Edith Aguilar - LAHC Student Spotlight of the Week
Edith Aguilar, a first-generation student at Los Angeles Harbor College, is pursuing a degree in Biology while maintaining a 3.82 GPA. Her journey is defined by a balance of academic excellence, leadership, research, and service, all of which reflect her determination to become a surgeon.
During her time at Harbor, Edith has immersed herself in programs that strengthen both her academic and professional foundation. She is a dedicated member of the Honors Transfer Program, Honors Transfer Club, Alpha Gamma Sigma, and Future Medical Leaders, and has served in student government as both ASO Senator and Vice President. Her leadership and commitment have earned her recognition from the Associated Student Organization, the MESA Program, the LAHC President’s Scholarship, and the BHI (Build Hope Inc.) Scholarship. She has also consistently excelled academically, earning placement on the Dean’s List for four consecutive semesters and the President’s Honor List for two consecutive semesters.
Beyond the classroom, Edith has pursued competitive internships and fellowships that showcase her passion for science and community engagement. She was selected as a fellow in the Karim Kharbouch Coding Fellowship (2024–2025), joined the Mayor’s Young Ambassadors Program in Peru (Summer 2025), and completed over 200 hours of research through the CIRC Program at UCLA, where she studies radiologists’ perceptions of AI in breast imaging. She also participated in the UCLA CCCP STEM SITE Program, Harbor Advantage, and EOPS, and is currently part of MESA.
Edith’s research experience includes presenting her paper, “Chronic Stress and Mental Health in Postsecondary Students,” at the UCR Honors Research Conference. She has also attended the LCCM Pre-Health Conference at UCLA, the ASGA Leadership Conference in Boston, and the CIRC Symposium at UCLA in 2025, further expanding her exposure to leadership, healthcare, and research communities.
Service remains central to her identity. She volunteers at Providence Little Company of Mary, Kaiser Permanente South Bay, LA2050, and the LA Harbor Animal Shelter, where she is driven by a desire to give back to her community while gaining meaningful experience in healthcare settings.
Looking ahead, Edith plans to transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2026 to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Biology before entering medical school. She aspires to become a surgeon, combining her love of science, leadership, and service to make a lasting impact in the medical field. She credits Harbor College and its supportive programs for helping her grow as a student, researcher, and leader.
