Fund: Dr. Montakhab Endowed Scholarship Fund Department: SAAIP Administration Unit D02136 Purpose: Undergraduate Student Support Background: Dr. Massoum Montakhab completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology in Iran before immigrating to the United States on a full scholarship at the University of Michigan, where she earned her Ph.D in physiology with a focus in embryology. Upon completion of her PhD, she returned to Iran, established a university, and dedicated her life to providing others the gift of knowledge. She ultimately served as Deputy Minister of Education for Iran until the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Due to political unreast, Dr. Montakhab was forced to flee her homeland and bring her entire family, including her grandchildren, to the United States. Dr. Montakhab began working in laboratories and in 1992, she and her daughter established Molecular Diagnostics Services, Inc (MDS), a biotech laboratory in San Diego, which she used to provide hands-on laboratory experience to countless university students, including her own great-grandchildren. As a result of their experiences at MDS, many of her employees continues their education and sought out doctoral degrees in science and medicine. Driven by her passion, Dr. Montakkhab continued to work daily at MDS until she retired in 2014. After Dr. Montakhab's passing on March 26, 2019, The Dr. Montakhab Foundation was established as a testament to her unwaivering strength as a student, educator, scientist, and mentor. To continue her legacy, the foundation aims to provide scholarships and inspire refugees, women, and scientists alike to achieve their academic goals. Due to UC Riverside's diverse student body and caliber of scientific research, the Dr. Montakhab Foundation has chosen the university to establish the Dr. Montakhab Scholarship Fund. General Purpose: This fund shall be used to provide tuition support for undergraduate students in a degreed program offered by the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences. Criteria and Selection Process: The selection process shall be administered by the CNAS Scholarship Committee annually, and the award shall be used to provide support to fund tuition for one or more quarters for one student who meets the following criteria: 1.) An undergraduate level student enrolled in a degreed program offered by the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences. 2.) Is in good academic standing with the university. 3.) Students who did not experience a direct path from high school to the university. 4.) Preference will be given to students who are the first in their family to attend college. 5.) Additional consideration will be given to students who exhibit financial need. In years when there is no candidate who meets the criteria, awards will be held until the following year.