It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ridah Siddiqui, a promising medical student at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical School. Ridah, a native of Austin, Texas, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, service, and compassion far beyond her years.
A proud graduate of the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (Class of 2019), Ridah earned magnet endorsement honors and actively participated in organizations such as HOSA, Robotics, DECA, and Science Olympiad. Her passion for science and her commitment to community upliftment were evident even in her teenage years.
She pursued dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Advanced Nutritional Sciences (Honors) and Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated in 2023. During her time at UT Austin, Ridah held leadership positions, including serving as Vice President of Synapse and founding Leaders in Nutritional Sciences. Her academic journey was marked by a deep interest in biology, chemistry, and neurophysiology — disciplines she mastered with grace and dedication.
Driven by a desire to bridge educational gaps, Ridah began tutoring as a teenager and went on to found Bright Tutor in 2019, a platform focused on affordable and effective test preparation for students, especially those from underserved backgrounds. She tutored for over eight years, providing mentorship and academic guidance in math and science, often working closely with first-generation college students.
Ridah also contributed meaningfully to scientific research as a Research Intern at the DeGraffenried Lab within the Dell Pediatric Research Institute. There, she studied how the modulation of GATA3-AS1 in T-cell immunity influences disparities in breast cancer aggressiveness between individuals of African and Eurasian descent. Her hands-on training in molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting and qPCR, positioned her as a rising star in translational medicine.
At UTSW Medical School, Ridah was known not only for her intelligence but for her empathy, quiet strength, and commitment to patient care. Her classmates, professors, and mentors remember her as a driven young woman who embodied the ideals of healing, inquiry, and service.
Ridah’s sudden passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, mentors, and the many students and peers she inspired. Her life, though brief, made a lasting impact — in classrooms, in labs, and in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her loving family and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and mentees who will carry her spirit forward.