Osunnuga, a biological sciences and honors mathematics double major, is a member of the University’s Glynn Family Honors Program, Phi Beta Kappa honor society and Dean’s List and is a Stamps Foundation Merit Scholar. She carries a 4.0 grade point average and was named the recipient of the College of Science Dean’s Award and the GE Prize for Excellence in Mathematics.
As an undergraduate, Osunnuga participated in molecular cell biology research and also studied Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease in the lab of the Morris Pollard Professor and Chair Crislyn D’Souza-Schorey. Her senior thesis, titled “Role of Von Hippel-Lindau in Tumor Cell Invasion,” focuses on her contributions to the lab’s VHL project.
Her extracurricular activities at Notre Dame included involvement with the Biology Club and the Multicultural Pre-Medical Society and work with the Summer Service Learning Program in Notre Dame’s Center for Social Concerns. She volunteered with various programs at the University’s Robinson Community Learning Center, and also served as a genetics teaching assistant, a chemistry and math tutor, an ONEXYS coach and an emergency room scribe at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. She also plays the violin and piano and has worked at Suzuki Music School as a piano accompanist for the past five years.
Osunnuga has been accepted into nine medical schools and has chosen to attend the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine as a 21st Century Scholarship recipient.
In addition to offering the invocation during the Class of 2020 University Commencement Ceremony in 2021, Osunnuga will be prepared to deliver a valedictory address should the valedictorian be unable to do so.
The Notre Dame valedictorian and salutatorian selection process begins by identifying the top three students with the highest grade point averages in each college or school. Those students then complete an application process that includes letters of recommendation from faculty members and a draft of their Commencement speech. A selection committee chooses finalists who are approved by University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
Originally published by Sue Ryan at news.nd.edu on May 06, 2020. See also, commencement.nd.edu