Support the Next Science and Health Innovator — 2026 STEM Award

Invest in the future of science and medical innovation through a $2,500 merit-based award for a first-generation graduate student in science, health, or biotech innovation.

The Field Access Challenge

The Bay Area is home to the largest biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystem in the world. Drug discovery, medical innovation, and healthcare breakthroughs happen here. Spatial biology, computational pathology, and AI-driven image analysis are rapidly growing fields now core to this work—reshaping how we diagnose disease, develop therapies, and understand human biology at the molecular level.

Yet students from first-generation backgrounds often have limited exposure to these specialized fields early in their academic careers. They may not encounter these techniques in undergraduate coursework, lack connections to labs working at this frontier, or miss critical opportunities to build technical foundations that open doors to graduate programs and industry roles.

This award is about building that pipeline. First-generation students in the Bay Area should have access to opportunities in the region's most innovative and rapidly growing industry.

The Opportunity Gap

I'm a PhD-trained scientist with over 15 years of experience in translational pathology, assay development, and spatial biology. I've validated advanced imaging methods in histology, tissue-based assays, and multiplex analysis across academic institutions, biotech companies, and CROs. I've mentored students, research scientists, and early-career professionals—many who went on to graduate programs, biotech roles, and research careers.

Through this work, I've seen firsthand how access to mentorship, technical training, and hands-on experience in emerging fields determines who advances in science. The students who succeed aren't just academically strong—they've had opportunities to gain real skills and connections in specialized areas that are reshaping medicine.

This award does more than provide financial support. Winning it unlocks access to mentorship, career guidance, and a professional network in fields that are now core to modern medicine and healthcare innovation. Students with merit and drive get connected to working scientists and encouraged to explore how spatial biology, computational pathology, and AI-driven image analysis can enhance their work—whether they pursue research, clinical practice, psychology, neuroscience, or other disciplines. These tools are reshaping all areas of science and medicine.

How the Award Works

This is a merit-based award recognizing academic excellence, community leadership, and potential for innovation. The recipient receives:

• $2,500 unrestricted scholarship to support their education and goals

• Access to mentorship and career guidance from me and a network of working scientists who can help integrate spatial biology, computational pathology, and AI-driven tools into their chosen field

• Encouragement to explore computational and imaging tools for their own work - whether using imaging in neuropsychology, collaborating with computational scientists for data analysis, or applying AI-driven approaches to their research

• Participation in the CLF Leadership Institute - access to professional development and leadership training

• Ongoing support for career pathways - whether pursuing research, clinical practice, or working with computational scientists to advance their discipline

Recipients are selected based on strong academic performance (GPA), community leadership, and interest in exploring how spatial biology, computational pathology, AI-driven image analysis, or related tools can advance their work in science, health, or biotech—whether in research, clinical practice, psychology, neuroscience, or other disciplines. If no eligible graduate student applies, the award may go to a rising undergraduate with exceptional merit and leadership potential.

The award is administered through CLF based on their selection criteria. Visit CLF's website to learn more about their scholarship programs and leadership development initiatives.

Funding Goal: $2,750

The goal includes a small buffer to cover processing and administrative costs, ensuring the full $2,500 scholarship reaches the recipient.

Current Status

The 2025 STEM/Innovation award was fully funded by 38 generous donors. This campaign supports the 2026 award cycle in partnership with CLF.

Supporting the Future of Science and Medicine

Spatial biology, computational pathology, and AI-driven image analysis are advancing rapidly in the Bay Area's biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystem. Building the pipeline for this growth means giving first-generation students access to opportunities in fields that are now core to modern medicine and healthcare innovation.

Your contribution provides a future innovator with not just financial support, but access to mentorship, professional networks, and career guidance in one of the region's most dynamic and impactful industries.

First-generation students bring fresh perspectives and determination to science. With the right connections and support, they become the next generation driving drug discovery, medical breakthroughs, and healthcare innovation in the Bay Area and beyond.

Thank you for your support.

-Savanh