Morse Scholars

• Assigned a Beyond120 faculty Pre-Health advisor to meet with semesterly and as-needed
• Development of a four-year plan for coursework, experiences, and service
• Participation in Beyond120 Pre-Health academic courses
• Priority to all Beyond120 academic and experiential resources and activities
• Guaranteed participation in the Pre-Health Scholars program
• Guaranteed participation in the Pre-Health Scholars Service Groups
• Connection with professional mentors via Mentor Connect
• Leadership as a Morse Scholar Mentor
• Funding and preference for Beyond120 excursions, internships, research, and study abroad

• Academic Major in the College of Liberal Arts & Science
• High School GPA – 4.0 weighted; 3.5 unweighted – consideration to lower GPAs on case by case basis
• Summer B GPA – UF GPA 3.3 minimum Will consider lower on case by case basis
• ALEKS score – 75%+ – place into MAC1147 Will consider MAC1140/MAC1114 on case by case basis
• Volunteer experiences and/or employment completed in high school demonstrating service to others
• Two letters of recommendation high school teacher, UF summer B instructor/advisor, character – employer, shadow, etc.

My name is Desiny Barlow, and I am from Ocala, Florida. I graduated from West Port High School while dual enrolled and receiving my Associates of Arts degree from the College of Central Florida. I am majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive neuroscience on a pre-med track, and I aspire to become a neurosurgeon. In my free time I enjoy writing poetry, listening to music, and journaling.

My name is Jacob Maytin and I am from Miami, Florida where I graduated from Coral Reef Senior High School. I am currently a freshman at the University of Florida pursuing a major in pre-professional biology on a pre-med track. With this major I hope to attend medical school to follow my passion in becoming a neurologist or anesthesiologist. My hobbies include playing sports with friends, watching drama-filled shows and movies, and hanging out with friends and family. So excited for my next four years here at UF!

My name is Christine Ngo, and I am from Ormond Beach, Florida. Recently, I graduated from Spruce Creek High School with my International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma as well. As a first-generation student in the University of Florida’s Class of 2027, I am majoring in Biology (pre-professional) on the pre-PA track. My aspiring goal is to become a physician assistant in the allergy and asthma specialty. My hobbies I am passionate about are learning Vietnamese, tending to my plants, and spending quality time with those I love.

My name is Rosey Nguyen and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School. I am currently a first-gen freshman at the University of Florida, majoring in pre-professional biology on the pre-med track, hoping to one day specialize in dermatology. That aside, my interests include reading, drawing, word games, and really just enjoying a good laugh with my friends and family.

My name is Ava Wilke. I graduated from Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, Florida. I’m now in my first year at the University of Florida, majoring in pre-professional biology on the pre-med track. Alongside my major, I’m actively pursuing minors in pathogenesis and anthropology. My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and embark on a career either in forensic pathology or orthopedic surgery. Beyond academics, I enjoy playing volleyball, watching movies, reading, and spending quality time with friends. Go Gators!

My name is Daniella Zamora and I’m a first-generation student coming to UF from Miami, Florida. I’m majoring in Microbiology and Cell science on the pre-med track as I am aspiring to become a dermatologist. Outside of class I enjoy serving my community, trying new things, and going out with my friends. I am so thrilled to spend these next four years at UF!.

My name is Ameerah Balogun, and I am from Miami, Florida where I graduated from the School for Advanced Studies. I am a part of the Class of 2026 at the University of Florida as a Biology major on a pre-med track. I am pursuing medicine to fulfill my aspiration of becoming a Pediatric Oncologist. My passions outside of science are writing and public speaking and I hope to incorporate them into my future career and experience as a student. A fun fact about me is that I am in love with the sport volleyball, and I am always compelled to play whenever I spot a volleyball net. I am looking forward to working towards my goals as a pre-med student and I aim to learn and grow during my time as a Morse Scholar.

My name is Priyanka Harrypersad, and I am 18 years old from Orlando, Florida. I am majoring in women’s studies on the pre-med track and either want to become a neurosurgeon or OBGYN. I love cooking food and watching Kdramas. I am so excited to be here at UF!

I am Janae Hodge, a graduate from Leesburg High School in Leesburg, Florida. I am a chemistry and zoology major at the University of Florida, class of 2025. I am on the pre-med track with aspirations of a career in anesthesiology.

My name is Malana Jackson, and I am an 18-year-old from Daytona Beach, FL. I am an incoming freshman majoring in Chemistry on the premedical track. I recently graduated from Mainland High School 3rd in my class and received my Associate of Arts degree with honors. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I plan to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. I enjoy reading new books, music, and baking tasty treats.

My name is Emory Ranes, and my Inupiaq name is Yiyuk. I am from Anchorage, Alaska and my family is from Kotzebue, Alaska. I am wearing my traditional regalis: an Atikluk. I came to Florida because I believed I would have better opportunities to pursue my passion for medicine.

My name is Manaal Zulfiqar. I am a freshman at the University of Florida and planning to major in Microbiology and Cell science. I’m pre-health and want to pursue dentistry in the future. In my free time I like to read, swim, and cook. A couple strengths I have gained over time through education and life experiences are resilience and compassion. My greatest accomplishment to date is my volunteer experience at the radiology department at AdventHealth Hospital which has inspired and motivated me to stay focused on my pre-health aspirations.