From the estate of Sara E. Matthews, scholarships are awarded annually to international students. Administered by the Division of Global Engagement, this scholarship is granted to deserving undergraduate international degree-seeking students of Sophomore or Junior standing at UC Santa Cruz to help with educational costs.
The 2023 Sara Matthews Scholarship recipients are Neo Peng, Julio Quiroga, and Pakhi Sinha.
“These outstanding recipients were selected based on their dedication to campus engagement, their commitment to the sharing and learning of culture, and their excellent academic records. The Selection Committee was impressed by their positive contributions to the UCSC community,” said Catherine Murphy, international student advisor and this year’s Sara Matthews Scholarship committee chair. “We were delighted to grant the awards to assist with their future academic and professional goals.”
Sara Matthews Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are awarded during spring term. Eligible students can learn more by visiting the ISSS financing and scholarships webpage.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
Neo Peng – China
Major – Biomolecular Engineering
How will this scholarship help you further your education?
Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous help in furthering my education, and I am extremely grateful to the sponsors for their support. With this scholarship, I’m able to gain more undergraduate research experience and fund my research project, which is a vital part of my academic journey. This support enables me to gain hands-on experience in science research and contribute to future innovation and discovery.
What are your plans for the future (academically or professionally)?
I plan on pursuing a career in research in the field of viral pathology and immunology. I am excited about the prospect of doing a senior thesis project next year, and I plan to apply to graduate school after graduation to further my research. My long-term goal is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field, particularly in the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases. I am committed to working hard and dedicating myself to this field of study, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the scientific community.
Julio Quiroga – Spain
Major – Robotics Engineering
How will this scholarship help you further your education?
This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me further my education. By easing the financial burden, I will be able to focus on my studies and participate in extracurricular activities that will enhance my academic and personal growth. Additionally, this scholarship will provide me with the motivation and recognition to continue striving for excellence and achieving my academic goals.
What are your plans for the future (academically or professionally)?
After completing my undergraduate studies, my career goal is to pursue a Master’s degree in a field related to technology, while working for a tech company that can offer me relevant work experience. This experience will be essential in researching and developing innovative ideas that could potentially form the basis of my own startup.
Pakhi Sinha – India
Major – Computer Science
How will this scholarship help you further your education?
As an international student, financial resources can be a challenge, and this scholarship will provide the necessary support for me to fully engage in my studies. With this financial assistance, I can devote my full attention to my studies and participate in research labs and extracurricular activities that will help me further my education. I am currently part of labs on campus that help me explore different research areas in computer science.
What are your plans for the future (academically or professionally)?
In the future, I plan to continue exploring the field of Computer Science and pursue higher studies to deepen my knowledge and skills. I am also interested in exploring different career paths in the tech industry, including software development, data analysis, and machine learning. Ultimately, I hope to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on society and contribute to technological innovation. But first, I want to make the most of my undergraduate career and take advantage of the opportunities that are available to me.