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Awards, Distinctions, and Honors


Photo captured by V.S.

As I prepare for graduation this May and the subsequent transition to Medical School, I find myself reflecting on the milestones of the last decade. To an observer, a list of awards may look like a series of 'wins.' To me, they are something deeper: markers of perseverance and a long-term commitment to purpose. 

Success is never a solo journey. These honors are a testament to the rigorous standards I set for myself and the community of mentors and peers who value substance over appearance. While titles and awards are markers of a career, they are not the heartbeat of a life. I value the quiet, 'unproductive' moments just as much as the high-stakes ones. I am grateful to the colleagues, friends, loved ones, and mentors who stood by me through the adversity, international fieldwork, community service, late nights in the dorms, numerous scholarship applications, phone/video calls, quiet hours in the library, and the high-stakes pressure of prospectus/theses/dissertation defenses. To everyone who believed in my vision when the road was difficult—thank you. Your support turned these goals into my reality.

I have always believed the true value of any 'distinction' is the platform it provides to serve others. My journey has taught me that consistency and integrity matter, not just in research, but in how we show up for the people we value. Whether you are navigating the rigors of academia, facing a professional crossroads, or working through a personal transition, my door remains open. I am committed to being a steady point of reference for feedback, guidance, or simply a non-judgmental space for support, where the person is always more important than the circumstances. If my journey can assist you in yours—without expectation or pressure—please do not hesitate to reach out.


Awards and Scholarships                                             LinkedIn

  • United States Federal Health Professional Scholarship Program National Awardee                                     (2026-2030) 
    • Appointed to a 10-year service commitment with the U.S. Government as a Physician-Scientist.
  • National Science Foundation/Penn State Microelectronics and Nanonmanufactuing Certificate Program (2024)
  • Southwest Veterans Foundation Scholarship                                                                                                                                       (2023)
  • Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship Semifinalist                                                                                              (2023)
  • Graduate and Professional Student Association Engagement Award                                                                                    (2023)
  • National Science Foundation GC-GRO International Research Experience for Students Program                     (2022)
  • ARCS Foundation Scholar Award Semifinalist                                                                                                                                      (2021)
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Gilliam Fellowship Nominee                                                                              (2021)
  • Graduate College Online/Remote Travel Award                                                                                                                                 (2021)
  • Professional Development Student Support Scholarship                                                                                                              (2021)
  • McNair Scholar                                                                                                                                                                                                        (2020)
  • Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholar                                                                                          (2020)
  • Student Award: University Research Foundation                                                                                                                              (2020)
  • Humanities Honors                                                                                                                                                                                               (2018)
  • General Endowment Scholarship                                                                                                                                                                 (2017)
  • Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholar                                                                                         (2017)
  • Mosaic's Leadership Today Selectee                                                                                                                                                         (2017)
  • University Delegate (Pacific Affiliate of College University Residence Halls)                                                                  (2016)
  • Clarence F. and Lyle V Burmahln Scholarship Financial Aid Award                                                                                        (2016)
  • California Scholarship Federation Life Membership                                                                                                                        (2016)
  • Point Loma Optimist Club Scholarship                                                                                                                                                     (2016)
  • PLHS Alumni Pointer Brothers                                                                                                                                                                     (2016)
  • Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund                                                                                                                                                       (2016)
  • Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Scholarship                                                                                                                                   (2016)
  • Preston Kelly Scholarship: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc                                                                                                          (2016)
  • Jessie Knight Leadership Award and Scholarship                                                                                                                             (2016)
  • African American Youth Leaders of Tommorrow                                                                                                                               (2015)
  • Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Scholarship                                                                                                        (2014)
  • Putney Student Travel Open Door Fund Scholarship                                                                                                                     (2014)

Grants and Fellowships

  • Graduate College Fellowship Award                                                                                                                                          (2021-2022)
  • Graduate College Interdisciplinary Enrichment Fellowship                                                                                        (2020-2022)
  • Unusual Student Project Grant                                                                                                                                                                   (2020)
  • School of Life Sciences Fellowship                                                                                                                                                            (2020)

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