Neilay Amin

Neilay_amin

“Whenever I am challenged and need motivation to complete something, I remember the motto of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, ‘Think big. Work hard. Achieve.’ I try to follow this valuable advice daily, and I know that as long as I follow the first two steps, I can achieve anything.”

  • Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Hatboro, PA
  • Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
  • Age: 18

Biography

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Neilay spent four weeks traveling abroad in Peru last summer studying in the Amazon and touring the Incan ruins. He also worked with a cancer researcher at the University of Pittsburgh and Fox Chase Cancer Center to study a molecule known as RAGE and its implications in breast cancer with a group of biomedical students through the Advanced Mentorship Program. They presented their findings at the Pasteur Institute and Marie and Pierre Curie Institutes in Paris. In addition, Neilay has taken online courses at Villanova University on such varied topics as introduction to gravity and theories of war and peace. He has also studied music and the trumpet.
PROFILE: Hiking through the Peruvian Andes 16,000 feet above sea level last summer “was not only a physical challenge, but a mental challenge as well.” The trip inspired Neilay to continue studying Spanish language and culture in hopes of using these skills to assist patients in his chosen field of medicine.
INSPIRATION: Neilay credits his mother with having a tremendous influence on his life and achievements.
ASPIRATION: Neilay hopes to become a doctor. “While overcoming hardships along the way, I have dedicated extraordinary amounts of time and energy to fulfill my lifelong goal of becoming a doctor, and I will continue to develop my talents and learn from life’s obstacles as I take the next step in achieving my goal.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: He volunteers 50 hours every school year at the Abington Friends Preschool. He also works as a student researcher at the Fox Chase Cancer Center – Howard Hughes Medical Institute Student Scientist Program.
ACCOLADES: Neilay is an AP Scholar with Distinction, having received a score of five on five exams. He is a member of the National Cum Laude Society and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Based on his research at a Temple University lab he was credited as a co-author of a scientific article published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry.
INTERESTING FACT: Neilay enjoys playing the trumpet, video games, and ultimate frisbee. He speaks Spanish and Gujurati.

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