2026 Recognition Scholars
Congratulations to all of the 2026 EOP Recognition Scholars!
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Alejandro Salas Castellanos Cesar Cauce Memorial ScholarAlejandro Salas Castellanos
Cesar Cauce Memorial Scholar
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Amor Campos Vice President鈥檚 Achievement Award ScholarAmor Campos
Vice President鈥檚 Achievement Award Scholar
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Ashton Peshtony Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Undergraduate ScholarAshton Peshtony
Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Undergraduate Scholar
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Brenna Crouse Margo Wyckoff Distinguished Undergraduate ScholarBrenna Crouse
Margo Wyckoff Distinguished Undergraduate Scholar
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Caleb Durrance Emile Pitre Instructional Student Tutor ScholarCaleb Durrance
Emile Pitre Instructional Student Tutor Scholar
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Crystal Espinoza-Baeza William P. and Ruth Gerberding Endowed EOP ScholarCrystal Espinoza-Baeza
William P. and Ruth Gerberding Endowed EOP Scholar
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Diyanah Tribble Sea Mar Community Health Center 鈥 Coordinated Care ScholarDiyanah Tribble
Sea Mar Community Health Center 鈥 Coordinated Care Scholar
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Franck Kepnang 91探花Athletics ScholarFranck Kepnang
91探花Athletics Scholar
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Gael Malamalama Chun-Rivas Gary D. Kimura Family EOP ScholarGael Malamalama Chun-Rivas
Gary D. Kimura Family EOP Scholar
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Joy Oluwaleye Murray, Pitre, Baker & Rosebaugh ScholarJoy Oluwaleye
Murray, Pitre, Baker & Rosebaugh Scholar
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Keli鈥榠 Cheers Dr. Gabriel Gallardo Recognition ScholarKeli鈥榠 Cheers
Dr. Gabriel Gallardo Recognition Scholar
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Lou Le Michael and Susan Peskura Endowed ScholarLou Le
Michael and Susan Peskura Endowed Scholar
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Makhari Seraile Penton Mondin Family Endowed Fund ScholarMakhari Seraile
Penton Mondin Family Endowed Fund Scholar
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Malia Callier President鈥檚 Achievement Award ScholarMalia Callier
President鈥檚 Achievement Award Scholar
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Penelope Antoine Lawson Family Scholarship for Tribal Members ScholarPenelope Antoine
Lawson Family Scholarship for Tribal Members Scholar
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Rachael Lyne Gurwan Tamngin Graduate Student Equity & Excellence ScholarRachael Lyne Gurwan Tamngin
Graduate Student Equity & Excellence Scholar
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Thea Bui Margaret Mihelich Croy ScholarThea Bui
Margaret Mihelich Croy Scholar
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Yalda Shiwan Wells Fargo Endowed Fund ScholarYalda Shiwan
Wells Fargo Endowed Fund Scholar
Alejandro Salas Castellanos
He/Him
Cesar Cauce Memorial Scholar
Major: Education Studies; Multilingual Education
Driven | Selfless | Outspoken
Alejandro 鈥淎lex鈥 Salas is a sophomore majoring in education studies with a focus on multilingual education at the 91探花, who is driven by a deep commitment to advancing equity for multilingual and immigrant students. As a first-generation college student whose first language is Spanish, Alex brings lived experience to his academic work and to his advocacy for more inclusive educational systems.
At the 91探花, Alex co-founded Bilingual Futures, a research and advocacy initiative examining bilingual education in Seattle Public Schools. He also serves as Vice President of the SeaTac LULAC chapter and works as the Events Programming Intern with the AS 91探花Latine Student Commission. Through these roles, he combines research, leadership, and community engagement to strengthen learning environments and expand access to effective dual-language programs.
Alex鈥檚 dedication is rooted in his own experience as a multilingual learner (MLL) and in the challenges of being the first in his family to attend college. He aspires to become a bilingual educator who empowers students, honors their linguistic and cultural identities, and expands equitable opportunities for all learners.
Alex鈥檚 leadership, advocacy, and commitment to educational justice embody the qualities celebrated in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Alex鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淏e of use and make real change.鈥
Amor Campos
She/Her
Vice President鈥檚 Achievement Award Scholar
Major: Social Welfare, Public Health
Outgoing | Loving | Resilient
Amor Campos is a first-generation transfer student majoring in social welfare and public health at 91探花. Amor brings warmth, resilience and a deep commitment to community care to everything she does.
Amor balances academics, part-time work and family responsibilities with support from TRIO Student Support Services, the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center and the Educational Talent Search program. These programs have provided community, mentorship, academic guidance and affirming spaces that have strengthened Amor鈥檚 confidence, persistence and personal growth.
In addition to her studies, Amor volunteers as a coach for the Kamiak High School girls wrestling team and supports women overcoming abuse and exploitation, grounding her leadership in compassion, advocacy and empowerment. She hopes to pursue a career in social work and healthcare focused on creating safe, equitable environments where vulnerable individuals can rebuild their lives.
Amor鈥檚 resilience, compassion and unwavering dedication to others reflect the excellence of an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Amor鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淵our past doesn鈥檛 dictate your future.鈥
Ashton Peshtony (Navajo)
he/him
Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Undergraduate Scholar
Major: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
Determined | Optimistic | Empathetic
Ashton Peshtony is a junior double-majoring in computer science and applied mathematics at the 91探花. Ashton is Navajo and committed to strengthening Indigenous representation in STEM. He supports peers through mentorship, community building and collaborative study spaces that help students navigate challenging technical coursework.
Ashton leads Black Lotus Computing, an independent student collective developing machine learning models for health applications, and volunteers with the 91探花Food Pantry, where he trains student staff and promotes equitable access to resources.
Supported by the Educational Opportunity Program, the Instructional Center and the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, Ashton has demonstrated resilience and leadership while balancing academic, personal and professional commitments. He hopes to pursue a career in software engineering focused on machine learning and bioengineering applications that improve healthcare outcomes.
Ashton鈥檚 determination, optimism and commitment to uplifting others reflect the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Ashton鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淟everage the impact of your experience.鈥
Brenna Crouse
she/her
Margo Wyckoff Distinguished Undergraduate Scholar
Major: Political Science
Minor: Law, Societies and Justice
Passionate | Strong | Resourceful
Brenna Crouse is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in law, societies and justice at the 91探花. As a first-generation student who grew up experiencing housing insecurity and living in shelters, Brenna was shaped by a family history marked by addiction and trauma. These early experiences strengthened her determination to break generational cycles and fueled her commitment to advocacy and systemic change.
Having navigated institutions like the legal system largely on her own, Brenna is driven to support others who face similar barriers and to inspire people to recognize their own power to create change. She is currently developing a research project proposal on post-abortion care aimed at informing and advancing future policy, and she hopes to publish research articles鈥攁nd eventually write a book鈥攖o expand public understanding of reproductive healthcare. Outside of her academic and advocacy work, Brenna has rescued four cats and finds joy in caring for animals of all kinds, from sheep to geckos.
Brenna鈥檚 strength, perspective, and unwavering commitment to justice exemplify the qualities celebrated in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Brenna鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淚f your morals don鈥檛 align with your actions, you鈥檒l never truly be happy.鈥
Caleb Durrance (Lipan Apache)
he/him
Emile Pitre Instructional Student Tutor Scholar
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Gritty | Empathetic | Funny
Caleb Durrance is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering at the 91探花. A member of the Lipan Apache Tribe, Caleb is committed to uplifting others through mentorship and community support, making an impact in educational spaces that support underrepresented students who have historically been excluded from STEM fields. The Instructional Center has been central to his success in his studies, offering patient guidance during challenging physics and engineering courses and providing the welcoming, steady help he needed to persevere. Now a tutor at the IC, Caleb gives back by supporting students who feel overwhelmed in demanding majors or STEM classes, ensuring they have the clarity and encouragement he once relied on.
Caleb contributes to research in Professor Dayong Gao鈥檚 cryopreservation and artificial organs lab and collaborates on design and testing through Husky Robotics. His leadership extends to his fraternity鈥檚 executive board, where he mentors new members and fosters a supportive community. In the future, he would like to continue his research, pursue graduate school, and help people.
Caleb鈥檚 resilience, empathy and dedication to expanding access to STEM learning and his academic achievements embody the excellence of an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Caleb鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淜eep your head up, reach out & grow.鈥
Crystal Espinoza-Baeza
she/her
William P. and Ruth Gerberding Endowed EOP Scholar
Major: Psychology and Education, Communities and Organizations
Positive | Compassionate | Persevering
Crystal Espinoza-Baeza is a sophomore double-majoring in psychology and education and communities and organizations at the 91探花. A first-generation college student, Crystal has found mentorship, academic guidance and graduate school preparation through the McNair Scholars Program and OMA&D student programs. Crystal credits the McNair program with strengthening her confidence, voice and research aspirations.
Growing up in a Latinx farm-working community shaped her commitment to expanding higher education access and addressing systemic inequities through research and policy. On campus, Crystal serves as Co-Event Coordinator for M.E.Ch.A and Executive Director of Recruitment and Retention for Oak Hall. She is also an active member of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in school psychology and build a career centered on data-driven approaches that improve student well-being and academic achievement in underserved communities.
Crystal鈥檚 compassion, determination and dedication to educational equity reflect the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Crystal鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淩ejection is redirection.鈥
Diyanah Tribble
she/her
Sea Mar Community Health Center 鈥 Coordinated Care Scholar
Major: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
Confident | Empathetic | Loving
Diyanah Tribble is a junior majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology at the 91探花 with aspirations of becoming a pediatric dentist. As a first鈥慻eneration student from a single鈥憄arent household, she has balanced demanding coursework with significant family responsibilities, building resilience, independence and a strong sense of purpose.
On campus, Diyanah serves as Social Committee Chair for Delta Epsilon Mu, is an active member of Sigma Psi Zeta and volunteers at the Seattle Humane Shelter, grounding her leadership in compassion and community care. Through the Instructional Center, the Educational Opportunity Program and the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSMAP) program, she has found mentorship, academic support and a community that has strengthened her confidence and inspired her commitment to helping others navigate barriers in education and healthcare. Dedicated to expanding access to oral health, Diyanah hopes to attend dental school and provide compassionate, bilingual care for underserved communities.
Diyanah鈥檚 empathy, leadership and determination reflect the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Diyanah鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淣ever lose your ability to express yourself artistically.鈥
鈥淟ead with your heart.鈥
Franck Kepnang
he/him
91探花Athletics Scholar
Graduate Student in Information Management
Resilient | Vision-Driven | Community-Focused
Originally from Yaound茅, Cameroon, Franck Kepnang is a graduate student in information management at the 91探花 and a Husky men鈥檚 basketball center. After earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in geography with a focus on data science, he continued his studies, pursuing a master’s degree centered in information management.
Franck鈥檚 journey reflects years of determination, from adjusting to life far from home to overcoming major athletic injuries while balancing rigorous academics. With a passion for using technology to uplift others, he hopes to become a robotics engineer to develop tools that improve the lives of children in underserved communities.
Deeply committed to service, Franck leads youth-focused community initiatives, supports efforts addressing housing insecurity and founded a philanthropic organization that provides support to children in Cameroon.
Franck鈥檚 perseverance, generosity and dedication to uplifting communities embody the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Franck鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淜nowing that I put some good into the world鈥 that I鈥檓 helping people and giving back. That鈥檚 my ultimate life goal.鈥
Gael Malamalama Chun-Rivas (Native Hawaiian)
he/him
Gary D. Kimura Family EOP Scholar
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Minor: Business Administration
Diligent | Detail-Oriented | Spiritual
Gael Malamalama Chun-Rivas is a junior majoring in electrical and computer engineering with a minor in business administration at the 91探花. A Native Hawaiian scholar, Gael blends engineering, cultural stewardship and community leadership in ways that honor his identity and the communities that shaped him.
He serves as the Electrical Team Lead for SuperSurya Solar Research and as cultural chair for Hui Hoaloha 鈥楿lana, helping cultivate spaces that uplift Native Hawaiian identity and connection. Previously, he led Engineers Without Borders鈥 Alaska Project, collaborating with a Native community navigating environmental challenges and deepening his commitment to community-centered sustainability.
Gael credits the Educational Opportunity Program, the Instructional Center and the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center with providing mentorship, academic support and a strong sense of belonging. Guided by his values and responsibility to Hawai鈥榠, he hopes to create sustainable technologies for island communities.
Gael鈥檚 dedication to cultural stewardship, sustainability and community-rooted leadership reflects the excellence embodied in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Gael鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淔ollow your moral path regardless of success or money.鈥
Joy Oluwaleye
she/her
Murray, Pitre, Baker & Rosebaugh Scholar
Major: Biology (Physiology), Spanish
Minor: Global Health
Adaptable | Patient | Curious
Joy Oluwaleye is a junior student double-majoring in biology (physiology) and Spanish with a minor in global health at the 91探花. As a first-generation Nigerian American student, Joy is committed to advancing community health by bridging cultural and language gaps in Latino communities. Her dedication grew from years of studying Spanish and building meaningful connections with Latinx families, as well as navigating a significant medical hardship during study abroad in Spain that strengthened her resilience and purpose.
Joy contributes to academic community-building as a Peer Facilitator for BIO 118 and is actively involved in MAPS, AMWA, 91探花Street Medicine and Spanish Club. These roles have deepened her passion for culturally informed healthcare and strengthened her leadership in service-focused spaces. Joy plans to take a gap year to gain additional global and community health experience before pursuing medical school.
Joy鈥檚 adaptability, resilience, and commitment to equity reflect the excellence of an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Joy鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淧lans are made to be broken.鈥
Keli鈥榠 Cheers (Native Hawaiian)
he/him
Dr. Gabriel Gallardo Recognition Scholar
Major: Biology and Social Work
Optimistic | Energetic | Community鈥慏riven
Keli鈥榠 Cheers is a sophomore student double-majoring in biology and social work, who is committed to uplifting and advocating for Pacific Islander communities. Navigating financial and academic challenges as a first鈥慻eneration student, Keli鈥檌 has built a strong sense of purpose rooted in service, culture and collective well鈥慴eing.
A Native Hawaiian student, Keli鈥榠 serves as cultural chair for Hui Hoaloha 鈥楿lana, where he helps strengthen Native Hawaiian community on campus, and works as a student research assistant with Ola Pasifika, contributing to projects focused on Pacific Islander health justice. His experiences working with AlohaCare and volunteering at the Husky Food Pantry have deepened his dedication to reducing health disparities for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) families.
Keli鈥榠 aims to become a pediatric physician and community researcher who integrates cultural knowledge with health advocacy.
Keli鈥橧鈥檚 optimism, leadership and commitment to equity reflect the excellence of an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Keli’i鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淩ooted in customs and traditions.鈥
鈥淚 ka w膩 ma mua, ka w膩 ma hope.鈥 (The future is in the past)
Lou Le
They/Them
Michael and Susan Peskura Endowed Scholar
Major: History
Tenacious | Angry | Funny
Lou Le is a first-generation college student and a junior majoring in history with honors at the 91探花. Lou鈥檚 educational journey is shaped by resilience, curiosity and a deep commitment to community care. Early college years marked by isolation and mental health challenges led Lou to the Educational Opportunity Program and the Instructional Center, where mentorship and shared academic struggles helped them build confidence, belonging and meaningful friendships.
Lou volunteers with the U-District Food Bank and supports community fundraising tied to global humanitarian causes. Their academic interests focus on the social thought of twentieth-century America, and they plan to pursue a doctorate degree before becoming a high school social studies teacher dedicated to increasing access to transformative learning in underserved communities.
Lou鈥檚 tenacity, critical awareness and dedication to creating supportive spaces for others embody the purpose and excellence of an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Lou鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淪tay angry.鈥
Makhari Seraile
he/him
Penton Mondin Family Endowed Fund Scholar
Major: Sociology
Minor: Psychology
Hard-working | Patient | Persistent
Makhari Seraile is a junior who is deeply committed to understanding and supporting diverse communities. It is this passion that informs his major in sociology and intended minor in psychology at the 91探花. As a transfer student, Makhari leaned on Educational Opportunity Program鈥檚 academic advising team to navigate the transition to the 91探花. Their guidance helped him rebuild confidence during a period shaped by personal loss and mental-health challenges and encouraged him to embrace his own resilience.
Motivated by these experiences, Makhari advocates for first-generation, low-income and neurodiverse students and works to expand access to mental-health resources that honor students鈥 lived experiences. Collaboration comes naturally to him; he brings empathy, clear communication, and a steady presence to group work. Outside the classroom, he practices Judo, a discipline that sharpens his focus, patience, and respect for others. Looking ahead, Makhari intends to pursue a career in social work, designing mental-health programs for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Makhari鈥檚 compassion, leadership and dedication to inclusive community-building exemplify the qualities honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Makhari鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淚t鈥檚 okay to step away to take care of your mental health.鈥
Malia Callier
she/her
President鈥檚 Achievement Award Scholar
Major: Microbiology
Curious | Helpful | Hopeful
Malia Callier is a senior majoring in microbiology at the 91探花 and the first in her family to attend a four-year university. She aspires to pursue medical and doctorate degrees to become a physician-scientist studying neurodegenerative diseases and microbes that affect the nervous system. Malia balances rigorous STEM coursework, research in the Davis Lab and family responsibilities, supporting both her mother and younger sister while maintaining a deep commitment to her academic and career goals.
Malia has built mentorship, confidence, and community through the Instructional Center, the Educational Opportunity Program, and the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center. Malia also develops her leadership through the Wesley Club Campus Ministry and Panther Lake Community Church, where she supports and uplifts those around her. Dedicated to increasing representation of Black women in STEM, Malia mentors students of color and works to foster inclusive scientific spaces.
Malia鈥檚 curiosity, service and perseverance reflect the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Malia鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淔ail fast and figure it out.鈥 and 鈥淲e, not me.鈥
Penelope Antoine (Okanogan, Arrow Lakes)
she/her
Lawson Family Scholarship for Tribal Members Scholar
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: American Indian Studies, Leadership
Passionate | Sensitive | Deep Thinker
Penelope Antoine is an Okanogan and Arrow Lakes descendant and a junior majoring in environmental studies at the 91探花. Penelope鈥檚 academic journey is grounded in cultural identity, land stewardship and Indigenous sovereignty. Her connection to the land informs her studies and fuels her commitment to environmental justice. Throughout her time at the 91探花, Penelope has found guidance and community among American Indian Studies faculty and tribal networks on campus, support that has strengthened her resilience and academic engagement while navigating significant health challenges.
Penelope鈥檚 leadership extends to the annual Sinixt Canoe Journey, where she helps retrace ancestral riverways, advocate for tribal sovereignty and foster environmental stewardship rooted in cultural practice. She also uses photojournalism as a form of storytelling to bridge people and place, elevate Indigenous voices and inspire environmental awareness. Penelope aims to pursue graduate studies focused on Indigenous-led conservation, salmon restoration and culturally grounded approaches to sustainability.
Penelope鈥檚 passion, thoughtfulness and dedication to community reflect the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Penelope鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淵ou have unique perspective 鈥 your biggest weakness can end up being your greatest strength.鈥
Rachael Lyne Gurwan Tamngin
she/her
Graduate Student Equity & Excellence Scholar
Doctoral Student in Sociocultural Anthropology
Attentive | Kind | Steadfast
Rachael Tamngin is a doctoral student in sociocultural anthropology at the 91探花 and a first-generation college student committed to advancing equity in higher education. As a graduate staff assistant in the Office of Graduate Student Equity & Excellence, she supports initiatives that strengthen belonging, inclusion and academic success for underrepresented graduate students.
Rachael also serves as a co-facilitator of Research Family, a Pacific Islander-led research group through the Burke Museum, where she helps cultivate community, mentorship and collaborative learning. Throughout her academic journey, she has worked to create supportive environments where students feel empowered to pursue research, navigate graduate school and see their cultural knowledge as an intellectual strength. Her leadership is rooted in service, representation and a deep commitment to uplifting others.
Rachael鈥檚 compassion, perseverance and dedication to community reflect the excellence honored as a Graduate Student Equity & Excellence Scholar.
Rachael鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淐hoices can change, do what you love.鈥
Thea Bui
she/her
Margaret Mihelich Croy Scholar
Major: Biochemistry
Lighthearted | Spontaneous | Cheerful
Thea Bui is a junior majoring in biochemistry and balances her demanding coursework with work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and babysitter, Thea demonstrates resilience, compassion and an unwavering commitment to supporting others. She has participated in graduate-level research on mammalian mandibles and protein mechanisms, including studies involving PMPLE protein, with the goal of improving access to treatments for diseases such as cancer.
Her dedication to community service is evident through her volunteer work as a hospital and clinic interpreter, preschool assistant and founder of a Chinese-English tutoring program that supports underserved students. Inspired by personal loss and life challenges, Thea approaches both science and everyday interactions with empathy, optimism and purpose. She is also fluent in Vietnamese, Mandarin and Spanish. Thea aims to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist who integrates research, clinical care and advocacy to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
Thea鈥檚 curiosity, compassion and drive reflect the excellence honored in an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Thea鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淐heck in and take care of each other.鈥
Yalda Shiwan
she/her
Wells Fargo Endowed Fund Scholar
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Environmental Science
Resilient | Disciplined | Hard-Working
Yalda Shiwan is a junior and first-generation college student majoring in biochemistry with a minor in environmental science at the 91探花. Yalda brings determination, curiosity, and compassion to her academic and community work. She conducts undergraduate research at Harborview Medical Center, studying neurological processes in mouse brains and gaining experience that strengthens her interest in medicine and neuroscience.
Beyond her research, Yalda plays an active role in strengthening student belonging as a founding member of the Afghanistan Student Union, where she helps build community, cultural visibility and support for Afghan students on campus. Her journey has been shaped by programs such as TRIO Student Support Services, the Educational Opportunity Program, and the Instructional Center. These programs have provided mentorship, academic guidance and a community that has supported her persistence through rigorous coursework and family responsibilities. Yalda aims to attend medical school and become a neurologist dedicated to improving patient care in underserved communities.
Yalda鈥檚 resilience, empathy, discipline and commitment to uplifting others reflect the excellence of an EOP Recognition Scholar.
Yalda鈥檚 Motivation: 鈥淪eek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.鈥