Woodhaven High School senior Aiesha Khan has achieved something extraordinary. After three years of dedication to a Saturday chemistry enrichment program at Lawrence Technological University (LTU), offered through Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), Khan capped her journey with a remarkable presentation on November 16.
This project was a labor of love and dedication, which has been the culmination of over two years of dedicating her weekends to learning with her cohorts at LTU. Her project, which analyzed the water quality of the Rouge River near LTU, was shared in front of a packed room. Khan's hard work and commitment not only made her school and community proud but also earned her a $78,000 scholarship to Lawrence Tech.
DAPCEP serves more than 16,000 students annually, but Khan was the only participant from Woodhaven High School and one of fewer than 20 students in her cohort to complete the chemistry program and secure a scholarship. For three years, starting in 10th grade, she spent six weeks each semester immersed in hands-on STEM experiences, including robotics, chemistry labs, and leadership-building activities.
Reflecting on her experience, Khan said, “It solidified what I want to do with my career path. I love biomedical engineering and chemistry, and this program showed me I’m on the right track.”
“In the classroom, Aiesha is focused, dedicated, and curious. She rises to every challenge and shows significant improvement when given the opportunity to learn from her mistakes. Outside of the classroom Aiesha balances an impressive schedule of volunteer work, academic responsibilities, and extracurricular activities, including the Women of Woodhaven Club, martial arts, DAPCEP, and CrossFit. She is an impressive individual and I know her dedication and perseverance will take her far in the future,” said Kristen Garavaglia, WHS science teacher.
During the program, Khan drew inspiration from her mentors, many of whom were women in STEM. “It was so relieving and empowering to have female teachers in this field,” she said. “I believe that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, even the smallest steps towards creating a better future for yourself and others can lead to extraordinary achievements. Chemistry and biology are hard subjects and majors, but I love them because they make you think, and actually use the skills you have learned all throughout your life.”
Aiesha’s journey exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance in pursuing STEM education. With her eyes set on a future in biomedical engineering, she’s poised to make a significant impact in her field - and she’s already made a lasting mark on Woodhaven High School.
Khan said her favorite part of the program was meeting new people and presenting what she learned in the program which helped lead her in the right direction in preparing for college.
