Aaban Syed studies electrical engineering, runs track, serves as a writing tutor, and volunteers as a health advocate—experiences made possible with donor support.

Scholarships help ensure that gifted students can access a Caltech education by removing financial barriers and providing the freedom to learn without worrying about the cost of tuition. For Maryland native Aaban Syed, philanthropic support meant he could pursue his interest in medical engineering, an interest which led him to the other side of the country and to the Institute.

"I'm grateful for scholarships," says Syed, who comes from a one-income, multigenerational household. "I don't know if I could have come to Caltech without them." As the recipient of the George D. and Margaret F. Jagels Scholarship, the Warren and Eloise Whiting Endowed Scholarship, and the William and John McLean Scholarship, he is among the more than 50 percent of undergraduates who receive financial aid.

As a reflection of Caltech's ongoing commitment to its students, the Institute launched the Initiative for Caltech Students fundraising campaign in January 2023 to support scholarships and fellowships, health and wellness services, career advising, and co-curricular programs. The campaign concluded on March 31, 2025, having raised $255.5 million—including more than $108 million for undergraduate scholarships.

Engineering Medical Solutions in the Lab

Syed first learned of optogenetics, the ability for light to control cell activity, at a high school science fair. This quickly translated into an interest in sonogenetics in which ultrasound also controls cell activity, but at a deeper penetration. In Syed's first year at the Institute, he was able to gain hands-on sonogenetics experience in the Shapiro Lab, which also is developing the first genetically encoded imaging agents for ultrasounds.

Now a third-year student, Syed has joined Bren Professor of Electrical Engineering and Medical Engineering Ali Hajimiri’s Caltech High-Speed Integrated Circuits group, working on photonic structures that promise future applications in medical diagnostics. Both lab experiences have helped to propel Syed closer to becoming a physician scientist.

"I want to apply my engineering skills to medicine," he says. "I think being a physician scientist offers a great perspective. You can literally see the problem in the clinic and then go to your lab and say, 'Okay, how can we approach this and engineer medical solutions to better human lives?'"

Embracing a Vibrant Campus Life

Outside of the lab, Syed has embraced co-curricular activities as opportunities for personal growth and connection. The Institute offers more than 100 student-led clubs and organizations, including club sports teams. Syed has sprinted and pole-vaulted with the track and field team and was a diver with the swim and dive team.

"I think it's been a great outlet for stress," he says on the benefits of staying active on campus. "I feel like being in good physical shape helps me think clearly." He acknowledges that the occasional sports injury also has taught him how to put challenges in perspective. "What I've learned to do is focus on what I can control and try not to worry about everything else too much. When working with an injury, you build the resiliency to keep plugging away."

He also works as a tutor at the Hixon Writing Center—a tangible way for him to give back. "Tutoring has been a great way to help my peers and be more involved with the Caltech community," says Syed. "People have different strengths, and it's interesting to see their perspectives and try to help them express those thoughts clearly in their essays."

Extracurricular activities and academics can be a lot to juggle, he acknowledges, but he's inspired by the Caltech community.

"At the end of the day, this is a one-of-a-kind place, and I want to make the most out of it," says Syed. "And it's always nice meeting people who can help support me and guide me."

Fostering Student Wellbeing and Resilience

Syed also supports his community through the Institute's Health Advocate Program. The course, taught over three academic terms, provides training in emergency response and preventive health resulting in an American Red Cross emergency certification. Undergraduates can apply their training by volunteering with the Pasadena Fire Department as well. Last year Syed attended his first Tournament of Roses Parade as a volunteer emergency medical responder with the American Red Cross.

The Health Advocate learning experience not only has added to Syed's skill set as a future health care professional, it has brought home the importance of making wellness resources readily available for college students.

"Especially at Caltech, people can get carried away with doing their work all the time," he observes. "Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in neglecting their physical wellbeing."

Student Wellness Services, which sponsors the Health Advocate program, provides health care services to all eligible Caltech students regardless of enrollment in a health insurance plan, as well as same-day counseling services for students in crisis. In addition, students can access occupational therapy services including support in managing daily routines such as time management and sleep habits.

Charting a Path as a Future Physician Scientist

Looking ahead, Syed's goal to become a physician scientist may lead him to pursue a joint MD/PhD degree program. He turned to the Institute's Career Achievement, Leadership, and Exploration (CALE) department to help prepare him in navigating a career at the intersection of medicine and science.

"Last summer, I participated in a medical preceptorship with Children's Hospital Los Angeles," says Syed, referring to a supervised learning experience provided in a clinical setting. "I was able to shadow multiple departments, and it increased my interest in interventional radiology." In April, CALE hired a new career educator and prehealth advisor, Lori Eiland, who has a clinical background in healthcare and brings extensive experience in premedical and academic advising. The expansion of more personalized career advising has been made possible by a gift from Caltech Trustee Rebecka Belldegrun and her husband Arie Belldegrun. Additional CALE services include support for career pathways in academia, entrepreneurship, and industry, and facilitating connections with alumni via mentorship programs and networking events.

The successful conclusion of the Initiative for Caltech Students fundraising campaign is a milestone along the Institute’s continuing focus to enhance the student experience and ensure Syed and others have the resources to thrive academically and personally. "I'm grateful to those who have given to the student initiative, as the impact is felt directly by the students," adds Syed.