George M. Pullman Educational Foundation

08/26/2026

For our final summer update, we’re hearing from Trinity Jones, University of Southern California ’28, who spent her summer behind the camera and jumping rope!

“This summer, I interned at 40+ Double Dutch Club, a Chicago-based organization focused on empowering women over 40 and providing a third space for fitness, friendship, fellowship, and fun. I helped manage internal merchandise operations and develop social media content during their National Playdate, which drew nearly 1,000 attendees from their sub-clubs across the country.
On the side, I was producing my own indie short film, a comedy about a young adult relationship gone terribly wrong.”

08/24/2026

Although it’s almost time to head back to school, our summer postcards are still rolling in!
This summer, Vivian Chanquin, Washington University in St. Louis ’29, returned to two programs that were meaningful parts of her journey before college.

"This summer, I had the opportunity to work with Music House, a family-owned business focused on performing arts education. I worked backstage, assisting students with costumes, getting them to the stage on time, and calming their nerves before their performances. I also got to learn and be a part of onstage quick changes!

I also had the opportunity to return to the Northwestern Medicine campus as an Assistant Program Coordinator to the Northwestern Medicine GCM Grosvenor Scholars, a program I participated in while in high school. In addition to assisting with the 42-student program, I was entrusted with leading a cohort of 15 students. I created lessons, guided students through their first research paper, prepared them for presentations by some of the country’s leading physicians, and more!

Music House and the NM GCM Scholars hold a special place in my heart, as they were part of my journey before college. I am deeply grateful for their continued support and open arms as I return and serve the communities that helped me grow.”

08/21/2026

Let’s hear from Jasmin Chavez all about her summer! Jasmin, University of Michigan ’29, spent time teaching in El Salvador and researching in Ann Arbor!

At the beginning of the summer, I had the opportunity to travel to El Salvador through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). There, we taught 6th through 12th-grade students about engineering concepts and how they are applied within the field. I loved watching my students collaborate and grow more confident as they worked on STEM-based projects.

I then spent the rest of my summer conducting research at the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan through a summer fellowship program. I worked with the Parolia Lab on prostate cancer research, where I learned new research methods and had the opportunity to see experiments through from start to finish. It was a rewarding experience, especially being able to present my research at a symposium at the end of the program.”

08/19/2026

Today, we’re hearing from Justis Hill all about her summer! Justis, Xavier University of Louisiana ’28, participated in the U-CREATE Cancer Research Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“During my 10 weeks in the lab, I had the opportunity to develop an ultra-sensitive nano-proteomics workflow to advance the understanding of tumor heterogeneity.

Aside from my laboratory work in oncology, I had the privilege of being featured in 4 UIC Cancer newsletters, earning 3 research certificates from the CITI Program, volunteering with the American Cancer Society, traveling to the UChicago College of Medicine, and gaining clinical experience in OB/GYN, hematology, oncology, and colorectal surgery.

I’ve spent the majority of my summer learning new techniques I can apply in future laboratory settings and strategies for breaking down communication barriers with patients. The most exciting part of my work is that I was able to work directly with human embryonic kidney cells to see how efficient they can be in cancer research.”

08/10/2026

Here is another postcard from a Pullman Scholar!

This time an update from Yousra Sadiq, University of Illinois at Chicago '27:
"This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Ghana through UIC's Global Health in Practice program. Throughout the program, I visited several hospitals and healthcare facilities, including rural Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) centers. I also shadowed healthcare professionals in the Labor & Delivery, General Surgery, and Emergency departments at the University of Ghana Medical Centre as an intern. These experiences gave me firsthand insight into global healthcare and a deeper understanding of how culture, access to care, and social determinants shape health outcomes.

Beyond my clinical experience, I immersed myself in Ghanaian culture by participating in a traditional naming ceremony, learning to weave kente fabric, visiting historical landmarks, and building friendships with local students and peers. This journey strengthened my passion for healthcare, deepened my appreciation for cultural humility, and gave me memories and lessons that I'll carry with me throughout my future career. I'm incredibly grateful for this unforgettable opportunity!"

08/06/2026

Postcard from a Pullman Scholar! See where summer has taken Pullman Scholars!

This week, we're sharing an update from Noah Barbas, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign '28: "This summer, I participated in a two-week faculty-led program in avian care and conservation through Massey University in New Zealand! I traveled across the North Island, visiting wildlife refuges and rehabilitation clinics while learning about conservation efforts firsthand. After returning home, I moved to the University of Illinois campus to begin training in a microbiology lab studying Type 1 diabetes, where I'll be launching my own research project this fall."

07/14/2026

Relive the best moments from the 2026 Pullman Scholar Symposium, where Pullman Scholars came together for a day of learning, connection, and celebration! From professional development workshops and career insights from recent graduates to an unforgettable Chicago River boat tour and alumni reception, it was a day to remember!

Watch the recap video and experience the highlights:

View the highlights from the 2026 Pullman Scholar Symposium and rec...

07/03/2026

We’re celebrating the last of the 2026 Pullman Scholar graduates: Safia Tariq, Carlos Trejo, Michelle Valencia, A’maree Waddell, and Stephany Flores. Please join us in recognizing their accomplishments!

07/01/2026

Today, we’re spotlighting four more outstanding 2026 Pullman Scholars: Jonah McArthur, Othel Owen, Molly Sheahan, and Paulina Slowakiewicz. Scroll through to learn more about their achievements and what’s next for them!

06/29/2026

Congratulations to more members of the class of 2026 Pullman Scholar graduates! Today we’re featuring Ebony Ikeemeka, Sounia Kaltimi, Summaiya Khan, and Nina Lin. Congratulations, graduates!