Kristen Hanson Memorial Scholarship

March 16, 2026

Aileen Morris has been selected by the Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology (MCDB) as the 2025-2026 Kristen Hanson Memorial Scholarship recipient. Congratulations, Aileen!

Aileen is an undergraduate majoring in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology at UCLA. She has conducted basic research in the Zipursky Lab, studying neural circuit development to better understand the molecular mechanisms that guide brain wiring. Alongside her research, she has served her community through clinical and educational roles. As a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and EMT Skills Instructor, she was able to provide emergency care and teach hands-on training sessions. In this role, she also helps organize service initiatives that encourage students to assemble and distribute backpacks and essential supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. Aileen volunteers regularly with a local Catholic church in Riverside to prepare and distribute meals for the unhoused community. She has also volunteered at an urgent care clinic, assisting medical staff in patient care. Within her community, she has provided childcare support and babysat for families with limited resources.

This award is made possible by the generosity of donors to the Division of Life Sciences.

Previous Kristen Hanson Memorial Scholarship recipients:
Gianna Colombo
Avril Rincon
Zoe Ge
Daniela Wong
Laila Sathe
Pagé Goddard
Esmeralda Isabel Villavicencio González
Elsa Couvillon
Isabel Angres