Golden Key is happy to introduce Natnael Berhane Debru, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Undergrad Achievement Award winners. Natnael is from Asmara, Eritrea, studying physics at Khalifa University and will be graduating in the Spring of 2023.

“I have always been curious to study the fundamental laws of nature, and I chose a degree in physics as it would satisfy my curiosity while enabling me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to go into an academic career in physics research,” Natnael says.

Natnael plans to further his studies after obtaining his bachelor’s.

“Once I graduate, I plan to further my studies by pursuing graduate studies in physics and eventually a Ph.D.,” Natnael reveals.

“Being a recipient of this award is incredibly important to me as it is a testament to my efforts in academic excellence and community service; values I know Golden Key is very keen on,” Nanael explains. “As such, this award is a huge encouragement for me and will push me to make the most of my very fortunate position and pursue my aims further. In particular, this award will motivate me to enhance my efforts to pursue a career in scientific research and inspire younger students, who might come from a background that looks upon it unfavorably, to do the same.”

Natnael plans to use his scholarship to further his education.

“As an international student intending to apply to graduate schools across the world, the scholarship will be of great benefit to me, and I plan to use it towards my graduate school application fees and related costs,” Natnael mentions.

Natnael is thankful for all the support he has received throughout his academic journey.

“I would like to thank my family, who have always supported and encouraged me throughout my academic journey, as well as my friends, professors and mentors, without whose support I would not have been able to stand in the position I am in,” Natnael remarks.

Natnael advises new Golden Key members to keep working hard.

“I encourage new Golden Key members to keep doing what they are doing and uphold Golden Key values by pursuing academic excellence in the context of the greater community,” Natnael shares.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Natnael; we wish you the best of luck applying to graduate school!

Golden Key is happy to introduce Samuel Jennings, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Undergrad Achievement Award winners. Samuel earned his Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health in 2020. He graduated with the University Medal in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health for his Bachelor of Medical and Health Science (Honours) in 2021.

“I have just completed the Bachelor of Medical and Health Science (Honours) where I investigated the unexplored relationship between the heart rate and heart rate variability,” Samuel says. “This research was unique, and I recognised the potential that this field of research has for changing the way diagnostic medicine is conducted. This research fits well into my long-term ambition to work within the cardiothoracic field and cardiac research in medicine.”

Samuel is currently pursuing his graduate degree.

“In 2022, I am commencing my Graduate Certificate in Radiography, while I am applying for a position within the Doctor of Medicine and working full-time,” Samuel mentions.

Samuel is excited to continue his Cardiothoracic research before becoming a Cardiothoracic surgeon.

“I will use my degree as a steppingstone towards studying the Doctor of Medicine, with emphasis on Cardiothoracic research,” Samuel explains. “Utilising my experience from my honours, I wish to expand the knowledge base for heart rate variability, with the goal of improved diagnostic techniques and accessibility for all members of society.”

Samuel is thrilled to receive this award.

“It is a wonderful experience receiving acknowledgement of my peer group for the work that I have done prior to being made aware of this award,” Samuel shares.

Samuel advises his fellow GK members to not “underappreciate the value and contributions that you are having within your local or global community.”

Samuel is thankful for everyone who has supported him on his journey.

“I would like to thank Dr. Gregory Peoples, Dr. Michael Macartney, and Mr. Marc Brown, who were my honours supervisors,” Samuel says. “I would also like to thank my parents for their ongoing support and love throughout my journey. I would not be where I am and doing these services if it was not for their encouragement. I would also like to thank my partner for her support.”

Samuel is looking forward to his research papers being published.

“I am currently in the process of writing research papers based on my honours research for publication later this year,” Samuel adds.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Samuel; we wish you the best of luck with your Cardiothoracic research!

Golden Key is happy to introduce Trevor Engling, one of Golden Key’s 2021 Undergrad Achievement Award winners. Trevor is a graduate student in the MSEd of Educational Leadership at the University of Southern Mississippi, set to graduate in the spring of 2023. He earned his BA in History and his Teaching and Athletic Coaching certificates in the spring of 2021.

“I was very excited to hear that I was awarded this scholarship,” Trevor says. “For me, this scholarship, along with all of the others that I have received during my educational career, means that all of my hard efforts in and out of the classroom are paying off. It also means that I have the ability to ease the stressors of the financial issues that my wife and I may end up with in the near future from starting a family, buying a home, and other expenses.”

Trevor plans to use his scholarship to reduce the financial burden of student loans.

“This scholarship helps me to be financially independent of loans while achieving my academic goals,” Trevor explains. “I am using this scholarship to help finish school as well as put some of it towards the downpayment for my wife and I’s wedding venue.”

Trevor plans to teach upon completing his degree.

“I am hoping to either teach high school social studies or possibly teach collegiately,” Trevor reveals.

Trevor advises new members to continue to apply for scholarships.

“I would tell them to apply for as many scholarships as possible so as not to be too stressed by finances to focus on being a student,” Trevor shares.

Trevor is thankful to Golden Key and his wife for supporting him.

“[I would like to thank] GK for believing that I deserved this, as well as my wife for believing in me especially when I didn’t believe in myself,” Trevor mentions.

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Trevor; we wish you the best of luck on your Educational Leadership degree!