UFIRST Scholars 2025 Recipients
Congratulations to the 2025 UFIRST Scholarship Recipients!
FIRST is proud to announce this year’s 13 scholarship recipients from the UFIRST Scholars Program. These 13 students received a total of $51,500* in awards for their post-secondary education. Congratulations to everyone and we wish you the best of luck as you continue your education.
Amelia Bumpus
Tennessee Technological University - Cookeville, TN
Freshman pursuing an architecture major and early childhood development minor
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to major in architecture. My dream is to be able to help people make sure their needs are met in their homes or buildings. I am minoring in early childhood development because caring for young children is a passion of mine. I hope that by pursuing these areas of study, I can improve the lives of people I meet.
Meghna Cacatte
George Washington University - Washington, DC
Pursuing Executive Masters in Healthcare Administration
Goals & Aspirations: My long-term goal is to move back to India and set up and manage an intergenerational care facility with senior citizens & daycare aged children to bring joy to both.
Portia Cina
Ichthyosis with Confetti
Savannah College of Art & Design - Savannah, GA
Freshman pursuing 2D Animation / Concept Design
Goals & Aspirations: I'm passionate about animation, storytelling and music, especially when it comes to representing diverse voices and normalizing rare conditions like ichthyosis. I want to create content that educates and inspires, giving kids with rare conditions - and underrepresented communities in general - someone to relate to. Whether through animation or music, I hope to bring meaningful stories to life while advocating for inclusivity and awareness through my art.
Maxwell Claydon
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Junior pursuing music vocal/composition & jazz piano minor
Goals & Aspirations: I want to have my own music as an artist and producer and be able to collaborate with other artists.
Mackenzie Dortch
Indiana State University - Terre Haute, IN
Freshman pursuing art education
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to get a degree in art education. While teaching, I will also pursue my love of creating art.
Lauren Hamill
Salem State University - Salem, MA
Senior pursuing early childhood education
Goals & Aspirations: Enrollment in graduate school with employment as a special education instructor upon graduation.
Brennan Lewis
Ohio State University, Mansfield - Columbus, OH
Sophomore pursuing a degree in English
Goals & Aspirations: I have freelanced for local news journals and sports in the area part-time. I also just got an LLC for allohiohoops, my own business doing sports reporting. I am going to bring in sponsors and build a website to grow that brand. I want to work on sports in my local community writing the rest of my life.
Alexej Lozevski
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Senior pursuing a degree in Biology
Goals & Aspirations: To become a physician with a focus on researching, treating and assisting patients who struggle daily with rare diseases and illnesses.
Devin Mong
Westminster College - New Wilmington, PA
Junior pursuing a degree in Biology
Goals & Aspirations: I would like to attend graduate school and pursue a career in genetic/developmental research.
Abigail Schaffer
University of Scranton - Scranton, PA
Freshman pursuing a degree in pre-med/biology
Goals & Aspirations: After completion of college, attend medical school to become a physician.
Hannah Soucek
Iowa State University - Ames, IA
Sophomore pursuing a degree in genetics
Goals & Aspirations: I am currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in genetics with a minor in Spanish. After my undergrad, I plan to pursue a PhD in a genetics or public health related field and pursue research related to rare genetic diseases, cancer, precision medicine, neurodegenerative disorders or other related areas.
Eileen Uthuppan
Valparaiso University - Valparaiso, IN
Senior pursuing physician assistant studies
Goals & Aspirations: Derm PA, Blending my passion for science and art by growing SKINRARE magazine and working with skin health companies.
Addison Webber
Erythrokeratodermia variabilis
Spartansburg Methodist College - Spartanburg, SC
Freshman pursuing an associate of arts degree
Goals & Aspirations: To be a productive member of society, to be successful in my career, and to live a godly life, reflecting Jesus Christ.
*$50,000 in awards for 11 students generously funded by Beiersdorf, makers of Eucerin & Aquaphor
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