Cohort 1
FLi Sci Scholars

JAYLENE FRANCISCO
Scholar
My name is Jaylene Francisco, and I am from Washington Heights. I currently am a senior at Manhattan Village Academy.
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I am currently interested in nursing. As I got older, I learned about high maternal mortality rates among women of color. This encouraged me to want to pursue a career in nursing, specializing in prenatal and midwifery care. I want to be a changemaker in healthcare for women of color. As we deal with this pandemic, I have felt the need to educate myself further and understand the issues that closely affect my community and womanhood. Healthcare is the platform that will allow me to create my version of changing the world.
Starting Fall 2021, Jessica will be attending NYU.

JESSICA GIANG
Scholar
Jessica Giang is from New York City and currently attends All City Leadership Secondary School in Brooklyn, NY.
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Right now, she is most interested in studying Electrical Engineering and doing research in college. In the future, she hopes to be able to do research in a lab, learn about the role of Embedded Systems in research, and pursue a profession in either medicine or engineering
Starting Fall 2021, Jessica will be attending MIT as a QuestBridge Scholar.

LUCIA FLORES
Scholar
Lucia is currently a junior at Marble Hill High School for International Studies interested in pursuing a career in psychology.
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They are a Mexican-American and am interested in pursuing a career in psychology. Although not too sure which branch of psychology they want to pursue, Lucia know that she wants to focus on educational opportunities for underserved or marginalized groups.

RUTH KENDALL
Scholar
I am a 17 year old Queens native with a Middle Eastern/Egyptian background that is passionate about pursuing a neuroscience degree.
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I am a proud Muslim who is passionate about normalizing the religious community through the removal of common stigmas. Apart from this, I am also an Opportunity Network Fellow (class of 2025) and a strong student that strives to learn through an interdisciplinary approach. I am particularly interested in global health and lessening the differences of the population of underserved children through academic aid (have bilingually tutored throughout NYC). Lastly, my identity directly coincides with being the son of immigrants and am intent on pursuing STEM as a means to help.
Beginning in Fall 2021, Ruth will begin her college studies at Smith College.

SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ
Scholar
My name is Samantha Rodriguez and I am a current senior at All City Leadership Secondary School.
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I am interested in scientific research, more specifically I am interested in the study of genetics as well as cellular and molecular biology. I have recently been awarded the Posse full-tuition scholarship for DePauw University where I will be able to further my education and experience with research environments. I hope to attend graduate school and complete a doctorate program before I’m 28 so that I may be settled into a satisfying career by the age of 30. I’m eager to pursue a career in genetic or environmental research and utilize my education to its fullest.
Samantha was named a 2020 Posse Scholar and will be attending DePauw University starting Fall 2021.

YOUSSF HEGAZY
Scholar
Youssf Hegazy has an Egyptian background, but resides in Queens, NY. He is currently a senior at the Academy of Finance and Enterprise.
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Youssf is most interested in neuroscience and cognitive sciences, as well as chemistry and biology. He plans to study pursue a medical education and matriculate as a physician.
Starting Fall 2021, Youssf will be attending Columbia University on a QuestBridge College Match Scholarship.

AFSANA AYSHI
Scholar
Afsana is from Bangladesh and is attending Hillside Arts and Letters Academy.
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She is currently interested in Chemistry + Mathematics and wants to be doctor in future to provide lower resourced communities with healthcare advice and treatments.
Starting in Fall 2021, Afsana will begin at City University of New York Macaulay Honors College.