The Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS Science Scholarship committee has announced Iliana Acevedo as the recipient of their 2023-2024 award. Acevedo, a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), stood out among numerous qualified applicants for her exceptional academic performance, community involvement, and financial need.
Acevedo is pursuing a double major in Biology and Anthropology on the premedical track. Her academic pursuits are driven by a desire to address healthcare disparities and increase diversity in the medical field. She aims to use her education to overcome obstacles faced by minorities in healthcare and guide the next generation of medical professionals.
Beyond her academic achievements, Acevedo’s commitment to community service played a significant role in her selection. As a member of the Emergency Support Team (EST) at WashU, she serves as an EMT providing free 24/7 care to her peers. Acevedo has taken on leadership roles within EST, including designing the interview process for new technicians and becoming a CPR instructor.
Notably, Acevedo has initiated a pilot program offering CPR classes in Spanish to address health disparities in Hispanic communities. Her efforts, along with her team’s, have contributed to WashU being named a Heart Safe Campus and receiving the Missouri Public Health Association Award.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, the scholarship’s founder, expressed his enthusiasm for the high caliber of applicants and congratulated Acevedo on her outstanding application. The scholarship aims to support students in science fields, recognizing the competitive nature of these disciplines and the importance of financial assistance in achieving educational goals.
Upon receiving the award, Acevedo stated, ‘I feel very fortunate to have people like Dr. Kezian believe in me. With this scholarship, I am able to continue pursuing my dreams of becoming the first physician in my family. Someday I hope to be in a similar position where I can give back to students like this.’
The impact of this scholarship extends beyond financial support. It allows recipients like Acevedo to focus more intently on their studies and volunteer work, crucial components in developing well-rounded healthcare professionals. This aligns with Dr. Kezian’s vision of fostering individual accomplishment and emphasizing the significance of higher education in the sciences.
The Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS Science Scholarship will continue to be awarded annually, with the next application cycle opening for the 2024-2025 academic year. Prospective applicants can find information on requirements and the application process on the official scholarship website.
This scholarship program highlights the ongoing need for support in science education, particularly for students who demonstrate academic excellence, community engagement, and financial need. By investing in students like Acevedo, the scholarship contributes to the development of future leaders in healthcare and scientific research, potentially leading to advancements that could benefit society as a whole.
As the healthcare industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, initiatives like the Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS Science Scholarship play a crucial role in nurturing talent and promoting diversity in the field. The success of recipients like Iliana Acevedo serves as an inspiration to other aspiring scientists and healthcare professionals, demonstrating the positive impact of community support and investment in education.
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