2017 Scholar

Samaria Aluko

Major: Biological Science

Certificate: Global Health

Hometown: Ackworth, GA

Samaria is a girl who believes failure is not an option.

Samaria is on a mission to develop vaccines that can cure diseases and improve the human race. She has traveled to parts of the U.S and delivered 1st place STEM presentations. She has received fellowships, awards, and scholarships for her work in STEM research. Not only is she a Dean’s List student, she is a community activist. While on her journey to saving the world she is helping others like her along the way; serving as a mentor for STEM students, through her involvement with Peach State Louise Stokes Alliance for Minority participation. She is also developing a Passion Project for a local rehabilitation center to employ the homeless in Athens. She also maintains campus involvement in organizations like Mobile Heath UGA, Wesley foundation, Manners, African Student union, and more. She does all this while working part time with University Housing to impact UGA student’s experience at their home away from home. This doesn’t come easy for her. She is very familiar with failure, doubt, and adversity. However, she has managed to push past her struggles to do so many extraordinary things, and her story touches others deeply. She is an inspiration to others, and will use this scholarship to continue her education, community impact, and achieve her long-term goals.

Samaria will change the world through her STEM research, youth development, and community education.