The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program at The University of Texas at Dallas is one of the university’s most prestigious awards, welcoming a new class of exceptional students each year. In the fall of 2024, 16 outstanding students were selected for this highly competitive program, including one of EPPS’s very own, Kimberly Pham, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health.
The McDermott Scholars Program combines UT Dallas’ rigorous academic environment with a comprehensive four-year schedule of leadership development, cultural enrichment, and community service. Established through a $32 million gift from Margaret McDermott, wife of Texas Instruments co-founder Eugene McDermott, the program empowers students to grow both personally and professionally while giving back to the UT Dallas and broader Dallas communities. McDermott Scholars play an active role in improving campus life and serve as leaders in various community initiatives, gaining the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s multifaceted society.
We recently spoke with Kimberly to learn more about her journey and what inspires her to make a difference. See what she has to say below.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Public Health at EPPS?
I was inspired to pursue a degree in Public Health at EPPS because of the challenges I witnessed in my own community, particularly around health literacy and the lack of representation in healthcare. Growing up, I saw how these issues impacted people’s ability to access care and make informed decisions. By studying public health, I want to gain a deeper understanding of health from various perspectives, equipping myself with the tools to give back and improve the community that has shaped me.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see your public health degree contributing to them?
In the long run, I aspire to become a medical doctor, though I’m still exploring which specialty resonates with me most—fields like imaging and surgery currently capture my interest. Even while I’m pursuing a pre-med path, my public health degree is always something I will keep close to my heart, molding me into a more empathetic and understanding healthcare provider. It’s given me a broader perspective on the systemic issues patients face, and I see it as a tool that will allow me to advocate for change on a national level, ensuring that health care is accessible and equitable for all.
How did your passion for public health develop, and what aspects of the field excite you most?
Growing up, I watched my grandmother, who immigrated from Vietnam and raised me, struggle to navigate the healthcare system. She faced language barriers and cultural stigmas that made accessing care far more difficult than it should have been. Seeing her frustration and the gaps in support drove me to want to help people like her—people who deserve the right to understand their health and make their own choices without feeling overwhelmed. What excites me most about public health is the tangible change it brings. I believe that when people are informed about how their decisions affect their well-being, they can take control of their health and live better, more empowered lives.
What does it mean to you to be a McDermott Scholar, and how do you feel this will impact your academic journey?
Becoming a McDermott Scholar has already made a huge difference for me in just a few weeks. It’s connected me with inspiring people and introduced me to some of the closest friends I’ll have throughout college and beyond. This scholarship means a lot—not only does it support my time here at UTD, but it motivates me to make the most of what I’ve been given. Carrying the McDermott name is a big responsibility, and I’m dedicated to committing all of myself in everything I do, whether it’s my academic work, extracurricular activities, or community involvement. This scholarship drives me to excel and give back, honoring the support and trust the McDermott family has placed in me.
Any advice you want to share to fellow students?
There’s a saying my McDermott mentors shared with me: “lead with gratitude”—being thankful not just for the big wins but for the everyday moments that shape our journey. That advice has really shifted my perspective, helping me find joy in the small details of life and making me a more perceptive and kinder person. It’s a reminder that gratitude isn’t just for the highlights; it’s about moving through life with intention and warmth. With that in mind, my advice to fellow students is to embrace every chance to learn, to give back, and to lead with humility. By doing so, we not only foster our own growth but also uplift those around us.