Her parents originated from India. She aspires to assist other immigrants.

Merlin D’souza discovered artificial wombs during her high school Career Technical Education biotechnology course. This experience prompted her to seek distinctive biomedical programs while evaluating colleges. Harvard’s Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology Department instantly drew her interest.

“They were engaging with stem cells and conducting projects that concentrated on the regenerative facet of medicine,” noted the senior from Casa Grande, Arizona. “As someone who’s aiming for a career in medicine and wishes to engage with the technology and development side, that was incredibly thrilling for me.”

D’souza, focusing on human developmental and regenerative biology as well as global health and health policy, has greatly appreciated her time at Harvard, although her journey to Cambridge faced some obstacles. Her family was uncertain about how they would manage the finances for her education. Being immigrants from India, her father had to leave school early to start working to support his family, while her mother was also unable to further her studies.

“My mom had a passion and dream to pursue studies, but she had to assist her mother in the rice fields and on the farm. She always said, ‘Whatever your aspirations are, however high you want to aim, we will support you.’ Harvard represented that aspiration for me,” she expressed.

Receiving complete financial aid from Harvard enabled her to attend without concerns. “The tuition and the grants I’ve received have been incredibly beneficial, as I’m not shifting the financial weight onto my parents. That was a significant worry for me,” she shared. “Having that backing while I study this challenging curriculum has been such a relief.”

D’souza seized all available opportunities she encountered. Over the past four years, she has traveled to India to teach in underfunded schools, conducted research on mental health with support from the Boston Public Health Commission, and presented findings to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health.

Financial aid not only made attendance achievable but also supported D’souza’s ambition to enter medical school. In the autumn of her junior year, she was awarded a launch grant designed to assist students transitioning from Harvard. With those funds, she could afford the Medical College Admission Test and application expenses. She also emphasized other resources available for students receiving financial aid, including assistance for purchasing a winter coat.

“The motivation behind my desire to attend medical school is primarily to assist communities from which I originated. My parents were immigrants. They lacked access to optimal medical facilities,” she noted.

In addition to her studies, D’souza has discovered ways to contribute. She works as a peer advising fellow with the Advising Programs Office, helping freshmen as they adapt to college life. She also offers her time at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and at Boston Children’s Hospital.

“We have the opportunity to provide support and engage with a child undergoing dialysis. It’s truly the highlight of my week,” she expressed.

Upon graduation, D’souza intends to take a gap year to teach or engage in research before commencing medical school, a break that she noted would not have been feasible if burdened with substantial student debt.

“One aspect that is often overlooked regarding tuition support is that a majority of individuals require it,” she remarked. “Tuition assistance has far-reaching effects. I’m able to acquire this education and pursue a degree in a field that allows me to give back. It’s somewhat like completing a full circle.”