First-generation graduate and Dean's Medalist heads to Stanford for a PhD in biology (opens in new tab)

When Sophie Cerna first arrived at Arizona State University, she didn’t plan on becoming a scientist.A first-generation college student who had spent years nurturing her creativity through art, Cerna initially enrolled as an art major, drawn to a field that felt familiar and personal. Over time, however, she found herself pulled in a different direction, shaped by curiosity, encouragement from mentors and a growing desire to make an impact.