Meet the 2026 Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars

“Growing up with a Palestinian father and a Mexican/Colombian mother, I have been shaped by exposure to adversity, resilience, and justice. These values pushed me to pursue independence, perseverance, and a career in healthcare and research.”

“Since March 2025, I have worked as an undergraduate Research Assistant in the Guldberg Musculoskeletal Regenerative Rehabilitation Lab at the Knight Campus, joining studies on disease-modifying interventions for osteoarthritis.”

“I have always had a wide variety of interests, but it wasn't until high school that they began to converge into a clear direction.”

“My unrelenting desire to continue to understand the impact Parkinson's Disease on neurological function is directly aligned with the goals of the KCUS program.”

“From the moment I began my studies at the University of Oregon, I knew I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in undergraduate research.”

“My family has always emphasized the importance of helping others and being active in our community. These early experiences shaped my passion for service, which continues to motivate me as a student at the University of Oregon.”

“While my specific interests have evolved over time, my unwavering commitment to helping others has remained a core element in my path.”

“Since last spring, I have begun working in the lab setting at Deku lab. I have learned much in these nine months, not only about electrochemistry or how to design an intracortical microelectrode array, but also the qualities that make a strong researcher.”

“Coming into college, all I had was an interest in neuroscience. I imagined myself doing research someday, but I was also fearful of the possibility that graduate school might become a default path rather than a deliberate choice.”

“My interest in scientific investigation began when I first started doing at-home science experiments in 3rd grade. These at-home science kits allowed me to ask questions, test my ideas, and draw conclusions.”

“I am an excellent candidate for the Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars program because of my interdisciplinary background, technical expertise, and resilience in overcoming challenges.”

“I asked to be taken on as a research assistant as a freshman because it was my dream to get more involved in organic chemistry, and I was accepted because my dedication to the subject was undeniable.”

“I first encountered Dr. Teresa Rapp in my freshman General Chemistry class, where she introduced her work on ruthenium chemistry and its immense potential in biomaterials. I was immediately captivated.”

“I believe that my academic achievement, leadership skills, and passion for advancing cancer research makes me an excellent candidate for the KCUSP.”

“I am a student at the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon, studying Biochemistry with a minor in Bioengineering and pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon.”

“I am motivated to live a healthy life, advance our understanding of the world, and find novel solutions to complex problems through interdisciplinary teamwork.”

“After enrolling in community college courses and excelling in three consecutive computer science courses, I decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of Oregon.”

“I believe I am an excellent candidate for the Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholars program because my academic interests, research experience, and career goals align directly with opportunities that emphasize biomechanics, human performance, and clinical research.”

“I've been with the Lindberg Lab on Knight Campus doing research for almost 6 months now. Every day I get to be in that space is exciting, and I intend to spend the next 2 school years here as I finish my bachelor's.”

“I adore Barbie & the Diamond Castle for the sense of adventure, discovery, creativity, and curiosity it instilled in me as a child. That same impulse to explore has guided every step of my academic experience.”