I am a Strauss Scholarship Winner!

Major: Molecular and cell biology

College: Revelle

UC San Diego graduation year: 2023

How did you hear about the Strauss scholarship?
My adviser Dr. Sophia Tsai Neri through the Undergraduate Research Hub mentioned the Strauss scholarship to me and suggested that I apply. She helped connect me with Dr. David Artis who helped me throughout the application process.

What interested you in applying for it?
I have been interested in public service and was trying to find a program to help me develop that interest. Since I am Armenian, I have been on several medical service trips to Armenia, and I wanted to find some way to provide more service to the population.

How was the application process?
The application process was very new to me since I had not written a grant proposal before. I had to dig deep and figure out what I wanted my project to provide and which organizations I could use as a resource. Although it was very challenging to research all of the information and navigate what a grant proposal requires, it was extremely fulfilling to submit the final version to the Strauss committee. 

How has the scholarship benefited you?
The Strauss scholarship helped develop me as a person since it took me outside of my comfort zone. I am more confident in myself now that I've put on a year-long public service project by myself! It even helped reconnect me to my heritage when I lived in Armenia alone for 2 months. At the end of the year, during the conference where all of the Strauss scholars shared their projects, I was able to meet so many driven, compassionate young leaders!

What advice do you have for others interested in applying for this scholarship (or others)?
I would choose a project that you feel really passionately about! Definitely find a project adviser who has a lot of knowledge in the field that you are working in. Reach out to the advisers at URH who can help you get started! Set up a meeting with them and talk to them about what project you are considering. Check out the Strauss Scholarship website. They have a LOT of examples of past project proposals that can help you along the way.

What are you up to now?
I am finishing up my last quarter at UC San Diego. I work as an EMT doing interfacility transportation, and I'm working on my medical school apps.

What are your future plans?
I want to be a physician, so I plan on becoming a medical student for the next 4 years. During my gap year I am going to work as an EMT or a medical scribe!

Anything else you want to share?
In my free time, I love crocheting, traveling to state parks, hanging out with my friends, and learning Armenian!