College of Science President’s Scholars are Ready to Serve the Community

KHADIJA SHAFIQ

The President’s Scholars are not only exceptional students, they’re committed to serving others.

Khadija Shafiq is a fourth-year, biotechnology major, president of the Science Council, a learning assistant for organic chemistry courses, and a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholarship (LSAMP) recipient.

Shafiq developed an interest in science in high school when she realized biology could be a way for her to serve underserved minorities. “I really wanted to study something that would help a larger population and have a direct impact,” Shafiq said. While attending the Science Research Symposium her first year, she was introduced to students working in Professor Emerita Jill Adler-Moore’s lab and became fascinated with drug discovery research and the biotechnology program.

Shafiq was encouraged by a fellow student in her organic chemistry class to get involved and become a learning assistant since she excelled at explaining concepts to others.

“What keeps me motivated is seeing the change I am implementing. Anything from seeing a student understand a concept they were struggling with to seeing larger turnouts for science council events reminds me that I can make a difference,” said Shafiq.

Shafiq said that “Adler-Moore’s commitment to students inspired me to give back to underserved students.” Shafiq is pursuing a career as a professor while conducting research that fascinates her.

BRANDON PHAM

Brandon Pham is a fourth-year, biochemistry student whose passion for science also began in high school from hands-on labs in biology and chemistry. Pham began his college career as a computer science student but changed his major when he took a chemistry class and realized he missed lab experiments and the interactions they provided. During the summer of his first year he decided to pursue dentistry.

Upon joining the Pre-Dental Society club, Pham participated in a California Dental Association event in Anaheim that provides dental care to people in the community who don’t have access to proper dental care. Pham said “I worked as an x-ray computer operator and I learned a lot from the experience. I really want to give back to the community.” After graduating in May 2020 and attending dental school, Pham wants to work in a clinic to gain patient experience and is looking to join the military as a dentist.

“A friend of mine is in a program with the navy and I looked into it. I am very thankful for the freedom, rights and responsibilities I have now and want to give back to the country,” said Pham.

 

AARON ANGEL 

Aaron Angel studied zoology as an undergraduate at Cal Poly Pomona and is currently a biology master’s student studying ecotoxicology.

Angel originally became interested in learning about pollutants from her volunteer work with a nonprofit organization called Planet Rehab. Professor Kristopher Lappin provided field trips and hands-on experience that sparked her interest in field work with animals.

“I didn’t want to just sit around and complain. I wanted to get out there and make a difference,” said Angel. “I want to have an understanding of the chemicals and their effect on the environment but also have the ability to help the animals that are affected.” 

After leaving CPP, Angel wants to work as a scientist alongside legislators that advocate for environmental action. Even though Angel is occupied with her studies, research and pursuit of doctoral programs, she is a part of the Research Scholar Association on campus that pairs undergraduate students with mentors to help them with academic and career advice.

“The mentorship from professors really had a huge impact on where I am today and I want to do the same thing for other people,” said Angel.

CPP prepares students to take the knowledge and experience they gain and use it to benefit their community and the world. Albert Einstein once said, “there's a little ‘save the world’ in all of you,” and that rings true in the College of Science.

Applications for the 2020 President's Scholarship are open through February 21, 2020.

Undergraduate Application 

Graduate Application