When Aisha Makama arrived at UB, she already knew two things: She wanted to make a difference in cancer research, and she wanted to make an impact beyond the lab.

Today, the biochemistry and political science double major is doing exactly that — blending science, service and leadership into her True Blue experience.

Along the way, she became UB’s first recipient of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service, a national award that supports students committed to public impact.

The scholarship provides financial aid for students’ junior and senior years and funds a summer voyage to gain experience in their chosen field. Makama plans to conduct pancreatic cancer research at the University of Cambridge during her voyage.

“It's an honor to be UB’s first recipient of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship,” Makama says. “UB has opened the door to so many experiences that have shaped who I am.”

Makama chose UB because of its undergraduate research opportunities. Before she even committed to the university, she found a research opportunity online that immediately stood out to her. Now, she conducts pancreatic cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, studying the molecular causes of cancer and exploring how research can improve patient care.

For Makama, science and public service go hand in hand.

“My favorite part about being a UB student is the university’s resource and support for interdisciplinary work,” she says. “People often ask why I’m majoring in biochemistry and political science because they seem like such different fields. But I see them as deeply connected.”

That interdisciplinary mindset has shaped nearly every part of her UB journey.

A Presidential Scholar, Honors College ambassador, Welcome Weekend leader and undergraduate research advocate for the College of Arts and Sciences, Makama spends much of her time helping other students discover opportunities similar to the ones that transformed her own experience.

Whether she’s leading workshops, giving tours to prospective students or encouraging classmates to pursue research, her message is simple: “Don’t wait, just do it.”

She also believes strongly in giving back to the Buffalo community. Through her volunteer work at Good Neighbors Health Care, Makama supports underserved and uninsured individuals — an experience that continues to shape her long-term goals.

Those goals are ambitious: Makama hopes to earn an MD-PhD, become a physician-scientist and one day open cancer research clinics in underserved communities around the world.

“To me, being True Blue means taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it to the world around you," she says. “It’s about being open to new ideas, opportunities and perspectives because that’s what helps UB students grow and succeed in whatever path they choose.”