u.s. program – Amgen Scholars

Corshai Williams

Baltimore, Maryland

“My ultimate career goal is to pursue a government position conducting forensic science research on trace evidence, explosives, and/or arsons.”

Rachel Elizabeth Petherbridge

Garner, North Carolina

“While I love research, I am not sure what I want to do after getting my Ph.D. – become a postdoc and eventually a principal investigator, go into industry, or work in patent law or public policy.”

Elizabeth (Lily) Hallett

Fayetteville, Arkansas

“I was really interested in exploring Caltech, specifically the Lewis lab’s work on solar fuel. That particular project really drew me to apply to the Program.”

David Isaac Berrios

Pittsburg, California

“Moving forward, I am confident that obtaining a graduate education will empower me to improve the quality of life for others.”

Ester Álvarez-Benedicto

San Juan, Puerto Rico

“I really liked the idea that you get to do research at a really well-known institution. Coming from a small campus and a really small public university, we don’t get a lot of funding.”

Cassandra Baker

Springfield, Missouri

“Ultimately, I aspire to become a principal investigator (PI) with my own lab crewed by brilliantly blossoming scientists.”

Andrea Pérez González

Madrid, Spain

“Through the Program, I expected to gain experience in research and learn laboratory skills, especially helping my ability to think as a scientist, as well as team work abilities.”

Bryan Peacker

Orlando, Florida

“It was absolutely amazing to be able to speak with experienced researchers at the symposium about the science, and career paths in science.”

Vera Thornton

Tucson, Arizona

“It was validating for me to come into this environment, a top-tier research institution, and be able to participate and accomplish something.”

Danielle Spitzer

Albany, New York

“When you’re in the lab, you get to generate new knowledge. There’s an answer out there somewhere, but no one knows it yet.”

Assama Ketegou

Brooklyn, New York

“I felt a sense of community among my peers in the Amgen Scholars Program.”

Anthony Preza

Montebello, California

“I got to spend a lot of time of time interacting with my mentors. I learned how they were thinking about the research, and it felt nice to have that understanding.”