STUDENT VOICES: We were STEM-obsessed siblings as children. It shaped our pathway to Princeton and careers

Angel and Lisa Ndubisi, sisters from Las Vegas, attribute their early fascination with science to childhood questions about health and fairness, and inspiration from characters like Iron Man. This passion for science became a grounding force during a period of family instability in 2021, when Lisa was 13 and Angel was 17. They found that scientific pursuits offered a space where curiosity and persistence yielded tangible results, contrasting with the uncertainty of their daily lives during the pandemic. Their experiences in immersive STEM programs, including attending the nation's oldest summer STEM program, provided them with access to serious research and collaboration with international peers. Angel participated virtually in biochemistry studies during the pandemic, while Lisa attended in person at Purdue University. These opportunities solidified their belief in the importance of early, hands-on "real science" experiences for students and inspired their desire to help create similar pathways for others. Angel graduated from Princeton University on May 24.