Ronny Wells Scholarship



On April 8, 2017, the Jacobs University Foundation of America announced that the endowed scholarship supported by the JUFA Alumni Scholarship Fund will be named the Ronny Wells Scholarship in dedication of Ronny Wells lifetime of achievement and service to Jacobs University. ​
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Dr. Raymond Wells was fundamental to the establishment of Jacobs University Bremen. Indeed, it was the fateful call from Dr. Hans-Otto Peitgen to Dr. Raymond (Ronny) Wells on the morning of October 22, 1997 that connected the City of Bremen to Rice University and set the stage for the establishment of Jacobs University. Ronny played a critical advisory role in the early days of the university and contributed to the establishment of the IRC and Jacobs trans disciplinary approach to education. Ronny also had the foresight to establish an official non-profit in the United States, the Jacobs University Foundation of America, such that Americans could contribute to the University and receive tax benefits. Ronny served in leadership roles in JUFA for over nine years, and continues to serve on the Board of the Jacobs University Foundation of America today. Ronny’s role in the establishment of Jacobs University is so fundamental that he has literally written a book on the history of Jacobs. His legacy will live on through the future generations of Ronny Wells Scholars whose tenacity and optimism are sure to bring about a brighter future for all.

Zain Ahmed Samdani
Robotics and Intelligent Systems | Class of 2024

I’m Zain Samdani, an undergraduate studying Robotics and Intelligent Systems at Jacobs university. I come from India and have been raised in Saudi Arabia. I’d describe myself as a robotic enthusiast and an expressive artist sparked to make fiction a reality and aid humanity. In 2015, to help my paralysed uncle, I’ve started working on a project called ExoHeal, an exoskeleton that combines robotics and neuroscience to help paralysed patients recover 30% faster. For which I was selected as a Global Finalist in the google Science Fair(2016 & 2019) and have been honoured as a Global Teen Leader(2019) and an Ashoka Young Change-Maker(2021). Since then, I’ve brought together a team of 5 people from diverse backgrounds to help expand the movement and help paralysed patients have a faster and affordable recovery. Jacobs University’s modular structure grants me the freedom to choose from a range of modules equipping me with the necessary skills to address real world challenges. I’m immensely honoured to receive the Ronny Wells Scholarship. In line with Ronny Wells’ legacy, I aim to use my experience at Jacobs to solve real world problems and make a positive impact in the world!
Other Scholars
Deijona Azir Brown