Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
By Amanda Loudin
Most pre-med students choose biological sciences as their major, but for Nya Clemons of Fontana, California, the logical choice was sports science and performance programming at Arizona State University.
“I plan to go into sports medicine, so I wanted to get a hands-on understanding of kinesiology,” she said. “I choose ASU because it offered so many opportunities to explore my interests and connect them to a real career.”
Clemons, a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and Gatewood NPHC Scholarship for Excellence, is finishing her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Health Solutions this May.
As a member of the consistently top-ranked Barrett, the Honors College, she took full advantage of all the opportunities that came her way, keeping her plate full to overflowing. Among her many activities: serving as president of her sorority, participating in various executive boards, interning by shadowing doctors both in California and Arizona, and serving as treasurer of the Black Medical Student Association — all while completing an honors thesis and various research projects.
While admittedly challenging, Clemons wouldn’t trade any of it.
“Being in that kind of environment has kept me motivated toward my goal of going to medical school,” she says. “Overall, these experiences have helped me grow both academically and as a leader.”
Helping her along the way was the guidance of Clinical Associate Professor Alicia Montalvo, who Clemons says had a huge impact on her experience at ASU, especially through her research projects.
“She taught me the importance of patience, attention to detail and truly understanding the process behind what I was doing rather than just focusing on results,” she says. “Working with her showed me what research actually looks like and how much persistence it takes.”
As Clemons prepares to take the MCAT, she’ll return home to California and seek additional opportunities in the clinical setting to build her skills.
When she reflects on time well spent at ASU, she knows she’s well prepared for the future: “ASU played a big role in helping me access opportunities through its strong network and connections.”
Get to know this future doctor a bit better in the Q&A below.
Question: What has been your biggest motivation in school?
Answer: My parents. As a first-generation college student, having the opportunity to pursue higher education and work toward a career in medicine means a lot to me and my family. Whenever school felt overwhelming, I would remind myself why I started and the sacrifices they made to get me here.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve a problem, what would you do with it?
A: I would focus on advancing research and prevention methods for sudden cardiac death, especially in athletes. Through my honors thesis in sports medicine, I’ve seen how unpredictable and devastating these events can be.
Q: Favorite spot on campus?
A: It wasn’t just one place. I loved exploring different areas to study and visited different campuses to find quiet unique spaces that had their own vibe.
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