Bertha Kalm Scholarship Recipients 2024-2025
Congratulations to the Bertha Kalm Scholarship recipients of 2024-2025! We asked them what drives their passion to make a difference. Read their inspiring response.
| Recipients | Response |
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Eunji Back ‘25, M.A. Research and Experimental Psychology |
"Arriving in the United States marked a pivotal turn in my academic journey, driven by a profound curiosity about the human mind. Initially, I faced significant challenges as an international student, including limited opportunities and substantial expenses. Despite these hurdles, I refused to be discouraged by failure. My resilience was bolstered by the unwavering support of mentors who taught me to see setbacks as steppingstones to success. Now, as a master's student at San José State University, my research focuses on the impact of depression on working memory in young adults. I aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms to develop effective interventions that enhance mental well-being. My journey has transformed perceived failures into invaluable experiences, shaping a meaningful research path. Receiving the Bertha Kalm Scholarship has been a significant milestone in my journey. This award not only provided financial support, alleviating some of the substantial expenses I faced, but also affirmed my dedication and potential in the field of mental health research. It served as a powerful reminder that perseverance and hard work are recognized and rewarded. Inspired by the mentors who supported me, I aspire to guide others in viewing failure not as an end but as a chance to forge new paths. Through my research, I aim to empower individuals to seek help without fear of judgment, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive world where mental health is prioritized and celebrated." |
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Husna Ibrahimkhail ‘25, M.S. Biological Sciences, Concentration in Molecular Biology and Microbiology
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"As a graduate student in Dr. Wilkinson's lab, my enthusiasm for science drives my research pursuits. My passion for making a difference is defined by my dedication to understanding and addressing the critical issues faced by marginalized communities, particularly in healthcare. My current research on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, a pursuit that is deeply personal and professionally significant. Receiving this award is a profound honor, recognizing my commitment to bridging scientific research and public health to create equitable healthcare solutions. Growing up as a first-generation college student and witnessing the struggles faced by immigrants has fueled my dedication to advocating for equitable healthcare access and outcomes. This award not only acknowledges my efforts so far but also motivates me to continue pursuing research and initiatives that bring about meaningful change." |
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Caryn Iwakiri ‘25, M.S. Speech and Language Pathology |
"Speech-language pathology combines my passion for helping individuals with disabilities and my belief that effective communication is a fundamental right. Communication is a vital part of everyone's experience; everyone desires to be heard and understood. My goal as a speech-language pathologist is to provide access to communication in whatever form it takes, whether through voice, sign language, or an augmentative and alternative communication device. Specifically, when it comes to stuttering, there is a lack of research on bilingual children and how they develop language. The introduction of artificial intelligence into the field of speech-language pathology presents an exciting opportunity to advance our understanding and treatment of these issues. I aspire to continue research into how AI will shape future studies in speech and how it will impact communities that current SLPs and researchers are struggling to reach." |
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Mayela Sanchez ‘25, M.A. Applied Anthropology |
"From a young age, I felt ashamed of needing to support my mother's entrepreneurship by waking up before dawn to work all day in markets or babysitting. Yet, I learned to educate meanings, traditions, and localized tastes rather than to generalize a way of life through my mother's business. As I matured, I saw how valuable the work was and how important it was to support my mother's dreams as an immigrant. I realize my dreams thanks to my family's values, through my education, and exposure to inequalities when I travel. I am working on my dream to be an anthropologist who helps immigrants understand and face injustices. Everywhere, I hear climate change is here. It's reaching the food and water systems that support our lifestyles and those who grow our food. I am unsettled by the need to untangle social and environmental injustice within Latin American farming communities. So, I began reaching out to vendors at farmers' markets to understand the coping and adaptation strategies of small to mid-scale farmers facing extremes in California's weather. This award will allow me to quality research into food and water systems to amplify immigrant voices amidst social justice in times of climate disaster." |
