UFIRST 2026 Recipients
Spring 2026 UFIRST Scholarship Awards
Amelia Bumpus
ichthyosis vulgaris
Tennessee Technological University
studying architecture/design studies, minoring in early childhood education
ichthyosis vulgaris
Tennessee Technological University
studying architecture/design studies, minoring in early childhood education
Goals & Aspirations: To complete a bachelor’s degree and become certified, possibly getting an advanced degree. My dream is to be able to hellp people make sure their needs are met in their homes or buildings. I am minoring in early childhood education because I have a passion for caring for young children. I hope that pursuing these areas of study can help me improve the lives of people I meet.
Maxwell Claydon
epidermolytic ichthyosis
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
studying vocal music education
epidermolytic ichthyosis
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
studying vocal music education
Goals & Aspirations: I want to get my Master’s degree in conducting and become a music educator at the collegiate level.
Mackenzie Dortch
lamellar ichthyosis
Indiana State University
studying art education
lamellar ichthyosis
Indiana State University
studying art education
Goals & Aspirations: I plan to get a degree in art education to become an art teacher for middle and high school. While teaching, I will also pursue my love of creating and displaying art.
Lauren Hamill
harlequin ichthyosis
Salem State University
studying early childrhood education
harlequin ichthyosis
Salem State University
studying early childrhood education
Goals & Aspirations: To earn a Bachelors Degree in early childhood education, with plans to obtain a Masters Degree in Special Education
Hannah Soucek
CIE
Iowa State University
studying genetics
CIE
Iowa State University
studying genetics
Goals & Aspirations: Following my undergraduate degree in genetics, I plan to pursue a PhD in genetics, cellular/molecular biology, stem cell biology, or related field. After this, it is my goal to pursue a career in genetics related research in a field such as rare disease, cancer, regenerative medicine or pharmacogenetics. My biggest aspiration is to be able to use my scientific research to help improve and save lives.
Portia Cina
Savannah College of Art & Design
ichthyosis with confetti
studying motion media design
Savannah College of Art & Design
ichthyosis with confetti
studying motion media design
Ema Hodgkinson
CIE
University of Victoria
studying sociology
CIE
University of Victoria
studying sociology
Goals & Aspirations: With a major in sociology and a minor in gender studies, I hope to complete my bachelor’s, then go off to the school of social work, or go on to get a law degree. This is to one day, become a disability social worker and help my city and/or provincial government combat inaccessability.
Brennan Lewis
epidermolytic ichthyosis
Ohio State Mansfield
studying English
epidermolytic ichthyosis
Ohio State Mansfield
studying English
Goals & Aspirations: Become a local sportswriter in the state of Ohio. I am currently interning at the Mansfield News Journal to prepare.
Abigail Schaffer
Netherton syndrome
University of Scranton
studying biology/pre-med
Netherton syndrome
University of Scranton
studying biology/pre-med
Goals & Aspirations: Physician-specialties include cardiology, pediatrics, neonatology & pediatric cardiology.
Eileen Uthuppan
Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome
Valparaiso University
graduate studies in physician assistant studies, BS health science
Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome
Valparaiso University
graduate studies in physician assistant studies, BS health science
Goals & Aspirations: Blending my passion for science and art by growing SKINRARE Magazine, working with skin health companies & derm PA.
FIRST Emerging Leaders Program
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