Each year, flok celebrates young adults who are balancing rare metabolic conditions with big ambitions. Since 1997, the Guthrie-Koch Scholarship program has helped more than 130 students pursue their academic and career goals. Named after Dr. Robert Guthrie and Dr. Richard Koch—whose groundbreaking work transformed PKU diagnosis and care—this scholarship reflects a legacy of opportunity for those born with inherited metabolic conditions.
In 2025, we welcomed applicants living with Classical HCU, MSUD, Organic Acidemias, PKU, Tyrosinemia, and Urea Cycle Disorders. This year’s winners represent Methylmalonic Acidemia, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, and Phenylketonuria—and hail from across the U.S. and Italy. Diverse in their conditions, cultures, and career paths, they are united in their determination to make a difference in the world. Let’s meet our newest Guthrie-Koch Scholars:
DILLAN ALLYN-NOBLES
Growing up in New York, Dillan swam competitively and ran Varsity cross-country and track. He performed in school plays, served as a judge in his community youth court, and tutored peers. He discovered a passion for aviation and space and aspires to create more green technologies.
This fall, Dillan heads to Alfred University to double major in Mechanical and Ceramic Engineering, minor in Astronomy, and swim on the university team. “Living with PKU is like engineering: it’s all about problem-solving and resilience.”
MARGUERITE BROWN
Born with PKU, Marguerite found her voice as a community activist. She spoke at the Connecticut General Assembly Press Conference for Rare Disease Day and throughout high school volunteered in Project Outreach, a service-based club.
Now a rising junior at NYU, Marguerite studies Nutrition and Dietetics. She plans to become a dietitian in metabolic nutrition to help others with similar conditions. “Having PKU has put a strain on achieving my goals, but it also gives me a unique perspective that I think is helpful in engaging with other people and will be beneficial in my future career.”
LUKAS BRYANT
Raised in North Carolina, Lukas grew up speaking both English and Czech. He served as co-president of his high school Model UN Club, coached youth soccer, and volunteered for the Rare Disease Legislative Advocates. “PKU is responsible for some of my most challenging and valuable experiences. It has brought me tough moments while allowing for immense personal growth.”
Lukas will attend Stanford University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations, with an interest in how refugee organizations interact with political systems.
PEYTON CARR
A lifelong equestrian from Texas, Peyton served as Team Captain of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, participated in the 4-H Horse Club, and mentored young riders. She also served as the Community Service Chair in the National Honor Society. “Living with PKU has shaped much of who I am. What once made me feel different now drives me to make a difference.”
Peyton accepted an offer from Tarleton State University and plans to earn a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a medical or veterinary focus.
VICTORIA COOKER
Born with PKU, Victoria was drawn to the field of nutrition to support others with metabolic conditions. She volunteered at the Cooper University Hospital PKU Clinic in New Jersey and spoke at an event marking 60 years of newborn screening. “Living with PKU, I always felt different from everyone else. But now I’m grateful for that—it taught me resilience and how to advocate for my own health.”
Victoria served as Nutrition Club President at Rowan College and now attends Rowan University for a dual BS/MS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She plans to become a registered dietitian.
CLAIRE OLIVER
Claire grew up in Utah, where she became an advocate for the PKU community. She visited families navigating a new PKU diagnosis, testified before state legislators to encourage sponsorship of the Medical Nutrition Equity Act, and lobbied to pass the PKU Formula program in her state.
This fall, Claire will attend the University of California Berkeley and Sciences Po Dual B.A. program in France. “I am interested in a career in global health policy because the needs of people with PKU and the rare disease community are often overlooked due to our small numbers. Patients with these conditions should receive equal consideration and support no matter which country they are in.”
MATTEO PAGNOTTA
Born with MSUD, Matteo reflects on his achievements while managing MSUD and fulfilling his career dreams— “Impossible is nothing.” He swam competitively in his high school and club teams in Italy, served on the Rome International Model UN team, and discovered a passion for engineering.
This fall, Matteo heads to La Sapienza University of Rome, where he will study aerospace or mechanical engineering.
REID PLATTNER
Growing up in Kansas, Reid played high school football and golf, participated in 4-H Club, mentored youth, and did community service with his church group. He underwent a transplant as a teenager, sharing— “An incredible opportunity of having MSUD was the ability to give the gift of liver donation to a very sick seven-year old after my own transplant.”
Reid currently attends Kansas State University where he studies Feed Science and Production, with the aim of working in research and development of food production.
SAPIEN SALDIVAR
Sapien grew up in Texas with a strong academic drive. He balanced college-level courses, SAT tutoring, and playing in a youth marching band—all while managing Methylmalonic Acidemia. He reflects, “It’s not what you were given in life that determines success, it’s what you do with what you were given.”
This fall, Sapien will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study computer science, with plans to pursue a master’s degree.
The application window for a 2026 Guthrie-Koch Scholarship opens this fall. Sign up for the flok newsletter to receive updates about the application process and other community opportunities. If you are a past winner of a Guthrie-Koch Scholarship, please reach out to the [email protected] to help us build our alumni network and notify you of upcoming events.
