Behind every scholarship is a student whose life and opportunities have been transformed. Two University of Utah students share how the School of Biological Sciences, mentorship, research and financial support have shaped their journeys and set them up for what comes next. Both are graduating in Spring 2026 and are aspiring physician-scientists.

Nathan Patchen

Double majoring in biology and biochemistry

For Nathan Patchen, scholarship support has been foundational to both his education and stability as a student. As he explained, “Scholarships made it possible for me to pursue my education. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the cost of education or a place to live. I am deeply humbled and honored by the scholarships I have received, and I work harder towards achieving my goals because I know I’m not doing it for just myself, but for those who have believed in me as well.”

Much of Patchen’s growth at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) has come from the people who shaped his experience. “I’ve received excellent mentorship from brilliant professors, great companionship from my peers, and learned more about what I want from my future than ever before. This is no doubt due to the wonderful culture established at the School of Biological Sciences of producing high-quality scientists and professionals,” he said.

Looking ahead, Patchen is preparing for the next step in his academic journey. He has applied to M.D./Ph.D. programs at Baylor, Duke and Vanderbilt universities. If he is admitted, he will begin in Fall 2026.

Outside the lab and classroom, balance and community have been central to his success. “I definitely believe that students need to find a balance between work, studies and enjoying their life. It can be very easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of volunteering, lab work, clinical hours and grades. I don’t imagine this stops; in fact it likely just increases as you accrue more responsibility.”

For Patchen, work-life balance includes time away from research, classes and obligations to service as a member of the National Guard. One outlet is running—and he pours the same dedication into it as he does his academics. “I have had the incredible opportunity to help lead one of the fastest growing running communities in Salt Lake: Salty Star Run club. The passion I feel for running, along with my love for the community, has made me feel as if what I do isn’t work at all.”

Read more in Humans of the U: Nathan Patchen.

Isabella Scalise

Biology major

Pursuing science is personal for Isabella Scalise. Her interest in cancer research began when her grandpa was diagnosed with colon cancer and deepened in college when her grandma’s lung cancer became resistant to treatment. The School of Biological Sciences became the right place to turn that personal motivation into purpose, and, as she noted, “as an out-of-state student, scholarship support has been crucial to allowing me to attend the University of Utah and take advantage of the abundance of opportunities here.”

Mentorship has played a defining role in Scalise’s education. And while the U is a large institution, the programs and people she found through the SBS made her journey feel personal and tailored.

“I got an early start in research, as a freshman, as part of ACCESS Scholars. The program was led by Tanya Vickers, who provided mentorship and a research placement in a lab at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, experiences that have been catalytic to my growth as a student and aspiring scientist. In the Kinsey lab, I was mentored by Sophia Schuman, an ACCESS and SBS alumni. Sophia was a phenomenal mentor. She bolstered my confidence in the lab and cared about my overall success as a student and researcher.” Read more in ACCESS: A Tale of Two Researchers.

Scalise’s long-term vision is not only deeply personal but clear. “My ultimate goal is to be able to run a translational medical lab where we can directly translate our findings bench-to-bedside to help cancer patients lead healthier and longer lives… I am particularly eager to continue to contribute to the fight against resistance [medicine- and treatment-based] as well as to be involved in direct patient education and care.”

Reflecting on her preparation as an undergrad, she added, “In my pursuit of developing solid foundations for a future career as a physician-scientist, the SBS has offered invaluable opportunities for me to follow my curiosities and join a supportive network of like-minded scientists.”

Looking ahead, Isabella Scalise will apply to M.D./Ph.D. programs across the nation and plans to spend a gap year after graduating continuing her work at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

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Inspired by these stories? You can support biology students like Nathan Patchen and Isabella Scalise or more broadly students throughout the the College of Science by contributing to scholarship funds during the University of Utah’s year-end giving campaigns.

Biology undergrad scholarships

College of Science undergrad scholarships

This story was first posted by the School of Biological Sciences