Nil Babacan
General Biology
Town & Gown Luanne & Robert Kittle Endowed Scholarship and
Elizabeth and Joseph Taft Endowed History Scholarship
Profile:
Nil was drawn to biology at an early age when she first learned about cells and looked at them through a microscope. She later was “captivated” by “how organisms can cause infections and diseases as well as how the human body responds to them.” This led to her goal of becoming a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases. Because of an internship opportunity at Ankara University Stem Cell Institute during her junior year of high school, she was able to observe “firsthand how stem cells and regenerative medicine can be used in scientific research.”
At UC San Diego she is active in MEMO (Medical, Educational Missions & Outreach) where she has worked on several fundraiser events and health fairs. She has also volunteered at Father Joe’s Villages Dinner Service to provide a Thanksgiving meal for the homeless community. In addition, Nil participates in Mentor Collective, where she helps her two mentees adjust to college life.
Music has been a constant in her life from a young age, and has helped her “stay focused and grounded during challenging times” and approach her goals “with a more disciplined and balanced mindset.”
Nil plans to pursue a career in medicine and hopes to make a meaningful impact on both individuals and her community and help “people heal, recover, and feel supported during difficult times.” She is enrolled in Revelle College.
