UAID Scholarship Recipients

Meet the recipients of the UAID Health Equity Scholarship—exceptional students and emerging leaders dedicated to advancing equity in health and community well-being! Their passion, innovation, and commitment reflect the core values of UAID and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

A young man with dark hair, glasses, and a big smile, dressed in a tuxedo with a bow tie at a formal event.

  • My name is Zachary Ostreicher, and I am a student at Yeshiva University studying biology on the pre-medical track. I am passionate about medicine, health equity, and research, with experience in cardiology and community health outreach through organizations like UAID and Project Feed. Outside academics, I enjoy volunteering, mentoring students, and contributing to initiatives that improve patient care and access to health services. I also really enjoy watching and playing sports.
    This scholarship means a lot to me because it supports my goal of becoming a doctor and allows me to keep learning and helping others. It motivates me to work even harder and reminds me that my hard work matters.

A young man with curly dark hair wearing a black tuxedo and a black bow tie, smiling against a blue background.

  • My name is Kareem Elzokm, and I am a junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Neuroscience. My academic and research interests focus on understanding the brain mechanisms behind psychosis and improving mental health outcomes. Outside the lab, I’m involved in organizations such as UAID, where I work to promote health equity and community engagement. This scholarship means a great deal to me because it recognizes my dedication to advancing health equity and will help me continue making a positive impact through my education and service.

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  • My name is Hadil Alsaidi, and I’m a Human Biology major and Public Health minor at Hunter College on the pre-PA track. My passion for health equity comes from witnessing how access to care can differ greatly between communities. As a Kodely Leader, I work with young students to spark curiosity in STEM, and through the Heart-to-Heart program at Weill Cornell, I’ve been able to deepen my understanding of both community and clinical care. Along with my involvement in UAID and my initiative, Taste of Safety Club, I’m committed to addressing environmental and health disparities and empowering communities through education, advocacy, and storytelling. The UAID scholarship means more than just financial support, it’s an investment in my voice, vision, and purpose to advance health equity. It empowers me to grow as a leader and create lasting change in communities that need it most.

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  • Samantha Brabeck is a junior at Vanderbilt University, double majoring in Cognitive Studies and Medicine, Health, and Society with a minor in Human and Organizational Development. Sam's primary research interest lies in the intersection of maternal and mental health, specifically how social determinants of health and social support networks facilitate or hinder pregnant women from seeking mental health support. As president of Vanderbilt's UAID chapter this year, Sam is grateful for the opportunity to participate in UAID's scholarship program, as she is excited to lead local initiatives that analyze and combat health inequities in Nashville.

A young man smiling outdoors at the beach, wearing a blue Patagonia jacket with a metal zipper, in front of rocks, water, and a staircase.

  • Felix is a Vanderbilt sophomore majoring in Medicine Health and Society and Asian American Studies. He is passionate about using research to uncover the mechanisms that maintain health inequities and has presented at Harvard and Vanderbilt. Felix