Growing up in the San Joaquin Valley as a young Yemeni American, Maram Kiran saw firsthand how socioeconomic and language barriers affected her family's access to quality health care. This experience, and a visit to Yemen, inspired her passion to bring culturally competent health care to underserved communities by offering patients knowledge and sensitivity specific to their culture.

A senior majoring in biochemistry at Fresno State, Maram established the campus chapter of Doctors Without Borders and conducts research through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. As part of the Smittcamp Family Honors College, she also donates time to community service. Volunteering in Kaiser's oncology department taught her how crucial doctor-patient rapport is for effective health care.

After Maram graduates in spring 2022, she plans to pursue a master's in global health sciences and obtain a doctorate of medicine.