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Advancing Women in Science 2022 Scholars

The Advancing Women in Science Scholarship (AWS) demonstrates the commitment of the College of Science to increase the representation and advancement of women in science majors and careers. Eligible candidates include full-time undergraduate women enrolled in the college. As part of the Advancing Women in Science community, scholarship recipients participate in quarterly meetings with a cohort of fellow awardees focused on professional development and mentoring skills.  

This year, five outstanding women are 2022 AWS scholars! Congratulations to the following students:  

Kianna Cabral 

kianna cabral

Cabral is a dual Physics and Mathematics major from the Cape Verdean Islands. She’s involved with Northeastern’s STEMpower, the Association for Women in Math student chapter, and the College of Science Student Diversity Advisory Council. Cabral plans to graduate in May 2024. 

Rishitha Kudaravalli 

Rishitha Kudaravalli

Kudaravalli is a Behavioral Neuroscience major from New York. At Northeastern, she serves on the Emergency Medical Services (NUEMS) e-board and is a member of the Mural Club. She’s also a research assistant with the Northeastern Learning and Brain Development Lab. Kudaravalli works at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as a Patient Care Technician. She plans to graduate in May 2024. 

“I plan to use the award to continue my work at the Learning and Brain Development Lab and expand my role in NUEMS. In addition, I hope to establish a student-run ambulance on campus,” says Kudaravalli.

Kimi Nguyen 

kimi nguyen

Nguyen is a Mathematics major involved with the Asian Student Union, Asian Community Development Corporation, Bridge to Calculus, and the Northeastern Math Club. She plans to graduate in May 2025. 

 “My goal is to find an undergraduate math research opportunity without worrying about my financial responsibilities. I also plan to use my award to dive deeper into my current and past courses,” says Nguyen. “I want to refresh the content and truly understand all sides rather than just enough to pass a quiz. I’m currently in Cambodia as a Leadership Resident with a local NGO. During this experience, I hope to teach my students the beauty of math, how math came to be, and why math is important.” 

Chikamadu Okafor 

Chikamadu Okafor

Okafor is a Behavioral Neuroscience major from Massachusetts. Outside of the classroom, she is involved with Northeastern’s Black Student Association and the Minority Association of PreHealth Students. She is also involved with Northeastern’s African Student Organization, currently serving as events coordinator and their secretary previously. She plans to graduate in May 2024. 

“As an aspiring physician, I hope to use this award to participate in the Dialogue of Civilizations: Health Systems, Services, and Education in Ghana. I want to gain first-hand knowledge about how public health in one of West Africa’s most populous countries is shaped by the state of medical facilities, training institutions, and government policies,” says Okafor. 

Stephanie Yee 

stephanie yee

Yee is a Linguistics and Psychology major from Connecticut. She’s involved with multiple clubs and organizations, including Survivor Northeastern, Northeastern Wind Ensemble, and Northeastern Concert Band. She plans to graduate in May 2024.  

 “I plan to use the award to fund new research and global opportunities,” says Yee. 

“We are so excited to have awarded our second cohort of AWS Scholars to such accomplished and promising women scientists,” says Randall Hughes, Associate Dean for Equity. “These newly awarded Scholars were invited to join the inaugural scholars, Lauren Glupe (Behavioral Neuroscience), Emily Nason (Mathematics), and Anika Padin (Applied Physics), Associate Director of Academic Programming Linda Ayrapetov, and myself for a recent reception that highlighted the value of having a cohort of fellow scholars from across the College of Science. We look forward to helping them realize their plans for their scholarship funds in the coming year!”

Are you interested in supporting the Advancement of Women in Science Fund? Contact Kevin Thompson, Associate Dean of Development, College of Science, [email protected], 617-373-7686. 

Behavioral Neuroscience
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology