BOSTER SCHOLARSHIP

Boster Scholarship Recipients 2020

Celine D. Nguyen

B.S. Biochemistry and Cell Biology Major - Rice University Class of 2022 - Rice Alliance for Mental Health Awareness College Representative

"Congratulations to Celine Nyugen for receiving the Boster Scholarship of 2020! On behalf of the scholarship committee, I have to admit that this was a difficult choice as there were so many outstanding applications from candidates who are, without a doubt, exceptional individuals. 

Most candidates have demonstrated amazing characters and aspirations in their applications. Celine, however, stood out from her peers with her actions. The amount of academic research and medical/psychiatry shadowing she has done is impressive for someone who just graduated from high school. The recommendations from the colleagues she has worked with drew a vivid persona imagery of talent, grit, and maturity. All these merits suggest that Celine will likely achieve her goals in life, in addition to talking about them passionately. We are glad to have witnessed her achievements in life. We are honored to get the chance to propel her trajectory, even though just by a little bit. 

Again, congratulations to Celine and best luck to her pursuit at RICE University!"

CJ Xia | VP of Marketing and Sales

Levi Miedema

B.S. Biology/B.A. Spanish - Rice University Class of 2022 - Wheaton College

"Congratulations to Levi Miedema on receiving the Boster Bio Scholarship award. This year, we received applications from many outstanding individuals. The majority of our candidates expressed strong interest in the biomedical field and aspirations to serve others. Selecting only 2 candidates from a pool of highly qualified individuals was a challenging task. 

In this selection process, we were considering multiple criteria: proven interest in research, academic performance, aspirations, dedication to achieve professional goals and how the goal would serve the well-being of others. The application from Levi Miedema stood out from the group. Every submitted document told us a story of his life, helping us understand Levi as a person, his goals and drivers behind them. We were impressed with the level of maturity and self awareness, clarity of his professional and personal path, and commitment to serve others. These are especially remarkable to notice in a young individual. Levi’s life story is well supported by choices he made and actions he undertook. His level of dedication to the needs of others is extraordinary: Spanish Children’s Ministry Program, School leader, Volunteer at the hospital etc. We have no doubt that Levi would be able to achieve his aspirations and positively contribute to society. We are honored to be able to support Levi to follow his path.

Again, congratulations and all the best at Wheaton College!"

Dr. Lana Oksenenko | Boster Scholarship Review Board and Management Team

Boster Scholarship Recipients 2021

Anne Gao

"Congratulations to Anne Gao on receiving The Summer 2021 Boster Bio Scholarship award.

2021 was a record year in applications we have received and the quality of our applicants. All who applied exhibit proven interest in biomedical research and presented drivers to improve quality of lives via advancing biomedical sciences. Our Scholarship committee was puzzled to select only one scholarship recipient. In our selection process we looked at the following: proven interest in biomedical research, academic excellence, potencial to make impact in the field, scientific curiosity, dedication to the professional goals and level of the impact if these goals are realized. The application from Anne Gao was scored very highly in all categories. Each document submitted vividly illustrated Anne achievements, highlighted her goals, uncovered her drivers and passion to help others. Also we were impressed by Anne's maturity, motivation, work ethics and scientific curiosity. Our committee noticed the consistency of Anne's mission to serve others with actions she undertook. Here are some of her internship and volunteering roles: Public Health Ambassador, officer for the Rice Pre-Medical Society, music volunteer for patients at the Houston Methodist Hospital, a counselor in a camp for children with special needs, aprentor for Visalia Health Care Center, and a founding member of Rice’s Crochet Club. These are remarkable proof that Anne is driven by serving others both within and outside of the biomedical field. We feel privileged to support Anne in her journey as a scientist.

Congratulations on your Boster Bio Award and our best wishes on your future discoveries!"

Dr. Lana Oksenenko | Boster Scholarship Review Board and Management Team

Boster Scholarship Recipients 2022

Robert Hall

"We take the pleasure to congratulate Robert Hall for being chosen for our 2022 Boster Scholarship.

The applicant pool this year was particularly strong. All who applied exhibit proven interest in biomedical research and presented drivers to improve quality of lives via advancing biomedical sciences. It was difficult for our Scholarship to select only one scholarship recipient. In our selection process we looked at the following: proven interest in biomedical research, academic excellence, determination to the professional goals and perseverance in poor conditions. Among the applicants, Robert Hall stood out in these categories. He has faced negative circumstances including poverty and instability, which intensified into nonviolent felonies and incarcerations in his young adulthood. His background sets him at a distinct disadvantage—especially in STEM. But despite all the difficulties, his perseverance shows innovative self-determination, readily translatable to his academic goals.

We wish him good luck and hope this scholarship bolster his present and future participation in the dialogue of science."

Han Chow | Boster Scholarship Review Board and Management Team