February 23, 2023

Congratulations to Drexel's 2023 nominees for the Truman Scholarship!

The Truman Scholarship recognizes undergraduate juniors committed to careers in service of the public interest by providing them with mentorship, professional development through a summer internship program, and funding for graduate school. These three students were selected to represent Drexel University in the national Truman Scholarship competition. We wish them the best of luck!

Sky Harper, chemistry '24

Sky Harper is a third-year student at Drexel University pursuing a BS in chemistry. After graduation, he plans to enter an MD/PhD program and delve into translational and clinical research on external and internal factors that contribute to healthcare disparities and limitations in low-resource communities. He is the President of Drexel Indigenous Students of the Americas and is involved around campus in different capacities. He is working with the USDA-ARS as a researcher. He has had the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. Hai-Feng Ji on polymers and Dr. John Medaglia in the Cognitive Neuroengineering and Wellbeing Laboratory and will be joining Dr. Bouchard's lab during the spring.

Sky is a first-generation Navajo student from Chinle, Arizona and his goal is to show his five younger brothers that it is possible to succeed in whatever field you pursue. He would like to thank his mom and dad for their support throughout his life and for always being invested in his and his brother's education. Sky has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College through the Honors Program, STAR Scholars, Aspire, Scholars, Supernova Undergraduate Research Fellows, and fellowships advising. He hopes to write for Dr. Melinda Lewis before graduation!

Rida Memon, global studies '24

Rida Memon is a fourth-year undergraduate student on track to graduate with Honors with Distinction from the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. She is pursuing a degree in global studies with a concentration in global justice and human rights and with minors in Spanish, law, and political science. She is currently the Global Studies and Modern Languages Representative for the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board at Drexel. After graduating, she hopes to go to law school and help vulnerable populations in the community.

Anna Vallarta, biological sciences '24

Anna Vallarta is a third-year biology major and music theory and composition minor at Drexel. She aims to pursue an MD with a focus in LGBTQ and transgender healthcare. She has done work at Rutgers University, assisting with the J&J COVID-19 vaccine trial, and has assisted Dr. Gadegbeku at DUCOM with a community COVID-19 testing site in 2021. Recently, she has traveled to Guatemala and has volunteered helping local healthcare professionals there.

Anna has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College through the Honors Program and the Aspire Scholars Program.

Special thanks to the members of Drexel’s 2023 Truman Campus Committee, who worked with Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs to review applications, conduct interviews, and advise our nominees on their applications:

David Brown, PhD, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Politics
Travis Curtice, PhD, Assistant Professor of Politics
Andrew Zitcer, PhD, Associate Professor of Arts Administration and Museum Leadership and Director of the Urban Strategy program

The Truman Scholarship is a highly prestigious national program that supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to careers in public service, including education and non-profit sectors. Since its creation in 1975, the Foundation has supported over 3,300 Truman Scholars who are making a difference in all corners of the nation and around the globe.

For more information, visit the Truman Foundation website or contact UREP at fellowships@drexel.edu.