Rising Stars

Ameek Kaur is a second-year medical student at Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. With a background in Data Science from UC Berkeley, Ameek’s journey into medicine is marked by a blend of technical expertise and a commitment to compassionate care.

Her passion for integrating technology with healthcare has been a driving force throughout her academic and professional career.

During her undergraduate studies, Ameek worked at the Dudoit Lab, where she developed a tool to normalize DNA Chromatin Conformation datasets, contributing to a publication in “Cell Reports Methods”.

This research experience solidified her interest in applying data science to clinical settings. Ameek was also one of only two students selected nationwide for the Ob/Gyn SCORE Program at Kaiser Permanente, where she conducted research in gynecology, further bridging her dual interests in technology and medicine.

Ameek’s dedication to serving underserved communities is evident through her work as a Health Advocate at Highland Hospital and her ongoing volunteer efforts at the Avicenna Women’s Health Clinic. Her roles include facilitating patient access to essential services and supporting uninsured patients with cervical cancer screenings and other medical needs.

Her involvement in the Sikh community is equally notable. She has created and distributed crucial health resources in Punjabi, addressing health disparities and providing culturally sensitive education. Active in the Sikhs in Bio network and having attended the NASMDA conference, Ameek has strengthened her connections within the Sikh community and broadened her understanding of healthcare issues.

Her commitment to Mata Khivi Ji’s legacy of selfless service and community support inspires her medical career. Ameek aims to pursue a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, followed by a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, where she hopes to address disparities in women’s health and develop innovative solutions for early cancer detection and treatment.

Ranbeer Singh is a first-year medical student at Touro University, pursuing a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine degree. He graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and a minor in Education, beginning his college journey at the age of 16.

Initially planning to become a professor, Ranbeer’s career path shifted significantly due to his experiences with his grandfather. His grandfather’s health problems and the difficulties in translating medical information into Punjabi revealed to Ranbeer the profound impact of language barriers in healthcare. This experience illuminated the challenges faced by non-English speaking patients and highlighted the need for culturally competent care.

Ranbeer’s realization that medical communication involves more than just language—encompassing cultural practices and belief systems—motivated him to pursue a career in medicine.

While volunteering as a medical tele-scribe at RotaCare Bay Area, Ranbeer encountered similar issues among Latino and Asian communities. These experiences reinforced his belief that bridging communication gaps is essential for effective patient care.

Ranbeer is committed to making medicine more accessible and less intimidating for patients by fostering human connections and understanding. Ranbeer co-founded the Guru Harkrishan Medical Clinic at Fremont Gurdwara, aiming to provide care where patients feel truly heard and understood. His aspiration to become a physician is driven by a desire to address gaps in the medical system that he has personally observed.

Maylin Sanchez Gonzalez is a junior at Long Beach State University pursuing a career in Criminal Justice. She is the oldest of three and the first generation in her family to pursue a professional career, which is a big step for her and her family.

Transferring from a community college to a university has given her a new perspective, and she looks forward to building her skills and pursuing her dreams. She has loved playing indoor volleyball and coaches kids from grades 3 to 12th grade.

Muskaan Kaur is a rising junior at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, Illinois, where she excels in political justice, economics, and public speaking. Her commitment to these fields is evident through her active participation in Model UN, congressional debate, and the LEAD club.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Muskaan is a dedicated athlete, balancing her time between soccer and tennis. Muskaan is also making a significant impact through her internship at Umeed Hope, an organization providing legal and mental health resources to victims of domestic violence. This role has deepened her understanding of social justice and the importance of comprehensive support systems.

In addition to her involvement in extracurricular activities and advocacy work, Muskaan has a keen interest in writing. She recently pursued this passion by enrolling in a Harvard Journalism course, for which most of the tuition costs were covered by A Little Happiness Foundation, USA. The course offered her a fresh perspective on journalism, teaching her the essential skills of crafting compelling news pieces. Muskaan particularly appreciated the hands-on experience in interviewing and the breaking news activity, which highlighted the urgency and speed required in journalism.

The course also emphasized the critical importance of thorough research before writing, a lesson that has enhanced her overall approach to writing. Muskaan's diverse interests and experiences reflect her dedication to both academic and extracurricular excellence, positioning her as a promising leader and advocate in her community.

Ameek

Saran Jolly, a senior from North Carolina, is deeply passionate about dancing, environmental causes, and playing the harmonium. Eager to expand her skill set, Saran enrolled in a journalism course to explore new ways of addressing important topics. Throughout the course, Saran gained valuable insights into how to approach serious issues with authenticity and depth. She honed her research skills, which have significantly enhanced her ability to tackle complex subjects. This newfound expertise has inspired Saran to initiate her own projects aimed at raising awareness about the environmental issues she cares about.

Saran Jolly, a senior from North Carolina, is deeply passionate about dancing, environmental causes, and playing the harmonium. Eager to expand her skill set, Saran enrolled in a journalism course to explore new ways of addressing important topics. Throughout the course, Saran gained valuable insights into how to approach serious issues with authenticity and depth. She honed her research skills, which have significantly enhanced her ability to tackle complex subjects. This newfound expertise has inspired Saran to initiate her own projects aimed at raising awareness about the environmental issues she cares about.

Raunak Kaur is a dedicated student with a deep passion for international law and finance. Her commitment to making a positive impact is evident through her community volunteering and her engagement with complex global issues.

Recognizing a need to strengthen her research and writing skills, Raunak enrolled in a journalism course to bridge this gap. The course proved transformative for Raunak. It not only enhanced her research and interview techniques but also ignited a newfound passion for journalism. The hands-on experiences and the opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals were particularly inspiring, further fueling her enthusiasm for the field.

Recognizing a need to strengthen her research and writing skills, Raunak enrolled in a journalism course to bridge this gap. The course proved transformative for Raunak. It not only enhanced her research and interview techniques but also ignited a newfound passion for journalism. The hands-on experiences and the opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals were particularly inspiring, further fueling her enthusiasm for the field.

Bani Kaur is a third-year human biology student at UC Davis with a clear vision for her future as a doctor. Her aspiration was profoundly influenced by the healthcare disparities she observed within the Punjabi community, which she witnessed firsthand while volunteering at the Sri Gur Harkrishan Clinic at Fremont Gurdwara. The alarming statistics of inadequate care in this population further fueled her motivation to make a tangible difference.

Bani believes that the key to success in high school is finding the study habits that work for you. She encourages students to create a personalized study method that suits their learning style. She emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reading textbooks and finds rewatching lectures to be a beneficial strategy in college. Additionally, she advises prospective UC students to engage in a passion project that reflects their commitment and broad interests.

Bani believes that the key to success in high school is finding the study habits that work for you. She encourages students to create a personalized study method that suits their learning style. She emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reading textbooks and finds rewatching lectures to be a beneficial strategy in college. Additionally, she advises prospective UC students to engage in a passion project that reflects their commitment and broad interests.

The toughest part of her major, Bani finds, is grappling with the vast array of material she must learn. Despite this challenge, she believes that all the information will eventually come together, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the human body and effectively preparing her for medical school.

Bani also participated in the Sikh Lead program through SALDEF and interned for Assemblyman James Gallagher. Although these experiences are not directly related to her major, they allowed her to make a broader impact on her community and develop a well-rounded profile. She continues to contribute as the president of the Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative at UC Davis, a club that organizes free medical clinics at Gurdwaras. Her experiences highlight the value of tailored study strategies, diverse extracurricular involvement, and evolving passion projects that benefit the community, which helped her shape a successful academic and professional journey.

Sachnoor Kaur is a first year student at the University of California, Irvine, where she is studying biological sciences with a focus on genetics. Her ambition is to become a genetics researcher and pursue a PhD in the field. Before starting her college journey, Sachnoor participated in a pre-college pre-med program at UC Davis, gaining valuable experience that solidified her interest in genetics research.

Throughout high school, she received numerous awards that recognized her academic achievements and leadership. As she begins her studies at UC Irvine, Sachnoor’s determination and strong academic background position her to make significant contributions to the field and inspire others to pursue their goals.