Sora Ke Named SUNY Scholar for Mental Health

Sora “Sabrina” Ke, a senior in the Stony Brook University School of Nursing Basic Baccalaureate Program, was one of five Scholars for Mental Health selected by the State University of New York (SUNY) in October. 

Honored for her “demonstrated leadership and a steadfast commitment to bolstering the mental health field,” Ke will receive $10,000 from the Voya Foundation to fund academic pursuits in psychiatric nursing. 

"I am honored to be named a Scholar for Mental Health, and I am incredibly grateful to the Voya Foundation for investing in my education,” said Ke. 

“Receiving this scholarship reinforces my commitment to psychiatric nursing,” she added. “People living with mental illness deserve excellent care that is free of stigma, and this support lets me focus fully on becoming a nurse who provides it.”

Building on SUNY's commitment to expanding mental health education opportunities, the Scholars for Mental Health program seeks to create community-based support systems by expanding equitable access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health care.

"Across the SUNY system, we recognize the importance of strengthening mental health education, access, and resources to prepare the state's workforce and serve our fellow New Yorkers," said SUNY Chancellor King. "The Scholars for Mental Health represent the next generation of mental health practitioners who will bolster this crucial work.”

Experiences as a crisis text line volunteer and inpatient psychiatric unit intern informed Ke’s decision to pursue psychiatric nursing. 

“I learned that a single conversation rarely changes everything at once,” said Ke, “but it can help keep someone safe for the moment, and that is enough reason to show up again and again.”

After graduation, she plans to work as a psychiatric nurse and eventually pursue a master’s degree.