Yoonhee Ryder, a senior in biology and anthropology, has made a name for herself at UAB as a determined high-achiever who has a passion for social justice issues. She has been the only female institutional nominee for the Marshall and Rhodes scholarships since 2008. When she graduates in April, Ryder will have amassed a large resume, including international experience focused on creating educational opportunities.

She is now one of several women named as UAB Outstanding Women for 2015 by the UAB Commission on the Status of Women.

“Yoonhee has been spectacularly successful in her academic work, undergraduate research, and community engagement,” said Dr. Mike Sloane, director of the University Honors Program. “Her independence and resourcefulness in all three domains has set a high standard for any undergraduate at UAB, regardless of gender.”

Ryder has been awarded several prestigious scholarships and educational opportunities, including the Clinton Scholarship to study in the Middle East and the US State Department’s Critical Language Institute to further study Korean. Her interest in social justice issues and her heritage as a Korean-American lead her to establish the Liberty in North Korea chapter at UAB to raise awareness for the North Korean human-rights crisis and to raise money to rescue refugees.

“Yoonhee understands, perhaps more clearly than most students her age, that leadership involves a commitment to service and a genuine care for those she leads,” said Libba Vaughan, coordinator of service learning. “She is an excellent role model to other students, both male and female.”