Cynthia Obiefuna

KIPP North Carolina Public Schools

Cynthia is a KIPP Gaston College Preparatory alumna of Gaston, NC living in Atlanta. Growing up with her mom excelling in the medical field influenced her to dive deep into the nooks and crannies of science, specifically neuroscience. This coupled with the social justice education she received from KIPP Pride High cultivated a passion for the intersection between science and human rights. She has conducted university research on the gender disparity in math-intensive STEM careers and the effects of opioids on the neurological functioning of infants. Working at a dance studio and mentoring elementary school students in the Big Brother Big Sister Program helped her develop an adoration for the youth in her community. She believes everyone should be able to see themselves in the faces of tomorrow, leading her to launch the Black Scientists Initiative, a mentorship program matching African American high schools with STEM professionals like TedX speakers and Tesla engineers. She will be continuing her passion for science and community at Columbia University in the City of New York, double majoring in neuroscience and human rights.

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