30 Years, 30 Scholars

1996

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

1997

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

1998

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

1999

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2000

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2001

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2002

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2003

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2004

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2005

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2006

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2007

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2008

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2009

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2010

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2011

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2012

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2013

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2014

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2015

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2016

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2017

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2018

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2019

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2020

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

Gitika Gorthi

Gitika Gorthi
Funder: Mr. Wes & Mrs. Toni Guckert

“Receiving the Carson Scholarship in high school was transformational. It helped me realize at a young age that I can be a leader because leadership isn’t about age or title, it’s about action. It gave me the network and confidence to believe that my ideas and efforts could make a real, lasting impact in the world.”

Gitika Gorthi, a 2021 Carson Scholar, is a senior at Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, where she studies biomedical engineering with a minor in economics as a C. Prescott Davis Scholar. Her ambitions stretch far beyond the classroom – and far beyond the planet.

In middle school, a TechEd teacher and rocketry mentor sparked Gitika’s passion for aerospace. By 8th grade, she channeled that passion into founding IgnitedThinkers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading accessible space education around the world. Today, IgnitedThinkers continues to ignite curiosity and opportunity for students everywhere.

Gitika is an aspiring transplant surgeon and aerospace physician, aiming to use microgravity as a new laboratory to develop personalized organs and help solve the national organ shortage crisis. She has conducted cutting-edge research with NASA Ames Research Center, alongside work at Columbia University Medical School, Harvard Medical School, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she has helped advance the development of gastrointestinal and kidney organoids, as well as glomerular spheroids using stem cell technology.

Currently, Gitika is a student researcher at the Timothy Wang Lab at Columbia, where she was awarded the Young Guts Scholars grant by the American Gastroenterological Association for her work in disease modeling. She also recently interned at 34 Lives, a medical transplant public benefit company rescuing discarded kidneys for transplant.

Beyond her scientific work, Gitika serves on the Coca-Cola Scholars Alumni Board and leads campus outreach efforts at Columbia. She also remains a proud member of the Carson Scholars Fund’s Associate Leadership Council (ALC), helping support and grow connections among CSF alumni.

Named one of the Top 100 Women in Aerospace and Aviation Professionals to Follow on LinkedIn, Gitika exemplifies the Carson Scholars mission: academic excellence, service, and visionary leadership. She’s not just dreaming about the future of medicine and space—she’s building it.

2022

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2023

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2024

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2025

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund

2026

In celebration of three decades of honoring academic excellence and service, we are pleased to highlight 30 distinguished Carson Scholars — one representing each year since the inaugural scholarship was awarded in 1996 — with a commemorative twist.

Each Monday, on our social media platforms, we will share a series of clues reflecting notable milestones from the year in which our next featured scholar received their award. Followers are invited to participate in our weekly story poll to guess the featured year, with the answer and scholar revealed each Friday.

Join us as we commemorate 30 years of the Carson Scholars Fund