However, in just one year, Alena has already finished two and a half years of college by taking a full course load at Arizona State University and Oakwood University, Alabama, United States.

“I really want to leave my mark on the world. And lead a group of girls that know what they can do,” Alena said.

Alena got inspired by a trip to Jordan and The Brown STEM Girl foundation to change her passion from Engineering to Biology. “It actually took one class in engineering, for me to say this is kind of not where I wanted to go. I think viral immunology really came from my passion for volunteering and going out there engaging with the world,” she said.

“What I want from healthcare, is to really show these underrepresented communities that we can help that we can find cures for these viruses,” Alena said.

If everything goes as planned Alena will be 18 when she becomes a doctor.

“I want to inspire the girls. I want them to see that there are no limits,” she said.

Alena will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine.