Future Institute
The real test of a high school education is how it plays out afterward. CAN graduates are successful, hardworking, and are making contributions in diverse fields. Here are just a few of the many paths taken by Concept Alumni.

Alumni Spotlight
(Week of Jan 4, 2016)

Hamza Shah

Hamza Shah is an Alumnus of Chicago Math and Science Academy, Class of 2011. Currently, Hamza is studying Biology at Illinois Institute of Technology.

Briefly, describe your career path.
After graduating from Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA), I started my Bachelor’s in Biology at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). During my third year, I was admitted to the co-terminal program with the Food Science and Nutrition department at IIT. The program gave me an opportunity to earn my Bachelor’s in Biology and Master’s in Food Science in five years. Currently I am in my 5th year due to graduate in May 2016. Along with my studies, I am currently conducting microbiological research at the Institute of Food Safety and Health, and will also be starting in a chemical analysis lab soon.
 
What are you passionate about in your work?
I am passionate about finding a solution, through applying the scientific knowledge I have gained studying as a student. This drives me to continually learn, apply, and elevate my already developed passion for science.
 
Where is your career heading?
After I complete my Master’s in Food Science, I hope to work in the food/pharmaceutical industry as research scientist.
 
How has your Concept Schools experience helped shape your success?
I developed my drive for excellence at CMSA. I learned being good is not enough, but rather one should always work to be the best. It is this mentality that made me into one of the best students of the Class of 2015 in the Department of Biological Science at IIT.
 
How are you a game changer or how are you making a positive impact in your community?
I am currently conducting microbiological research with IIT and FDA scientists. Our goal is to understand how pathogenic bacteria become attached to nuts. We hope to reduce the number of outbreaks that happen due to nut contamination, which will help avoid sickness and save lives worldwide.
 
What is the most amazing or interesting thing that’s happened to you since graduating?
The change/growth has been very interesting. Looking back, in a matter of four years I have experienced not only vast educational growth, but also professional growth that has made be a better learner, communicator, and a well-rounded person.
 
Your favorite Concept Schools memory?
I was part of CMSA as a student for seven years, and for that reason there is not just one memory that comes to mind. Rather, there is a collage of favorite memories that I have from my time as a student at CMSA; going to ACT/math camp over summer/winter breaks, taking part in the science fair, being part of the Turkish club, and many more.
 
How do you support and participate in the Concept Alumni?
I regularly give talks at CMSA, and recently have been providing ACT tutoring to students weekly.
 
Concept Alumni Network (CAN) invites suggestions for Alumni Spotlights!
Do you know a Concept Alum(s) who has:
  • An interesting job?
  • An extraordinary story to tell?
  • Made a difference in his/her community?
  • Been a role model for others?
Contact us at alumni@conceptschools.org for more information

   Recent Alumni Spotlights

(Week of
January 30, 2017)

(Week of
January 16, 2017)

(Week of
January 9, 2017)

(Week of
December 19, 2016)

(Week of
November 28, 2016)
Jeovana Ibarra
(Week of
November 21, 2016)
Daniel Lopez
(Week of
November 7, 2016)
Alea Curtis
(Week of
October 31, 2016)
Darius Harmon
(Week of
October 24, 2016)
Farooq Khan
(Week of
October 10, 2016)
Brandon Williams
(Week of
September 26, 2016)
Magally Solis
(Week of
September 19, 2016)
Brandon Wilhoite
(Week of
June 27, 2016)
Evangeline List
(Week of
June 20, 2016)
Paulina Razo
(Week of
June 13, 2016)
Cameron Cross
(Week of
June 6, 2016)
Jacob Nagl
(Week of
May 30, 2016)
Adam Decker
(Week of
May 23, 2016)
Michael Trendle
(Week of
May 16, 2016)
Marissa Thomason
(Week of
May 9, 2016)
Damilola Oyedokun
(Week of
Apr 25, 2016)
Daniel Lopez
(Week of
Apr 11, 2016)
Tiffany Norman
(Week of
Apr 4, 2016)
Jayana Stokes
(Week of
Mar 28, 2016)
Da'Marcus Reese
(Week of
Mar 21, 2016)
Simone Tilmon
(Week of
Mar 14, 2016)
Jose Ruiz
(Week of
Mar 7, 2016)
Cesar Naja
(Week of
Feb 29, 2016)
Priscilla Daboni
(Week of
Feb 22, 2016)
Ty'Meisha Funches
(Week of
Feb 15, 2016)
Michelle Lopez
(Week of
Feb 8, 2016)
Jasmond Young
(Week of
Feb 1, 2016)
Roberto Jasso
(Week of
Jan 25, 2016)
Serah Ladipo
(Week of
Jan 18, 2016)
Ellen Hoffman
(Week of
Jan 11, 2016)
Joseph Easley
(Week of
Jan 4, 2016)
Hamza Shah
(Week of
Dec 28, 2015)
Martin Enem
(Week of
Dec 21, 2015)
Natenon Tongtae
(Week of
Dec 14, 2015)
Icesis Z. Scott
(Week of
Dec 7, 2015)
Fatoumata Keita
(Week of
Nov 30, 2015)
Winifred Obanor
(Week of
Nov 23, 2015)
Joseph Howard
(Week of
Nov 16, 2015)
Mohamed Moumen
(Week of
Nov 9, 2015)
Masta Johnson
(Week of
Nov 2, 2015)
Meliha Eldek
(Week of
Oct 26, 2015)
Michelle Wintrich
(Week of
Oct 5, 2015)
Bryan Butte
(Week of
Sep 28, 2015)
Brady Sayre
(Week of
Sep 21, 2015)
Kathleen Bias
(Week of
Sep 14, 2015)
Pearline N. Young
(Week of
Sep 7, 2015)
Lord T. Boachie
(Week of
Aug 31, 2015)
Megan R. Sims
(Week of
Aug 24, 2015)
Destiny Shull
(Week of
Aug 17, 2015)
Chris Gonzalez
(Week of
Aug 10, 2015)
John Paul Robinson