I am a driven student pursuing a degree in Neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine. At my core, I care deeply about using science to improve the lives of others and am motivated by a vision of equitable healthcare access for all. Growing up in a family of Sudanese immigrants, I witnessed the power of perseverance and sacrifice. These experiences have shaped my personal mission: to become a physician who bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with compassionate, community-focused care. My commitment to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy fuels every step of my academic and personal journey. The real-world issue that moves me most is healthcare disparity. I experienced this intimately through my grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s in Sudan, where access to specialized treatment was minimal. This personal loss opened my eyes to the stark differences in healthcare resources globally and within underserved communities here at home. The lack of accessible care and information devastates families and perpetuates cycles of suffering. This issue is not abstract for me—it is deeply personal and urgent. If I had the power to make a change in healthcare equity, I would develop comprehensive community health programs that combine education, early intervention, and technology-driven outreach. Telemedicine, mobile apps, and culturally tailored health education could break down barriers that prevent marginalized populations from receiving proper care. I envision a healthcare ecosystem where innovation meets empathy, and where diversity among healthcare providers ensures patients feel seen, heard, and understood. My choice to study neurobiology stems from this passion for understanding complex brain diseases and translating research into real-world solutions. At UCI, I engage in neuroscience research focused on stroke recovery, which deepens my knowledge of how to improve outcomes for patients affected by neurological conditions. Ultimately, I plan to pursue an MD to merge scientific discovery with direct patient care—particularly serving communities where health disparities are most pronounced. In the next five years, my goal is to be accepted into medical school and to continue gaining experience through clinical volunteering, research, and leadership roles. I intend to deepen my mentorship of younger students and expand outreach programs to increase STEM access for underrepresented youth. Achieving this goal will require dedication, strong academic performance, and continued community engagement—areas I have already begun cultivating. Education has been transformative for me—not only expanding my understanding of science but clarifying my purpose. Balancing challenging coursework with multiple campus jobs has taught me discipline and resilience. I’ve learned that knowledge is most meaningful when paired with action and empathy. This perspective guides my mission to improve healthcare equity through innovation and advocacy. As a woman in STEM, my identity has shaped my experience in profound ways. I have encountered implicit biases and moments when I felt underestimated or overlooked. However, these challenges have strengthened my resolve. I take pride in breaking stereotypes and serving as a role model for other women pursuing science and medicine. My journey has reinforced that representation matters—and that diversity enriches innovation and care. To me, leadership means inspiring others through service, empathy, and action. Serving on the executive board of the Muslim Student Union (MSU) at UCI (as a campus leadership role focused on community building and mentoring), I have worked to create inclusive spaces and support students facing cultural and academic challenges. Mentoring high school students has been especially rewarding—helping them navigate their educational paths and build confidence. Leadership is not about titles, but about empowering others to thrive. A defining moment of resourcefulness and resilience came when I faced financial difficulties early in college. To continue my education, I balanced multiple campus jobs while maintaining a demanding academic schedule. This experience taught me how to prioritize, adapt, and seek support when needed. More importantly, it deepened my empathy for others facing obstacles and strengthened my commitment to paying it forward. If awarded this scholarship, the financial support would be transformative. It would relieve burdens that compete with my academic and leadership goals, allowing me to focus more fully on research, mentorship, and community service. This scholarship would not only advance my education but enable me to amplify my impact—helping to create equitable opportunities in STEM and healthcare for others who face similar barriers.

Growing up as a Muslim woman in a Sudanese immigrant family, I witnessed firsthand the extraordinary sacrifices my mother made to nurture our dreams, even as she set aside her own. Much like Ismat Tariq, whose legacy this scholarship honors, my mother devoted her life to raising her children, embodying resilience, faith, and unwavering love. Her strength showed me that education is more than personal advancement—it is a legacy of empowerment and a powerful force for uplifting entire communities. My educational journey has been marked by this spirit of sacrifice and determination, but it has not been without obstacles. Financial challenges have shaped my college experience profoundly. At the University of California, Irvine, where I am pursuing a Neurobiology degree, I have balanced a rigorous academic workload with multiple campus jobs to fund my education. Working as a student advocate, learning assistant, and notetaker has taught me perseverance and honed my time-management skills. But beyond the financial hurdles, these roles have deepened my understanding of the importance of service, especially within underrepresented communities. My commitment to service is exemplified through my leadership in the Muslim Student Union (MSU) at UCI, where I serve on the executive board. In this capacity, I help cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community that embraces Muslim identity and culture, fostering belonging for students navigating their faith and academia. One of my proudest contributions is mentoring Muslim high school students—many of whom grapple with the same challenges of representation, cultural expectations, and access to higher education that I have faced. Guiding them through their educational journeys has reaffirmed my belief that mentorship is a catalyst for change and empowerment. My passion for healthcare grew from deeply personal roots. My grandfather battled Alzheimer’s disease in Sudan, a country where specialized neurological care is nearly nonexistent. Watching his struggle without access to adequate treatment fueled my determination to become a physician—to bring compassionate, equitable healthcare to those marginalized by circumstance and geography. At UCI’s School of Medicine, I engage in neuroscience research focused on stroke recovery, striving to bridge scientific innovation with patient care. This scholarship would be transformative. It would alleviate the financial burdens that have sometimes threatened to derail my academic focus, allowing me to devote more energy to research, leadership, and service. But more than that, it would empower me to continue honoring and extending the legacy of women like Ismat Tariq—women who, through sacrifice and courage, create space for future generations to thrive. Looking ahead, I am committed to using my education and leadership to uplift others like myself—Muslim women and students from underserved backgrounds—by mentoring, advocating, and breaking down barriers. I want to foster communities where young women know their dreams are valid and attainable. By paying forward the support I have received, I aim to inspire lasting change, proving that adversity can be a springboard to extraordinary impact. In carrying this legacy forward, I am not only investing in my future but in the futures of countless others who will follow the path I help pave—transforming lives through education, compassion, and leadership.

Statement 1: My dream is to become a physician whose care bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and the real human stories behind illness. Growing up, I witnessed my grandfather suffer from Alzheimer’s in Sudan, where limited resources meant little hope or help. That profound injustice lit a fire in me: to pursue neuroscience and medicine so that no patient feels invisible or forgotten. At UC Irvine, I have balanced a rigorous neurobiology curriculum with hands-on research in stroke recovery and community service at the Lestonnac Free Clinic, where I met patients wrestling with poverty, language barriers, and fear. As a UC Global Health Ambassador and ASUCI Senator, I’ve led efforts to increase access to research and support networks for students facing challenges like mine. Holding multiple campus jobs to fund my education, I’ve learned resilience, grit, and the transformative power of empathy. This scholarship is more than financial relief—it is a lifeline that will allow me to deepen my impact, focus on innovation and advocacy, and become the physician who heals both brain and soul. I am committed to turning adversity into action, ensuring my future patients never face their battles alone. Statement 2: ACHE of SoCal’s mission to cultivate healthcare leaders who champion equity and excellence mirrors my deepest convictions. I envision a healthcare future where innovation serves humanity’s most vulnerable—where leadership is rooted in empathy, cultural humility, and relentless advocacy. Through my work as a UC Global Health Ambassador and ASUCI Senator, I have mobilized students and community members to confront disparities in access and care. Volunteering at free clinics and engaging in neuroscience research have shown me the complex challenges Southern California faces—and the urgent need for leaders who listen, learn, and lead with heart. This scholarship will empower me to hone the skills necessary to transform healthcare delivery in our region, fostering inclusive, compassionate systems that elevate every voice. I am eager to join ACHE of SoCal in advancing a vision where every patient’s story matters and every leader acts with purpose.

Rising Through Adversity, Guided by Purpose The first time I truly understood what limited access to healthcare looked like, I was sitting beside my grandfather in a quiet home in Sudan. He was beginning to forget familiar names and faces—his memory slipping away as Alzheimer’s took hold. But there were no neurologists to consult, no early screenings, no treatment plans—only waiting, watching, and grief. My family did what they could with what little was available. And I, though young, carried that image with me: the pain of a man who had worked his whole life, now unable to access the care he needed. That memory never left me. It became the lens through which I saw every other disparity in healthcare. It also became the seed that grew into my passion for neuroscience and my determination to pursue a career in medicine—not just to treat illness, but to transform the systems that allow such suffering to go unseen and unaddressed. When my parents immigrated from Sudan to the United States, they came with strength, hope, and very little financial stability. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but college tuition quickly became a burden we struggled to carry. From the moment I stepped onto the campus at the University of California, Irvine, I knew I had to do more than just attend college—I had to fight for it. I took on multiple jobs on campus, working as a notetaker, a math learning assistant, and a student advocate, all while balancing a demanding course load as a Neurobiology major. I stayed up late studying after long shifts and used every resource I could find to ensure I wouldn’t fall behind. There were moments I worried I couldn’t keep up—financially or academically—but I refused to give up. Each challenge shaped me into someone more disciplined, empathetic, and resilient. They also made my achievements mean more. Every A I earned, every lab technique I mastered, and every patient I helped through service became proof not just of my capability, but of my perseverance. What drives me most in the STEM field—especially neuroscience—is the intersection between scientific discovery and human dignity. The brain is the most complex organ we have, and yet millions of people around the world suffer from neurological disorders without ever receiving a diagnosis or treatment. From Alzheimer’s to stroke, I’ve seen how the loss of cognitive function robs people not just of memory or mobility, but of identity and independence. I want to be a doctor who brings that dignity back—to help patients understand their conditions, access treatments, and feel supported in every step of their care. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in this mission. At UCI, I joined the Akbari Lab at the School of Medicine, where I contribute to research on optimizing recovery after stroke and cardiac arrest. I’ve learned to work with brain tissue, assist with staining and analysis, and participate in the kind of research that has real-world clinical implications. For me, the lab is more than a workspace—it’s a place where hope and healing begin. But research alone isn’t enough. That’s why I’ve also devoted myself to leadership and service. As the ASUCI Biological Sciences Senator, I advocate for student access to research opportunities, mental health support, and mentorship. As a UC Global Health Ambassador, I lead outreach campaigns on healthcare disparities—exploring everything from climate health to women’s access to care in marginalized communities. Volunteering at the Lestonnac Free Clinic further grounds me in reality. There, I’ve met patients whose stories echo my grandfather’s—people facing language barriers, homelessness, and systemic exclusion. I don’t just see their pain—I see their strength, and I want to be the kind of doctor who honors that. Despite financial constraints, I’ve never let my circumstances define my future. Instead, I’ve used them as fuel to work harder, to care deeper, and to lead with purpose. My struggles have made me more sensitive to the burdens others carry—whether it’s a classmate working two jobs or a patient choosing between medication and rent. I’ve learned that compassion is a muscle that grows through hardship, and I bring that strength into every role I take on. In the future, I hope to become a physician who serves at the intersection of clinical medicine, research, and global health. I want to provide care to underserved populations, advocate for health equity, and contribute to scientific innovation in neurodegenerative disease treatment. Whether I’m in a community clinic or a research hospital, I will always carry my past with me—not as a weight, but as a guide. This scholarship would not simply support my education—it would be an investment in a future physician who has lived through the challenges her patients face and who has the heart, experience, and determination to make a meaningful impact in medicine. I am committed to using my journey not only to uplift myself, but to uplift others—proving that no obstacle is too great when purpose leads the way.

My passion for healthcare is rooted in personal experience and strengthened by hands-on service. When my grandfather in Sudan began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, he received limited medical care. There were no specialists, early screenings, or support systems available. Watching him suffer with few resources ignited a deep desire in me to one day be part of the solution—to provide care to those who, like him, were left behind by the system. Later, when my grandmother suffered a stroke, I saw again how fragile health can be, and how essential it is to have access to not just treatment, but holistic, ongoing support. These experiences introduced me to the human side of medicine—where dignity, understanding, and advocacy are just as vital as diagnosis and treatment. As a Neurobiology major at the University of California, Irvine, I’ve been intentional about combining scientific learning with real-world healthcare experiences. One of the most meaningful roles I’ve held is as a volunteer at the Lestonnac Free Clinic. There, I’ve worked with patients from underserved populations, helped distribute hygiene kits, and participated in outreach to unhoused individuals. Many of the patients I encounter have delayed care due to cost, fear, or immigration status. Their stories remind me of my own family’s struggles and reinforce my belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Beyond direct service, I’ve taken on leadership roles that intersect with healthcare access and equity. As a UC Global Health Ambassador, I promote education around global health disparities, organize events on topics like climate health and women's health, and advocate for culturally competent care. I also serve as the ASUCI Biological Sciences Senator, where I work to expand research and mentorship opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. These roles have taught me that creating change requires more than empathy—it requires action, organization, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. In the Akbari Lab at the UCI School of Medicine, I assist with research focused on recovery after stroke and cardiac arrest. Combining this academic work with patient-centered service has shown me the value of bridging research with clinical care—bringing innovation from the lab to the bedside. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue an MD and become a physician who treats the whole person, not just the illness. I want to work at the intersection of medicine and public service, providing compassionate care while advocating for structural changes that improve access and outcomes for marginalized communities. Every patient deserves to be heard, understood, and cared for. My past experiences have shaped not only what I want to do, but who I want to be: a doctor who leads with empathy, fueled by purpose and shaped by service.

I want to become a medical doctor to serve as a bridge between science and humanity, especially for those who have historically been overlooked. My passion for medicine is rooted in my family's journey—from Sudan to the United States—and in the gaps in care I witnessed along the way. When my grandfather began showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the resources available to him in Sudan were painfully limited. There were no specialists, no early screenings, and little understanding of how to manage the disease. Watching him suffer without proper care sparked not only sorrow, but a deep desire to be part of the solution—to one day provide the kind of care that he, and so many others, were denied. My parents immigrated from Sudan in search of opportunity and stability, and their sacrifices laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved. But the road hasn’t been easy. Paying for college has been a constant challenge, and I've had to work multiple jobs on campus—balancing shifts as a student advocate, notetaker, and learning assistant while maintaining a rigorous course load in neurobiology. These roles were more than just sources of income—they taught me how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and stay grounded in service, even when things got difficult. These experiences have also inspired me to take on leadership roles where I could amplify the voices of others. As the ASUCI Biological Sciences Senator and a UC Global Health Ambassador, I’ve advocated for students’ academic success, health equity, and expanded research opportunities. In the UCI School of Medicine’s Akbari Lab, I contribute to research that investigates stroke and cardiac arrest recovery. Each step—whether in advocacy, research, or service—has brought me closer to the kind of physician I hope to become: one who not only practices medicine but uses it as a platform to educate, empower, and uplift. Those financial challenges have shaped my understanding of the many invisible burdens students and patients carry. They’ve given me empathy not just for those navigating illness, but for those juggling life’s many stressors while trying to care for their health. Whether I was volunteering at the Lestonnac Free Clinic or mentoring fellow students as a UC Global Health Ambassador, I’ve always tried to create spaces where people feel seen and supported—because I know how much that matters. Medicine is where my personal story meets my purpose. I want to become a physician who brings both skill and sensitivity into every exam room—someone who not only diagnoses but deeply listens. The struggles I’ve faced financially and personally have not held me back; they’ve pushed me forward and taught me to meet others with grace. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain on my journey—it would invest in a future doctor committed to equity, compassion, and meaningful impact.

When I think about why I want to become a physician, I return to a memory of my grandfather. I was just a child when he began to forget our names, misplace familiar objects, and slowly lose pieces of himself to Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, I didn’t understand the science behind his condition—but I understood the heartbreak. Years later, when my grandmother suffered a stroke, I witnessed once again how the brain can so swiftly alter the rhythm of a life. Those early experiences didn’t just introduce me to neuroscience—they instilled in me an unshakable resolve to pursue medicine with both curiosity and compassion. I was born and raised in California, but I grew up in Qatar, a nation with a robust and accessible healthcare system, where I saw firsthand the power of a well-supported public health infrastructure. When I moved back to the United States, I was struck by a stark contrast: here, healthcare wasn’t always a guarantee. I saw patients forced to delay treatment due to costs, language barriers, or immigration status. These disparities weren’t abstract—they were visible, visceral, and unjust. It was this dissonance between two healthcare systems that shaped my values and sharpened my purpose: to become a physician who does more than treat disease—one who advocates, listens, and uplifts. At the University of California, Irvine, I’ve pursued that purpose through research, service, and leadership. As a Neurobiology major, I work in the Akbari Lab at the UCI School of Medicine, where we study post-stroke recovery and cardiac arrest outcomes. For me, research is not about numbers on a graph—it’s about the hope it offers to families like mine. Outside the lab, I serve as a UC Global Health Ambassador, where I advocate for equity in healthcare across borders. I’ve led events on climate health, women's health, and access to care in underserved populations, learning to communicate complex ideas with cultural humility. As the ASUCI Biosci Senator, I’ve worked to expand research opportunities and academic support for students, driven by the belief that equity must start within our own institutions. And at the Lestonnac Free Clinic, I’ve provided hygiene kits, shadowed providers, and supported patients who often feel invisible in the traditional healthcare system. What connects all these roles is a core commitment to service—one grounded in empathy, sharpened by experience, and elevated through action. Pursuing an MD is not just a career goal; it’s the culmination of a life shaped by personal loss, global awareness, and relentless hope. I envision a future where I practice as a physician grounded in neuroscience, serving communities that have long been underserved, and continuing research that advances health outcomes for neurodegenerative diseases. I want to be the kind of doctor who not only understands the biology of illness but the humanity of those who carry it. This scholarship would allow me to continue walking that path—not just toward a medical degree, but toward lasting impact. I want to make health care more just, more accessible, and more human—locally, globally, and everywhere in between.

Advocacy has always been at the heart of my journey, shaping not only who I am but also the communities I aim to serve. As the ASUCI Biological Sciences Senator, I’ve had the honor of being a bridge between the students in the School of Biological Sciences and our administration. Through regular conversations with peers, I’ve gathered their concerns—ranging from the need for greater research opportunities to improving support for mental health—and relayed them directly to the Dean of Biological Sciences. By fostering these dialogues, I’ve helped implement changes that enhance academic resources and create a more inclusive learning environment. Being an “upstander” in this capacity has shown me the power of listening and translating voices into action. My advocacy extends beyond policymaking and into the classroom. As a Certified Math Learning Assistant, I’ve worked with students who face disadvantages, such as coming from underrepresented communities or lacking strong mathematical foundations. Math is often seen as a gatekeeper subject, and I am passionate about breaking down barriers that hinder students’ success. I’ve mentored students through their challenges, tailoring my teaching methods to empower them to overcome self-doubt and thrive academically. Witnessing their growth has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative impact of compassion and individualized support. In addition to advocating for others, I am deeply committed to advancing neuroscience through research. Currently, I am working in a neurocritical lab in the School of Medicine, where I’m part of a team focused on optimizing stroke recovery. Our work seeks to bridge the gap between clinical practice and innovative therapies, offering hope to patients and families affected by strokes and coma. This research aligns with my long-term vision of making a meaningful impact in healthcare and has solidified my passion for addressing neurological disorders—conditions that hit close to home, as my grandfather suffered from Alzheimer's disease for many years as well as my grandmother who recently suffered a debilitating stroke. However, my aspirations extend far beyond my immediate environment. My ultimate goal is to return to my home country, Sudan, and contribute to transforming its healthcare system. Sudan faces significant disparities in healthcare access and quality, and I am driven to address these inequities. As a UC Global Health Ambassador, I am committed to addressing health disparities on a global scale. In this role, I have engaged with initiatives that emphasize the interconnectedness of health, equity, and sustainability. This work has strengthened my resolve to advocate for systemic changes that improve access to quality healthcare, both locally and globally. By applying the leadership skills I’ve developed as a senator, the teaching expertise I’ve gained as a learning assistant, and the research knowledge I’ve cultivated in the lab, I aim to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. Being an “upstander” to me means recognizing the struggles of others, using my voice to advocate for change, and empowering those who need it most. Whether I am championing student concerns, guiding those struggling with math, or seeking breakthroughs in stroke recovery, my focus is on building stronger, more supportive communities. Like Mohamed Magdi Taha, I believe in the transformative power of both small, compassionate acts and bold, systemic changes. This scholarship would enable me to continue my journey of advocacy, research, and global impact. It would support my mission to make healthcare more accessible, inspire future generations of students, and ultimately contribute to a world where no one is left unheard or unhelped. Together, these efforts reflect my commitment to standing up for others and creating a legacy of meaningful change.