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 2022 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
Abhirami Thaivalappil
Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Minor in International Development and Conflict Management
Abhirami (Ami) Thaivalappil is a Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics major and an International Development and Conflict Management minor at the University of Maryland, with a citation from the College Park Scholars Global Public Health program. During her time on campus, she has worked as a Senior CARE Peer Advocate, a Guided Study Sessions Leader for BCHM462, an undergraduate researcher in the Kan Cao lab, and she has served on various advisory boards. She received the Nancy and Ira Shapiro Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award for her contribution to various publications in the Cao lab, as well as the defense of her honors thesis. Ami is excited to build on her passions for social equity and research, and to peruse a career as a physician-scientist.
Allison Fear
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Allison Fear is graduating with a B.S in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a minor in Project Management. During her time at UMD, she has been an undergraduate researcher in the Nanoscale and Biomolecular Assembly Lab working towards a scientific publication on stimuli adapting hydrogel polymer capsules. When not in the lab, she has served as Venue Director, Security Director, and Vice President of Finance and Operations for UMD’s event programming board, Student Entertainment Events (SEE). She has also been involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Omega Chi Epsilon, Society of Women Engineers, ClarkLEAD, and Vice President of the Adele H. Stamp chapter of Mortar Board Honor Society. After graduation, She will be pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Alon "Sherm" Sherman
Public Policy; Government & Politics - International Relations Concentration
Hailing from both Palo Alto, California, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Alon Sherman is earning dual degrees in Public Policy and International Relations. In class, Sherm honed in on environmentalism, global cooperation, using policy for good, and legal advocacy as a founding member of Dr. Spivey's Moot Court. Out of class, he was in the SGA Office as a legislator, consent educator, and director; on Fraternity Row as a DFSL-SAP intern, social chairman, and misconduct prevention chair; or in front of a quality meal he made in his kitchen or Metro'd to in the District. Sherm is eager for what the future holds as he leaves College Park, making his mark in the pursuit of the greater good; he is deciding between environmental law, policy communications, and nonprofit strategic development.
Alythia Vo
Neurobiology & Physiology; Spanish; Minors in Asian American Studies, US Latino Studies
Alythia Vo is a member of the Integrated Life Sciences program in the Honors College. She has served as the Co-President of the Asian American Student Union, Recruitment and Community Outreach Chair of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, teaching assistant for “Mammalian Physiology”, President of the Taiwanese American Student Association, and member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and Vice President of Student Affairs’ Student Advisory Council. Off-campus, Alythia works as a research assistant for Johns Hopkins Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, serves as a community outreach volunteer for COVID-19 vaccine research trials, and interns for the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. She hopes to pursue an MD/MPH in the future with the goal of combating health disparities in underserved communities.
Anindita Mullick
Individual Studies - Environmental Health Policy and Decision-making
Anindita Mullick is a Banneker/Key Scholar and graduate of the Individual Studies Program (IVSP) with a B.S. in Environmental Health Policy & Decision making. Her major concentrations include Biological Sciences, Environmental Health, and Policy & Analytics. At UMD, she has been involved in several programs, including the Integrated Life Science Honors College, Global Fellows at UMD, and the QUEST Honors Program. Outside of academics, she has led UMD Tzu Ching and Rising Researchers UMD, and spends her free time reading, baking, and taking walks to explore new places.
Brianna Nabet
Family Science
Brianna Nabet dedicated her undergraduate career to empowering students to find their academic, personal and professional passions. Her passion for creating equity in communities, especially advancing the health of children and families, led her to create a 1 credit course FMSC215 Foster Care and Adoption; Law, Policy, and Family. The highlight of her undergraduate career, Brianna was able to educate and empower students to promote advocacy for socially disadvantaged and marginalized youth in our child welfare systems. Post graduation, Brianna is looking to continue her passions of empowering others to create change in their communities in Charlotte, NC.
Christina Alemayehu
Communication, Public Relations Track
Christina Alemayehu is a first-generation, Ethiopian-American college student who studied Communication on the Public Relations track with a minor in Non-Profit Leadership and Social Innovation. She has spent her time on-campus prioritizing service through serving on the Honor Council for the University Student Judiciary, spending Saturday mornings leading Terps4Change, Terps Farm site, VP of Public Relations for the Senior Council, a tutor, and Marketing Coordinator for the Service Learning Certificate Program in the Office of Multi-Ethic Student Education (OMSE), serving on the Finance Committee for the Student Government Association (SGA), and a College of Arts and Humanities Ambassador. While being an avid member of the dance community at Clarice and performing in many dance concerts and taking classes. While service is a big part of her life, she has learned the importance of being curious in all current responsibilities to find more, to discover, and to find the intersectionality of all skills and work to change the way we see the world.
Cynthia Eapen
Criminology and Criminal Justice; Minor in Law and Society
Cynthia Eapen is a Criminology and Criminal Justice major with a minor in Law and Society at the University of Maryland, with a citation from the Justice and Legal Thought Scholars Program (JLT). During her time at UMD, she was the Vice Chair of the Academics Committee and the Criminology and Criminology Justice Representative for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Dean’s Student Advisory Council (DSAC), the Community Service Chair of Phi Alpha Delta (PAD), an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for introductory level courses of JLT, an operations assistant for the University of Maryland Athletics Department, and an Honor Council Member for the University Student Judiciary. She has also been an active member in the Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society and in the Law and Society Teaching Assistant Department. Following graduation, she will be attending law school and hopes to pursue a career as an attorney so that she can advocate on the behalf of juveniles in the criminal justice system.
Dahye Kang
Biological Sciences (PHNB); Criminology & Criminal Justice; Minor in Asian American Studies
Dahye Kang is graduating with a dual degree in Biological Sciences (PHNB) and Criminology & Criminal Justice, a minor in Asian American Studies, and a citation from the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) Honors College. An avid advocate for the Asian American community at UMD, Dahye served on the Executive Board for the Asian American Student Union, took part in the APIDA Heritage Month Planning Committees, and was an Asian American student representative on various advisory councils. In addition to these efforts, she served on the Executive Boards for Alpha Phi Omega and the Banneker/Key Community Council, was an Intern, Team Leader, and Mentor for the Maryland Mentor Corps, and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. Following her graduation, Dahye is looking forward to utilizing all the lessons UMD has taught her as she navigates life beyond college.
Debbie Adam
Honors Biology, Physiology and Neurobiology Track; Spanish, Spanish & Latin American Literature, Culture, and Media Track
Debbie Adam is graduating with a dual degree in Spanish and Biology and has obtained a citation from The Integrated Life Sciences Honors Program. On campus, she served as the co-president and co-founder of The Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, co-president of The American Medical Student Association, and Education and Activation Intern for The Alternative Breaks space. She engaged in independent research through The Terps in Space program, worked as an undergraduate researcher in The Neural Systems Laboratory, and intends to submit and defend an honors thesis on pattern categorization in the ferret animal model through the Biology Departmental Honors Program. After graduating, she intends to matriculate into medical school.
Dejuan Johnson
Architecture; Minor in Construction Project Management
Dejuan Johnson is a Senior Architecture major with a minor in Construction Project Management! He is from Burtonsville, MD where he attended Paint Branch High School and was a member of NHS, a letterman on the school football team, and recipient of the 2018 Mark V. Shannon Student Athlete Award and President’s Education Awards. Here at the University of Maryland he served as a Student Research Assistant to the Dean of the School of Architecture and was a Built Environment Ambassador. On his free time he enjoys watching and recreationally playing football, watching anime, movies, tv shows, and hanging out with his friends.
Delma Mbulaiteye
Biological Sciences; English
Delma Mbulaiteye is a Ugandan-American student graduating with degrees in Biological Sciences and English Literature. During her time at UMD, she decided on an interdisciplinary approach to her studies and extracurriculars to weave her interests in STEM and the humanities together. In her free time, Delma enjoys reading fiction, going to coffee shops, and experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. In the future, Delma hopes to pursue medicine while contributing and learning from the field of medical humanities.
Emily Frocke
Special Education
Emily Frocke is a Spring 2022 graduating senior who majored in Special Education with a dual certification in general and special education. Some of her involvements on campus include College Mentors for Kids, Maryland Images, and ODK. Next year, she will be an elementary school teacher within Montgomery County Public Schools, but always a Terp at heart!
Emily Leo
Bioengineering
Emily Leo is a Maryland native graduating from the honors college with a B.S. in Bioengineering. In her time at UMD, she has led and initiated several Women in Engineering programs, performed and directed with Ballet Company M, planned programs with the Student Alumni Leadership Council, served as a Resident Assistant, taught at OpenBarre Studios, and has been a part of QUEST, Honors Ambassadors, ODK, Tau Beta Pi, and Alpha Omega Epsilon. She has interned for the FDA, worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Kuo tissue engineering lab, and will be working as a Process Engineer at CRB upon graduation. In the past academic year, she was a Spirit of Maryland Finalist and was awarded the A. James Clark School of Engineering Dean’s Award for her scholarship, leadership, and service to the campus community.
Frances Marie Sanchez Panday
Environmental Science and Policy, Minor in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change
Marie is graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy and a minor in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change as part of the ENSP Honors Program. For the past 3 years, Marie has been working with the Office of Sustainability as a Sustainability Advisor, Deputy Chair of the Sustainability Fund Review Committee, and as a Research Assistant within the Global Ecology Lab for the Campus Forest Carbon Project. Additionally, on-campus, Marie has served as the ENSP Representative for the BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council, Science Diplomacy Teaching Assistant for the Federal-Global Fellows program, and Co-Rush Chair for Epsilon Eta. Marie is also on track to receive her M.S. in Geographical Sciences through the GEOG BS/MS program, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. after and become a professor in the biogeography field.
Gabriela Ellen Winter
Supply Chain Management and Marketing
Gabriela Winter is a Terp legacy graduating with a B.S. in Supply Chain Management and Marketing. Having a huge love for UMD since she was young, Gabriela has been actively involved throughout many campus organizations including the Student Alumni Leadership Council, Public Leadership Scholars, Alpha Omicron Pi, Omicron Delta Kappa and more. She has worked diligently during her time at UMD to enhance the University and its community. Following graduation, Gabriela is excited to begin her career as a part of Capital One’s Management Rotational Program.
Genevieve Pelletier
Animal Science/Pre-professional
Genevieve Pelletier is a senior Animal Science Student at the University of Maryland. Throughout her time at UMD she has been a UTA, a member of three honor societies, and a member of Ballet Company M. Her most notable accomplishment has been being an ambassador for Agriculture Future of America (AFA). She is excited to start her position as a live management trainee at Perdue Farms starting in June.
Grace Fitzgerald Vaeth
Management; Minor in Spanish: Language, Culture, & Professional Contexts
Grace Vaeth will be graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Management and a minor in Spanish. A member of the Honors Humanities program, Grace received Honorable Mention for the Lowell Ensel Keystone Prize Award for her creation of an original music album entitled A Life's Journey. During her time at UMD, Grace has been involved as an Honors Ambassador, a member of Mockapella, an Event Manager at the Memorial Chapel, and a Career Advising Intern for the Smith School of Business. Following graduation, Grace will take part in the Human Resources Leadership Development Program at Stanley Black & Decker, where she will be afforded the opportunity to identify her specific skills and interests in HR.
Greeshma Sonia Anand
Neurobiology and Physiology; Minor in Spanish
Greeshma Anand is a Neurobiology and Physiology major and Spanish minor. During her time at UMD, she served as the President of MaryPIRG Students, a CMNS Ambassador, Outreach Co-Coordinator for United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS), Event Manager for Terps Against Hunger, and she was a part of College Park Scholars-Life Sciences and a member of Beta Psi Omega. After graduation, Greeshma plans to take two gap years, before attending medical school, to work as an Emergency Department Scribe and volunteer with local mutual aid organizations.
Heather Rebecca Bacon
Systems Design & Analysis (Individual Studies Major)
Heather is graduating with a B.S. in Systems Design and Analysis major, a major created as a part of the Individual Studies Program. Her major concentrations are applied mathematics, operations management, and systems design, and was inspired by her passion for using a multidisciplinary, systems thinking approach to solve complex problems. During her time at UMD, Heather served as the Vice President of Community Service and President for Alpha Kappa Psi, was a counselor for Camp Kesem, and was a student in the QUEST Honors Program. After graduation, she will be working at Accenture Federal Services as a Data Engineering Analyst.
Hugo Julian Burbelo
Computer Science; Philosophy
Hugo is a senior graduating with honors this spring with a dual degree in Philosophy and Computer Science. He served as the Co-Executive Director of Technica, the largest hackathon in the world for underrepresented genders. He was selected as one of Major League Hacking’s Top 50 Hackers of 2021 out of 135,000 students for his contributions to the startup and technology communities. He was selected for the hackNY fellowship program, was a finalist in the annual Pitch Dingman Competition, and will be working as a Software Engineer for Google following graduation.
Imani Nokuri
Government & Politics; Minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation
Imani Nokuri is a Banneker/Key Scholar and Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar from Dayton, MD graduating from the University Honors program with a B.A. in Government and Politics and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. During her time at Maryland, Imani has engaged with the UMD community as a TA for AASP187, the Interim-AASD Representative on the BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council, Vice Chair of the Student Advisory Committee for the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, and a Ministry Team Member for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. While she has interned at the Office of the Public Defender for Prince George’s County, American Enterprise Institute, and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, she has also worked on social justice programming in her position as a Group Fitness Instructor for UMD RecWell. She thanks God, family, friends, and mentors for their unconditional love and support through her UMD journey and is elated to attend Stanford Law School in Fall 2022.
Jaqueline Reyes
Communication
Jaqueline Reyes is a first-generation Salvadoran-American and will be the first in her family to graduate from college with a BA in Communication. During her time at UMD, she was President of Senior Council, VP of Public Relations for MaryPIRG, Internal & Social Affairs Liaison for the Coalition of Latinx Student Organizations (CLSO), and Assistant Events Manager for HerCampus. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to travel, starting in Europe. She hopes to get a PhD in History with a concentration in Latin American History.
Jayme Gabriela Savoy
English, Literary & Cultural Studies Track
Originally from Baltimore City, Jayme is a graduating senior majoring in English who plans on working in the educational sector, with the goal to mitigate educational inequity for students of color. She has served as an Ambassador for the Arts & Humanities College, a Fellow for the Incentive Awards Program, and was an undergraduate student representative for the Creative Writing Department's Anti-Racist Working Group. Her commitment to equity shows through her work in the Honors College where she has served as Gemstone's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee Director, an Equity-Centered Dialogue Facilitator, a peer mentor to lowerclassmen students of color, and more. She has spent most of her summer's interning at MERIT, a non-profit organization based in Baltimore city that serves underrepresented students interested in the health field; all of her involvements on and off campus have influenced her to author fictional books, that uplift Black stories and increase positive representations of the Black community.
Jenna Cohen
Journalism; Minor in Leadership Studies
Jenna Cohen is a Jersey girl who believes visual journalism is the future of the industry. Specializing in data, design, and graphics, she has contributed to the Nowhere To Go and Printing Hate investigations completed by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism. She has worked as a designer for CNS Maryland, Investigative Editing Corps, and the LEAD1 Association and is a co-founder of Zivvy, a startup organization that highlights young voices discussing global issues. Outside of her academic work, she is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Sigma Circle and serves as the Student Assistant Manager at the Leadership and Community Service-Learning office, where she oversees students promoting socially responsible leadership on campus.
Joseph David Houghton II
Business Management, Supply Chain Management; Minor in Professional Writing
Joe Houghton is double majoring in Business Management and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Professional Writing. Joe has served on several student organization executive boards, and also cofounded Snider Consulting Group, a student-run organization where consulting services are provided to various clubs and groups across campus. Academically, Joe has been a TA three times, interned at the Writing Center as a tutor, completed the QUEST Honors Program, the Global Consulting Fellows, the Supply Chain Consulting Fellows Program, and the BSE Scholars Program. After graduation, Joe is heading to Ernst & Young to work in the Supply Chain consulting practice in McLean, VA.
Jonné Lee Washington
Environmental Science and Policy
Jonné Washington is a Environmental Science and Policy major from the Philadelphia area. She has an interest in environmental justice and sustainability. Some of her hobbies include photography and music. Jonné plans to pursue sustainability and environmental policy work after graduation.
Katherine Vo
Information Science; Minor in General Business
Katherine Vo is graduating with a B.S. in Information Science and a minor in General Business. She has been extremely involved on campus as an Ambassador for the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing, Design Organizer for Technica, Design Organizer and Director for Bitcamp, Design Director for Association for Women in Computing, and a member of Kappa Theta Pi professional technology fraternity. She has also served on the executive board for the Vietnamese Student Association and on the Marketing Staff for the Mid-Atlantic Union of Vietnamese Student Associations. Katherine is passionate about the intersection of art and technology and will be working as a User Experience (UX) Designer following graduation.
Kelly Granahan
Public Health Science
Kelly Granahan is graduating with a degree in Public Health Science. During her time at UMD, she was the recipient of the School of Public Health's 2021 Dean's Scholar Award and the 2022 Fraley Award, as well as the Camille and Clifford Kendall Endowed Scholarship in 2021 and 2022. She also served as the Recruitment Opportunity Committee Chair for the USG Student Ambassador Program, the Vice President of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, was an active member of both the Adele H. Stamp Mortar Board and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies, and spent time as a research assistant in pharmaceutical development, federal policy activism, and in health writing and education. After exploring so many fields, Kelly has developed a passion for community health and education, and plans to pursue a Master of Public Health or Master of Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics after graduation
Kezia Casteal
Criminology and Criminal Justice; Minor in Philosophy
Kezia is a senior Criminology and Criminal Justice major with a minor in Philosophy at University of Maryland and will attend law school in the future. At UMD, she is actively involved with Phi Alpha Delta, a Pre-Professional Law Fraternity, a proud member of several honor societies including Tau Sigma, Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, and Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education Academic Excellence honor society. In addition, she is the Vice President of Educational Programming for UMD Senior Council, the Transportation Officer for College Mentors for Kids, Black Pre-Law Association member, and a University Partners Program Ambassador. She was also a UNIV 106 Peer Leader, a TA for the English Department, and an inaugural member of the University of Maryland’s Moot Court Team.
Khizar Yahya
Public Health Science
Khizar is a first generation Pakistani-American graduating from the School of Public Health with a degree in Public Health Science. He has been extremely involved on campus serving as a Team Leader for the Maryland Mentor Corporation, and as President of Chi Phi, a social fraternity aimed at bettering society. He has also worked as a resource specialist for the Student Organization Resource Center for the majority of his college career. Khizar plans on joining research dedicated to improving the quality of life of underserved communities before applying to medical school, and values the unique experiences that this institution has granted him.
Kislay Parashar
Computer Engineering
Originally from New Delhi, India, Kislay Parashar is a graduating senior from the Computer Engineering program in the A James Clark School of Engineering. During his time at UMD, Kislay has served as the Student Body President of the University and as the President of the Engineering Student Senate. In addition, He is an Honorable Gordon R England Engineering Scholarship recipient, has been a Teaching Assistant for the course ENEE 200, and has been a member of the Senate, and the Terps in Space Program. After graduation, Kislay intends to work in the software technology industry for a few years before going back to school to get his MBA.
Kyle Joseph Dineen
Kinesiology
Kyle Dineen is a Frederick Douglass Scholar graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Pre-Medical Studies. He served as an Executive Officer in Omicron Delta Kappa, as Co-President of the OMSE Service Learning Certificate Program, Executive Chair of the MHEC Student Council, Director of Government Relations for the USM Student Council, and was a leader in the Student Alumni Leadership Council. Kyle also worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Kinesiology and Biological Science Departments, as a Clinical Research Assistant in emergency medicine, a research journal editor, and for the University of Maryland Medical Center. A Senior Scholar in Kinesiology, he hopes to pursue a medical school after graduation.
Laura Dineen
Kinesiology
Laura Dineen is a first-generation Puerto-Rican-American Kinesiology major with post-graduate aspirations of going to medical school in the field of Dermatology. During her time at UMD, she was the President of the Service Learning Certificate Program, an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the Biological Sciences Program, a Research Assistant for the E4BH lab, and served as an OMSE tutor for various Kinesiology and Biology related courses. Over the pandemic, she co-created “Knowledge Feast” , a guided study session lead on Zoom that helped support Anatomy and Physiology II students. Throughout her years at Maryland she has been an active member of the Student Alumni Leadership Council, serving as both a member and Chair of Marketing for several semesters, was inducted into ODK and has been a member in the following academic honors societies: Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Alpha Epsilon and OAES.
Lesly Umanzor
General Biology
Lesly Umanzor is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in General Biology. During her time at UMD, she served as a Co-leader for Alternative Breaks and volunteered at Food Recovery Network on campus. She plans to take 2 gap years to focus on research and volunteer experience while studying for the MCAT. During her free time, she enjoys binge-watching series on Netflix, practicing yoga, and working part-time as a Medical Assistant at an Optometrist's office.
Logan Saar
Materials Science and Engineering
Logan Saar is graduating with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, and will be continuing on at the University of Maryland to pursue a Master of Science within this field as well. Logan is heavily involved in research to bring knowledge of the practical importance of Artificial Intelligence in Autonomous Experimentation systems to STEM education within high schools and colleges. He is a former Vice President of Community Service for the Pi Sigma Epsilon Co-ed Business Fraternity, member of Maryland Men's D3 Club Ice Hockey team, and a trip leader for the Terrapin Trail Club. He enjoys spending his free time outside, playing music, or giving back to the local community and is extremely grateful for the opportunities and experiences he has had at UMD.
Madelyn Grace Harris
Psychology
Madelyn Harris is graduating with a B.S. in psychology and a citation from the Design Cultures and Creativity Honors Program, and will pursue a PhD in counseling psychology beginning in the Fall of 2022. During her time on campus, Madelyn was involved as a Banneker/Key Scholar, Orientation Advisor, research assistant, Maryland Summer Scholar, and volunteer crisis intervention counselor. She also participated in the Black Student Union, MaryPIRG, Psi Chi Honor Society, Psychology Honors Program, ODK Leadership Honor Society, and Helping Give Away Psychological Science. As a counseling psychologist, she plans to continue the work she began with her undergraduate honors thesis Black Grief Matters: Disenfranchisement, Social Support, and Coping Among Black College Students Grieving the Deaths of Black Americans by Police Brutality in order to create adequate spaces for historically excluded communities of color in psychological research literature, teaching, interventions, and practice.
Magdi Elghannam
Physiology and Neurobiology; Minor in Classic Mythology
Magdi Elghannam is a first-generation Egyptian student with a major in Physiology & Neurobiology and a minor in Classical Mythology. During his time at UMD, he was the President of Shellcast, The Vice President of Terps and Eagles Science Club, a Research Assistant in the Motivated Cognition Lab, a volunteer for Terps 4 Change, a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a graduate of the Global Communities program, and a Resident Assistant at Hagerstown Hall and The Courtyards. After graduation, Magdi will be attending medical school at the University of Maryland to pursue his goal of reducing racial and socioeconomic disparities in medicine.
Matthew Ober
Music Professional Program; Flute Performance
Matthew Ober is a double degree student, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Science and is graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance apart of the Music Professional Program from the School of Music. During his undergraduate career at the UMD, Matthew founded the Flute Society, and serves as President, and has been an active member in the Arts & Humanities Dean's Advisory Board, the Provost Student Advisory Council, National Residence Hall Honorary, Student Government Association, and Omicron Delta Kappa. As a flutist, Matthew performed regularly with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and his co-founded wind and piano sextet, Pressez. As a student of Dr. Sarah Frisof and Aaron Goldman, Matthew won 1st prize at the 2022 Flute Society of Washington Collegiate Soloist Competition, has performed for the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, and has been featured with the CBDNA Eastern Division Intercollegiate Band as their principal flutist.
McCauley Brown
Cell Biology and Genetics; Spanish and Latin American Literature, Culture, and Media
McCauley Brown is graduating with a B.S. in Cell Biology and Genetics and B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Literature, Culture, and Media. During her time at Maryland, she has conducted team research and served as a student leader in the Gemstone program, worked to advance menstrual health equity on campus and in surrounding communities with the organization Get Ovary It, and helped facilitate a supportive space for LGBTQ students in STEM fields as a leader of the student group oSTEM. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and volunteers as a tutor with the Latino Student Fund. Upon graduating, McCauley will continue her studies in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program at UMD, with the goal of becoming a high school Biology teacher.
Megha Sevalia
Public Policy; Public Health Science
Megha Sevalia is a senior studying public health science and public policy on the pre-law track. During her time at UMD, she worked at the student legal aid office and as a teaching assistant in the school of public policy. She also served as the student liaison to the city of College Park, volunteered as a peer counselor at the Help Center, and participated in Alternative Breaks, the Integrated Life Sciences Honors program, the Federal Fellows program, the student conduct review coalition, and ODK. She is looking forward to combining the skills and lessons learned at UMD, internships, and extracurriculars into a career in law and health policy.
Michaela Cabrielle Faye Hawkins
Accounting
Michaela is a University Honors student in the Smith School of Business, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 3 years. During her time at University of Maryland, she served as the Treasurer of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Nu Chapter, Vice President of Finance for the Student Success Leadership Council, a member of the Women's Empowerment Institute, and a mentor and workshop leader for minority scholars in various high school organizations. Academically, Michaela consistently earned a 3.8 GPA or higher and was recognized every semester for the Dean’s list and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education Academy of Excellence Award; professionally, she interned at KPMG, a Big 4 Accounting Firm, and plans to intern again this summer following graduation, before beginning a Master of Science Degree in Accounting this fall to obtain the 150 credits required for the CPA licensure. Michaela is excited to continue building her professional network so she can use it to help other talented minority women seeking a career in the accounting field.
Michael Charles Mareno
Government and Politics; English Language and Literature
Michael Mareno is graduating with degrees in Government and Politics and English Language and Literature. On-campus, Michael has been a member of the Gemstone Honors program, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Sigma Circle, served with the Student Government Association as a first-generation/low-income student liaison and as a legislator, been on the executive board of Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society, taken part in the Federal Fellows program, worked with the Undergraduate Student Legal Aid Office as an intern and as a Student Advocate, and interned with the Maryland General Assembly. Michael is also an alum of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on issues facing working class immigrants. Michael is forever grateful to his mom, grandma, tía, and late father for showing him what it means to be brave, convincing him that no goal is unattainable, and for supporting him every step of the way.
Minahil Cheema
Neurobiology & Physiology, Public Policy; Minor in Nonprofit Leadership & Social Innovation
Minahil Cheema is graduating from the Honors College with a degree in Neurobiology & Physiology and Public Policy minor in Nonprofit Leadership & Social Innovation. Minahil piloted TeleShadowing, a clinical shadowing program open to students worldwide, which she advanced as a Do Good Accelerator Fellow and Do Good Challenge Finalist. She is also involved on campus with the University Honors Student Board, the Student Health Advisory Committee, the Mental Health Coalition with Active Minds, the founding director of the Rotaract Club, and many other on- and off-campus leadership positions that culminated in her induction into the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society. As a published author on healthcare disparities in rural areas, Minahil also co-founded a free telemedicine clinic for low-resourced patients (Sehat4All), and aspires to pursue a career in medicine as a physician.
Mohamed Moneib
Information Systems & Finance
Mohamed Moneib is an immigrant to the United States from Cairo, Egypt and first generation college student. Understanding the challenges he faced, he joined the Smith Business Academy, an organization with the mission of increasing the graduation and job placement rates of underprivileged communities, and later became the President of the organization and helped drive that mission. He is graduating from the Robert H. Smith School of business with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Finance. Upon graduation he will join Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect and hopes to strengthen the recruiting relationship between UMD and Microsoft.
Monét Djieya Tchamdjoci
Communication; Minor in Humanities, Health, and Medicine
Monét Tchamdjoci is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Humanities, Health, and Medicine. During her time at UMD, she served as the Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta, Treasurer of Project Sunshine, and Rho Gamma Coordinator of the UMD Panhellenic Association. She was also a part of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Gamma, Order of Omega, and Orientation. She will bring her passions to graduate school, where she will hopefully research communication methods that will elicit change towards health epidemics within minority communities.
Muritz Dobgima Kobe
Mechanical Engineering; Minor in Army Leadership Studies
Muritz D. Kobe was born in Bamenda, Cameroon, and moved to the United States at the age of 6. He is graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Army Leadership Studies. He will also be commissioning into the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and a rotary-wing aviator. In his free time, he loves to read books, exercise, play sports, draw, and make YouTube videos teaching others how to draw as well.
Paula Beatriz Masi Fleytas
Public Health Science; Minor in Neuroscience
Originally from Asuncion, Paraguay, Paula is a senior graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science and a minor in neuroscience. She is currently working towards her MPH in Environmental Health Sciences through the accelerated BS/MPH program from the School of Public Health. On campus she has been an involved member of OMSE's La Familia, a student ambassador for HPAO, a research assistant for the Department of Family Science, and a facilities supervisor at the Eppley Recreation Center. She is extremely grateful for her time at UMD and is excited to apply her knowledge and experiences to pursue her future interests.
Rachel Niswander
Mathematics; Minor in Business Analytics
Rachel Niswander is a Mathematics major and Business Analytics minor at the University of Maryland, with a University Honors citation from the Honors College. On campus, she has worked as a GSS Leader for MATH141, a GSS Mentor, and a Student Resource Specialist at SORC. Rachel has also served as a Director of Maryland Night Live, a Co-Founder of Punchbowl Comedy, a University Honors Peer Mentor, and an active member of the Alpha Lambda Delta & Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society where she received their New Member Scholarship.
Reines Esguerra Maliksi
Information Science; Journalism
Reines Esguerra Maliksi is graduating with a dual degree in information science and journalism. She has been involved with the university programming board, Student Entertainment Events (SEE), throughout her college career and currently serves as SEE President. In addition, she is a Resident Assistant, is on the STAMP Advisory Board, participated in the CIVICUS Living and Learning Program, served as a Common Ground Peer Dialogue Leader and has interned for Baltimore magazine, CDW and Degy Entertainment. Following graduation, she will be pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Robyn Toler
Hearing and Speech Sciences
Robyn Toler is a graduating senior from Woodbridge, Virginia, earning her degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences. Since beginning at the University of Maryland, she has enjoyed contributing to the UMD community as a student representative for DSAC, an undergraduate teaching assistant and research assistant, holding many leadership positions and acting as a student representative for multiple boards and organizations and student clubs. Her involvement in these programs has provided an invaluable and exciting college experience. After graduation, Robyn will continue her journey in graduate school in the fall as she studies to become a speech-language pathologist.
Sarah Elizabeth Patrick
Information Science; Operations Management and Business Analytics
Sarah is graduating with a dual degree in Information Science and Operations Management & Business Analytics. During her time at UMD, she founded and served as President of InfoSci FI, served as the professional chair for her STEM sorority Alpha Omega Epsilon, was an iSchool Undergraduate Ambassador, Break Through Tech Program Assistant, Teaching Assistant, OAES member, and on Phunktions Hip Hop Dance Company. After graduation, she will work at Amazon Web Services as a Solutions Architect.
Shoham Ghosh
Biological Sciences: Physiology & Neurobiology
Shoham Ghosh is graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Spanish. During his time at UMD, he served as an SGA Director of Health and Wellness, Co-President of the COVID-19 Student Task Force, Alternative Breaks Experience Leader, and Counseling Center Student Assistant. In addition, he defended an Honors Thesis as a member of the Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Departmental Honors program and worked as a Teaching Assistant within the Biology and Chemistry departments. Following graduation, he will be joining Deloitte Consulting as a Strategy Analyst.
Sofia Shiraz Bhalwani
Psychology
Sofia Shiraz Bhalwani is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, on the pre-medicine track. She is involved in lots of organizations on campus, namely the Pakistani Student Association (PSA), QUEST, and the Maryland Psychotherapy Clinic and Research Lab (MPCRL). She is currently the PSA President, spreading the culture & traditions of Pakistan by hosting general body meetings, large-scale events (600+ people), and informative seminars; she also leads a team at the MPCRL, where they watch diverse therapy sessions (the intake, middle, and close-out sessions) and code them for five different instances of laughter. This May, Sofia will be applying to medical schools - and plans on spending her gap year volunteering at soup kitchens & a call center (where she answers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Trevor line, and the Crisis line)!
Sophia Stone
Government & Politics
Sophia Stone is a graduating Government and Politics major with a supporting sequence in Sociology from Pittsburgh, PA. During her time at the University of Maryland, she has served as an executive board member for the student organization Preventing Sexual Assault (PSA), and a Sexual Assault Prevention (SAP) Intern for UMD’s Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life. She is an active member of Alpha Phi sorority and served as Red Dress Gala Chairman and on UMD Panhellenic Association’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. Following graduation, she will be heading back home to Pittsburgh to pursue her law degree at Duquesne University School of Law with a Merit Scholarship.
Swarnapali M. Keppetipola
Neurobiology and Physiology; Minors in Spanish Language and Professional Contexts, Asian American Studies
Swarnapali Keppetipola is a Banneker/Key Scholar graduating with a degree in Neurobiology and Physiology and minors in Spanish and Asian American Studies. On campus, she has been involved with the Terps for Change service-learning program serving as a coordinator and now an intern for the past five semesters, for which she has earned a STAMP Star Award. She is also the co-founder and co-president of the University of Maryland chapter of the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, and serves as the president of the Classical Ballet Dance Ensemble. She has also received an honors citation from the Integrated Life Sciences Program for her addiction research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, where she will continue to work as an undergraduate lab assistant before matriculating into medical school in the fall.
Tiffany Alexis Jackson
Public Health Science
Originally from Chesapeake Beach, MD, Tiffany Jackson is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. During her time at the University of Maryland, Tiffany served as a Resident Assistant, an Undergraduate Senator for the School of Public Health, a TerraPeers Mentor, and a member of Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity. Tiffany spent much of her time outside of the university volunteering at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center and working as an undergraduate researcher at the Type 1 Diabetes Pathology Lab at Johns Hopkins Medicine. After graduation, Tiffany plans to continue her research endeavors at the NIH for two years before entering medical school and pursuing a career as a pediatric endocrinologist.
Umailla Fatima
Physiology and Neurobiology; Public Policy
Originally from Cumberland, MD, Umailla Fatima is graduating with degrees in Physiology and Neurobiology and Public Policy. During her time at UMD, Umailla has been a member of the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College, Federal Fellows, the Student Health Advisory Committee, Combating Overdoses in Rural Areas, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Student Government Association. Off-campus, she has interned with Johns Hopkins University, Children's National Hospital, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Maryland Department of Health, and Cornerstone Government Affairs. Following graduation, Umailla plans to pursue a career in clinical medicine and health policy.
Voke Ajuchi
Public Health Science; Minor in Spanish
Voke is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science, a Spanish minor, and a citation from the University Honors Program. During her time at UMD, she served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the School of Public Health, a Peer Educator at the University Health Center, and a Resident Assistant. She has also been a member of the Charles R. Drew Pre-Health Society and the Food Recovery Network. Throughout her academic career at UMD, she has learned about the lack of representation/diversity in the healthcare field and wants to work to reduce disparities that minorities experience in the health field.
Zeshan Khan
General Biology; Minor in Technology Entrepreneurship
Zeshan Khan will be graduating with a degree in General Biology and a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship. He will be focusing on the MCAT after graduation to attend medical school. He will be working as a medical assistant and shadowing other doctors in his gap years. Zeshan is also a part of the Southern Management Leadership Program and worked as the student manager at SORC where he has demonstrated leadership, responsibility, dependability, and great decision making.