plan to impact the medical field in and out of the operating room. My goal includes conducting research that will discover new medicine. I have always been interested in working in a lab, conducting experiments, and publishing findings. My ultimate career goal is to establish a non-profit medical facility in Nigeria. This goal is essential to me because, growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed many people struggle with their health because quality care was expensive. Achieving this will be my way of giving back to the community where I spent my childhood. This scholarship means more than just financial support; it represents an investment in a future where I can utilize my skills, education, and compassion to save lives and improve access to care. By alleviating the burden of tuition, I will be able to fully dedicate myself to my studies, service, and research. This scholarship will serve as the cornerstone of my journey from a student of neuroscience to a neurosurgeon who aims to bridge the health disparities in both Nigeria and my current community. With your support, the dream I envision for 2040 will become a reality.
Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship
Things related to the brain have filled my head ever since childhood. My interest in the brain stemmed from watching brain games on National Geographic. I recall spending evenings trying my best not to get fooled by the host. I learned about neurosurgery when I read about Ben Carson separating conjoined twins without damaging their interconnected nerves. Ever since I knew I was to be a neurosurgeon. My experience as a research intern solidified my decision to have a neurosurgery career–I got to learn about ion channels and how channel mutations contribute to the development of conditions. Attending a Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit made me realize the need for people of color in the medical field, not just in neurosurgery but in general. Before this revelation, I always aspired to be a doctor. Growing up in Nigeria, a lot of people close to me had medical conditions that could easily be corrected if medical care was available–like my uncle, who has never been able to use his right hand since birth. This is one of the many reasons I want to be a doctor. Besides that, the majority of people cannot afford medical care, so their illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. For example, I remember driving and seeing a man with a mental illness roaming the streets, all because he and his family couldn't afford healthcare. I was more assured that I wanted to become a doctor when I had to visit the urgent care. A man had come in and fainted in the doorway. I was fascinated by how quickly the medical personnel in the lobby responded and got him hooked up to oxygen. Currently, I am learning more about the brain, the function of the different lobes, and cranial nerves in my anatomy and physiology class. I enjoyed learning about neurons and how they function in biology. As a neurosurgeon, I plan to impact the medical field in and out of the operating room. My goal includes conducting research that will discover new medicine. I have always been interested in working in a lab, conducting experiments, and publishing findings. My ultimate career goal is to establish a non-profit medical facility in Nigeria. This goal is essential to me because, growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed many people struggle with their health because quality care was expensive. Achieving this will be my way of giving back to the community I spent my childhood in.
Dr. Michal Lomask Memorial Scholarship
My passion for an education in STEM stems from a deep curiosity about how the human body functions, especially the brain and heart. From an early age, I was captivated by biology—what starts as a textbook diagram often represents life-or-death processes happening in real-time. This interest only grew throughout high school, where I took Medical Terminology and Anatomy and graduated as Valedictorian with Academic and Technical Honors, along with an Associate’s degree in Science from Vincennes University. My commitment to STEM solidified through my research internships. In the summer of 2024, I observed how mutations in cardiac sodium ion channels and their interactions with Fibroblast Growth Factors contribute to disorders like long QT syndrome. This year, I’m working with sodium channel mutations linked to epilepsy. These hands-on experiences revealed the strong connection between molecular science and patient care, demonstrating how I could make a real impact through research. From a young age, I was also fascinated by nature and science shows—spending hours watching National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild, absorbing the wonders of the world. But growing up in Nigeria, pursuing a STEM education often felt like a distant dream. The education system was inconsistent and under-resourced, and even students with strong academic potential faced limited opportunities and a hyper-competitive job market. Moving to the United States transformed my life. Though adjusting to a technology-heavy education system was challenging, it opened up a world of opportunity. As a low-income student, I’ve learned to seize every chance to pursue my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon—a dream first sparked by reading Dr. Ben Carson’s story of separating conjoined twins. Today, I aspire not only to practice neurosurgery but to be at the forefront of medical research and innovation. My long-term goal is to return to Nigeria and establish a private practice that provides high-quality, affordable care while creating accessible pathways for future medical professionals to grow and thrive within their communities. The journey to becoming a board-certified neurosurgeon is lengthy and costly, particularly for someone like me who is just out of high school. That’s why this scholarship means so much. It would alleviate the financial burden on my family, allowing me to fully focus on my education and growth at Johns Hopkins University, where I am majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Bioethics. I also plan to work throughout college to begin saving for medical school. With this support, I’ll be able to take full advantage of opportunities such as studying abroad, joining groundbreaking research teams, and securing competitive internships that will strengthen both my education and my medical school applications.
Norman C. Nelson IV Memorial Scholarship
Growing up in Nigeria, a lot of relatives had relatively correctable medical conditions if medical care were available, like my uncle, who has never been able to use his right hand since birth--one of the many reasons I want to be a doctor. Besides that, the majority of people cannot afford medical care, so their illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. For example, I remember driving and seeing a man with a mental illness roaming the streets, all because he and his family could not afford healthcare. I am Iyinoluwa Adedeji, and my motivation to pursue a career in the medical field is the millions of people in Nigeria who lack access to quality medical care. I was more assured that I wanted to become a doctor when I had to visit the urgent care. A man had come in and fainted in the doorway. I was fascinated by how quickly the medical personnel in the lobby responded and revived him. My passion lies in neurosurgery. My interest in the brain stemmed from watching brain games on National Geographic as a kid. I recall spending evenings trying my best not to get fooled by the host. I learned about neurosurgery when I read about Ben Carson separating conjoined twins without damaging their interconnected nerves. Ever since I knew I was to be a neurosurgeon. My experience as a research intern solidified my decision to have a neurosurgery career–I learned about ion channels and how channel mutations contribute to conditions such as Long QT syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Attending a Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit made me realize the need for people of color in the medical field, not just in neurosurgery, but in general, here in the United States.  Hearing recent news of a former classmate in Nigeria passing away due to complications of surgery to remove a meningioma was devastating. Still, it reminded me of my reasons for pursuing a medical career. As a neurosurgeon, I plan to impact the medical field in and out of the operating room. My goal includes conducting research that will discover new medicines. My ultimate career goal is to establish a non-profit medical facility in Nigeria. Achieving this will be my way of giving back to the community where I spent my childhood. Currently, I plan to attend Johns Hopkins University and earn my bachelor's degree in neuroscience. Although I haven't decided where I plan to attend medical school or residency, I know that with hard work and dedication, I will accomplish this. I know this path is expensive, and as a child from a low-income household, this scholarship will help me fund my endeavors.
Chris Ford Scholarship
My name is Iyinoluwa Adedeji. I'm a senior high school student at Ben Davis University High School. I am dual enrolled at Vincennes University for an Associate in Science. My career goal is to be a neurosurgeon and researcher so I can contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in impoverished communities. I want to ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare. I come from Nigeria, where I witnessed many people struggle with their health because quality care was expensive and inaccessible. For example, my uncle has never been able to use his right hand since birth due to the procedure to correct a birth complication being unavailable.  This experience played a significant role in my wish to become a doctor. I wasn’t sure what specialty I wanted just yet. It wasn’t until I read Ben Carson’s autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. I was so fascinated by the separation of the conjoined twins that I decided then and there that I would become a neurosurgeon. My research interest intensified after a research internship I had last summer. In college, I plan to major in Neuroscience and minor in Bioethics. This major will provide foundational knowledge to prepare me for medical school. To achieve my goals, I will need to fine-tune skills such as problem-solving, time management, and teamwork. Accomplishing these feats will equip me with the education and qualities required to be a surgeon. As a neurosurgeon, I plan to impact the medical field in and out of the operating room. My goal includes conducting research that will discover new medicine. I have always been interested in working in a lab, conducting experiments, and publishing findings. My ultimate career goal is to establish a non-profit medical facility in Nigeria. This goal is essential because of my experiences growing up in Nigeria. Achieving this will be my way of giving back to the community I spent my childhood in. Another goal of mine is to establish a scholarship so I can help others who need assistance attaining their education and career goals. I hope to inspire others by showing them it is possible to achieve those big dreams despite the odds. I will mentor anyone who desires someone to guide and advise them through their journey in the STEM field and partake in outreach programs, workshops, and summits such as Black Men in White Coats. I will use my voice to advocate for others, share my story, and spread awareness of disparities and ways of combating them.
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
My name is Iyinoluwa Adedeji. I'm a senior high school student at Ben Davis University High School. I am dual enrolled at Vincennes University for an Associate in Science. My career goal is to be a neurosurgeon and researcher so I can contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in impoverished communities. I want to ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare. I come from Nigeria, where I witnessed many people struggle with their health because quality care was expensive and inaccessible. For example, my uncle has never been able to use his right hand since birth due to the procedure to correct a birth complication being unavailable.  This experience played a significant role in my wish to become a doctor. I wasn’t sure what specialty I wanted just yet. It wasn’t until I read Ben Carson’s autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. I was so fascinated by the separation of the conjoined twins that I decided then and there that I would become a neurosurgeon. My research interest intensified after a research internship I had last summer. In college, I plan to major in Neuroscience and minor in Bioethics. This major will provide foundational knowledge to prepare me for medical school. To achieve my goals, I will need to fine-tune skills such as problem-solving, time management, and teamwork. Accomplishing these feats will equip me with the education and qualities required to be a surgeon. As a neurosurgeon, I plan to impact the medical field in and out of the operating room. My goal includes conducting research that will discover new medicine. I have always been interested in working in a lab, conducting experiments, and publishing findings. My ultimate career goal is to establish a non-profit medical facility in Nigeria. This goal is essential because of my experiences growing up in Nigeria. Achieving this will be my way of giving back to the community I spent my childhood in. Another goal of mine is to establish a scholarship so I can help others who need assistance attaining their education and career goals. I hope to inspire others by showing them it is possible to achieve those big dreams despite the odds. I will mentor anyone who desires someone to guide and advise them through their journey in the STEM field and partake in outreach programs, workshops, and summits such as Black Men in White Coats. I will use my voice to advocate for others, share my story, and spread awareness of disparities and ways of combating them.
Gerardo Behori Dream Scholarship
Angelia Zeigler Gibbs Book Scholarship
My interest in the brain stemmed from watching brain games on National Geographic. I recall spending evenings trying my best not to get fooled by the host as a child. I found my love for neurosurgery embedded in the pages of Ben Carson’s autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. This summer was just like the others; my mom had brought out a pile of books for my sister and me to select from. I chose the smallest book in the pile so I had time to play tennis in the evening. Little did I know that the smallest book would have the most significant impact on the trajectory of my life. Despite having to look up several words, I was so fascinated by the process it took to separate the conjoined twins that I decided then and there that I was going to become a neurosurgeon. Before this revelation, I always aspired to be a doctor. Growing up in Nigeria, a lot of people close to me had medical conditions that could easily be corrected if medical care was available–like my uncle, who has never been able to use his right hand since birth. This is one of the many reasons I want to be a doctor. Besides that, the majority of people cannot afford medical care, so their illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. For example, I remember driving and seeing a man with a mental illness roaming the streets, all because he and his family couldn't afford healthcare. I was more assured that I wanted to become a doctor when I had to visit the urgent care. A man had come in and fainted in the doorway. I was fascinated by how quickly the medical personnel in the lobby responded and got him hooked up to oxygen. These experiences are the core reasons for my decision to be a neurosurgeon.
Stewart Family Legacy Scholarship
Science is going to be a key that opens many doors. Throughout time, science has helped the human race advance. It has made life easier, increased our life expectancy, and helped us understand the world. Science is going to play a crucial role in how people select leaders. Science is going to be more important than ever in solving social issues. It is a major factor in providing solutions that will affect millions if not billions of people. In the coming times, science is going to shape our response to issues such as global warming, disease, poverty, and malnutrition. One of the many ways science is already improving malnutrition is through biofortification. Biofortification involves breeding crops to increase their nutritional value. This advancement is already showing promise. With many more years of research and studies, it might be the leading solution to combating world hunger. In the future, there are going to be many more health advancements. There has been a significant growth in medical research. As a result, we will have more knowledge about our health in the future. This means that there will also be a rise in medical breakthroughs, leading to a prolonged and improved quality of life. With innovations comes the rise of new industries. As seen in recent times, the rise of artificial intelligence has opened a market for AI engineers and data scientists. Many jobs will be created due to increased scientific exploration. This will lead to economic growth. The leadership plays a crucial role in achieving these feats because they control the majority of the funding needed for the development. They are the drivers of innovation. Their decisions greatly impact the people and future generations. One of the many ways leadership influences how science shapes our future is through policies. Leaders can influence government policies by guiding scientists and advocating for critical matters. They also serve as mentors for the younger generations of scientists. As a neurosurgeon, I plan to impact the medical field in and out of the operating room. My goal includes conducting research that will contribute to discovering new medicine. I have always been interested in working in a lab, conducting experiments, and publishing findings. My ultimate career goal is to establish non-profit medical facilities across West Africa. This goal is essential to me because, growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed many people struggle with their health because quality care was expensive. For this, I am dedicated to ensuring that I gain the knowledge needed through college, medical school, and beyond to become a leader in science in the future.
Lotus Scholarship
Coming from a low-income household has certainly improved my creativity with problem-solving. I have learned skills such as weighing all possible outcomes before making decisions and maximizing resources. When faced with challenges, I can use these survival strategies to overcome them. My experience has made me more sympathetic to others in my situation. I plan to channel this sympathy into my career by establishing an affordable healthcare facility in Nigeria so that the majority can afford quality health. Currently, I’m taking full advantage of the opportunities presented to me. I spent last year’s summer working as a research intern to equip myself with research skills that will elevate me through medical school and even in my career. Last November, I attended a Black Men in White Coats summit. I learned about the need for people of color in the medical field and different specialties through panel discussions, simulations, and presentations. I am also on track to earn an Associate in Science to be more prepared for complex college classes.
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
Things related to the brain have filled my head ever since childhood. My interest in the brain stemmed from watching brain games on National Geographic. I recall spending evenings trying my best not to get fooled by the host. I found my love for neurosurgery embedded in Ben Carson’s autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. This summer was just like the others; my mom had brought out a pile of books for my sister and me to select from. I chose the smallest book in the pile so I had time to play tennis in the evening. Little did I know that the smallest book would have the most significant impact on the trajectory of my life. Despite having to look up several words, I was so fascinated that he was able to separate the conjoined twins and not destroy their nerves, which were also connected, that I decided then and there that I was going to become a neurosurgeon. I aim to advance the field of neurosurgery through research. My research interest stemmed from when I participated in a lab for my biology class. To satisfy my curiosity, I sought research opportunities and was fortunate to engage in an eight-week research internship over the summer. My experience as a research intern solidified my decision to have a neurosurgery career. Attending a Black Men in White Coats program made me realize the need for people of color in the medical field, not just in neurosurgery but in general. All this is why I believe neuroscience is for me. Before this revelation, I always aspired to be a doctor. Growing up in Nigeria, a lot of people close to me had medical conditions that could easily be corrected if medical care was available–like my uncle, who has never been able to use his right hand since birth. This is one of the many reasons I want to be a doctor. Besides that, the majority of people cannot afford medical care, so their illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. For example, I remember driving and seeing a man with a mental illness roaming the streets, all because he and his family couldn't afford healthcare. I was more assured that I wanted to become a doctor when I had to visit the urgent care. A man had come in and fainted in the doorway. I was fascinated by how quickly the medical personnel in the lobby responded and got him hooked up to oxygen. My goals extend beyond the operating room. I envision building a hospital or clinic in Nigeria, providing affordable medical care to those in need. I see this as a way to give back to the community I grew up in.
Etherine Tansimore Scholarship
Most people are often disappointed when they meet me and learn I don’t play basketball, given my six-foot-two frame. The fact that I play tennis and swim does little to change their disappointment. These conversations usually end with advice to redirect my focus and aim for the NBA, accompanied by the occasional remark that I am a “ waste of height.” However, these comments don’t faze me because I know I am meant to play on a different court–I am destined to become a remarkable doctor. I have always aspired to be a doctor. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed many people close to me who faced medical conditions that could have easily been corrected with access to proper healthcare—like my uncle, who has never been able to use his right hand since birth. This experience is one of the many reasons I want to become a doctor. Additionally, I recognized that most people cannot afford medical care, so their illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. I recall driving through my community and seeing a man with a mental illness roaming the streets, simply because he and his family unfortunately could not afford healthcare. My determination to become a doctor was further reinforced during a visit to an urgent care facility. A man fainted at the entrance, and I was fascinated by how quickly the medical personnel responded, hooking him up to oxygen. All I needed was a specialty to aim for. I discovered my passion for neurosurgery embedded in pages of Ben Carson’s autobiography, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. One summer, just like the others, my mom brought out books for my sister and me to choose from. I picked the smallest book in the pile so I had time to play tennis in the evening. Little did I know that this small book would have the most significant impact on the trajectory of my life. Despite having to look up several words, I was fascinated by Carson's ability to separate the conjoined twins without harming their interconnected nerves. It was then that I decided I would become a neurosurgeon. I aim to advance the field of neurosurgery through research. My research interest began during a lab for my biology class. Soon after, I sought research opportunities and was fortunate to engage in an eight-week research internship over the summer. This experience expanded my knowledge of how mutations affect sodium channels and solidified my commitment to research as I pursue my career in neurosurgery. The knowledge I've gained from taking college health courses in high school, the hands-on experience from lab activities and research, and my experiences growing up have prepared me for the next step to becoming a neurosurgeon and made me the right person to pursue this feat. Beyond the operating room, I dream of building a hospital in Nigeria to provide affordable medical care and address healthcare disparities in the community I grew up in. I believe this would be my contribution to tackling healthcare disparities worldwide.
Iyinoluwa Adedeji Student Profile | Bold.org