The academic pipeline has continuously failed to retain underrepresented minority (URM) students in STEM, threatening the future of innovation. Without diverse representation within the STEM workforce, we risk producing narrow-minded solutions to complex issues that do not equally address the lived experiences and backgrounds of all communities. As an underrepresented minority navigating the STEM field, I’ve also entered academic environments that shone a bright light on what I lacked academically, leading to feelings of isolation as a first-generation college student. However, this journey ignited a desire to shed light on these inequities and create a program that will allow me to be a part of the solution. Through Emerging Minds in STEM, I aim to address inequities in STEM by implementing a program that targets systemically rooted barriers to the persistence of underrepresented minorities in STEM education and careers. Students of all backgrounds are entering STEM majors at equivalent rates (Hurtado et al., 2009; PCAST, 2012; Estrada et al., 2016). However, nearly half of students who declare a STEM major leave the field before graduation (Chen & Soldner, 2013; NCES, 2013). Degree completion rates by ethnicity highlight the true disparities: while 52% of Asian-American and 43% of White students complete STEM degrees, only 22% of African-American, 29% of Latino/a, and 25% of Native American students do (Riegle-Crumb et al., 2019). My passion involves inspiring students to remain committed to STEM career pathways, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences. Without their voices present, equitable healthcare treatments, infrastructure design in underserved areas, and issues localized to minority communities are all at stake. I earned my Biology degree at The University of Texas at Austin with an additional focus on science education through the UTeach Program. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of scientific concepts and hone in on my ability to engage students with science in culturally relevant ways. I completed a Master’s in Medical Science at UNT Health Science Center in 2024, while working full-time as a high school biology instructor, science fair coordinator, and department chair. These roles pushed me into leadership within the science community and illuminated even more challenges students face within secondary education. I am currently enrolled in a PhD program for Quantitative Biology at The University of Texas at Arlington, set to continue developing science and research expertise that will equip me with the skills needed to create a high-quality evidence-based STEM intervention program. Emerging Minds in STEM is an educational initiative designed to provide access to opportunities and create a long-term support system for underrepresented students, starting in high school and continuing through college and into the workforce. This includes connecting students to professional mentors in their career fields and strengthening their academic readiness in advanced science classes by offering early exposure to historically challenging introductory college courses. This program will also focus on developing each student’s individual science identity, by encouraging them to recognize their value and identity as future doctors, engineers, and scientists within their field, rather than succumb to engrained mindsets of self-doubt that deter motivation. Lastly, this program will reduce financial barriers that may impede student persistence and performance by offering program-wide scholarships, graduate school preparation resources, and assistance with fees. By continuing my personal development and education, I am confident that my vision of a future, where talented students from underserved communities become the next generation of leaders in STEM will become a reality. This program will address systemic inequities within local communities, shift global narratives, and improve statistical outcomes to ensure that students are not just inspired to dream, but also equipped to finish.

Since I was a child, my mother has called me her shadow—I was glued to her at the hip. My mom was my rock, my light, and my first source of warm love. As the youngest, I stayed home while my siblings were sent off to school. During that time, my mom stayed home to watch me, and I had a front-row seat to her in action. I remember how she would hustle and bustle—always planning, pursuing, and executing her goals. With laser focus, she constantly sought opportunities to improve life for her family and herself. My mother never had an attitude of idleness. She wouldn’t wait around for things to “get done” or let circumstances determine her future. Instead, she showed me that progress in life and toward your goals only comes when you move with intention and take ownership of your path. However, even beyond the grit and determination, it’s the warm memories that linger most. I still remember sitting beside her with a bowl of my favorite oatmeal, watching her soap operas, and feeling completely safe. As I grew older, she began to encourage me in ways that pushed me academically. She would tell me, “You can do anything you put your mind to,” and “Always give your best.” I watched her excel in her own career, rising in the banking world from teller to managerial roles. Inspired by her, I would come home with my own business ideas. I started a greeting card business, created an online book club, and even ran a meal prep company—driven by the desire to turn creativity into impact, just as I had seen her do. For me, it was inspirational and fun. But as I matured, I began to realize that for her, these efforts weren’t just creative outlets—they were acts of provision and service, rooted in her selflessness. There is no doubt that my accomplishments and achievements are rooted in her influence. She was my first example of strength, perseverance, and love—the blueprint of what a woman and mother should be. Now, as an adult, I can reflect on the mother who once served me oatmeal while we watched television and see the sacrifice she made to care for me while unable to work. I look back and recognize her desire to serve our community through outreach, even when we didn’t have much ourselves. I remember moments when she found ways to bring joy to me and my siblings, even in seasons of lack. I am even more in awe of the woman who molded me, and now, I strive to be that kind of woman every day for my own family. I would use this scholarship to continue living out the values my mother instilled in me—resilience, purpose, and service. I am currently a graduate student pursing a PhD in Quantitative Biology. This scholarship would help alleviate my financial need during this time while I am unable to work - providing food, housing, and help with bills. Financial support is imperative during this season as I pursue the greatest challenge I've faced so far in my academic career. Receiving this scholarship would ensure that I dedicate myself fully to my coursework and research. After receiving this degree, I will use it to continue developing and implementing my Emerging Minds in STEM program that seeks to support underrepresented individuals pursuing healthcare and engineering career roles. This support will also allow me to continue working in research as a Molecular scientist within the field of Biotechnology.