The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of its Access for Students to Clinical Research Training (ASCRT) Scholarship program, now in its second round of awarding $5,000 scholarships to students from underrepresented groups who are enrolled in a community college, four-year college, or master’s-level program in clinical research.
Funded through ACRP’s fundraising cycling challenge, with recipients being selected by members of the ACRP Diversity Advisory Council, the ASCRT Scholarship initiative addresses the issue of insufficient representation and diversity within the clinical research workforce by providing crucial financial assistance to underrepresented minority students. The program was announced in 2023 by ACRP and attracted 33 applicants for the latest funding opportunity.
The four recipients of the ASCRT Scholarships for 2025 are:
Noreen Ahmed, a graduating senior in The City College of New York’s BA/MA program in psychology on the research track. Through the Brooklyn STEPPS program at NYU Langone Health, they have been able to partake in clinical research. In the future, Ahmed hopes to contribute to clinical research projects that address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes in underserved communities.
Zariya Alvarez, a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where she works closely with physicians and other research staff to improve access to clinical research for participants from underserved communities. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology and biostatistics to better address barriers to participation for Black and Latinx populations in clinical trials. Her ultimate goal is to advocate for systemic changes that increase representation in research and ensure that marginalized communities are not only included in, but also benefit from, clinical trial outcomes and advancements.
Charu Balamurugan, a senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in molecular and cellular biology and medicine, health, and society, with a passion for advancing health equity through clinical research. Her research experience spans neurovascular imaging, fungal evolutionary genomics, and behavioral health disparities with a focus on underserved populations. She aspires to integrate research and advocacy to improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes as a future physician-scientist.
Roxana Guilarte, a resident of Tampa, Fla., who is pursuing a dual MSHS/BSHS degree program in clinical research administration. Guilarte describes herself as an animal lover, avid reader, and fitness enthusiast who looks forward to growing in clinical research, especially with this award, which she says encourages her strong commitment to underrepresented populations in clinical research. She believes that expanding knowledge about clinical trials and increasing their accessibility for such populations can tremendously impact people’s lives.
“It is our pleasure to support these talented students as they pursue careers in clinical research and contribute their talents to advancing the discovery of new therapies and improved health outcomes,” said Susan Landis, Executive Director of ACRP. “We are thankful for our ACRP champions—cyclists and sponsors—who understand the critical need to help pave the way for careers in clinical research and support solutions that have a direct impact on helping to build a diverse and research ready-workforce.”
Edited by Gary Cramer
