Milad Alucozai
December 8, 2014
By Madison Denning, Student Communications Specialist
Milad Alucozai has been chosen as one of only 12 U.S. students to receive the nationally prestigious Mitchell Scholarship for graduate study in Ireland. He is Purdue’s first Mitchell Scholarship recipient. Here is what he had to say about his experience in the University Honors Program.
Why did you choose Purdue? The University Honors Program?
I was fortunate to have options when it came to choosing my college. Purdue became my destination primarily due to Former Purdue President Dr. Martin Jischke. During high school, I was extremely active in undergraduate research. Through one of the science outreach events held by Purdue, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Jischke. He met with me and my parents and convinced us that my potential would be realized through Purdue. During my time at Purdue, he continued to meet with me, mentor, and advise me. We have become great friends. The Honors Program had a selection of amazing interdisciplinary courses taught by top-notch faculty. This drew me to the Honors Program.
What did you study at Purdue?
My formal degrees are a Bachelor of Science in Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Certificate of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and a Minor in Political Science. However, if you were to look at my transcript, you would see something pretty unique. I took a range of courses from just about every discipline. My semesters were filled with a mix of engineering, science, and humanities courses. I took so many credit hours that it got to the point where I had to get my Dean’s signature to authorize more than 24 credit hours in a given semester.
What was your favorite aspect of the Honors Program?
Out of the many great aspects, my favorite would be the courses. The top-notch faculty involved showed deep interest in wanting to spur conversation amongst the class, and engage in real critical thinking. The instructor created an environment that encouraged going to class. The students in the courses came from various majors, and with such small class sizes we really got to know each other.
Did you conduct research as an undergraduate?
The activity I was most engaged with outside of class was undergraduate research under the mentorship of Purdue faculty. I have co-authored abstracts, papers, and presented at conferences in the US and overseas. I also won many awards like 1st place prize at Purdue’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. My most recent research position was in the lab of Dr. Vikas Tomar, where I investigated the relationship of cell surface and substrate interface interactions and related them to cell stiffness using a novel technology developed by Dr. Tomar.
What experiences at Purdue helped you become a better candidate for the Mitchell Scholarship?
I don’t think it was one specific experience that made the difference, but aside from my strong background in research, I believe my entrepreneurial activities helped play a role in the decision. During my collegiate career, I have had the opportunity to invent four technologies, start and be involved with multiple startups, and ultimately develop a strong network of entrepreneurs across America.
How has traveling to Nepal, Colombia, and Ethiopia aided you in your studies?
My trips allowed me to develop confidence in my abilities through a willingness to go outside the four walls of a classroom and truly experience life, understand the root of problems, and allow myself to come up with creative solutions.
What are your short term goals? Long term?
My short-term goal is to become a medical scientist. My long-term goal is making mental health a national priority in the US, Ireland, and other countries through developing cutting-edge technology to alleviate many of the global problems in our current health systems.
What do you hope to gain from your studies in Ireland?
My goal in Ireland will be to gain an intimate understanding of the health care system and policies used in the country as well as those that form the WHO European Region, European Union, and the Council of Europe. My goal is to specifically look at mental health in terms of global health policy agendas in Europe.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m extremely honored to be awarded the prestigious Mitchell Scholarship amongst such a highly competitive field. However, I did not accomplish this alone. I would like to thank the faculty, staff, and community leaders who have pushed me and supported me along my journey while at Purdue. I would like to especially thank my parents who have instilled the importance of my religion in my life, encouraged me to aim high, and have always supported me through my endeavors. As Purdue’s first national recipient, it brings me great pleasure to further raise our global reputation. I hope I can be a catalyst for future national scholars from Purdue.
To learn more about Milad, click here to read about him in Purdue News.