Every year we award academic scholarships to high school seniors in the Collin County area. We are always thrilled to hear success stories of past scholarship recipients! This month we bring you Madison Hansen’s story.
Madison Hansen graduated from Plano East Senior High School in June 2012. Her senior year, she was one of eleven students awarded the Living for Zachary Academic Scholarship.
Madison’s interest in the medical field began when her mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor two weeks before the beginning of her sophomore year in high school. Spending time with her mom at the hospital sparked interest in Madison. A few summer’s later, she decided it would be a great opportunity to shadow her mom’s neurosurgeon. She knew at this point that she wanted to become a physician to help other patients and families just like hers.
After graduating from Plano East Senior High, Madison attended Harvard University. While in college she excelled not only in her studies but also on the field. She ran track all four years at Harvard and competed in the pentathlon, heptathlon, hurdles, and 4 by 400 relay. She is currently the Harvard and Ivy League school record holder in the heptathlon! The Living for Zachary Academic Scholarship, allowed Madison to pursue her passion for medicine in college. Madison graduated from Harvard University in 2016 with a degree in Neurobiology.
Now, Madison is working as a research assistant in the Neurology and Neurotherapeutics Department at UT Southwestern. Her research projects are focused on helping patients with Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord currently without a cure. “I love connecting with patients and developing innovative solutions to increase patient education, improve symptom management, and enhance diagnostic markers of the disease.” says Madison.
“My dream of becoming a physician have only strengthened since sitting on my mom’s hospital bed seven years ago. I am currently applying to medical school and hope to join the class matriculating in the fall of 2018!” says Madison.
We are so proud of everything that Madison has accomplished up to this point. We wish her the best of luck with medical school!
If you’re interested in applying for the Living for Zachary Academic Scholarship, you can find out how here.