Class of 2025: Undergraduate Stories of Impact, Growth, and New Beginnings

Meet a few of our dynamic undergraduate students from the class of 2025. Through the Bachelor of Science programs in Global Health and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention courses at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, our students immersed themselves in courses to explore how social and environmental factors, as well as policy influence health outcomes here in Los Angeles and around the world.

Bachelor of Science in Global Health

Adona Kebede
Bachelor of Science in Global Health
(Photo/ Michelle Ewudzi)

“Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how healthcare systems in low-income countries are often under-resourced and overlooked, says Kebede, a progressive degree student also graduating with a Master of Health Administration.

“That experience stayed with me and sparked a passion to make a difference. I chose to study global health at USC because I wanted to understand how to identify quality metrics and develop meaningful solutions that improve care on a global scale.”

During her time at USC, Kebede interned at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center where she served as an administrative resident and co-chair of the hospital’s Green Team. “In this role, I worked closely with executive leadership on a variety of operational and sustainability-focused projects aimed at improving both the caregiver and patient experience,” she says.

“One of my favorite memories in this program was taking Dr. Heather Wipfli’s course. She took time out of her day to connect with us beyond the classroom. It made me feel genuinely seen and supported and gave me the confidence to pursue a progressive degree.”

After graduation, Kebede is excited to continue making a meaningful impact in the community and contributing to work that aligns with her values and goals in healthcare. “I have always believed that everyone deserves access to healthcare that is not only available, but high-quality.”

Annette Malan
Bachelor of Science in Global Health
(Photo/Maya Benitez)

“I was interested in learning about how different communities around the world engage with health and what approaches they use to treat different conditions,” says Malan, a first-generation and progressive degree student.

“Global health gave me the opportunity to explore those interests while also opening doors to policy, health systems, and international relations. It was the perfect fit because I already knew I wanted to work in the health field, and this degree provided me with a multidisciplinary foundation. This program helped me connect the dots between different sectors, and now I’m continuing my journey by pursuing a Master of Health Administration at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.”

During her time at USC, Malan conducted research at the USC Price’s Housing and Health study. “It was a hands-on experience that gave me a better understanding of how housing impacts health outcomes and how research plays a role in shaping policy,” she says.

After graduation, Malan will complete her graduate degree. Her advice to incoming students is to “get involved in things that will expose you to different experiences. It’s the best way to learn, grow, and maximize your time here.”

Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Meri Shukuryan
Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
(Photo/ Lauren Studios)

“As someone who started college as a new mom, I wasn’t sure how I would fit into the college experience. But it turned out that some of the most meaningful moments came from the in-betweens: parenting and studying, and self-doubt and resilience,” shares Shukuryan.

Volunteering at senior care facilities and conducting research on stress-related overeating motivated Shukuryan to pursue higher education. “I witnessed firsthand how lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being deeply affect physical health—often more than clinical interventions alone,” she says.

During her time at USC, she was involved in lung cancer research at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I assisted in genomic research which provided an opportunity for hands-on experience. The research process taught me how molecular science, patient care, and public health intersect in real-world cancer prevention and treatment.”

Reflecting on her time at USC she shares, “don’t be afraid to bring your whole self into the program. Your background, struggles, and passion all belong here and will shape your success. Lean into your curiosity, ask hard questions about the world around you, take classes that challenge your perspective, and get involved in research, public service, or advocacy work, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.”

After graduation, Shukuryan has her sights on medical school. “My goal is to pursue a career as a physician with a strong foundation in public health, focusing on prevention, healthy communities, and culturally competent care.”

Elijah Song
Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
(Photo/ Dylan Pham)

“I was largely inspired to pursue a career in public health working part-time as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for Viewpoint Ambulance in Los Angeles,” says Song, who is also graduating with a minor in health care studies.

“The job opened my eyes to the reality of the health disparities in Los Angeles, which motivated me to learn about the importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve patient outcomes and build healthier communities.”

“This program gave me a deeper understanding of how social, behavioral, and environmental factors profoundly impact health. One of my favorite memories here was witnessing the lessons from class come to life in my interactions with real patients. It opened my eyes to a side of health beyond science—rooted in connection, empathy, and caring for the whole person, not just treating a disease.”

After graduation, Song will take a gap year and then apply to medical school. “I plan on traveling to Japan and Korea, then I’ll continue research at USC and work as a scribe at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.”