2021-22 President's Scholars

Noor Naji

Siu Family President’s Scholar

Major: Chemistry (American Chemical Society Option)

College of Science

University Programs: Kellogg Honors College member, Achieve Scholars peer mentor, Science Educational Enhancement Services member, LSAMP participant, Student Members of the American Chemical Society president, National Society of Leadership and Success Member Development Chair, Muslim Student Association member, Science Health and Appreciation Club scheduler

Noor Naji’s experiences in Syria as a child taught her to never take opportunities for granted, and today she.aspires to enrich quality of life through science. Noor works with Professor Gregory Barding to quantify plant D-amino acids to determine resistance to climate stress and behavior in severe climate changes. This research, and internship with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, have strengthened her desire to “directly impact the community with my chemical knowledge.” After graduation, Noor plans to enter a Ph.D. program toward her goal to become an analytical biochemistor or computational chemist. “I faced cultural, social, linguistic and academic hardships,” she says of her educational path. “Despite these challenges, none compared to the difficulties of growing up in war and the resulting humanitarian crises. I found solace in my Arabic literature and science books. It has been 10 years since I’ve been home, but the lessons of infinite wisdom to others in the midst of life-draining times has made me a more kind and understanding individual.”