Ten two-year college students have been named recipients of the 2015 Phi Theta Kappa Hites Transfer Scholarship, receiving a total of $75,000 to assist in the attainment of baccalaureate degrees. One of the recipients is Skyline College student Wafa Zeidan.

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Wafa Zeidan is studying Biology with the desire to continue on with her education and earn a Medical Degree while continuing to do research throughout her career. She graduated from Skyline College in May 2015 and is transferring to the University of California, Davis in the fall to complete her undergraduate studies. During her time at Skyline College, she conducted independent research along with her mentor, Dr. Christine Case to test the effects of a plant extract on various microorganism, thus proving that the extract is effective in killing and inhibiting various bacteria. She went on to present her research at the annual SACNAS conference in October 2014. She continued her research with Dr. Case in the summer of 2015 and will present her findings on the use of a plant extract to prevent foodborne illness at the 2015 SACNAS conference. In addition to doing research, she is also an active volunteer in her community, both volunteering with children at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and also volunteering with her Phi Theta Kappa chapter’s Computer Literacy and Internet Competency for Seniors program.

Article and photo by Dr. Chistine Case