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William Cornish

595

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering major graduating this spring, driven by a desire to innovate at the intersection of science, storytelling, and service. Outside of the classroom, I volunteer at the Veterans Affairs hospital as both a service volunteer and unpaid research intern, where I’ve seen firsthand the impact that compassion and engineering can have when combined. When I’m not in the lab or hospital, you’ll find me behind a camera or guitar, telling meaningful stories through social media and short-form video. I run a growing online brand that encourages young people to live intentionally, explore the world around them, and find purpose in service. Whether climbing a rock wall or building out a content strategy, I bring the same creativity and discipline to every challenge. My goal is to use engineering not just to build better devices, but to build a better world... one that values both human connection and innovation.

Education

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

    • Intern

      Mayo Clinic
      2023 – 20241 year

    Sports

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2019 – 20223 years

    Awards

    • Regional Champ
    • Goalie of the year

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2019 – 20223 years

    Awards

    • State Champ

    Basketball

    Varsity
    2019 – 20223 years

    Awards

    • All state

    Research

    • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations

      Mayo Clinic — Intern
      2023 – 2024

    Arts

    • Highschool

      Performance Art
      First Chair Violist
      2019 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Veterans Affairs Hospital — Intern/Assistant
      2024 – 2025

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Pro-Life Advocates Scholarship
    There is nothing more heart-wrenching than knowing a life hangs in the balance, fragile and yet full of limitless potential—this reality fuels my unwavering commitment to the pro-life cause. My pro-life position is deeply rooted in my Christian worldview, which teaches me that every human life is a sacred gift from God, created with inherent dignity and value from the very moment of conception. This belief is not simply an abstract idea but the foundation of how I live my life and engage with the world around me. I firmly believe that life—no matter how small or seemingly inconvenient—deserves protection, respect, and celebration. This conviction has led me to actively serve in my church community in Phoenix, where I help lead support groups for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. These groups provide a safe, compassionate space for women to find encouragement, resources, and hope during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Walking alongside these mothers has shown me the profound strength that exists in choosing life, and it has strengthened my resolve to advocate for the unborn and their families. My work with these support groups has taught me that pro-life advocacy is not only about protecting unborn children but also about caring for the whole person—mother and child alike. It is about offering practical help, emotional support, and a community that honors life at every stage. This holistic approach reflects the true value of life, affirming that every person deserves dignity, care, and love. When discussing the pro-life position, I often draw upon both faith and reason. Scripture clearly affirms the sanctity of human life, but I also recognize the importance of respectful dialogue grounded in truth and compassion. I encourage thoughtful conversations that address common questions and concerns while emphasizing the scientific reality that life begins at conception—a fact supported by numerous medical and embryological studies. By combining a heart for people with evidence-based understanding, I aim to be an effective advocate who reaches both minds and hearts. Beyond formal advocacy, I strive to live out pro-life principles in my daily life. This means treating every person with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or situation. It means using my voice on social media and in my community to share positive, life-affirming messages and to inspire others to embrace the value of all human life. I believe that living authentically according to these values is one of the most powerful ways to influence others. Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing in my advocacy by engaging in further education, volunteering opportunities, and community involvement throughout my college years and beyond. I hope to expand my impact by connecting with like-minded organizations and continuing to support women and families facing difficult decisions. My goal is to be a steadfast voice for life, always grounded in compassion, truth, and unwavering respect for every human being. In summary, my pro-life stance is not simply a belief but a calling to action rooted in faith and service. Receiving the Pro-Life Advocates Scholarship would empower me to deepen my commitment and broaden my impact as I continue to live out the dignity and value of life in every sphere of my life.
    Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship
    Winner
    There are few things more heartbreaking than watching someone you love slowly disappear before your eyes, trapped in a body that remains but a mind that fades away. Alzheimer’s and dementia have touched my life in deeply personal and profound ways. My aunt is currently battling dementia and Alzheimer’s, and watching her gradual decline has been one of the most difficult experiences my family has faced. Working at the Veterans Affairs hospital, I meet many individuals suffering from these conditions, and I see the pain it causes not only to them but to their families and caregivers. It is heartbreaking to witness the slow disappearance of someone you love, while they are still physically present. This experience has shaped my perspective on the importance of research and care in neurodegenerative diseases. It is not just about medical science but about human dignity, compassion, and hope. The challenges families endure are immense. Alzheimer’s robs people of their memories, their personalities, and their connections with loved ones — and that loss creates ripple effects that touch entire communities. Watching my aunt’s journey has made me determined to contribute to efforts that can slow, treat, or one day cure this devastating disease. In high school, I took my commitment beyond my immediate family by organizing and participating in several fundraisers for Alzheimer’s awareness and research. These events were meaningful to me because they allowed me to join a broader community working toward change. I learned how collective efforts, no matter how small, can build momentum and hope for families still in the middle of their struggles. Currently, as a Biomedical Engineering student and an intern at the Veterans Affairs hospital, I have the privilege of serving and learning from patients affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s every day. These encounters remind me that research is urgent and vital. The patients are more than medical cases — they are individuals with stories, histories, and families who need solutions now. My education and experiences fuel my ambition to one day contribute to medical advancements that improve lives not just through treatment but through early detection, accessibility, and support. The legacy of Henry Respert — a man who impacted his community and faced the challenges of dementia — deeply resonates with me. This scholarship represents more than financial support; it symbolizes a commitment to honor those affected by these illnesses through education, research, and service. Receiving it would empower me to continue my studies without distraction and allow me to invest more time and energy into the kinds of meaningful work that both help patients and advance scientific knowledge. Alzheimer’s and dementia are diseases that challenge us to care beyond ourselves — to value memory, identity, and the human connection. Through my academic journey and my work at the VA, I am learning that healthcare and research are not only about curing illness but about restoring dignity and hope. I want to be part of that future — one where families no longer have to watch their loved ones fade away, but instead can live with peace and support. This scholarship would bring me closer to that goal. It would enable me to pursue the research and healthcare path that I am passionate about and help me carry forward the legacy of compassion, leadership, and impact that Henry Respert exemplified.
    Dr. William and Jo Sherwood Family Scholarship
    As a fourth year Biomedical Engineering major preparing to graduate this spring, I have seen firsthand how powerful education can be and how difficult it can be to afford. Like many students, I have worked multiple jobs, applied for scholarships, and looked for creative ways to support myself through college. With the rising cost of tuition, housing, and basic living expenses, even the most driven students can feel overwhelmed. That is why receiving this scholarship would be deeply impactful, not just financially, but for the freedom it would give me to fully pursue my mission. My goal is to use biomedical engineering to solve real world medical challenges and improve access to life saving care across the globe. I have interned at both the Mayo Clinic and the Veterans Affairs hospital, where I have seen what is possible when innovation meets compassion. These experiences have shaped my academic direction and shown me that the greatest impact comes when we remove barriers, whether physical, systemic, or financial. This scholarship would allow me to finish my degree without the weight of additional financial stress, and it would give me room to continue exploring service driven opportunities. As a solo unpaid intern and volunteer at the VA hospital, I have committed my time to serving veterans without compensation because I believe in the mission and the learning experience. But those kinds of choices come at a cost. With support, I could continue focusing on service and academic excellence rather than juggling how to make ends meet. Beyond engineering, I run a growing social media platform that encourages young people to live with purpose and chase bold dreams. I have built an audience of over 125,000 people by creating short form videos that mix storytelling, faith, and real world reflection. This has become not just a passion but a vehicle to reach others, especially students like me who need encouragement, mentorship, and proof that it is possible to chase a big vision even with limited resources. My engineering career and my content creation are both driven by the same core belief; that people deserve to be seen, helped, and inspired. This scholarship would allow me to keep pouring into that mission without compromising my education or stretching my financial limits. In the long term, I hope to work in global health innovation, helping design accessible medical devices for communities often forgotten by traditional healthcare systems. I want my work to scale, to reach, and to serve. Just as this scholarship seeks to uplift students by investing in their futures, I want to spend my career investing in others, especially those who need healing, support, and hope the most. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden, it would affirm that the work I am doing matters and that I do not have to walk this journey alone. It would give me the support I need to finish strong, serve boldly, and step confidently into a future where I can give back tenfold.
    Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
    My name is Liam Cornish, and I am currently a senior studying Biomedical Engineering. As I reflect on my journey and where I hope it will lead, I am deeply inspired by the life and legacy of Kalia D. Davis, a person of excellence, kindness, and relentless drive. The values she lived by are ones I strive to uphold in both my personal and academic life, and I am honored to apply for a scholarship created in her memory. I have always believed that success is not just about achievement but about impact. In high school, I received the A.J. Mary Award, an honor given to the student who consistently went above and beyond in service to others. That mindset carried over into everything I did, whether as captain of the varsity soccer team or as someone classmates could turn to for encouragement and support. I have never seen leadership as a title but as a responsibility — to serve, to uplift, and to lead by example. That belief has continued to shape my journey in college. As a Biomedical Engineering major, I have pursued hands-on opportunities to make a real difference in the world. I interned with the Mayo Clinic and currently serve as a solo unpaid intern at the Veterans Affairs hospital, where I also volunteer in various service roles. These experiences have not only given me professional growth but have taught me the value of showing up for others, especially when no one is watching and when there is no paycheck attached. I have had the privilege of seeing how compassion paired with innovation can change lives, and it has made me even more committed to using my education to serve people in real and lasting ways. Like Kalia, I also strive to bring joy and passion into everything I do. I love travel, storytelling, and creating content that inspires others to live purposefully. My social media platforms have grown into a space where I encourage young people to explore the world around them, seek out meaning, and become a force for good. That same motivation, to reach and uplift others, is what drives my future as an engineer. I do not want to make a small impact. I want to create solutions that reach people all over the world, especially those often overlooked by traditional systems of care. To receive this scholarship would be more than financial support. It would be a personal honor. It would remind me that the kind of excellence Kalia lived with is still deeply needed in this world: excellence not just in academics, but in character, in compassion, and in service. I want to carry that legacy forward, to live loving, laughing, learning, and leaving behind a legacy of my own.
    Larry W. Moore Memorial Scholarship for Aspiring Engineers
    Ever since I was young, I’ve known I didn’t want to live a small life. As I’ve grown, that desire has transformed into a clear goal: to use engineering to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible. I’m currently in my fourth year of Biomedical Engineering, and every class, lab, and late night has only strengthened my conviction that this is the field where science meets purpose, and where I can do the most good for the world. My passion for helping people isn't limited to the lab. Over the past few years, I’ve built a large following on social media, using storytelling and videography to reach people with messages of hope, purpose, and exploration. That platform has grown to over 125,000 followers, not because I wanted attention, but because I wanted to remind people, especially young people — that they were made to do meaningful things. That same fire that drives me to create content that encourages others is the exact same fire that fuels my dream as an engineer. Whether through storytelling or innovation, I want my work to serve others, to inspire, and most importantly, to help. My long-term goal as a biomedical engineer is to contribute to solutions that solve real medical problems , especially in underserved and under-resourced parts of the world. I’m not in this field just to tinker or to build impressive technology. I’m here to create change. I want to work on medical devices that make treatments more accessible, more affordable, and more effective for the people who need them most. I’ve seen firsthand the need for this kind of impact through my volunteer work at the Veterans Affairs hospital, where I serve both as an unpaid research intern and a general service volunteer. There, I’ve witnessed the challenges patients face navigating complex medical systems, and I’ve come to deeply value the human side of healthcare. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to be an engineer who doesn’t just design solutions, but one who designs with empathy. When I think about the kind of engineer I want to become, I think about Leonardo da Vinci. Though not a traditional engineer by today’s standards, da Vinci is my favorite inventor and thinker. He was wildly ahead of his time. People thought he was crazy; and maybe he was, but in the best way. His ideas were imaginative, human-centered, and fearless. I believe the world needs more engineers like that. Engineers who are not just technically skilled, but bold enough to dream differently. Engineers who are not afraid of being misunderstood while trying to make the world better. I don’t want to play small. My life, my studies, my creative work... everything I do is pointing toward one mission: to serve as many people as I can with the gifts I’ve been given. Whether through a viral video that lifts someone’s spirit or a device that saves someone’s life, I want my engineering career to multiply impact. With support from this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to making that mission a reality.
    William Cornish Student Profile | Bold.org