Dr. Sami Shafiq-Barker’s legacy as a passionate clinical pharmacist inspires me to not only pursue excellence in pharmacy but also to uplift those coming after me. As a pharmacy student from a modest financial background, I understand the challenges of navigating rigorous education without the safety net of generational wealth or professional guidance. That’s why I’m committed to giving back by mentoring first-generation and underrepresented students entering the field. I plan to establish a mentorship initiative focused on academic support, career planning, and emotional resilience, especially for students balancing financial hardship or family obligations. I will also advocate for more affordable pathways into pharmacy through community college pipelines, scholarship awareness, and open access resources. In the future, I hope to serve as a preceptor, guiding students through hands-on clinical experiences while emphasizing patient-centered care, the same dedication Dr. Sami showed in her work. By combining service, education, and mentorship, I aim to carry forward her spirit of compassion and excellence in the pharmacy profession.

As a Black graduate student and mental health advocate, my goal is to make mental health care more affordable and accessible through innovation, design, and storytelling. My lived experience with schizophrenia and the stigma I faced taught me how deeply mental health care disparities impact BIPOC communities. To address this, I co-founded Aromic LLC, a wellness startup that created an aromatherapy lip balm designed for single-handed use, offering an affordable and portable coping tool for anxiety and stress. But my vision goes further. I plan to create a suite of low-cost, culturally sensitive mental health tools that combine art, scent, and self-regulation strategies, reaching people where they are, both emotionally and financially. Additionally, I want to use creative storytelling, through digital art, community workshops, and design campaigns, to normalize mental health discussions in underrepresented communities and dismantle stigma. Technology and therapy can only go so far without cultural acceptance and understanding. By merging biomedical design, art, and advocacy, I aim to shift the perception of mental health care from something clinical and inaccessible to something personal, relatable, and empowering. Everyone deserves the tools to heal, and I’m committed to creating them.

To me, legacy is about impact. It's not defined by wealth or status, but by the lives you touch, the barriers you break, and the path you leave behind for others to follow. A true legacy empowers others to dream bigger, do better, and reach higher because someone before them made it possible. As the child of West African immigrants and the first in my family to pursue an advanced degree in STEM, I carry the weight and the privilege of building that legacy from the ground up. I grew up in Newark, New Jersey, in a single-parent, low-income household. My mother worked tirelessly to support us, but resources were scarce. We lived in Section 8 housing, surrounded by constant noise, instability, and daily reminders of the systemic barriers people like us face. Education was always emphasized in our home, but no one in my immediate family had gone through college in the United States. I had to figure out the system alone, from applications to financial aid to navigating college culture. There was no roadmap, just determination and a sense that I was working toward something bigger than myself. During undergrad, I studied physics with a concentration in biophysics, and I now pursue a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. My academic journey wasn’t linear. COVID-19 disrupted my junior year, and during that time, I experienced a severe mental health crisis that led to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. What could have ended my story became a turning point. I learned how to advocate for my mental health, seek support, and rebuild. Most importantly, I found a renewed sense of purpose. I want to innovate in the biomedical space, not just for the sake of science, but for the communities, like mine, that often go unseen in healthcare and technology. Legacy, to me, also means breaking cycles. I come from a background where higher education, mental health care, and access to opportunity were not guaranteed. I plan to break those cycles by designing accessible healthcare technologies, particularly low-cost prosthetics and mental health tools, so that innovation isn't reserved for the privileged. I’ve already co-founded a mental wellness startup focused on single-handed-use aromatherapy balm, and I’ve worked in AI-based STEM development for real-world applications. These projects are just the beginning of what I hope will become a long career of building for equity and access. But breaking the cycle isn’t just about professional accomplishments. It’s about creating space for others. I mentor students from similar backgrounds, help underrepresented students in STEM find resources, and speak openly about my own struggles to normalize mental health conversations, especially in communities of color. My goal is not just to be the first in my family to pursue this path, but to make sure I’m not the last. I never had the chance to know mentors like Dr. Samuel Attoh growing up, but I deeply admire what his life represented: academic excellence, service, and the power of knowledge to shape the world. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me continue my studies without added financial burden, but it would also allow me to carry forward Dr. Attoh’s legacy by building one of my own. A legacy that proves where you start does not determine how far you can go.

I chose to pursue a degree in STEM because I believe science and technology have the power to transform lives, but only if they're built with all lives in mind. As a first-generation American and a Black student raised in a low-income, single-parent household, I have always seen the disparities in who gets to benefit from innovation. I’ve also seen how those same systems often overlook the voices of people like me. That’s why I’m not just pursuing a STEM career, I’m reclaiming space within it. My passion for biomedical engineering was sparked in high school when I saw a man struggling to get into his wheelchair. I helped him, but I walked away with a question that stuck with me: How can we live in a world of self-driving cars and AI assistants, yet rely on such basic, outdated tools for mobility? That moment made me realize that innovation often ignores those who need it most. I decided then that I wanted to be part of changing that. As an undergraduate student, I studied physics with a concentration in biophysics and designed a prototype myoelectric prosthetic wrist for my senior thesis. I also earned my EMS license and developed a fascination with the intersection of technology and health. Along the way, I faced personal challenges, including being diagnosed with schizophrenia after a mental health crisis during my senior year. That experience only deepened my commitment. It showed me how isolating and inaccessible mental healthcare can be, particularly for communities of color, and it strengthened my resolve to build inclusive technologies that treat both physical and emotional health with equal care. After graduation, I co-founded Aromic LLC, a mental wellness startup focused on creating an aromatherapy-based lip balm that could be operated with one hand, designed for people with limited mobility or those experiencing anxiety. I led product design, collaborated with engineers, and refined the product for mass production. I also worked as a prompt engineer for an AI company, developing and testing STEM-based content for clients like Meta. These experiences taught me that technical innovation means nothing without empathy, and that representation in STEM is about more than numbers. It’s about creating better, more human-centered solutions. As a person of color in STEM, I want to be a voice for those who are often invisible in the innovation process. I want to design prosthetics that don’t just function but empower. I want to build mental health technologies that are culturally aware and accessible to underserved populations. I want to mentor students who, like me, didn’t have someone at home who could explain college applications or engineering pathways. And I want to challenge the assumption that great ideas only come from certain backgrounds. My goal isn’t just to succeed in STEM, it’s to help reshape it. I envision a future where Black and brown students don’t have to fight to be seen in labs, research spaces, or boardrooms. A future where diverse perspectives aren’t just included, they’re sought after because they lead to better outcomes for everyone. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of graduate school, allowing me to stay focused on my mission: to make STEM more equitable, more inclusive, and more representative of the world it serves. I’m not just entering this field for a career. I’m entering it to change lives, including my own, and to ensure that others have the opportunity to do the same.

As a first-generation American and the child of West African immigrants, I’ve always approached education as both an opportunity and a responsibility. My parents came to this country with limited resources but limitless faith in what education could do for their children. They didn’t have degrees, connections, or a roadmap, but they believed that learning could be the key to a better life. That belief became my foundation, even when I felt like an outsider to the system built around it. Navigating higher education without guidance from family was overwhelming. From filling out financial aid forms to choosing a major, every step was new and uncertain. There was no one to explain the process, so I had to learn it myself, usually through trial and error. But in those struggles, I found strength. I became more resourceful, more determined, and more committed to paving a path not just for myself, but for others like me as well. Coming from a low-income household meant that finances were always a concern. I remember using borrowed textbooks and unreliable internet just to stay afloat in college. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I returned home to a loud, crowded apartment where studying became almost impossible. Around the same time, I began experiencing undiagnosed symptoms of schizophrenia, which led to a mental health crisis that impacted my academic performance. Despite it all, I completed my undergraduate degree and refused to let these obstacles define my future. Now, I am pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, a field where I can combine my passion for science, innovation, and social impact. My goal is to design accessible medical technologies that serve marginalized communities, people whose needs are often overlooked, just like mine once were. I’ve already begun this work through a wellness startup I co-founded, which focuses on affordable, inclusive mental health solutions. I’ve also worked as a prompt engineer in AI, gaining the technical experience to build tools that solve real-world problems. My background as a first-generation student has made me more empathetic and more aware of the systemic barriers that keep talented individuals from reaching their potential. That awareness has shaped my mission: to be a voice and a builder for those who are too often excluded from innovation. I want to use my education not just to succeed, but to lift others, by mentoring students, creating accessible products, and building bridges between technology and community. Still, I carry concerns. As someone without generational wealth or academic legacy, I sometimes fear being overlooked in competitive spaces. I worry about the ongoing costs of education and whether I’ll have the resources to see my vision through. But those fears don’t outweigh my hope. I’ve already overcome so much, and with continued support, I know I can keep going. Pursuing higher education as a first-generation immigrant has been one of the most challenging and transformative journeys of my life. It has taught me resilience, deepened my sense of purpose, and fueled my ambition to create change. I may have entered the system as an outsider, but I intend to leave it having opened doors for others.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household in Newark, NJ taught me to persevere through noise, chaos, and scarcity. My mom worked endlessly to provide, but essentials like textbooks, tech tools, or quiet study spaces were luxuries we couldn’t afford. When the pandemic hit, I attended remote classes from a crowded apartment, surrounded by distractions, and did my best to stay afloat. At the same time, I was unknowingly facing the early symptoms of schizophrenia. A mental health crisis led to hospitalization and academic setbacks, but I refused to quit. With time, support, and a proper diagnosis, I found stability and renewed purpose. My experiences taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of accessible support systems, lessons that now drive my passion for biomedical engineering. As a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, I’m focused on creating inclusive medical technology, especially for underserved communities. I co-founded a wellness startup that designed an aromatherapy lip balm for people with mental and physical disabilities. I’ve also worked in AI-based health tech, combining data and empathy to solve real-world problems. I’m actively building a future where low-income backgrounds don’t limit anyone’s potential. I mentor underrepresented students in STEM, advocate for mental health awareness, and use my story to inspire others from similar backgrounds. I don’t just want to succeed, I want to be the reason someone else believes they can, too. This scholarship would ease the hidden costs of graduate school and help me stay focused on innovation, not survival. With support, I’ll continue turning adversity into impact, proving that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to meaningful change.

Tell us about yourself. What experiences, values, or challenges have shaped who you are today? My journey into STEM began not in a classroom but on a city sidewalk, when I saw a man struggling to get into his wheelchair. Without hesitation, I helped him—but that moment stayed with me. It planted a seed of curiosity and purpose: how can we live in a world of iPhones and artificial intelligence, yet mobility aids remain largely unchanged? That question became a driving force in my life, leading me to biomedical engineering. As a first-generation Black student raised in Section 8 housing in Newark, NJ, I know firsthand how financial barriers and a lack of representation can alienate Black learners from STEM fields. But those very challenges became my motivation. During undergrad, I pursued studies in physics and biology, focusing on the mechanics of the human body and even designing a myoelectric prosthetic wrist for my senior thesis. I also earned my EMS license and worked with others on creating affordable, functional assistive devices. Still, the journey wasn’t easy. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my junior and senior years of college in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Remote learning in a noisy, unstable home environment made academic focus nearly impossible. I was also battling an undiagnosed mental health condition—schizophrenia—that led to a personal crisis and hospitalization. After graduation, I finally received a proper diagnosis. Though difficult, this experience gave me deeper empathy, resilience, and direction. It solidified my passion not only for biomedical engineering but also for designing mental health–conscious technologies. You may also share examples of leadership, service, or mentorship that reflect your personal values and impact. Leadership and service have always been central to who I am. As Event Coordinator for my university's Black Student Association, I organized events focused on Black identity, wellness, and social justice. I served in student government and participated in Model UN, but my commitment to service goes beyond titles. After college, I co-founded Aromic LLC, a mental wellness startup that created an aromatherapy lip balm designed for single-handed use—accessible to people with physical or mental health conditions. I led product design, collaborated with engineers, and helped bring the prototype to life, earning a finalist spot in the ILT Academy Venture Accelerator. In addition, I worked as a STEM-focused Prompt Engineer at Outliers AI, helping develop, test, and optimize AI-generated content for clients like Meta. This taught me how to integrate data, engineering, and design to solve real-world problems—a skill I now want to apply in biomedical applications. How will the course/program/degree you are pursuing help you achieve your personal and professional goals? I am now pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. Their emphasis on translational research, particularly in prosthetics and biomechanics, aligns perfectly with my goals. I’m especially excited about the work of Dr. Sally F. Shady, whose research on prosthetics for pediatric amputees exemplifies the human-centered innovation I strive for. I also look forward to joining the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program to refine product concepts like the ones I began with Aromic LLC. Describe how you plan to use your education to create a lasting impact on your community or industry. My vision is to design smart, affordable, and adaptive prosthetic devices that restore not only physical autonomy but also emotional well-being. I want to create a world where Black children can see themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators—because they’ve seen someone who looks like them doing it. I aim to bridge the gap between physical and mental health through biomedical solutions that are accessible, culturally aware, and impactful.

Mental health is deeply important to me as a student because I know what it’s like to struggle and to feel like your mind is working against your ability to succeed. For a long time, I thought that being strong meant powering through challenges without asking for help. But over time, I learned that true strength comes from vulnerability, support, and the courage to seek healing. My personal journey with mental health has made me a more compassionate student, friend, and leader, and has shaped the way I advocate for others. In college, I co-founded a startup called Aromic through a business accelerator program. From the outset, I recognized that the company needed to represent more than just innovation or profit. I wanted it to have a mission that reflected my values and addressed a real need. That’s why I made mental health awareness our greater purpose. We aimed to develop technology that not only addressed physical challenges but also promoted emotional well-being. In our branding, outreach, and internal team culture, we prioritized conversations around stress, burnout, and emotional resilience. I wanted to model a way of doing business that prioritized mental health just as much as success. But my advocacy didn’t stop there. I was actively involved in multiple organizations on campus, including the Student Senate, the Black Student Association, and the Model United Nations team. In every space I occupied, I tried to be someone others could come to for support. I checked in on my peers, encouraged them to prioritize their mental health, and spoke up when I saw signs of someone struggling. I also volunteered as an EMT with the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance, where I saw the intersection of mental health and physical health in real time. Many of the calls we responded to involved individuals experiencing panic attacks, anxiety, or symptoms of undiagnosed mental illnesses. These moments reminded me that mental health is not invisible—it often manifests in ways that impact every part of a person’s life. After graduating, I faced one of the hardest challenges of my life: I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. At first, it was devastating. I felt like everything I had worked for—my degree, my dreams, my identity—was falling apart. But slowly, with the help of my family, my doctors, and my own perseverance, I started to rebuild. I learned more about myself than I ever could have imagined. I learned how to cope, how to plan ahead for tough days, and how to accept help without shame. Living with schizophrenia has deepened my empathy and given me a real sense of purpose in advocating for mental health. Now, I speak more openly about my experiences because I believe stories have the power to break stigma. In my community and at home, I try to create a culture where mental health is not an afterthought—it’s a priority. Whether it’s encouraging a younger sibling to talk about their emotions or checking in on a friend who seems overwhelmed, I do what I can to show others they’re not alone. As I pursue graduate studies, mental health continues to be a guiding force in my academic and professional goals. I want to be part of building systems—whether in healthcare, technology, or policy—that center empathy and accessibility. For me, mental health isn’t a side issue—it’s the foundation of everything else. When students are mentally healthy, they’re able to reach their full potential, and I will continue to advocate for a world where that’s possible for everyone.