Senior Marshals
Message of Congratulations from Marsha
The University of Maryland Senior Marshals this year — as in years past — represent graduating seniors who have demonstrated the highest levels of scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.
Together with Robert Infantino, associate dean of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at UMD, I have had the privilege to serve alongside student Senior Marshals each year to usher in graduating Terps at main commencement ceremonies. We are so happy to be celebrating in-person commencements again this year.
We congratulate the Class of 2024 for their achievement in overcoming such unprecedented times and making the most of it. We celebrate the achievement of graduation for all of these Terps
Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, PhD '93
Director, Adele H. Stamp Student Union — Center for Campus Life
Division of Student Affairs
University of Maryland
Adrianna Leigh Giuliani
Government & Politics
Adrianna is a Government & Politics major and a Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation minor from Elkton, Maryland. During her time at the university, she has been involved in CIVICUS Living and Learning Community as the service chair, the Student Government Association as the Behavioral and Social Sciences Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore of the Legislature, and Empowering Women in Law as the Co-Director of Membership Outreach. She is also an active member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and the Food Recovery Network. After graduation, she intends to pursue a law degree to aid governments, businesses, and nonprofits in enacting social change through cross-sector participation.
Akshaya Sree Balaji
Biological Sciences, Environmental Science and Technology
Akshaya is a Banneker/Key scholar pursuing a dual degree in Biology and Environmental Science, with a minor in sustainability. She is pre-medicine and interested in pursuing the intersection of enviornmental science and public health. She is originally from Clarksburg, MD and has participated in the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College. On campus, she has been president of MaryPIRG, an advocacy group, an intern with Alternative Breaks, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and a GSS Leader for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Alexa Stimpson
Finance and International Business
Alexa is graduating with a BS in Finance and International Business from Robert H. Smith School of Business. During her time on campus, Alexa has served as the Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society, Vice President of Campus Programing for the Student Alumni Leadership Council, assumed various leadership positions within the Residence Hall Association, a mentor in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows, and as a member of the Smith Dean’s Student Advisory Council. She also worked as a supervisor in University Recreation and Wellness and as a student assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Upon graduation, Alexa will be working at KPMG as an Advisory Associate, but will always come back to campus as a proud alum to cheer on the Terps!
Alyssa Leventhal
Special Education
Alyssa is from Brookeville, Maryland and will be graduating with a B.S. in Special Education and a minor in Human Development. During her time at UMD, she has served as a Peer Advisor for the College of Education, President of the Teacher Education Association of Maryland Students, Research Assistant in the Early Childhood Interaction Lab, member of the Undergraduate Provost Student Advisory Council, mentor for College Mentors for Kids and tutor for The Every Child Project and Maryland Mentor Corps. Alyssa has also been selected as a Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar, completed the Global Public Health Scholars program, and was a recipient of the Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship. She will be pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Ananyaa Malhotra
English Language and Literature; Communications
Ananyaa Malhotra is an English Language and Literature and Communications major, as well as a Creative Writing minor, from Potomac, Maryland. She is involved in a variety of organizations on campus, including serving as President of the English honors society Sigma Tau Delta, an Editor and Reading Group Leader for UMD's undergraduate literary studies journal the Paper Shell Review, and a tutor for UMD's Writing Center. She completed the Honors Humanities program in UMD's Honors College, where she received an award for her final Keystone project. Ananyaa comes from a proud family of Terps, and she looks forward to pursuing a career in book publishing after graduation.
Annabelle Teel Grant
Government and Politics (B.A.); Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Annabelle is graduating with a dual degree in Government and Politics, and Criminology and Criminal Justice. During her time at UMD, she strived to make a positive impact through her work as co-chair of the Student Conduct Review Coalition, a Community Advocate for the University Student Judiciary, a teaching assistant for the inaugural Maryland Fellows Program, Events & Lectures Chair for Omicron Delta Kappa, peer mentor in the Justice and Legal Thought Scholars Program, Vice President of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and captain in the Maryland Mock Trial Program. Off campus, she has interned in the U.S. Department of State, the D.C. Office of the Attorney General, the Maryland General Assembly, and a Maryland congressional office. After graduation she will be serving as a Teach for America corp member in Baltimore, where she hopes to help advance educational equity while preparing for law school.
Caleigh Larkin
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Caleigh Larkin is a senior Criminology and Criminal Justice Major concurrently pursuing a Creative Writing Minor at the University of Maryland, College Park. They have dedicated their time on campus to building a community that unites and empowers young poets across majors during their past four years here. Notably, they are a graduate of the Jiménez-Porter Writers' House, a living-learning program for developing writers, and have served as Terpoets president for the past two years. In addition to writing, Caleigh also spends a lot of time performing stand-up comedy with the UMD Hysterics and serving the community as a Student Advocate at the Undergraduate Legal Aid Office.
Carey Lawless Cameron
English Language and Literature
Carey is an English major and Creative Writing minor from Severna Park, Maryland. She has been involved in the arts all over campus: serving on the executive board of Student Entertainment Events (where she produced the 2024 Homecoming Comedy Show), as a Student Curator for NextNOW Fest, a DJ at WMUC Radio, a staff writer for the Diamondback and as the Spring 2024 selected full-length playwright for the Muses. Additionally, she contributes her written and visual work to VERITAS, the Jiménez-Porter Writers' House, and the WMUC Zine. Following graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in entertainment.
Caroline Davisson
Dual Degree: B.S. Business Management and B.A. Government and Politics
Caroline is a Business Management and Government and Politics dual degree student from Annapolis, Maryland with a passion for service and mentorship. During her time at the University of Maryland, she has served as a Peer Mentor for the Justice and Legal Thought Scholars Program, a student coordinator for the Lakeland STARs program which provides free tutoring for local elementary schoolers, an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Government and Politics Department, an accounting and macroeconomics tutor for the Academic Success and Tutorial Services Office, and as a Resident Assistant and Team Lead of her staff in Centreville Hall. Caroline is also a member of the Moot Court team and has represented the University of Maryland at regional, pre-national, and national tournaments across the United States. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to continue to advocate for others in the legal field.
Daphne Alexis Ranti
Finance
Daphne is a Finance major and Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy (STEP) minor from Silver Spring, Maryland. During her time at UMD, she has been involved in College Park Scholars (Science, Technology, and Society), Scholars Communications Committee, Smith Undergraduate Student Association, Sophomore Finance Fellows, Office of Career Services at the Smith Business School, Women in Business Association, and QUEST Honors Program. Throughout a variety of her leadership roles, she has made it a point to uplift her peers and provide mentorship to the next generation of leaders. She is excited to pursue her Master's degree in Accounting and work towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant, and striving to diversify the voices and perspectives present in public accounting.
Deborah A. Dwomoh
Public Health Science
Deborah, a proud Ghanaian hailing from Waldorf, MD, is graduating with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Passionate about becoming a physician assistant, her academic journey at UMD has been marked by her roles as an undergraduate researcher and peer mentor in the Molecular Diagnostics Lab within the FIRE program. In addition to her academic achievements, Deborah has excelled as an undergraduate teaching assistant, worked part-time as a medical assistant in a pediatric urgent care, and dedicated her time to volunteering as a recovery leader for the food recovery network on campus.
Divya Vydhianathan
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Divya is a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics major with a Law and Society minor from Laurel, Maryland. She is a campus leader in student organizations such as the UMD South Asian Student Association, BridgeUMD, and Empowering Women in Law UMD; as well as an ambassador for the College of Arts and Humanities and a teaching assistant for freshmen in the Honors Humanities Living and Learning Program. Outside of her academic and extracurricular endeavors, she enjoys reading, watching movies and TV shows, cooking, working out, and spending time with friends.
Donaysia Torbit
Bioengineering
Donaysia Torbit is a senior from Baltimore, Maryland graduating with a B.S. in Bioengineering and a citation from the Science and Global Change Scholars Program. During her four years at the University of Maryland, she served as a co-chair of NetNite for the Student Success Leadership Council, a Community Assistant in the Department of Resident Life, a Student Resource Specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center, and as a ClarkLeader. Additionally, she conducted research as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Vascular Kinetics Lab investigating the effects of sex and obesity on vascular health. Upon graduation she is excited to pursue a career in the biotherapeutic and technology field before applying to doctoral programs in Bioengineering.
Elaine Sultana Berger
Jewish Studies and Management
Elaine Sultana Berger is a Jewish Studies and Management double degree from Atlanta, Georgia. She's been actively involved in the Jewish community on campus, serving as Artistic Director for the Avirah Israeli Dance Company and as the Gabbi (religious coordinator) for Neshama, a community within Hillel. Elaine has been involved with ODK, NRHH, and the ARHU Dean's Advisory Board, as well as worked as a Program Assistant within the Department of Resident Life on campus. In her free time, Elaine enjoys dancing and writing music.
Elliot Tomar Skopp
Public Health Science
Elliot, originally from Severna Park, Maryland, is a Public Health major with a deep-rooted interest in dentistry and promoting diversity within healthcare. His academic pursuits are paralleled by his active involvement in volunteer organizations, where he demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to community service. Known for his compassionate nature and unwavering dedication, Elliot is poised to make a meaningful impact in any endeavor he undertakes.
Emanuelle Adina Hutman
Public Policy and General Business minor
Emanuelle is graduating with a B.A. in Public Policy, focusing on Nonprofit Leadership, and a minor in Business, and plans to pursue next year a Master's in Management studies at the Smith School of Business. She has held several leadership positions as a Recovery Leader at The Food Recovery Network, Head of service for James Harrington Pledge class in Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity, Repair The World Fellow, and Service Engagement Intern at Hillel, and has served as Vice President for Gift of Life. Within the University's academic departments, she has been involved in The Do Good Institutes Impact Interns program and Rawlings Undergraduate Fellowship through the School of Public Policy and as a research assistant at the Smith School of Business. She has worked with two grants to create meaningful social change within the food insecurity and foster care sectors.
Emma Dahlia Friedman
English Literature
Emma is an English major from Chicago, Illinois. During her time in college, she participated in internships at NASA and the White House. She owes her sense of community to the undergraduate writing center, where she worked with students of all majors hoping to sharpen their written communications skills.
Erin Burnett
Multimedia Journalism
Erin is a Multimedia Journalism major with a concentration in Broadcast, minoring in Technology Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation. From Owings Mills, Maryland, Erin aspires to be a news reporter, anchor and media entrepreneur. During her time at the University of Maryland, Erin has been a leader in a number of organizations across campus including: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Theta Nu Chapter, The Maryland Association of Black Journalists, the Black Explosion Newspaper, College Park Scholars Peer Mentors, College Mentors, and the Prima Dolls Dance Team. Outside of her collegiate commitments, Erin has dedicated herself to professional development as an Emma Bowen Foundation Fellow, interning at WBAL-TV in Baltimore and the Today Show.
Genaro Aguirre Lavarias III
Civil Engineering
Genaro (Geno) Lavarias III is an international student from Quezon City, Philippines who graduated magna cum laude in Civil Engineering on the Transportation & Project Management track and magna cum laude from Towson University with a degree in General Physics. His academic performance allowed him to win multiple scholarships through the A. James Clark School of Engineering, including the Leidos Partner Scholarship, Ben Dyer Memorial Scholarship, and the Stephen M. Evans P.E. Memorial Scholarship from the American Society of Highway Engineers. Outside of academics, he has also worked extensively in the Filipino Cultural Association primarily as the Design & Publications Editor, being a member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and worked as a Highway Design intern at GPI. His passion for transportation and its application towards creating and sustaining connected communities drives his current work as a Roadway Designer at HDR, where he plans to pursue his Professional Engineering licensure.
Giuse Pham
Mechanical Engineering; Minor: Global Engineering Leadership
Giuse Pham was in the second cohort of the A. James Clark Scholars Program and earned his citation from the Science, Technology, and Society College Park Scholars Program. While at the Clark School, Pham served as the Lounge Chair of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, played a significant role in developing the ergonomics system for the Terps Racing EV team, and advanced machine design research in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He progressed his career through various internship opportunities, such as researching with the UMD Applied Research Laboratory in Intelligence and Security, designing rockets for Northrop Grumman in Arizona, and integrating & testing satellites in Virginia for Northrop Grumman. After graduating with summa cum laude honors, Pham will return to Northrop Grumman in Virginia to continue producing satellite systems before returning to graduate school for mechanical engineering.
Grace Carrigan Hayden
Government and Politics
Grace is a Government and Politics major and an International Development and Conflict Management Minor from Baltimore, Maryland. During her senior year while taking a full course load, leading the Health and Wellness Committee for the Student Government Association, working at the university's Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) as a financial analyst, interning with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, she was offered a full-time position with her home Congressman, Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (A UMD Alum himself). Grace has been an involved student leader on campus, being accepted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Circle in 2023, which recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character on UMD's campus to the highest degree!
Hannah Klein
Government and Politics
Hannah is a Government and Politics major and a Sustainability minor from Pasadena, Maryland who's experiences growing up on the Chesapeake Bay ignited her passion for environmental policy. On campus, she serves as Vice President for Kappa Omega Alpha, the professional public policy fraternity, and served as National Communications Coordinator for the UMD Residence Hall Association. Additionally, she works as a Program Assistant with the Department of Resident Life and served as a Teaching Assistant for both the UMD Global Fellows Program in the Science Diplomacy Concentration and the Government and Politics Department. Post-graduation, she plans to stay here at UMD to pursue a Master's in Public Policy, concentrating on environmental policy.
Heydy Herbert
Community Health
Heydy is a first-generation Mexican and Ecuadorian immigrant and college student. Growing up in two urban multicultural cities, New York City and Baltimore City, she has seen firsthand the impacts of redlining and how that has played a critical role in the health of those around her. Heydy has always made an effort to help others, whether, through advocacy, serving, or mentoring she wants to improve the quality of lives of those around her. Heydy is matriculating into a Master in Public Health program and hopes to pursue her Doctorate in Public Health to continue serving and helping minoritized communities, as power comes from within the people. On this journey of servitude to communities marginalized by institutional deficiencies, Heydy is determined to transform this world into one in which all folks in marginalized communities can see themselves thriving.
Isaiah Malik Griffith
Public Health Science
Isaiah Griffith is a First-Generation Public Health Science major from Baltimore, Maryland. During his time at UMD, he has served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Public Health, a student mentor for the School of Public Health Students Transitioning into Effective Professionals (STEP) program, Vice President of College Mentors for Kids, A member of Phi Alpha Epsilon, founding member & Vice President of The Association of Black Public Health Students and a host of other clubs on campus. Isaiah is also enrolled in the Accelerated B.S./MPH Program in the School of Public Health where he serves as president of Graduate Students in Public Health (GSPH). Isaiah is grateful for the opportunities and connections he was able to make while being an Undergraduate student at UMD; he is looking forward to transitioning into a full-time Graduate Student and all the possibilities that await him.
Jake Austin Burgess
Finance, Economics
Jake is from La Plata, Maryland, graduating with a dual degree in finance and economics and a citation from University Honors. During his time at the University of Maryland, he devoted much of himself to his campus ministry, OneU, where he now works full-time. While a student, he also served as president of the UMD Circle K International chapter for two years, worked as a math tutor and as a TA for BMGT345, and volunteered as an undergraduate research assistant for the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.
Judy Song
Computer Science
Judy Song is a graduating senior from Ellicott City, MD, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, minor in Statistics with a certificate from the First Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) in the Autonomous Unmanned Systems stream. Throughout her time at UMD, she has been committed to serving her campus community as a teaching assistant, an active participant of Association of Women in Computing, Society of Women Engineers, and the professional chair of Alpha Omega Epsilon. Simultaneously, she expressed her love for music and UMD through being a member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland and the Maryland Pep Band. Upon graduation, she will work as an embedded software engineer while pursuing a graduate degree in computer science.
Julia Kathleen Kallaur
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Julia is a Criminology and Criminal Justice major from Baltimore, Maryland. She has served on campus in many roles, Community Advocate in the University Student Judiciary, as a Representative and Director in the Student Government Association, Director of the Student Advisory Council to UMPD, ambassador for Preventing Sexual Assault, an employee at the Student Organization Resource Center, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society. She is the recipient of the 2023 Murray E. Polakoff Award and is currently interning for Delegate Adrian Boafo in the Maryland General Assembly. She is graduating a year early and plans to pursue graduate certification in Terrorism Analysis and continue her legal studies. She studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in the fall of 2023 and has been to 12 countries! She loves cooking, learning languages (Russian and Spanish), training for long-distance races, and painting.
Julia Wall
Elementary Education
Originally from Mount Airy, Maryland, Julia Wall is graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Human Development. During her time at UMD, Julia has served as the Student Assistant Manager at the Leadership & Community Service Learning Office, a mentor in Maryland Mentor Corps Math Program, an officer of the education honors society Kappa Delta Pi, a member of the Mortar Board honors society, and a member of the national honors fraternity Phi Sigma Pi. Following graduation, Julia is excited to working as an elementary school teacher with plans of pursuing further education soon after. Off campus, she has worked as an elementary school civics teacher through the Civic Circle and has student-taught in Montgomery County and Prince George's County Public Schools.
Karthik Sellakumaran Latha
Mathematics
Karthik is a math major and computer science minor from Sammamish, Washington. At UMD, he served as a TA for MATH140/141 and CMSC131/132, was a peer research mentor for the First-Year Innovation & Research Experience program, and created and taught a student-led course on math and art. After graduating, Karthik will pursue a PhD in Mathematics and work toward becoming a math professor.
Kristina Elizabeth Diaz
Public Health Science
Kristina Diaz graduated with a degree in Public Health Science on a pre- Physician Assistant Track. On campus she served on the executive board for Preventing Sexual Assault, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, and Phi Alpha Epsilon, the Public Health honor society. She was selected into Omicron Delta Kappa, a nationally recognized leadership honor society, Order of Omega society, and the national senior honor society, Mortar Board. She also worked on the public health student advisory committee, served as a teaching assistant for Microbiology, performed research for the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience, interned at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is currently working as a medical assistant for a general surgeon before attending PA school.
Kruti Bhingradiya
Aerospace Engineering
Kruti is an aerospace engineering major with a minor in Robotic and Autonomous Systems from Gujarat, India. She served as President for UMD chapter of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Vice-President of Sigma Gamma Tau, Aerospace Engineering Honors Society. She also has been an active researcher with Collective Dynamics and Controls Lab where she works on hydrodynamic modelling and controls of underwater robots. She is also active member and student-govt president of UMD Near space Balloon Payload Program where she works on payloads to enable communications and floating through near space.
Leah Bregman
Marketing and Management Dual Degree
Leah holds dual degrees in Marketing and Management from the Robert H. Smith School of Business, with a Minor in Human Development, and has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the founder and president of the Gift of Life Marrow Registry Club and the Jewish Student Union. Her commitment to service is further evidenced by her role as a teaching assistant and her involvement with the VPSA Student Advisory Council. Leah's significant impact is also highlighted through her three-and-a-half-year tenure as a Development Intern at Maryland Hillel. Following graduation, she aims to advance her career at Maryland Hillel as a Development Associate and pursue further education by obtaining her CFRE.
Lei Danielle Escobal
Sociology, American Studies
Lei Danielle Escobal (she/her) is a second generation Filipina American born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She is graduating with a B.S.S. in Sociology and B.A. in American Studies and a minor in Asian American Studies. Through her leadership as Co-President and Co-Vice President of Internal Affairs of the Asian American Student Union, Co-Director of Public Relations and Head Writer of the Filipino Cultural Association, and member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, she believes in committing her work to ancestral resilience and will continue to call for a comprehensive education and space that belongs to her and her community. She is the recipient of the 2023 Spirit of Maryland Award, 2023 ARHU Dean Student Scholar Award, and 2023-2024 Philip Merril Presidential Scholar Award. Following graduation, Lei Danielle is excited to continue engaging with communities and cultural scripts to decolonize and rebuild what community means through immersive art and media, accessibility to resources, and sustainable leadership.
Linh Nguyen
Architecture
Linh Nguyen is an accomplished Architecture major at UMD, with a minor in Construction Project Management and a LEED Green Associate certification. Her commitment to her field is evident through her extensive engagement in student leadership, including roles as Vice President of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, Student Senator, and a member of both the Provost Advising Board and the Dean's Advisory Board, as well as a facilitator for the Maryland Leadership program. As a first-generation college student from Vietnam, Linh showcases her passion for design through active participation in competitions and a keen interest in Military and Defensive Architecture. Fluent in multiple languages, Linh aims to pursue a master's degree and become a licensed architect while also dedicating herself to volunteering and community service, inspiring her peers to break cultural barriers and drive meaningful social change.
Lourdes Arteaga Baeza
Hearing and Speech Sciences
Originally from Mexico, Lourdes Arteaga Baeza is graduating with a degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences and a minor in Disability Studies. She has had a profound impact on the community through her involvement in the Child Language Assessment Project, National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education Academic Excellence Society, Every Child Project, Project Capturing Language Immersion Benefits, Maryland Cochlear Impact Center of Excellence, Identity Management Lab, Stuttering Scholarship Alliance, and Maryland Images. She has mentored as part of Sisters to Sisters and Latina Pathways, tutored for College Prep Excellence Roadmap Academy, served as a teaching assistant for the Honors Humanities program, and advocated for academic excellence within Omicron Delta Kappa. She is committed to pursuing a master's degree in speech-language pathology and ensuring students from diverse backgrounds achieve their full potential.
Makayla George
Information Systems
Introducing Makayla, an ACES honors student, Banneker/Key Scholar, and Information Systems major from Baltimore, MD. Alongside her many academic achievements, she has founded and led the Club Cheer team, fostering school spirit and athleticism on campus. As President of the Business & IT Society, Makayla championed diversity and innovation in technology. She also served as a volunteer and programming assistant at the Iribe Center for Diversity in Computing. After graduation, Makayla will be working at Microsoft, designing products for the Office 365 platform.
Mateo Noguera
Operations Management and Business Analytics
Mateo is an Argentine-American from Bethesda, Maryland, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Operations Management and Business Analytics. Apart from his business education he also conducted biomedical research, co-authoring a 4-year thesis on antibiotic resistance with the Gemstone Honors Program. Outside the classroom, he served as the Vice President of the Maryland Men’s Club Soccer team and continues to compete for his beloved Toca Juniors FC. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Business Analytics, Mateo is a Graduate Research Assistant at the Applied Lab for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and a Teaching Assistant in Data Analytics for the Smith School of Business. In his career he hopes to leverage data science and statistics to positively impact the American public health system. He attributes his success to his mother, Claudia, and his father, Christian, who prioritize kindness above all and who inspire him every day through their boundless love and support.
Maya Trinite Wheeler
Bioengineering
Maya is a Bioengineering major from Bel Air South, Maryland. She is also a part of the Honors Humanities College and Federal Fellows Public Health Policy Programs, serving as a fellow and teaching assistant. Outside of class, Maya is a Resource Specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center, serves as the Pre-College Programs Coordinator for Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, an Ambassador for the Clark School of Engineering, and Volunteer for the International Rescue Committee Youth Services Program.
Meenakshi Pradeep Adiyodi
Neuroscience: Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological
Meenakshi Pradeep Adiyodi is majoring in Neuroscience, with a minor in Asian American Studies and a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies certificate. During her time on campus, she has served as President for both the American Red Cross Club and Nu Rho Psi Honors Society, a dialogue lead for TerpsForChange, programming chair for KDSAP, a CMNS recruitment ambassador, and an undergraduate teaching assistant for various classes. She is also an undergraduate researcher in the Speer Lab, and is involved in the Biology Honors Program. After graduation, Meenakshi plans to take a gap year and work as a medical assistant before matriculating into medical school, where she hopes to pursue a specialization in psychiatry, to eventually contribute towards the destigmatization of seeking mental health-related services.
Meghana Kotraiah
Agricultural and Resource Economics, Government and Politics
Meghana Kotraiah is a second generation Terp from Gaithersburg, Maryland, graduating with a dual degree in Government & Politics and Agricultural & Resource Economics, with a minor in Asian American Studies. She has served in the Student Government Association for all four years of her college experience, currently serving as the Executive Vice President where she advocates on behalf of the student body. Meghana has also served on the executive boards of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society as the Philanthropy and Community Service Chair, and the Student Alumni Leadership Council as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, as well as a Maryland Images tour guide. Within the College of AGNR, she is a Student Ambassador, serves on the Dean's Student Advisory Council, represents undergraduates on the College's DEIR Council, and is a Sigma Alpha sister. After graduation, she is pursuing a career in agriculture and natural resources policy.
Micah Victoria Ferguson
Community Health, Anthropology
Micah is Community Health and Anthropology double major from Perry Hall, Maryland, with an interest in the intersections between substance abuse, housing, poverty, and the criminal justice system, particularly in the Black community. After interning in the Region V Office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), she was afforded the opportunity to plan a region-wide Reentry Working Group Luncheon for political appointees, landlords, housing authorities, and the formerly incarcerated, to attend. Her research interests have been geared toward the mental health effects of activism as a Black student, and perceptions of campus climate in the queer community - she intends to continue this research in her graduate studies. Micah will complete her Masters in Public Health, Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation, in Spring 2025, and hopefully return to a federal agency working on community health issues.
Navya (Rowan) Mohan
Public Policy and Marketing
Rowan Mohan will graduate from the University of Maryland in May 2024 with a double degree in Public Policy and Marketing, in addition to a citation in Public Leadership. She is committed to service to her community, volunteering as a Help Center peer crisis counselor and serving as a previous VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Alpha Kappa Psi, working to expand equity in the business school. She loves adventure, working as an adventure trip leader for RecWell, and is passionate about education justice, exhibited through teaching, nonprofit, and private sector internships. She is hoping to pursue a career in global education equity after graduating.
Nicole Bonacorso
Architecture Planning and Preservation
Nicole Bonacorso is a B.S. Architecture major and Real Estate Development minor from Newburyport, Massachusetts. During her time here at UMD, she has been a part of UMD's D1 Cheerleading program, a member of the Real Estate Club, and gave back to the campus community through her involvement with Delta Delta Delta. Post graduation, Nicole plans on applying the valuable lessons of sustainability, artistic creativity, and technical expertise learned from her undergrad academic pursuits to obtain a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development.
Nicole Miko
Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology; Public Health Science
Nicole Miko is graduating with a dual degree in Biological Sciences and Public Health Science with minors in Sustainability and Humanities, Health, and Medicine as well as a University Honors Citation. During her time at UMD, she has served as a SustainableUMD Ambassador, Terps for Change Coordinator, Biology undergraduate teaching assistant, Student Leader for Kairos Christian Fellowship, Juggling Club Co-President, and Treasurer for the Community Learning Garden and Thai Student Association. She has also served as a research assistant in the Caras Lab, where she is pursuing an honors thesis through the Biology Honors Program. Off campus, Nicole has worked as a medical assistant in an allergy clinic and in a home healthcare practice, and she plans to serve in an AmeriCorps program post-graduation prior to entering medical school.
Nora Bui
Neuroscience
Nora is a Neuroscience (Cellular and Molecular Concentration) major and Health, Humanities, and Medicine minor. On campus, she served as the Co-President of the Physician Associate Club, the Education & Design Chair for the American Medical Women’s Association, and as a University Senator representing CMNS. She was also a Teaching Assistant for NEUR306 (Cellular Neuroscience) and a Research Assistant in Dr. Shackman’s lab (utilizing neuroimaging to study the neural basis of emotions such as anxiety and fear). Off campus, she worked as a medical assistant in a family medicine clinic, engaged in experiential learning as an Nvolve Women in STEM scholar, and volunteers for Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor. She hopes to pursue a career in healthcare to provide culturally competent care, especially to those with neurological/psychiatric challenges.
Nusirat Afolashade Fahm
Information Science
Nusirat (Nusi) Fahm is set to graduate from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Information Science and a minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Throughout her university journey, she contributed significantly to student organizations, including roles as Programming Director and Chief of Staff for the African Student Association, Vice President of Code: Black, and an organizer for Technica's Brand and Diversity and Inclusion teams. Her practical experience includes internships at NBCUniversal within the Global IT Procurement and Media Operations Teams, and a recent stint at Microsoft as a Customer Success Manager. Post-graduation, Nusi will rejoin Microsoft as a Customer Success Account Manager, leveraging her rich blend of academic and professional experiences.
Ogechukwu Odidika
Psychology and Information Science Minor: Humanities, Health and Medicine
Oge Odidika, a Bowie, Md native, is a second generation Nigerian Psychology and Information Science double major, with a minor in Health, Humanities, and Medicine. Throughout her time at UMD, she has been dedicated to her campus community, taking on leadership roles in various student organizations including African Student Association, Charles R. Drew Pre Health Society, and Maryland Mentor Corps. She is has also been involved in the Global Public Health College Park Scholars Program and has served as a Resource Specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center. Passionate about mental health, Oge is excited to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner upon graduation. Wherever life's path takes her, she's committed to making a positive impact.
Omoleye Adeyemi
Communication
Omoleye Adeyemi is a Communication major on the Media & Digital Track with a minor in Humanities, Health, and Medicine from Baltimore, Maryland. During her four years at the University of Maryland, Omoleye was the President of Senior Council, BioFIRE student, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar, Tutor in the Oral Communication Center, University 100 Teaching Assitant, Co-President of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Student Leader in the Communication Undergraduate Chair Student Advisory Committe, Multimedia and the Website & Research Director in Student Entertainment Events, Front Desk Resources Specialist in Student Organization Resource Center, member of the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC), and a member of Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Honor Society). Upon graduation, Omoleye will be continuing her education in communication studies on the use of social media in our world today.
Palrika Kasondra
Finance & Information Science; Certification in Leadership Studies
Palrika Kasondra is a Finance and Information Science dual-degree student, graduating with a certification in Leadership Studies. On campus, she has served as the VP of Finance for the South Asian Student Association for 2 years. During her time at UMD, Palrika also worked as an Accounts Manager at the Student Organization Resource Center's (SORC) Finance department, helped numerous student groups on campus, and trained new student staff since her sophomore year. Outside of the classroom, she has worked at an accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the headquarters of a DMV grocery retailer chain, Giant, to gain diverse work experience through internships.
Piper Jackson
Public Policy
Piper is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public policy this spring and will be continuing her early master’s degree program at UMD this fall. She served as the President of the UMD Panhellenic Association in 2023 and holds a membership in the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. She was also a member of the Carillon Community Living Learning Program, served as a Political Engagement and Advocacy Fellow in the Federal Fellows Program, served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the School of Public Policy, and is currently a Thurgood Marshall Research Fellow for the School of Public Policy. During her time in college, she also held internships with a political consulting firm and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Raeann Carpenter
Hearing and Speech Sciences
Raeann is from Rockville, Maryland and is graduating with a degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences and a minor in Disability Studies. She plans to attend graduate school in the fall to pursue a masters in Speech-Language Pathology. She hopes to work with neurodivergent children and adults as a future Speech-Language Pathologist. During her time at the University of Maryland, she was involved in the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association, the Language Development and Perception Laboratory, College Mentors for Kids, the club lacrosse team, and Delta Gamma Sorority. She spent her free time working and volunteering at a local nonprofit organization for adults with disabilities called Main Street Connect.
Rhea Kalluri
Government & Politics, Public Health
Coming from Ashburn, Virginia, Rhea is graduating with a Government&Politics major and Public Health minor. Throughout her time on campus, she has worked as an undergraduate TA for public health classes, a research assistant for the College of Public Policy, Fellow for the Federal Public Health Program, and was a research innovator with the FIRE research experience program. In her free time, she served on the leadership board of several organizations. She was apart of Omicron Delta Kapa National Honor Society, Phi Alpha Delta, Student Judiciary Council, Student Health Council, Empowering Women in Law, and the Indian Student Association. Rhea has also written a health policy honors thesis, in which she was designated high honors, as well as been published several times in UMD's Undergraduate Law Review. After she graduated in December, she went on to do her masters in public health policy in Boston. Soon after receiving a second degree, she plans to attend law school.
Riley Kenneth Christian
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Riley K. Christian, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA, CSI, ICAA from Shady Side, MD is a 2024 graduate from University of Maryland's School of Architecture Bachelor of Science Program. After earning his Associates of Applied Science in Architecture from Anne Arundel Community College in May 2020, he embarked on his love of travel by driving across the continent twice from Ocean City, MD to San Diego, CA before beginning his career in High-End Residential Architecture at Jeremy Fletcher Design in Alexandria, VA. He transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park in the Fall of 2022 after setting fundamentals with his mentor in the firm and has balanced responsibilities in both his profession and education. Riley enjoys a multitude of chips, bike rides, sight-seeing, and was known to have a stash of Dr. Pepper, snacks, and thoughtful opinions and advice that was welcome to all who were in need.
Riley Paige Blaugrund
Public Policy
Riley Blaugrund is a Public Policy BA/MPP student from Los Angeles, California with a minor in Religious Studies who aims to work in social justice and advocate for progressive policy. She earned her College Park Scholars citation in International Studies where she started a community service program for Afghan refugee families and was a peer mentor. On campus, Riley is a volunteer tour guide, an Executive Board member of Alpha Phi Omega (a national co-ed community service fraternity), the Marketing Director of Student Entertainment Events, and a representative on both the Provost Advisory Board and the Brody Student Advisory Council. During her time at UMD, she has interned Jews United for Justice, a grassroots organization that fights for social, racial, and economic justice; Luminus Network, a social services agency for refugees and immigrants; and as a a Legislative Intern at the Maryland State Senate.
Scott Eric Fleischmann
Electrical Engineering
Scott is an Electrical Engineering major from Suffern, New York, graduating with a citation from the Gemstone Honors Program. During his time at UMD, Scott was the Workshop Lead for Engineers Without Borders, an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and the Aquatics Representative on RecWell’s Student Employee Advisory Board. Additionally, Scott was a part of the QUEST Honors Program and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. After graduation, he hopes to be able to use the skills and knowledge gained at UMD to improve the global community.
Serena Bujtor
Criminology-Criminal Justice; Psychology
Serena Bujtor is a Honors Criminology and Criminal Justice and Psychology double major from San Carlos, California. Inspired by her desire to foster a culture of proactive support for mental health, she dedicated her college experience to supporting the mental well-being of individuals in the campus community through her roles as Administrative Director and Counselor within the Help Center peer crisis organization. She directly works with members of the community impacted by power based violence as a Peer Advocate with CARE to stop violence. She has been active in multiple research labs on and off of campus including the Laboratory of Emotion and Psychopathology, Behavioral Health and Public Safety Planning Project, and National Defense University's Leadership and Fitness Lab.
Sonya M Leikin
Psychology B.S.
Sonya is a Bachelor of Science Psychology honors student with minors in Neuroscience and Human development. She currently works at the Undergraduate Psychology office as an Undergraduate Program Manager, and loves helping support a department that has played a definitive role in her time at the University. She is passionate about working with children as demonstrated by her numerous leadership experiences in College Mentors for Kids, an on-campus non-profit, where she now serves as President. As a research assistant in the Neurocognitive Development Lab on campus, she is also passionate about using research and science as a tool for change in supporting child development.
Toluwalope Justinah Bashua
Computer Science; Information Science; Minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation
Toluwalope, a first-generation Nigerian college student from Baltimore County, MD, has proudly earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Information Science, complemented by a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. Throughout her time at UMD, she showcased unwavering commitment to both academics and community engagement, serving on SGA for three years and contributing as a student employee in two diverse campus departments. Toluwalope's dedication, coupled with her enthusiasm for school spirit, reflects in her journey here at UMD as she was also a part of CODE:Black, ASA, ALD, The pride, Stamp SEAB, and many more. She looks forward to pursuing her master's degree as a Terp!, while also contributing her skills and knowledge at her dream company.
Tyler J Nasuta
Neuroscience
Tyler is a Neuroscience Major from Perryville, Maryland. During his time at UMD, Tyler has served as a Resource Specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center and is an Ophthalmic Assistant at Seidenberg and Protzko Eye Associates. He is interested in a medical career and hopes to one day pursue Ophthalmology. In his free time he loves sports, whether that is playing for the UMD flag football team or watching his favorite professional teams play.
Valerie Markel
Finance
Valerie Markel from Glenwood, Maryland graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Finance and part of her Master's in Business Analytics in the Plus 1 program. She has been an active terp in the community by being part of Resident Life as a Resident Assistant, a group fitness instructor for Recwell, VP of finance for Delta Gamma, a part of Public Leadership Scholars, an Education Equality Initiative tutor, and a recipient of certificate of career readiness from Forte Foundation for Women in Business. She is also very active in the deaf community helping as a sign language interpreter in many different areas. Upon graduation, Valerie will continue her Master of Science in Business Analytics as a Terrapin Scholar scholarship recipient.
Vanshika Mehta
Computer Science
Vanshika is from East Windsor, NJ, and is pursuing a Computer Science degree along with a Citation from the Gemstone Honors Program at the University of Maryland (UMD). Throughout her time at UMD, she has worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant for various Gemstone and Computer Science classes, in addition to working part-time as a student coordinator for the Honors College. Aside from her academic work, Vanshika is an active member of the Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority and the Honors Ambassadors program. After graduation, she plans to return to NJ to start working as a Software Engineer at Bank of America.
Yasmine Kotb
Biological Sciences: Physiology & Neurobiology; Dance
Yasmine is a dual degree student from Bethesda, Maryland who will be graduating with a B.S. in Physiology & Neurobiology and a B.A. in Dance. During her time at UMD, she participated in the Life Sciences Scholars Program, earning the Scholars Academic Achievement Award; she was also Peru Project Team Leader in Public Health Beyond Borders UMD, Director of Public Relations in Foundation For International Medical Relief in Children UMD, and a tutor with Lakeland STARs for over two years. She has enjoyed having the opportunity to conduct clinical research through completing two summer internships at the National Institutes of Health and volunteering as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Child Development Lab headed by Dr. Nathan Fox on campus. After graduation, Yasmine hopes to pursue a career as a well-rounded, well-informed physician.