From Bakersfield to UC Merced: A San Joaquin Valley Native’s Quest for Healthcare Innovation

Anmol Kaur, a San Joaquin Valley native from Bakersfield, has just started her first year at UC Merced. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about science and medicine and aims to make an impact in the world of health care.

Kaur grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from Stockdale High School with a 4.5 GPA. She was accepted into the second cohort of the SJV PRIME+ medical education program, which aligns with her parents’ careers in the medical field. Kaur’s passion for science and medicine began early on, as she participated in the Project Lead the Way biomedical science program while in high school. Through this program, she gained hands-on experience in analyzing DNA, dissecting organs, and conducting a pig autopsy.

In addition to her scientific pursuits, Kaur is also deeply committed to inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields through her nonprofit organization W.I.S.E (Women in STEM Education). This organization provides online seminars, workshops, and scholarships to young girls interested in STEM careers.

Kaur chose UC Merced because of its peaceful setting amidst the Central Valley’s beauty and its rigorous biological sciences program that will help her prepare for medical school. She is excited about building lasting connections with others at UC Merced and volunteering in her community.

In her free time, Kaur enjoys eating various fruits and considers herself a night owl. She dreams of exploring Italy’s scenic towns for a three-day weekend.

Kaur looks forward to gaining new experiences and developing strong relationships at UC Merced inspired by the connections formed by the previous SJV PRIME+ cohort.

As Kaur embarks on this new journey at UC Merced, she hopes to continue exploring her passion for science and medicine while making an impact on society through healthcare innovation.