Ava Thigpen, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ava Thigpen is a scholar, athlete, and community leader whose intellectual curiosity and drive have earned her a place at MIT, where she will study materials science and engineering. With a 4.09 GPA and a 1550 SAT score, Ava is a National Merit Finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar, and recipient of the Dartmouth Book Award. Her academic journey includes a rigorous slate of Advanced Placement and honors courses.

Ava’s leadership shines through her roles as a writing consultant intern, grade representative on the academic council, and outreach coordinator for her school’s writing center. She’s also a decorated rower, competing at the national level and earning multiple first-place finishes. Her community service includes maintaining a little free library since 2014 and volunteering weekly at the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary.

“My goal is to become a surgeon and work alongside researchers to develop biomaterials that improve medical procedures. The Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship allows me to pursue this path with greater focus and less financial strain. I’m honored to receive this support as I begin my journey at MIT.”

Ava is the daughter of Helen Liu.

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