Student Spotlight: Eden Adera, Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Eden Adera, a junior medical biology major in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, who was named the Florida Atlantic University 2024 Hersker, Shaw, Gosser Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship winner! The Phi Kappa Phi scholarship is awarded to one student across the university in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement and leadership, and it has been given each year since 1977.

On April 17, Adera was presented with the award during the university’s annual Honors Convocation. She was selected for this prestigious scholarship out of a group of exemplary students who were nominated by faculty committees in their respective colleges. The honor includes an award of $2,500.

“Receiving the Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship is a tremendous honor, representing not only financial support, but it is also a recognition of my potential by the university,” stated Adera. “It affirms that my efforts are valued and encourages me to persist in my academic pursuits. Knowing that others believe in my abilities and are invested in my success fuels my determination to excel.”

Adera said she was fortunate to have been raised by science-loving parents who made it easy for her to discover her own passion for science. When she received her admission letter from Florida Atlantic and attended the “Second Look” session for accepted freshmen, she knew that she had found her second home.

“Florida Atlantic gifted me and equipped me with the most incredible advising faculty in the College of Science who all want to see me soar,” expressed Adera. “I knew that saying ‘yes’ to FAU meant saying ‘yes’ to a support system that would uplift me, guide me, and push me to my fullest potential.”

In 2022, Adera was selected to be part of the college’s Soar-in-4 cohort. This unique program provides participants with professional hands-on support and personalized attention as students advance toward their bachelor’s degree within four years of their initial first-year enrollment.

“Having the ability to be in a community of other scholars who share similar career goals allows us to support one another through our academic struggles and successes,” shared Adera. “I have had the privilege of having Dr. Evonne Rezler as my mentor. She has had my back since the very first day I met her, and she has continued to push me to be the best student I can be.”

Outside of the classroom, Adera is actively engaged in Medi-Futures, the Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association Chapter, and the Pre-Medical America Medical Student Association Chapter. In addition, she has served as a member of the FAU Ethics Honor Committee, and she was elected as a co-chair for the 2023-34 Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award committee, where she represents the Schmidt College of Science.

After her anticipated graduation in 2025, she hopes to enter medical school.