The NIH provides funding support and research opportunities through its Undergraduate Scholarship Program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical research.

Scholarship recipients can receive up to $20,000 per academic year for tuition and educational and living expenses. They also participate in a paid, ten-week summer research internship at the NIH. After graduation, the recipients are employed for one year at the NIH for each year they receive scholarship support.

Evangelista is one of nine students chosen from a national pool of over 100 applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year. In addition to her studies, Evangelista is also an undergraduate trainee under the U54 Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity (PIPCHE) grant and a co-director of UOG Infrastructure for the Chålan Åmte Advising Group, a local organization of medical students and professionals that aims to improve Guam’s healthcare workforce through mentorship and advocacy.

“We are so happy that Reina has received the NIH scholarship and are proud of her latest accomplishment,” said Dr. Rachael Leon Guerrero, dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. “It’s always thrilling to see our students succeed.”

More information on the Undergraduate Scholarship can be found on the scholarship program page of the NIH website.