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Biomedical Science Careers Program

2026 Hope Scholar

cristina bonilla 2026 bscp hope scholar

Cristian Bonilla
M.P.H. Candidate, 2027
Thomas Jefferson University
Scholarship sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals

“I have participated in other programs throughout my education. However, with BSCP, I always felt that I could return at a different stage of my journey and still find something valuable. It became more than just attending an event or conference.”

Born in El Salvador, Cristian immigrated to the United States at age fifteen. A first-generation college student, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northeastern University in 2025.

Cristian’s experiences navigating a new country shaped his interests in medicine, public health, and health equity.

Through internships at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Northwestern University, and Northeastern University, he’s contributed to research on cancer, HIV, and biostatistical modeling.

Cristian is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health at Thomas Jefferson University. He plans to attend medical school and become a physician with the goal of improving healthcare quality, access, and outcomes for underserved communities.

BSCP Involvment

Education

Community Involvement