Charting Her Path with Support from the Cooke Scholar Community: Mazzi Moore Reflects on Her First Semester at MIT
When Cooke College Scholar Mazzie Moore arrived at Massachusetts Institute of Technology earlier this fall to begin her studies in Chemical-Biological Engineering, she knew she wanted to make a difference in medicine—but wasn’t yet sure what that would look like.
“I’m still deciding whether I want to pursue medicine or biotechnology research,” she shared. “But I know I want to work on a small scale and develop new, impro
Her interest in the field began in high school, when she had the opportunity to work on medical research that sparked her curiosity about how engineering principles could advance medical science.
As she settles into her new life in Cambridge, Mazzie says being a part of the Cooke Scholar community has made a meaningful difference in both practical and personal ways.
“It gives me peace of mind knowing that I don’t have to worry about changes to my financial aid from MIT. The Cooke College Scholarship helps me get home when I need to and buy the supplies I need for school,” she explained. “But beyond that, the community itself means so much to me. I’ve been part of the Cooke community since I was a Young Scholar, and connecting with my fellow Scholars always feels grounding. We truly support each other.”
At MIT, she’s finding that engineering offers a foundation for any path she might take.
“An engineering background is important to all careers because it builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Mazzie said.
Reflecting on her time so far at MIT, she sums it up in three words: Inspiring, Overwhelming, and Insightful. “It’s inspiring because the people around me push me to grow. It’s overwhelming because I came from a small rural school, and the transition to a big city and challenging coursework has been an adjustment. But I’m finding my footing with the support of my ever-expanding community. It’s insightful because I am gaining greater appreciation for the world around me and learning how to learn.”
For Mazzie, the path ahead may still be taking shape, but one thing is clear: she’s using her passion for problem-solving to build a future where science and compassion meet.
Mazzie’s Advice for Applying to the Cooke College Scholarship Program
“Be yourself—maybe even more than on your college applications. The Foundation wants to see your growth, how you’ve overcome challenges, and what you’ve learned from them. Show up as your authentic self. And if you’re unsure about applying—why not? Just go for it.”
The Cooke College Scholarship application is open through November 12, 2025 via Common App. High school seniors, don’t miss your chance to apply!