For Maryam Tunkara, the pursuit of knowledge is about curiosity, growth, and making an impact—not about recognition. A senior at Butler Tech’s Bioscience Center and Lakota West High School, she has spent her high school career exploring the intersections of biomedical science, technology, and service, always pushing herself to learn more and do more.
Her dedication and achievements have earned her recognition as a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee in Career Technical Education, a distinction awarded to only five students in Ohio. Additionally, she achieved a perfect ACT score of 36—a rare accomplishment that reflects her academic strength and commitment to excellence.
With a deep interest in computational biology and pharmacology, Maryam has embraced every opportunity to expand her understanding of the medical field. Whether analyzing case studies in her Biomedical Science program coursework, conducting Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis, or participating in cancer research programs at Ohio State University, she thrives in environments that challenge her to think critically and solve problems.
Her love for science extends beyond the classroom. As part of the Anatomage Club leadership team, she helps engage peers in hands-on learning about human anatomy, organizing events and preparing for upcoming competitions. She also enjoys the problem-solving aspect of FIRST Robotics, balancing her analytical skills with teamwork and creativity.
Maryam naturally gravitates toward leadership—not for the title, but to help others succeed. She plays a key role in mentoring younger students in HOSA–Future Health Professionals, guiding them through competition preparation and encouraging their growth. She is also active in her school’s Muslim Students’ Association and Student Government, where she works to foster a supportive and inclusive school community and is an invaluable member of the Butler Tech Student Ambassadors.
Beyond her academic and leadership roles, she values opportunities to serve others, whether through volunteer work, organizing fundraisers, or simply encouraging her peers.
With a strong foundation in science and research, Maryam is looking ahead to a future in computational biology or pharmacology, fields where she can combine her analytical skills with healthcare innovation. As she considers Johns Hopkins University and other top institutions, her focus remains on learning, growing, and finding ways to contribute to the medical field.
Her Biomedical Science Instructor, Danielle Mink, believes she is only beginning to scratch the surface of what she will accomplish:
“Maryam has a remarkable ability to connect ideas and think critically. She is going to make a real difference in whatever field she chooses.”
Whether in the lab, in the classroom, or the community, Maryam’s impact speaks for itself—a reflection of her passion for learning and her drive to make a meaningful difference.