Uzbekistan Émigré to Study Biology at Columbia University to Honor Brother’s Memory
SAN DIEGO, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Khadicha Kosimjonova immigrated from Uzbekistan in pursuit of better educational opportunities, channeling this drive into academic excellence. However, after immigrating to the United States and through education, she saw all the possibilities science could offer. Today, with that spark ignited and having received the David Malcolm Scholarship for Fall 2024, she will study immunology while striving to help women overcome barriers as she has done.
Khadicha Kosimjonova
The David Malcolm Scholarship was established in 2021 to support students who have shown resilience in the face of obstacles and have a compelling vision for pursuing higher education. Recipients of the $2,500 scholarships have also demonstrated a desire to better their world.
Kosimjonova lost her younger brother to complications related to her mother’s autoimmune disease, which drove her to research immunity, gender-based differences, and connections between genetic pathways and disease. Her first physics lab in a well-funded school district, vastly different from her previous underfunded school, redefined science for her — transforming it into a tool for understanding the universe’s mysteries and a way to honor her late brother. She will study Biology at Columbia University and sees higher education as an opportunity to inspire and empower others.
In addition, she formed STEM Seeds, a nonprofit designed to bring science experiments to underserved communities, and another organization (S.A.F.E. Club) to help women overcome gender stereotypes. Both have expanded their scope to multiple chapters and locations under her dedicated leadership.
“Resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey,” Kosimjonova wrote in her essay. “With this scholarship, I can contribute meaningful solutions and inspire others to overcome their own obstacles.”
The David Malcolm Scholarship is open to high school students, students accepted to or enrolled in a college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Please visit the official website to learn more about the David Malcolm Scholarship and its mission to support educational success.
About David MalcolmDavid Malcolm is a San Diego-based entrepreneur, real estate expert, and community leader with five decades of experience. He is dedicated to supporting higher education opportunities and local community initiatives. He and his wife, Annie, actively contribute to charitable organizations that help build stronger communities through education and support services.
SOURCE David Malcolm
