East Bay AWIS: Scholarship

Heather Muhr is a student at Merritt Community College. She wants to become a physician. She most recently worked as a Physician's Assistant in obstetrics and gynecology serving uninsured and underserved women. She has previously worked as a health educator as well. Heather has a 3.4 GPA, and as one of her references commented, "Heather is intelligent, focused and very devoted to providing quality health care services to patients".

Ramona Espinoza attends both Laney and Vista Colleges. It has been challenging for Ramona to pursue her education while she works to support her family. In spite of that, she has an excellent GPA and has completed many of the toughest classes towards her AA degree in Biotechnology. She says she "found a lot of excitement and joy at learning anything new in this wonderful field". Her goal is to work in the field of biotechnology, particularly immunology and protein chemistry, when she graduates.

Nicole Myerscough is a student at Diablo Valley College. Nicole was in the Army and learned to detect and decontaminate nuclear, chemical and biological agents. Injuries sustained in an automobile accident ended her military career. She has a strong commitment to the environment and a lifestyle that reduces negative impacts on the environment. She works at Whole Foods, and has learned that "two of the most essential ingredients for preserving the world are education and teamwork". She hopes to pursue a career in environmental advocacy when she completes her studies in environmental sciences.

Naomi Decena a student at Vista Community College returned to complete her education after ten years as a loss prevention detective and a restaurant assistant manager. Her interests is in forensic science, and she hopes to assist with DNA analysis in crime labs in the East Bay.

Ruth Ann Wright was a respiratory therapist for 18 years. Her career was cut short when she developed a serious allergy to latex. Her goal when she completes her education at Vista Community College is to be a technical writer in life sciences. She is concurrently enrolled in Vista and several UC Extension courses.

Colleen Flanagan of Pleasant Hill, CA

Davina Chong of San Leandro, CA

Jessica Houser of Concord, CA (not present at Banquet)

Aisha Ayana Wright is a student of Vista Community College. Aisha has three young children, works full-time as a lab technician and still maintains a 3.31 GPA in a science curriculum. She also manages to make time to volunteer with the Glide foundation. She plans to transfer to Sacramento State and major in forensic science. One of her mentors commented "She is mature, focused in her goals and has a strong will to succeed."

Neelima Akkainapalli is a student at Merritt Community College. She wants to be a Physician's Assistant, so she has returned to college after a career in education. As a teacher, she served in the Peace Corps in Thailand and taught in elementary school for two years before deciding to enter the health care field. Neelima has a 3.67 GPA and was highly recommended by her instructors, "one of the best student," and previous by employeers.

Chelsey Van Scyoc, is a the mother of a 3 year old girl, and wants
to pursue her love of Earth Science by getting training in geographic
information systems and remote sensing. Her ultimate goal is a Masters in Natural Resources and an opportunity to teach. She currently works as a part-time tutor in Physical Sciences and is a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. One of Chelsey's instructors said "She is without a doubt, one of the very best students I have seen in my 20+ years of teaching".

Lisa Calderon, worked for an energy company, studying the effects of the methods used to cool the reactors on the populations of larval fish. This was the beginning of her interest in biochemistry and Oceans Science. Lisa hopes to study at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and knows she needs a strong background in chemistry, biology and engineering to meet her goals. She feels her success will be a role model for other women.
Her chemistry instructor said "Total immersion in working toward her goals best describes this charming young woman".

2001

Myrna Lynn Hutcherson a student at Diablo Valley College, has worked in the computer field for years, and currently serves as a math and science tutor at Diablo Valley College. After years of frustration, Myrna was diagnosed with a learning disability. She sought treatment and coaching, and joined a support group and now she has achieved a GPA of 3.47. Her goal is to earn a degree in Physical Oceanography and Meteorology, and to study the long-term effects of client systems on the Earth.

Van-Giang Nguyen-Pham is an attendee of Laney College
Tina Mattucci is an attendee of Diablo Valley College

Terri Gaines is an attendee of Vista College
Trang Lee is an attendee of Laney College

Sherifat Bello is a mother of 2 young children and is studying to become an RN.

1997

Maria Amiri continues her studies at Vista College.
Stephanie Powers is now in a science program at Santa Barbara Community College

1996
Maryam Rezapur is now a graduate of Vista College
Hazel Martinez is currently working at Baxter Corp.