2024 Recipient

A native Nevadan, Hannah attended Bishop Manogue Catholic High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Public Health from the University of Nevada, Reno in May 2023. Now a medical student at UNR’s School of Medicine, she is deeply committed to addressing the opioid epidemic, one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

Her undergraduate education exposed her to the realities of substance use disorders, shaping her desire to make a difference in this field. She recently attended an immersion experience at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California, in April 2024. This specialized program offers medical students an inside look at addiction and the healing process, equipping future physicians with the tools to address all aspects of this complex disease.

Her journey has not been without challenges. In middle school, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, requiring her to wear a back brace for 18 hours a day over three years. As a dancer, balancing her condition with her passion for movement was difficult. The experience tested her resilience, but she leaned on her social support system to navigate it with strength.

During her undergraduate years, she was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta (same as our Board Member Kim), where she served as Academic Development Director. Her sorority sisters often praised her for her unwavering support in academic growth and achievement.

Her interest in medicine was fostered early. In high school, her mother encouraged her to explore various career paths, prompting her to seek advice from family and friends. She quickly discovered her science-driven mind, solidifying her love for microbiology in her senior year and later developing a passion for public health. While she remains open-minded about her future specialty, she is drawn to internal medicine, appreciating its problem-solving aspects and broad impact on patient care.

Outside of academics, she values strong personal connections. Friends describe her as outgoing, hardworking, and deeply committed, someone who supports and uplifts those around her. As an only child, she has cultivated independence while maintaining a deep appreciation for her community.

Her journey reflects the spirit of the Ryan Lipparelli Scholarship, combining perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.