Moamen’s Story
For Moamen Mohamad, his family’s experiences as refugees have shaped his awareness of the challenges faced by communities affected by conflict, displacement, and barriers to healthcare. Recognizing that these challenges still affect people worldwide has influenced his decision to return to college for a second bachelor’s degree as he works toward his goal of becoming a physician.
At WSU Vancouver, where he studies neuroscience, Moamen maintains a full schedule, conducting biomedical research at Oregon Health & Science University and volunteering weekly at a local free clinic. On campus, he founded the Science Communication Club and serves as its president, connecting students with researchers and professionals and helping other Vancouver Cougs get excited about science.
The Mindy Ludolph Memorial Scholarship has lightened the financial load of returning to school and preparing for medical school applications, freeing up more time for his studies. Just as important to him is knowing that others believe in what he can do.
For Moamen, being a Coug means contributing to the people around you and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Talking Cougs, Community, and Impact
”I received the Mindy Ludolph Memorial Scholarship, which means a great deal to me for two main reasons.
First, this scholarship has helped ease the financial burden of returning to university to pursue my second bachelor’s degree in preparation for medical school. As a returning student, I am not eligible for many forms of financial aid, which means I sometimes have to make difficult decisions between dedicating time to studying for an exam and picking up extra hours at work to afford tuition and other expenses. With medical school applications approaching, an already expensive process, this financial support allows me to focus more of my time and energy on my education and future goals.
The second reason this scholarship is especially meaningful to me is that it reminds me there are people who believe in students like me and are willing to invest in our futures. With recent policy changes making the path to a career in medicine increasingly challenging, both academically and financially, knowing that there are individuals who continue to value and support students pursuing this field is incredibly encouraging. It reminds me that my aspirations are worth pursuing and that there are people outside my direct circle who want to see me succeed.”
”At WSU Vancouver, I founded the Science Communication Club and currently serve as president. Our mission is not only to engage students in recent scientific breakthroughs, but also to make science more accessible and approachable by creating opportunities for students to connect directly with researchers, explore emerging fields, and participate in conversations that extend beyond the classroom.
I also volunteer weekly at a local free clinic, where I am humbled to serve patients in my community who face economic and social barriers to accessing healthcare. This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassionate, accessible healthcare and the impact it can have on people’s lives.
Over the last couple of years, I became involved in biomedical research at OHSU, where I work in a laboratory focused on malaria vaccine development, contributing to efforts to combat one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
What makes all these experiences especially meaningful is the people I have the privilege of working alongside. I’ve been surrounded by incredible individuals who not only support my personal and professional goals, but are also driven by a shared mission: to make the world a better place through compassion, equity, and collaboration.”
”One of my proudest experiences at WSU has been helping organize opportunities for students to engage with science beyond the classroom.
Seeing students become genuinely curious, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with subjects they might not otherwise encounter reminds me of what makes a university community special. I’m proud to be part of a campus where students can take initiative and create meaningful educational experiences for one another.”
”I hope to give back primarily through medicine, especially to communities that face significant barriers accessing healthcare. My family’s experiences with displacement and becoming refugees have shaped the way I think about opportunity, stability, and access to essential services.
I also understand that educational journeys aren’t always linear. So, I hope to also continue contributing to my community through education and mentorship to other students who, like myself, did not follow a linear path in their career/education.”
”My goal after graduation is to attend medical school and become a physician. WSU has helped me prepare for this path by providing opportunities to develop as a student and leader beyond the classroom. My education has complemented my research experience at OHSU, where I’ve been able to apply scientific concepts to real biomedical questions.
I also believe that my involvement in campus organizations has helped me develop communication, leadership, and collaboration skills that I believe will be essential throughout my medical career.”
”I’d want my donors to know that their generosity is supporting someone who is genuinely committed to making the most of this opportunity. Returning to university for a second bachelor’s degree was a deliberate decision. I chose to pursue a path that I believe will allow me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, even knowing that it meant I’d have to choose a much more challenging financial and academic path.
I’m balancing my education with biomedical research, volunteer work, and campus involvement because I want to become not only a knowledgeable physician, but also someone who understands and connects with the communities they serve.
Your support makes that journey more manageable, and I hope that one day the impact of your generosity will extend beyond my own education to the patients and communities I’m able to serve. Thank you for investing in my future.”
”…. you realize that being part of a university isn’t just about what you learn, but also about what you contribute to the people around you.”