August 23, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Former SMC Student Named Future Nobel Laureate Scholar

His Inspiration Stems From Family History. His Mother Fled El Salvador During Its Civil War, and His Grandfather Was Killed There Before He Was Born

Hunter Doradea, a transfer student from Santa Monica College (SMC) to Columbia University, has been named a Future Nobel Laureate Scholar. 

Doradea is one of 11 scholars worldwide chosen for the prestigious program, which is sponsored by EF Study Abroad, The Forum on Education Abroad, and the Nobel Prize Museum. He is the first student from both SMC and Columbia University to receive this honor.

The program, which takes place Dec. 5-12 in Stockholm, Sweden, includes a fully funded project-based course, immersive field study, and participation in the Nobel Week Dialogue. 

Scholars were selected for innovative projects addressing global challenges. Doradea’s project, “Modesto,” named after his grandfather, uses artificial intelligence to help war-torn nations rebuild infrastructure by providing virtual training through AI avatars of engineers, professors, and humanitarian workers.

Doradea’s inspiration stems from his family’s history. His mother fled El Salvador during its civil war, and his grandfather, Modesto, was killed there before Doradea was born. “This project is about resilience, hope, and honoring sacrifices that made my journey possible,” Doradea said.

SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery praised Doradea as an “extraordinary success story” who exemplifies the potential of community college transfer students. 

At Columbia, Doradea studies film and computer science while pursuing pre-law, with ambitions of running for Congress.

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

Frozen Shrimp Recall Expanded to California After Radioactive Contamination Concerns

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

Southwind Foods Adds California Shrimp Recall Tied to Possible Cesium-137 Exposure Southwind Foods, LLC is recalling select packages of frozen...

Santa Monica Bowls Club Marks 80th Anniversary

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The club’s green, destroyed by heavy rains in 1982, was rebuilt in 1983 and continues to thrive as a hub...

California and Denmark Sign Partnership to Advance Climate and Technology Goals

August 23, 2025

August 23, 2025

The partnership focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, strengthening digital and cyber resilience, and promoting innovation California and Denmark...

LAPD Seeks Public’s Help in Finding Two Abducted Children

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Police are urging anyone with information about the children’s whereabouts to contact Lieutenant Ku at the Olympic Division at (213)...

LA General Medical Seeks Help Identifying Patient

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The patient is approximately 56 years old, stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 121 pounds, and has black and...

Santa Monica Place Hosts Weekly Western Wednesday Line Dancing

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

No prior dance experience is required, and attendees are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and comfortable shoes Santa Monica Place will...

Coyotes Raise Safety Concerns in Santa Monica: Aggressive Incidents, Illegal Feeding Reported

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

Authorities Warn Residents After Cyclists Charged, Incidents Continue Over Three-Week Period Coyote activity continues to raise safety concerns in Santa...

Standoff in Malibu After Resident Allegedly Fires Arrow: REPORT

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The passerby, who was not injured, told authorities the occupant of the home fired the arrow as they passed by...

SM.a.r.t Column: The Algorithm Will See You Now: Santa Monica’s Upcoming AI Reckoning

August 22, 2025

August 22, 2025

The thing about Santa Monica is that it has always believed its own marketing. Tech capital of the west side....

Film Review: Americana

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

By Kathryn Whitney Boole FILM REVIEWAMERICANARated R107 MinutesReleased August 15th   This movie plays like a classic Owen Wister or Zane...

Santa Monica Road Rage Incident Leads to Arrest, Hospitalization

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

Bystanders restrained the pedestrian until officers arrived A pedestrian was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly slashing...

Turn Dough Opens Artisan Ice Cream Shop in Downtown Santa Monica

August 21, 2025

August 21, 2025

The Santa Monica location offers 18 signature chimney cake creations, such as the “Unicorn,” adorned with Nutella, unicorn sprinkles, and...

Power Outages Hit West Channel Road, But MUSE Santa Monica Stays Open With Generators and Grit

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

The 25-Year-Old Chef-Owner Kept the Celebrity Hotspot Running Through Blackouts While a string of unexpected power outages shuttered much of...

Two LA Culinary Icons and Friends Reunite for One-Night-Only Dinner at Marelle

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Chefs Team Up With Five-Course Tasting Celebrating California Flavors  Two of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs will share the kitchen...

What to Expect at the 2025 Malibu Food & Wine Festival

August 20, 2025

August 20, 2025

Set on a 1,000-acre historic estate in Malibu’s wine country, the festival offers a backdrop of rolling vineyards, ancient oaks,...