Verona Odhiambo began her studies at Association International School in DP1 (Year 11). As an international student from Kenya, Verona had to adjust to the rigors of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and living in a new country. Verona is a multi-talented learner and she is passionate about making a difference in the world.

Verona was chosen as one of 37 extraordinary applicants for the prestigious Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto (UofT) this year. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is awarded to students who have excelled in school and their communities in terms of academic accomplishment, innovation, and leadership.

Verona intends to pursue a BSc. Life Sciences at the University of Toronto to specialize in pharmaceutical chemistry. Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics were her favorite courses at Association International School, so this is no surprise. Verona hopes to contribute to pharmaceutical research by taking full advantage of UofT’s excellent research resources and facilities. In the summer of 2021, Verona interned at the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), shadowing Ph.D. and master’s degree candidates and conducting research for her extended essay (EE).

Verona has served as Deputy Head Girl at Association International School, Founder and President of the IB iTrack program, and Co-Organizer of the Rare Disease Initiative.
She is also a podcast editor for Mind Design Sports and a member of the Finance Olympiad.

We wish Verona all the best at UofT. We know that she will excel. Congratulations Verona!