Biochemistry Major Shukriya Osman Recognized for Excellence with the Kyle O’Connell Memorial Scholarship
The University of San Diego Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is delighted to announce that Shukriya Osman, a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Biomedical Ethics, has been named a recipient of the Kyle O’Connell Memorial Scholarship.
This prestigious award, presented by the USD Alumni Association and donors to Kyle's fund, honors students who demonstrate academic excellence and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those affected by cancer.
Osman is actively involved in the USD community, serving as the Marketing Coordinator for the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club. Her leadership role reflects her passion for science and outreach, complementing her academic pursuits and future goals.
The Kyle O'Connell Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of Kyle O'Connell, the son of Michael '87 and Julie '88 (Belfiore) O'Connell. On February 6, 2005, Kyle passed away just shy of his 10th birthday. Kyle's brave fight against brain cancer inspired a group of USD alumni to establish this scholarship in 2008 with the purpose to inspire students to find a cure for cancer, to provide comfort and hope for patients and their families and to advocate and motivate others to become active in the fight against cancer.
I'm truly honored to have been awarded this scholarship, as it is incredibly meaningful to me
Osman’s aspirations are rooted in both her academic interests and personal experiences. She plans to become a pediatric oncologist, motivated by a desire to bring hope and healing to children and families facing cancer.
“I'm truly honored to have been awarded this scholarship, as it is incredibly meaningful to me,” Osman said. “Kyle's story is truly connected to my commitment of wanting to become a pediatric oncologist and work toward better treatments, greater hope and more healing for kids and families. I've seen firsthand someone I loved so deeply battle with cancer, and witnessing that has shaped my purpose in medicine. I'm honored to carry forward the spirit of strength and compassion that has inspired this scholarship, and motivate me every day to pursue a career in pediatric oncology.”
In addition to her academic achievements, Osman is actively involved in Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Anthony Bell, PhD's research lab. Reflecting on Osman’s impact in the lab, Dr. Bell shares, “Shukriya is a wonderful student who enhances the learning environment with her intelligence, preparedness and enthusiasm. I am certain she will use these qualities as a springboard for success in the lab to develop novel inhibitors of the cancer biomarker, High Mobility Group B1 (HMGB1). The long-term goal of this work is to further define the role of HMGB1 in cancer pathogenesis.”
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry celebrates Osman’s accomplishment and recognizes her for embodying the resilience, compassion and scientific curiosity that enrich the USD community and honor the O’Connell family’s legacy.
Since 2012 over $95,000 in scholarships have been granted to 34 recipients. Osman was selected as a recipient by Kyle’s scholarship committee consisting of Kyle’s parents, sister and an amazing group of USD alumni.
To learn more about the Kyle O’Connell Memorial Scholarship and other programs offered through the USD Alumni Association, visit https://www.sandiego.edu/alumni/scholarships/.
— USD News Center