BHC Inspire: Q&A with Latifah Maasarani, '19

What was your major and what organizations were you a part of?
I graduated with a B.S. in Photonic Science and Engineering, and was president of the Society of Optics Students for two consecutive years from 2016-2018.
What prestigious scholarships did you receive while a student at UCF?
In May 2016, just before transferring to UCF, I was awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, which contributes up to $40,000 a year for up to three years. That paid for my full cost of attendance at UCF. In 2018, I received the Astronaut Scholarship, worth $10,000 toward my 2018-19 academic year. At UCF, I was also a recipient of the 2018 UCF Founders’ Day award on behalf of CREOL, and the 2019 Order of Pegasus award.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZOsn535vUA

Receiving these scholarships granted me access to groups of students which have motivated me more than I ever could have myself. Being surrounded by many high-achieving students across the nation – including the Burnett Honors College, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and Astronaut Scholarship Foundation – continually gives me the strength to work lengthy hours to achieve the goals I have set for myself. Every student I have encountered in these scholarship programs has big dreams, goals and aspirations, which would seem impossible to accomplish alone. However, what these scholarships programs have offered us all is access to the right opportunities at the right time, so that together we can change the world.
What do you plan to do now that you’ve graduated?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering at Duke University. I will conduct translational research by developing low-cost biophotonic point-of-care systems that detect and monitor various diseases, while simultaneously collaborating with life science researchers to provide disease treatment options. Subsequently, I intend to lead a biomedical startup company to create accessible healthcare solutions.

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