Alumna Receives Prestigious Scholarship

Amber Navarra, a Cooper graduate in the Class of 2022 and a member of Duke University's Class of 2025, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Glenn family following an exceptional summer internship experience at the Mischer Neuroscience Center at Memorial Hermann. Amber credits her time at The John Cooper School for laying the foundation that has led to her academic and extracurricular successes at Duke.

 

During her time at Duke, Amber has been actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities that have enriched her academic experience. She has worked as a research assistant in the Noor Lab, focusing on evolutionary biology through the study of Drosophila Melanogaster. and plans to take part in an independent study. In addition to her research, Amber has also served as a group learning facilitator for Organic Chemistry through Duke’s Academic Research Center program, SAGE. Her passion for helping others also extends to her work as a volunteer in the Duke University Hospital, where she assists in a clinic’s waiting room. Amber's leadership skills have further shone through in her role as the Vice President of Recruitment for Durham’s Delta Gamma Sorority and as a tour guide for Duke University, where she shares her love for the college with prospective students.

 

This past summer, Amber's dedication to her field culminated in an internship at the Mischer Neuroscience Center, where she gained hands-on experience working with physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, and she was awarded a scholarship from the Glenn family, which she believes will be instrumental as she continues her journey toward a career in medicine: "I’m incredibly grateful for the scholarship," Amber said. "It will help me as I continue to gain more experience in the medical field and prepare for the application process next year."

Dr. Zubay, a board-certified neurosurgeon at the Mischer Neuroscience Center, was thrilled to have Amber on board for this internship: "Investing in the youth of today is investing in the future we all share. When we nurture their potential, we cultivate the leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will shape a better tomorrow."Amber is also proud to be the first participant in this internship program and encourages others interested in the medical field, particularly in neurosurgery or neuroscience, to consider applying: "It was an experience that allowed me to have exposure to some of the core competencies that are vital for all pre-meds," she noted.

Looking back on her time at The John Cooper School, Amber expressed her gratitude for the foundation it provided. "During my 14 years at Cooper, I gained vital experiences that prepared me for a successful time in college," she said. "It’s a community of diverse students that allow you to learn from others, as well as opportunities to explore paths that might appeal to you most."

 

Amber’s journey is a testament to the importance of exploration and being open to change. "I would advise current Cooper students to explore a variety of interests," she shared. "Don’t be scared to change your path if the one you’re on doesn’t seem to fit—let your experiences guide you."

Amber's story is an inspiring example of how the strong foundation built at The John Cooper School, combined with the opportunities provided by institutions like Duke University and networks like Cooper's, can propel students to achieve remarkable success.