Jain is one 19 Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars.
AB Wire
Priyanka Jain, a La Cueva High School graduate from New Mexico, is one of the 19 Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars selected this year, to Notre Dame University. Jain won the prestigious scholarship, which comes with $100,000 over the next four years, for her promising research on treatment of cancer.
KRQE reported Jain was selected after competing in the International Science and Engineering Fair for her project on cancer treatment. She developed a method to target and kill cancer cells without life threatening side effects, which had promising results.
Out of more than 1,700 contestants from 77 countries, Jain placed second in her category.
“I just like to continue trying to make a difference in the world while using science and engineering,” Jain was quoted as saying.
She will study biochemistry in the fall, at Notre Dame. She would like to become an orthopedic surgeon while continuing her cancer research.
Jain’s high school accolades include founding a science bowl club to spread STEM awareness, captaining a Model UN team and several Science Olympiad events, serving as an ambassador to the National Society of High School Scholars, and being a member of several national honor societies.
She is a finalist for the National Merit and AXA Achievement Scholarships, and was the only finalist from the state of New Mexico for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She has also been the JV Tennis team co-captain and loves to play piano and violin.