Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Catherine Reyes
“My lifelong dream has been to become a physician.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Medford, MA
- Hometown: Barrancabermeja, Colombia
- Age: 28
- Four-year College or University: University of Massachusetts Boston
- Graduate School: Harvard University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Health Care
- Other Interests: Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Public Policy, Public Services, Sciences
Biography
PROFILE: From infancy until the age of 12, Catherine Reyes’ childhood was marked by multiple surgeries and difficult recoveries due to a mild displacement of her hip. “Thanks to loving parents and good doctors, I am fortunate to be healthy and able to walk well.” When it comes to medicine and academics, she has been running all the way. Fascinated by science at an early age, she took first place in the 2001 Massachusetts Science Fair as a junior in high school. She had only moved to the US the year before.
Catherine’s family made the difficult decision to emigrate from Colombia following a series of events in her hometown that included the abduction and safe release of her father in 1999. In forging a new identity for herself as an immigrant, she also turned to the arts. “My mother introduced us to paint, clay, and using art as a way to unleash our creativity and explore our feelings. To this day, I turn to sculpting as a channel for reflection and discovery.” Her discoveries, whether in science or conducting independent research in microbiology, have already been making extraordinary contributions to her chosen field.
INSPIRATION: Traveling to South Africa spurred Catherine’s interest in infectious disease and international work. “I plan on contributing to the work of organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, and Partners in Health.”
ASPIRATION: Catherine plans to be a family primary care physician, with a special interest in advocating for immigrant families.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Catherine has volunteered for Boston-area HIV and AIDS educational and outreach activities with youth, while also helping to raise funds for a South African HIV and AIDS activist organization. She has also been a motivational speaker for middle school students in the Lowell Community Charter Public Schools, high school and college students, and at scholarship fundraisers at UMass Boston.
ACCOLADES: Catherine graduated summa cum laude and received the Robert H. Spaethling Prize, John W. Ryan Faculty Convocation Award, and CRC Press Freshmen Chemistry Achievement Award.
INTERESTING FACT: As valedictorian and winner of the John F. Kennedy Award, Catherine was a featured speaker at her commencement—alongside Senator Barack Obama.
Other Scholars Like Catherine
Kristina Weaver
Graduate Scholar
Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis
Tess Mulder
Graduate Scholar
Simmons College
Ronnye Rutledge
College Scholar
Harvard University
Jordan Toone
Graduate Scholar
University of Oxford