Graduate Student Scholarship Recipients
Angelina Zuelow
I am the first in my family to pursue a Ph.D. (Integrative Biology), and my dream is to become a professor leading my own research lab where undergraduate and graduate students work together as a team. It is a priority for me to make the sciences more accessible so underrepresented students feel included in STEM. During my MS degree at CSUF (a Hispanic-serving institution), I taught a non-majors biology course both virtually and in person, where students were from diverse backgrounds pursuing degrees across all majors. This experience showed me how much I enjoy teaching and motivated me to further develop my teaching skills. I am pursuing a Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching (GCCUT) at OSU alongside my Ph.D. to gain more hands-on teaching experience while also teaching undergraduate biology courses at OSU.
In terms of research, I am a true kelp enthusiast and love all things kelp and ocean-related. My research revolves around big kelp beds and the influence they have on their surrounding communities which can include crabs, sea stars, limpets, snails, octopuses, mussels, etc. I plan to incorporate innovative forestry methods to demonstrate overlap in marine and terrestrial systems which will add to the field of community ecology and examine how future climate conditions may influence the survivability of kelp and related seagrasses in the ocean.
These funds positively impacted my academics. I used a part of these funds to present my research at the biggest Diversity in STEM conference (SACNAS) that was held in Puerto Rico in October 2022. I had never been to Puerto Rico before and the conference was amazing! I would not have been able to go without the support of this Scholarship. I used the rest of the funds to offset my research costs. I purchased safety gear for myself and a few undergrads so we would be better protected while doing field biology on the Oregon coast. The last of the funds I used to offset travel costs to the cost for field biology. I drive 100's a month a month to complete my field research and this can add up in gas and car maintenance costs. I provide carpool for all of my undergrad interns so they can avoid these costs.
Broneka Korkaz
It all started with my parents’ immigration to America. The youngest immigrant child of two, my early recollection of life can be described by Assyrian school 3 times a week, translating documents and phone calls, attending doctor's appointments as a translator, and of course navigating the path to my education. I quickly realized that where someone lives and thereby their environment impacts their social mobility. Attending all these doctors appointments as a translator and seeing the medical professionals in action is what ultimately led me to falling in love with the career and wanting to pursue a career as a Physician Associate (PA). While working as a medical scribe at the Memorial Medical Center Emergency Department, I witnessed first-hand how many Assyrians struggle to receive and understand the care they need due to their lack of ability to speak English. There are varying levels of medical awareness, particularly amongst immigrant and non-English speaking individuals. I hope to bridge that gap for each and every patient with my comprehensive view on all aspects of medicine and utilize my trilingual abilities in English, Assyrian, and Farsi to connect with patients as their provider.
Additionally, I am also extremely passionate about giving back to my Assyrian community, particularly the younger generation. As someone who came into this country as an immigrant, lacking parental mentorship towards my education, i know the importance of receiving a helping hand from those who are experienced. I look forward to one day being in a position where i can help the younger generation navigate their way through education and hopefully into the field of medicine.
As a full-time Physician Associate student at UC Davis, I am unable to work during the program due to the rigorous demands of both didactic coursework and clinical training. The Ramina Tara Badal Scholarship provided crucial financial support, which I applied toward living expenses and essential school supplies. This assistance significantly eased my financial burden and allowed me to dedicate my full attention to my education and clinical responsibilities. I was also able to share this scholarship opportunity with a classmate, who successfully received the award the following year and benefited in a similar way. I am sincerely grateful to the Badal family for their generosity and commitment to supporting students in their educational journey.
Isaac Sada
Growing up as a first-generation Assyrian immigrant, I faced numerous challenges that taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. My family struggled financially, and I often felt like I didn't have the same opportunities as my peers. However, these struggles also instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others.
As I approached college, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to help others and make a positive impact in my community. Despite the cultural and financial barriers I faced, I was determined to become a physician. When I learned about UCSD's PRIME program, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. Not only did it offer an exceptional medical education, but it also emphasized the importance of community service and provided opportunities for students to develop skills that would help them serve underserved populations.
Through the PRIME program, I have had the opportunity to represent and support Assyrians at the state capital, and to work on projects aimed at improving healthcare access for underserved communities. My experiences have reinforced my commitment to serving others and have prepared me to make a meaningful impact as a physician. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am grateful for the resilience and empathy that these struggles have instilled in me, and I am excited to continue on this journey of making a positive impact in the world of medicine.
The Ramina Tara Badal Memorial Scholarship served as support for my endocrine research, and aided in my board examinations upon completing medical school. It eased the burden of focusing on financial constraints while completing my professional degree. It was a very valuable moment to receive the Ramina Memorial Scholarship and it has helped me finish my Medical Doctorate degree.
Kira Tojcak
I grew up in an underserved community in western Washington. Unfortunately, I have personally experienced the poor quality healthcare and the mistrust that patients in these areas often experience. This is where my passion for helping underserved and marginalized communities first began. One of the ways I am able to use these experiences is in my work with the Joan Viteri Memorial Clinic (JVMC), a community outreach clinic that serves marginalized populations in the Oak Park area. At JVMC I am lucky to provide free healthcare to members of the community that otherwise wouldn't receive healthcare services at all.
An additional special interest of mine is focusing on preventative care and reproductive health. As part of the Reproductive Health Team at JVMC, I have the opportunity to extend the scope of the clinic to a more specialized area of medicine and empower people to be in control of their sexual health and contraceptive needs.
I hope to use my past experiences as a patient in an underserved community to help these community members in ethical ways that give them agency over their care. In the future, I hope my past will be a tool I can use to break down harmful perceptions of healthcare in rural settings and to ensure I always provide high quality care to my patients.
Marita Yunan
As a fourth-year college student and aspiring Doctor of Pharmacy, my journey has been profoundly influenced by my personal interests, particularly in the STEM field and my Assyrian heritage. Growing up, my fascination with science and medicine was ignited by my family's emphasis on education and my own curiosity about the human body's intricacies. As an Assyrian woman, I am driven by a desire to contribute to healthcare advancements and serve underrepresented communities. My passion for biomedical sciences stems from a blend of cultural heritage and academic exploration. Learning about Assyrian contributions to ancient medicine and herbal remedies sparked my interest in the healing arts from a young age. This heritage instilled in me a deep respect for the value of healthcare and a commitment to improving health outcomes. Throughout my college journey, my interests in biology, chemistry, and pharmacology have been pivotal in shaping my academic path. Courses in physiology and biochemistry further fuelled my passion for understanding disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, my involvement in research projects allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, solidifying my decision to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Overall, my personal interests, influenced by my Assyrian background and nurtured by my academic experiences, have guided my study decisions toward a fulfilling career in biomedical sciences and pharmacy. I am eager to continue leveraging my interests to make meaningful contributions to healthcare and advocate for underserved communities.
Joseph Sada
Embracing my Assyrian heritage has been a driving force behind my dedication to education. As a member of the Assyrian community, I see the pressing need for assistance in the dental field within my community, particularly in Modesto, California. Witnessing the healthcare challenges faced by Assyrians has fueled my determination to pursue a career in dentistry, with the intention of providing dental support for my people.
My parents' unwavering commitment to providing for my siblings and me served as a profound motivation throughout my academic journey. Their tireless work ethic has instilled in me the importance of resilience, pushing me to overcome challenges and excel in my studies. Their sacrifices inspire me to strive for excellence in my education, recognizing the opportunities it affords me to make an impact to our community.
Beyond academics, my personal practices of regular workouts, prayer, and fasting have played a pivotal role in supporting my educational endeavors. Engaging in physical activity has contributed to my well-being but enhances my mental clarity, allowing me to approach my studies with focus and determination. Meanwhile, spiritual activities like prayer and fasting provide a sense of grounding, fostering resilience during challenging academic periods.
In conclusion, my Assyrian heritage, coupled with the dedication of my parents and my commitment to holistic well-being, shapes my academic journey. I am driven to channel my education into a meaningful contribution to the dental health needs of the Assyrian community in embodying the values instilled in me through heritage, family, and personal growth.