This award celebrates graduate students who have made outstanding contributions to the University community in the areas of scholarship, leadership, involvement and service.
2024-2025 Graduate Finalists:
John Carlo Combista
John Carlo is a pharmacist from the Philippines who is pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. He has previously studied in the Philippines, the People's Republic of China, and Israel. Carlo is interested in understanding how the brain develops and functions. Outside of academia, he is passionate about singing and volunteers his free time to work with vulnerable populations.
Kenny Coronel
Kenny is a Student Affairs student and GA for College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Counseling and Recruitment hailing from North Charleston, SC. She has Neuroscience and Women & Gender Studies degrees, loves interacting with students pursuing science, and teaches a section of the CMNS100 freshman seminar.
Sarah Kistner
Sarah is currently a first-year PhD student in the International Education Policy program at the University of Maryland, focusing on Peace Education. Originally from South Williamsport, PA, she is driven by a deep commitment to making the world a better place by inspiring change one heart at a time.
Ciara Kyler
Ciara is a second-year MPH student focusing on Health Equity. With experience in cross-sector communication and grant management, she is passionate about disease prevention and health promotion. She’s also committed to ensuring underserved communities have equitable access to resources. Lastly, she enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with family.
M Pease
M is a doctoral student in counseling psychology originally from Gaithersburg, MD. They serve as Research Director at Trans Maryland and Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission for LGBTQIA+ Affairs. They are passionate about research, teaching, practice, and policy advocacy to support marginalized communities and advance social justice.
Brandon Rodriguez Torrento
Brandon is originally from Gaithersburg, Brandon holds a B.A. in Business Management from Goucher College. He is pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy with a concentration in Higher Education. His academic interests focus on college access and retention for first-generation and Latino students in higher education.