Reina Evangelista, a senior at the University of Guam pursuing a dual degree in Chemistry and Biology, was selected for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program. At the NIH, she gained hands-on research experience in population-based cancer epidemiology. Her summer project focused on examining the relationship between persistent poverty and breast cancer incidence rates using SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program datasets from 2006-2019 and stratified by age, race and ethnicity, and estrogen receptor (ER) status. She presented her summer-long research project at both NCI-DCEG Poster Day and NIH Poster Day.

This scholarship provided Reina with the opportunity to conduct full-time research under the mentorship of NIH principal investigators while collaborating with driven students from across the country. In addition, she received career guidance from NIH counselors, professional development opportunities, and exposure to one of the world’s leading biomedical and public health research institutions.

Continuous exposure to the sobering realities of Guam’s increasingly challenging healthcare system, plus an interest in scientific discovery coupled with the ability to work with patients, inspired Reina to pursue a career as both a physician and researcher. The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program strengthens this pathway by providing her with advanced research training, mentorship, professional development, and the resources needed to achieve her long-term career goals.

Interest in the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Minimal local cancer research and comprehensive data motivated Reina to pursue research aimed at understanding cancer trends and identifying contributing factors that aid in developing life-saving interventions to improve health outcomes. Limited biomedical research opportunities back home in Guam and financial hardships led her to apply to the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program.

When Reina first applied as a freshman, she lacked prior research experience. After recognizing that taking part in research is an essential component of the NIH’s mission, she sought opportunities to build her research background and strengthen her foundation as a future researcher. However, finding avenues to get involved in research was not always easy; she says, “In Guam, you don’t just stumble into research opportunities; you have to actively look for them.”

Besides engaging in exceptional research, Reina was drawn to the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program for its generous financial support, which will help alleviate the cost of tuition. This support provides Reina with greater financial stability, allowing her to focus more fully on her academic growth, research development, and desire to pursue a career as a physician-scientist

Research Experience at Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health for Everyone (PIPCHE)

To understand cancer rates and factors contributing to disparities, Reina served as a research associate at the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health for Everyone (PIPCHE), working within the Biostatistics Research Core. Under the mentorship and guidance of Dr. Grazyna Badowski, Reina worked on a breast cancer–focused project and had the opportunity to present her findings at multiple national conferences, including the AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in 2024 in Los Angeles, California, and the 2024 SACNAS Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Throughout the 1.5 years working as a research associate, she learned that research can be difficult at times but furthered her understanding of the field and its expectations, including the importance of developing strong analytical skills, maintaining attention to detail, interpreting data accurately, collaborating with mentors, and communicating findings effectively. She admired the flexibility of remote research, primarily the ability to conduct data analysis from home while balancing other academic responsibilities. Most importantly, the opportunity opened her eyes to how research could be applied to solve problems in clinical settings, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in research.

Passion for Population Epidemiology Research

Discovering how empirical data can be used to understand community health trends and generate evidence-based findings sparked Reina’s passion for population epidemiology research. Through analyzing population datasets, she saw how data can uncover patterns in disease, identify health gaps, and guide interventions that improve community health.

Her experiences with PIPCHE demonstrated how epidemiological research can extend beyond academic settings by informing public health policies, strengthening outreach initiatives, and increasing awareness of health risks and prevention. For Reina, population epidemiology provides an opportunity to transform data into meaningful solutions that address healthcare disparities across Guam and the Pacific.

Standing Out as an Applicant

While at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, Reina learned from one of the program’s application reviewers that her application had been highly regarded. The reviewer recognized her unwavering dedication, growth, and potential as a researcher – qualities that most likely contributed to her acceptance into the program. Through her compelling narrative and interviews, Reina believes her personal background, passion for scientific discovery, and dedication to serving Guam and the Pacific helped distinguish her as a strong candidate. 

Although she felt nervous during her interview, Reina found discussing her research experiences to be the most natural part of the conversation. She shared how rewarding it has been to contribute to scientific work and expressed optimism about expanding similar opportunities for future students in Guam.

Her role as Co-Director of Chålan Åmte was also a significant part of her application, spotlighting her commitment to strengthening pre-health pathways for students in Guam. “It’s important to me that the students at my school (UOG) have the opportunities to get to medical school because we don't have that yet,” Reina said during her interview. “We’re trying to create resources they can use to help students succeed.”

Overall, Reina demonstrated her dedication that extended beyond her own academic journey. Her application reflected not only her potential as a future researcher but also her desire to create opportunities and resources for others following a similar path.

Finding Confidence Through the NIH Scholarship

Before receiving the scholarship, Reina kept her application process private and shared it only with a small group of mentors and peers who supported her throughout the journey. She was hesitant to tell others because the opportunity felt uncertain and she did not want to become overly hopeful.

Even after being selected as 1 of 9 scholars out of hundreds of applicants, Reina questioned whether she deserved such a prestigious achievement. However, arriving at the NIH and meeting other scholars from across the mainland helped shift her perspective. Surrounded by talented peers and exposed to new opportunities, she realized that her accomplishments reflected her hard work and dedication.

Recognition from mentors, peers, and the broader research community strengthened her confidence and affirmed her potential as a future physician-scientist. She hopes her NIH experience will extend beyond her personal academic journey and benefit her home community in Guam. She views this opportunity as a chance to bring back valuable skills in research methods, data analysis, scientific communication, grant writing, and collaboration with institutions such as the NIH and the National Cancer Institute.

By applying these skills to support local health initiatives, strengthen biomedical and public health research, and mentor future students, Reina hopes to expand Guam’s research capacity and help address the island’s healthcare disparities.

Advice for Students Applying to Competitive National Programs

Reina encourages students from Guam to recognize their island background as a strength when applying to competitive national programs. Drawing from her own experience, she understands the uncertainty that can come with pursuing opportunities beyond Guam.

“Being from the island of Guam is a huge advantage when applying to competitive programs. I was definitely nervous when I first applied to this scholarship as a freshman. I didn’t apply again until after I’d gained research experience and was confident enough in what I’d accomplished on island,” Reina shares.

She advises students to pursue meaningful experiences, apply to programs that align with their goals, and approach the process with genuine passion. “Don’t just apply to apply,” she says, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating personal growth and dedication.

Reina also highlights the value of preparation and authenticity throughout the application process. She urges students to know their work well, as interviewers often ask detailed questions to assess their involvement and understanding. Additionally, she recommends seeking guidance from mentors, including members of Chålan Åmte, for support with personal statements, interviews, and navigating competitive opportunities.

Written by: Kayla Paguio | September 3, 2026