Our Spiders have a reputation of being passionate and driven when it comes to pursuing their academic interests. It should come as no surprise that their hard work has been getting recognized through a growing number of awards and scholarships. 

Najwa Labban, ’19, is a perfect example, because as a biochemistry and Arabic double-major and a mathematics minor (got all that?), she’s the newest recipient of the Beckman Foundation Scholarship. These prestigious scholarships are awarded to students who show commitment to research and have strong academic records, as well as the potential to be a leader in the scientific community.

Under the mentorship of chemistry professors Julie Pollock and Mike Leopold, Labban’s research focuses on the development of biosensors that monitor levels of different chemicals to detect diseases like prostate cancer and sepsis. The scholarship supports Labban’s research for two summers and the 2018-19 academic year.

After graduation, Labban hopes to get an M.D./P.h.D. in biochemistry to pursue higher education. Pollock said that she could see Labban in an academic hospital.

“She’s also a phenomenal teacher," Pollock said. "She’s going to make an impact both in the research and the treatment side of things with patients in the future, but I think she also has the potential to do it in an academic setting where she’s teaching the next generation."

Congratulations, Najwa! With your accomplishments so far, we can’t wait to see where your ambition takes you next.