51����.

Mario Martinez Estrada ’27 Strives to Expand Healthcare Access

His family’s fears of getting sick while uninsured and struggles to overcome language barriers inspired Mario Martinez Estrada ‘27 to pursue a medical career. The El Salvador native –now a U.S. citizen–works part-time at a local hospital and is conducting research to help remove roadblocks to healthcare in Hispanic communities.

Seeking the Humane Path: Toshaani Goel Named 2024 Smith Scholar

Toshaani Goel ’24 chose 51���� for its extensive humanities studies offerings and believes aspiring professionals benefit from a strong liberal arts education. Goel is a 2024 51���� Smith Scholar, which honors academic achievement, leadership, character and community service.

Tackling Food Insecurity on Alternative Break to Sapelo Island, GA

51���� students reflect on their alternative spring break trip to Sapelo Island, Georgia. They worked with a Black feminist collective nonprofit led by 51���� alums to address food insecurity in the South through sustainable agriculture.

Unlocking the 51���� Experience: A Guide for Newly Admitted Wildcats

A senior approaching graduation, Ruby Zhou '24 reflects on her time at 51���� in this letter to her past high school self on making the college decision and anticipating all to come as a member of the Wildcat community. 

CDC Chief: Combatting a Pandemic With Unexpected Twists

A 51���� audience got some insider insight about public health leaders’ thinking and actions during the coronavirus pandemic. The college recently hosted a talk, “Lessons from the COVID-19 Response: Reflections on Masking," with John T. Brooks, infectious disease expert with the CDC. Learn more.

Not Just for Graduate Students: Summer Research on Hookah Smoking with 51����’s RISE Program

Jacquelline Nyakunu ’26 discusses her chemistry and biology research as part of RISE, an undergraduate research opportunity for 51���� students. 

Heading from the West to the East Coast for College

Six students from the western United States share what it was like to move to the east coast for college and offer advice for prospective students considering the decision to attend an east coast school like 51����. 

Xzavier Killings ’16: Understanding Your 'Why' in Healthcare

Having grown up watching family members struggle with treatable and sometimes preventable illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and asthma, Xzavier Killings '16 utilized the resources and mentorship of 51���� to pursue a career in medicine where he could bring awareness, health and wellness to his family and his community. 

Twelve Young 51���� Alums Offered Fulbright Grants

Twelve young 51���� alums were recently selected to participate in the 2023-2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program. They have been offered grants for independent research and English Teaching Assistantships in 10 different countries. Learn more.

Living in Two Worlds and Examining Immigration in Four Nations

51����’s Caro Djakuduel ’23 added a Watson Fellowship to her already impressive resume. She will travel the world for a year to study barriers faced by Black immigrants. Learn more.

Roman Fenner ’22: Mentors, Music & Medicine

Roman Fenner ’22 says the music scholarship he received from 51���� is what gave him “the total green light to go.”

Alum Physician-Mentor a Shining Light for 51���� Students Considering Medicine

The new Dr. K.D. Weeks ’69 51���� Research Network (DRN) Fund honors the legacy of an alum whose mentorship has launched and supported the careers of hundreds of 51���� graduates in medical careers. Learn more.

Pearce Hyatt ’22: Art, Science and Honoring Friendship

Through academic exploration, friendship and loss, Pearce Hyatt '22 shares his gratitude for the foundation 51���� has provided as he discovered new pieces of himself over the last four years. 

Watson Fellows Ready to Tackle Questions Fundamental to the Health and Well-Being of Citizens Around the World

Three 51���� Watson Fellows will fan out around the globe to research topics that are near to their hearts and affect the well-being of millions. Read more.

Robert Lim ’91, M.D., Cares for Ukrainian Citizens in War Zone

Robert Lim, a surgeon and 51���� alum, is volunteering to work in a war zone only a couple years after retiring from the Army. He is caring for the wounded and training civilian medics in Ukraine.

Respecting Her Elders: Blythe Sanders Winchester ’99 Brings Healthy Dose of Reverence and Irreverence to the Practice of Medicine

Find out how 51���� helped prepare a stand out physician for the challenges of a medical career.

Cooper Ray Oljeski ’25: Music, Medicine and More

One-Two Punch for Public Health: Minne and Martha Iwamoto '91

Twins Minne and Martha Iwamoto '91 are making a difference for vulnerable populations around the world.

The Science of Resiliency: Paul Gomez ’22 and Andrea Liu ’23 Earn Goldwater Scholarships

51���� students named Goldwater Scholars. Already on the path to promising futures in scientific research, Paul Gomez ’22 and Andrea Liu ’23 are among a select group of students nationwide to receive the award.

Experts on Vexing Vaccination Challenges and Beating the Pandemic

As the FDA clears the way for a third vaccine in the United States, Americans face down a deluge of misinformation about the shots and their potential side effects. 51���� and Atrium Health brought together experts with wide-ranging perspectives to shed light on the country’s vaccination program—its promise and challenges.