Chloe Samouhi
Chloe Samouhi is a dedicated pre-med student at Barnard College, where she is pursuing a degree in neuroscience and behavior with a strong focus on healthcare equity and medical research. As a third-year undergraduate, she has distinguished herself through academic excellence, hands-on clinical experience, and a deep commitment to understanding the intersections of neuroscience, public health, and patient care. Her academic journey is further strengthened by her conditional acceptance into a 4+1 master’s pathway in biomedical engineering at Columbia University, reflecting her ambition to advance diagnostic technologies and improve patient outcomes.
Beyond the classroom, Chloe is an active researcher and healthcare practitioner. She has contributed to neurological and neuroimaging research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Columbia Engineering, where she engages in both data analysis and laboratory work. Her research interests center on improving noninvasive diagnostic techniques and addressing neurological disorders, particularly in underserved populations. Complementing her academic work, she is a certified nursing assistant, gaining valuable frontline experience in patient care and strengthening her understanding of the human side of medicine.
Chloe is also the founder and president of Connect on Campus, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting college students facing health-related financial and personal challenges. Inspired by personal experiences and the struggles of her peers, she established the organization to provide microgrants, resources, and a supportive community for students navigating illness or caregiving responsibilities. Through her leadership, Chloe continues to advocate for healthcare accessibility, student well-being, and equity in medicine, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating meaningful impact both within and beyond her academic community.
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Seal of Biliteracy: Spanish
• Nominated for McIntosh Award
• Connect on Campus
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to trusting my instincts and following my intuition, even when others doubt me. When I started at UC San Diego, I was advised to lower my expectations about transferring, but I dedicated countless hours to applying to my dream school, Barnard. Although I wasn’t accepted initially, I persisted and ultimately succeeded, a mindset that later inspired me to apply to Columbia’s 4+1 Master’s program in Biomedical Engineering, where I’ve been conditionally accepted. These achievements are especially meaningful because they reflect my parents’ dream of providing my brother and me with the best educational opportunities, making my academic journey both a personal and family milestone.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to trust your instincts, pursue what feels right, and commit to the consistent effort required to achieve your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my field today is the increasing sense of isolation, particularly among students. Initiatives like Connect on Campus were created to help break down these barriers and foster meaningful connections. While mental health is more openly discussed now, many students still struggle to express their feelings or even recognize that they have a supportive community around them, especially at highly competitive universities. The culture of isolation isn’t just driven by technology—it reflects a broader shift in how people perceive and engage in human connection.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are community, meaningful connection, healthcare equity, and fostering student leadership and peer support.