Fatu Amara is a 2018 Jeannette K. Watson Fellow (Photo courtesy of the Jeannette K. Watson Foundation)

Fatu Amara, a sophomore in The Verrazano School Honors Program and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) at CSI, has been awarded a 2018 Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship.

Commenting on having received this honor, Fatu said, “Becoming a Watson Fellow is such an honor and a life-changing experience. The Watson Fellowship helps its fellows reach their fullest potential personally, professionally and culturally, and I am really grateful for having such opportunity.”

Inspired by research that she conducted under the guidance of faculty, Fatu is a Biochemistry major who is considering career paths involving scientific research, medicine, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and education and global advocacy. She has great compassion for those who do not have adequate access to basic resources, and eventually intends to engage in initiatives that address this issue globally.

Fatu is a dedicated student who serves as Secretary for the Psychology Club, and is an active member of the Pre-Medical/Pre-Physician Assistant Club at CSI. She has additionally enhanced her background experience by completing an internship assisting the Snug Harbor Cultural Center with its public education programs via the CUNY Cultural Corps, as well as a volunteer internship program at the Staten Island University Hospital.

When asked how her CSI education contributed to her selection as a Watson Fellow, Fatu commented, “CSI has helped broaden my knowledge through academic classes, research, volunteering opportunities, cultural events, and Internships. In addition, CSI has connected me with mentors and advisors who are always there to help me achieve my goals. All the knowledge, experience, exposure, and support that I have received from CSI has helped me to become a strong candidate for the Watson Fellowship.”

Looking to the future after she receives her bachelor’s degree, Fatu stated, “Currently, my post-graduate aspiration is to continue exploring the science field at an advanced academic level such as graduate school. However, I am very excited to see how the Watson internship experiences will influence my future career plans.”