Each year, flok's Guthrie-Koch Scholarship celebrates students living with inherited metabolic conditions who are pursuing ambitious goals alongside the demands of daily care. Since 1997, the program has helped more than 140 scholars take the next step in their education, honoring not only academic success, but also the resilience and discipline it takes to get there.
This year’s announcement comes on the heels of International Neonatal Screening Day—observed on June 28, Dr. Robert Guthrie’s birthday—a fitting moment to reflect on the legacy behind our scholarship program. Named for Dr. Guthrie and Dr. Richard Koch, whose work transformed PKU screening and care, the Guthrie-Koch Scholarship continues to support the futures of young adults living with rare metabolic conditions.
This year, we welcomed applicants with Classical HCU, MSUD, Organic Acidemias, PKU, Tyrosinemia, and Urea Cycle Disorders. Our newest scholars represent Argininosuccinic Aciduria and Lysinuric Protein Intolerance (both Urea Cycle Disorders), Propionic Acidemia (an Organic Acidemia), and Phenylketonuria—and hail from across the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. Their conditions, backgrounds, and career paths differ, but they share a drive to make a meaningful impact in the world. Join us in congratulating:
Farah Baradei
Growing up in Ontario, Farah balanced academics with work, volunteering, and a deepening interest in medicine. Now entering her fourth year at New York University, she is pursuing a BSc in Psychology to become a Physician Assistant with a focus in endocrinology. Farah also serves on the events team for the Egyptian Student Association, and volunteers at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital with stroke patients. She recently completed the Puma Toronto Women’s Spring 10K and plans to run her first half-marathon later this year.
Reflecting on how PKU shaped her, she shares, “What once felt like my biggest challenge ultimately became one of the greatest influences on my resilience and growing passion for medicine.”
Mitchell Magyar 
Mitchell lives in Connecticut, where he turned his experience with Argininosuccinic Aciduria (ASA) and liver transplant into a commitment to advocacy and service. He participates in longitudinal research studies on ASA, runs a Facebook page to raise awareness about organ donation, and supports advocacy work through Yale University.
This fall, Mitchell will attend the University of Hartford. Looking back on his journey, Mitchell shares, “Growing up with a Urea Cycle Disorder and receiving a liver transplant has taught me resilience, gratitude, and to never take life for granted. It has shaped how I face challenges and inspired my goal of making life easier for others living with complex health conditions.”
Laiken Farris
Raised in Minnesota, Laiken built his high school years around leadership and creativity. He ran track and field and cross-country, performed in theater productions and worked stage crew, and served his church community through childhood ministry, youth leadership, and camp counseling. His experiences living with ASA helped shape a future centered on mentoring others.
Laiken will attend Northwestern College in Iowa, where he plans to pursue early childhood certification to work with kids in a school setting, camp ministry, or childcare center. He credits his determination to managing a complex condition— “My Urea Cycle Disorder has made some things more challenging, but it’s also developed strength and endurance in me that has shaped who I am.”
Gabriela Palacios
Growing up in Florida with Lysinuric Protein Intolerance shaped Gabriela’s understanding of health, resilience, and the importance of a supportive care team. An advocate for the UCD community, she serves as a young Rare Adult Representative with the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, has participated in initiatives led by the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation, and spoke at the Project ECHO Rare Disease Day event.
Gabriela begins her junior year at Nova Southeastern University this fall, where she majors in Speech-Language Pathology and Communication Disorders and minors in Psychology, with plans to continue on to a master’s program. “Living with a Urea Cycle Disorder and being misdiagnosed for so many years impacted my learning and cognitive development, which contributed to speech delays and a stutter earlier in my life. My own experiences inspired me to pursue a major to help others and bridge the connection between rare disorders and communication disorders—giving people a voice when they feel like they do not have one.”
Matthew Sheridan
Matthew lives in Manchester, England, where his experience growing up with PKU sparked an interest in politics, advocacy, and supporting others with similar conditions. Alongside his studies, Matthew played rugby for his school, college, and local club—captaining both his school and local teams. He also volunteered at Firstplay Dietary Foods, where he saw firsthand how low protein foods for PKU are developed and produced. He spoke with parents and children at the company’s community events about life with PKU.
This fall, Matthew begins his university studies in Manchester— “I decided to study politics at university in the hope that I can also work in this area and support people with PKU in the future.”
Bryce Steach
Hailing from Pennsylvania, Bryce excelled across academics, leadership, athletics, and the arts. He served as President of Science Olympiad and Spanish Club, co-President of his school’s Science National Honor Society and Science Club, volunteered as a student swim coach while competing on the swim team, and played viola in the orchestra. He credits PKU with strengthening his resilience and driving.
This fall, Bryce will attend Princeton University, where he plans to study Environmental Engineering with a focus on sustainable development and eventually pursue a PhD. He reflects, “The restrictions PKU imposes on me have inspired me to explore what all I can do despite this disorder.”
Kate Lowry
Growing up in Texas, Kate developed a passion for music. A bassist, performer, and songwriter, she participated in school ensembles, private lessons, and led her own creative projects—including two punk bands, one of which has released an album.
Kate will begin her sophomore year this fall at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she is majors in Bass Performance. She hopes to pursue graduate-level study in music and eventually work as a touring and session musician. “During my life journey with Propionic Acidemia, I have been fortunate to have amazing support from the rare disease community. I have met many amazing people that have become my support group, and I theirs. The Beatles were right - you really can get by with a little help from your friends.”
Rosie Pallone
Raised in British Columbia, Rosie combined her love of mentorship, athletics, and advocacy into a vision for a future in metabolic nutrition. She has been a competitive skater for 16 years and now coaches younger skaters. Rosie has also been active with Canadian PKU and Allied Disorders Inc. (CanPKU+) as a volunteer, fundraiser, childcare provider, and speaker, and has volunteered with her local animal rescue society.
This fall, Rosie will begin studies at the College of the Rockies in British Columbia, before transferring to a university to complete her degree. Inspired by her own experience with PKU, she hopes to become a dietitian and continue giving back to the metabolic community. “While PKU doesn’t define me, it has provided me with many unique opportunities that I am grateful for and has inspired me to become a dietitian.”
The application window for a 2027 Guthrie-Koch Scholarship opens this winter. Sign up for the flok newsletter to receive updates about the application process and other community opportunities.
