Dina Qiryaqoz

Academic Interests: Biology & Global Health

I am a first-generation low-income student here at Duke University attending as both a Rubenstein and Questbridge scholar. I am beyond thankful for all the opportunities I have been given along my life to get to where I am and believe strongly in always working hard and making not only my family and friends proud, but making myself proud as well. I have learned to be my own advocate and take all the opportunities that come my way; even if that means failing at some, I never like to look back with regret, because I know that in the end I get to learn something I would not have otherwise.

Academically, I am a pre-med student planning on double majoring in Biology and Global Health. I also love the Spanish language and although it seems like I can not fit any more into my schedule, I plan on going to a Spanish-speaking country, learning more about the culture and improving my fluency. Languages have in fact always been a passion of mine- I currently speak English, Chaldean, Assyrian, can understand Arabic, have had 7 years of Spanish (and hope to have more), and plan on expanding that list through travel.

At Duke, I am part of the Duke Student Government, Duke University Union, House Council, and am a research assistant in the Wang neurobiology lab. I hope to create change during my time at Duke. I want to show my worth after being given the incredible opportunity to attend such a prestigious school.