How Stony Brook Prepared Nasir Stovall ’21 for Med School and the Schwarzman Scholars Program

Alumnus Nasir Stovall ’21 was recently named to the 10th class of Schwarzman Scholars, one of the most prestigious graduate fellowship programs. He was selected from a pool of nearly 5,000 candidates worldwide and is among 150 scholars from 38 countries and 105 universities around the world. 

Stovall will join the other scholars with an opportunity to attend a one-year, fully funded master’s degree program focused on leadership, global affairs and China at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. “There are so many healthcare solutions and innovations around the world,” Stovall said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to collaborate and learn from a different healthcare system.” When the program ends, he’ll have a master’s degree in global affairs.

Stovall has been a Seawolf since high school as part of the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). “I was very familiar with the campus and all that Stony Brook had to offer, so when it came time to choose a college, I knew I’d be at home there,” said Stovall. While at Stony Brook, he studied biology and got involved in the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). “It’s such an important program to bring more opportunities to underrepresented students interested in STEM careers.” Stovall was on the CSTEP executive board and helped to make sure that students received the tools they needed to succeed, such as tutoring and networking opportunities. In 2023, he was among the alumni speakers at the CSTEP anniversary event and was able to reunite with his mentor, STEP and CSTEP Director Christine Veloso, PhD. “The CSTEP program is a big part of why I am where I am today.”

“It has been a privilege to be part of Nasir’s personal, academic and professional journey thus far. His exemplary path through STEP and CSTEP speaks to the impact both New York State Education Department-funded programs can have on the trajectory of a student’s life if that student is as motivated and engaged as Nasir has been over the years,” said Veloso. “His desire to grow, learn and give back to others is an inspiration! I am so proud of him and how he has become a champion for inclusivity and the appreciation of different cultures and ideas.”

Today, Stovall is a third-year Harvard Medical School student. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to Harvard,” said Stovall. “But Stony Brook prepared me and gave me the opportunities to network with people who helped me get here.” He credits SUNY Distinguished Service Professor J. Peter Gergen with helping him navigate the application process for medical school.  

Stovall is no stranger to prestigious awards. In 2021, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to serve as an American ambassador and English teaching assistant in Taiwan. There he immersed himself in his students’ culture and exposed them to American culture through sports. “During college, I was so focused on doing well in my classes and getting into medical school,” said Stovall. “For the first time, I was able to really enjoy myself in Taiwan. I loved teaching, but I really loved immersing myself in the culture and absorbing as much as I could.”

When Stovall gets back from China next year, he’ll pick back up in his fourth year of medical school, where he plans to apply for an ophthalmology residency. Stovall said he’s not sure what the future holds after he finishes medical school. “I might focus solely on being a doctor, explore healthcare administration or incorporate research or teaching into my clinical role,” he said. “I think the Schwarzman program will be beneficial for me to help determine where I think my skill set could best be applied.”

About Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars was established in 2013 by Stephen A. Schwarzman. Each year, candidates from around the world are selected to join a diverse cohort. The program seeks candidates with leadership qualities and the potential to foster cross-cultural understanding. The Scholars network includes over 1,300 members from 104 countries and 459 institutions worldwide. They come from a variety of industries and backgrounds, including business, technology, healthcare, science and politics. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide Scholars with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to navigate the complexities of the evolving global landscape.

-Christine McGrath