Her name means ‘ambition,’ which she lives up to while studying science at WSU
OGDEN, Utah — Akanksha Singh left her home in Dalhousie, India, to pursue a dream she had since childhood: advancing cancer research.
In just two semesters, she’ll earn her degree in microbiology with minors in chemistry and biology from Weber State University. 
“I am the happiest I’ve ever been right now,” Singh said. “Moving here was about prioritizing my education, and Weber State helped make that happen.”
Singh sets high expectations for herself: Work hard, get into a biomolecular cancer research PhD program, and get a job at a pharmaceutical research company. Her name comes from the Sanskrit word for “ambition,” and she tries to embody that.
It makes for a busy schedule, but she knows no phase in life lasts forever, so she tries to enjoy every moment she can.
“Getting here, I call it lucky,” Singh said. “In India, I didn’t see a clear or complete path to getting into research, but education in the states is recognized worldwide.”
Singh’s journey to Ogden began when a friend moved to Utah, and she saw photos of the beautiful scenery. She liked the mountains, which felt familiar, and started looking at how to enroll at WSU.
She first felt drawn to science and the medical field when a neighbor in her village passed away from cancer. As a child, she was confused and concerned about a disease with no cure. She wanted to help advance cancer research and treatment options, which eventually led her to WSU’s College of Science.
With the help of Monica Linford, an advisor who worked in the College of Science at the time, getting started became less “scary.”
“She helped me all the way from India,” Singh said. “I would wake up at night to talk to her, and she made sure to give me the first appointment to work with the time difference.”
Since arriving on campus in summer 2022, Singh has built a community of friends. She served on the WSU Student Association, became a mentor for local junior high school students, volunteered with the United Way, and joined the microbiology club.
She took advantage of the Louis F. Moench Scholarship for international students. She also received the Signpost Scholarship for working for the university’s student newspaper and the Barbara L. & Norman C. Tanner Student Support Fund, awarded to students committed to community engagement.
Singh’s other joys include spending time with friends and enjoying the outdoors. She likes hiking and snowboarding, especially at Powder Mountain.
Back home, she’s become known as “Utah girl,” a nickname given because of her frequent social media posts boasting about WSU and Utah’s great outdoors.
If she’s not in class or in the mountains, she’s probably in Stewart Library, where she works and often spends time with colleagues.
“Weber State is a perfect fit,” she said. “I think I know everyone at this point. I work on campus, I live on campus, I’m here all the time. And I love it here.”
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
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