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 happy to celebrate this joyous milestone together with students, faculty, staff and families.
We congratulate the Class of 2026 for their achievement in overcoming challenging times and making the most of it. We celebrate the achievement of graduation for all of these Terps.
Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, Ph.D '93
Director, Adele H. Stamp Student Union — Center for Campus Life
Division of Student Affairs
University of Maryland
Adaugo Umeh
Public Health Science / School of Public Health
Adaugo Umeh, from Bowie, Maryland, is obtaining a major in Public Health Science and a minor in Disability Studies. During her time at UMD, Adaugo was the President and Founder of Black Maternal Health @ UMD, a research assistant for the BLACK Health Research Lab, a Resident Assistant for the Department of Resident Life, a Student Video Intern for UMD’s Football Team, a Social Media Assistant for Maryland Athletics, an Operations Assistant for Maryland Athletics, a member of the School of Public Health’s UTEAM as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, a Volunteer at the Pregnancy Aid Center, a Tutor for Lakeland STARs, a Representative on the Scholars Advisory Board for the Science & Global Change program, and a member of Delta Epsilon Mu, a professional pre-health fraternity. After graduation, Adaugo plans to obtain her Master’s in Public Health, then attend medical school and become a physician, where she hopes to advocate for underserved communities, especially mothers of color.
Alena Zheng
Bioengineering / A. James Clark School of Engineering
Alena Zheng is a first-generation college student and McNair Scholar pursuing a degree in Bioengineering with a minor in Neuroscience. She has conducted undergraduate research all four years, most notably as a FIRE program alumna in the Design Engineering stream and a research assistant at the Integrative Cognition and Neuroscience Lab. Zheng has also worked as an office assistant for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and served in several leadership roles, having been a member of the Clark Engineering First-Generation Student Advisory Committee, Vice President of Programming and Community Development for the Oakland RHA, and a student ambassador for the Student Alumni Leadership Council. She plans to pursue a graduate degree and continue her neuroengineering research to support those affected by neurological disorders.
Alexandra Desislava Doncheva
Finance / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Alexandra has demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership in the financial industry throughout her time at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Graduating on an accelerated track, she will complete both her B.S. and M.S. in Finance in four years and is a 4x Smith Fellow in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows, Sophomore Finance Fellows, Wall Street Fellows, and Banking Fellows programs. She has served as Vice President of Finance for the Smith Investment Fund and as a Financial Peer Mentor for the Financial Wellness Center, is a 2x consecutive year recipient of the Paul J. Cinquegrana ’63 Finance Scholarship award, was honored by the Center for Social Value Creation (CSVC) with an Outstanding Student Award for her team’s work as Impact Consulting Fellows, and has developed a strong foundation across public and private markets through highly selective professional experiences spanning investments, venture capital, wealth management, and private credit. After graduation, Alexandra plans to spend an additional year at the business school completing her M.S. in Finance before beginning her career on Wall Street.
Allison Faith Comising
Computer Science / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Faith is a senior Computer Science major with a minor in General Business from Fulton, Maryland. She is passionate about social good, advocacy, and creating welcoming communities, having served as a director for Technica, a product manager and director of events for Hack4Impact-UMD, and a freshman and justice-focused small group leader for Asian American InterVarsity. She also co-founded The Petal Project, an organization addressing the issue of relationship abuse on college campuses. Faith represents the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences as a CMNS Recruitment Ambassador, sharing her experiences and helping prospective students see what UMD has to offer.
Anika Darbari
Neuroscience - Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological track / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Anika Darbari is a Neuroscience major in the Life Sciences Scholars program, pursuing a minor in Spanish from Silver Spring, Maryland. During her time at UMD, driven by an interest in advocacy and service, Anika has served as President of STRIVE, a sickle-cell mentorship program, Internal Vice President of BridgeUMD, and committee chair of the American Medical Student Association, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society, and the Student Health Advisory Committee. Additionally, she has worked as a Neuroscience Teaching assistant, OMSE tutor, and volunteered locally at Holy Cross Hospice and Children’s National Hospital throughout her time on campus. Upon graduation, Anika is excited to attend medical school in the fall, where she hopes to continue advocating for and serving patients.
Ashley Morales
Spanish and English / College of Arts and Humanities
Ashley Morales is an English and Spanish dual-degree student from Gaithersburg, MD. During her time on campus, Ashley has served as a squad leader for the Mighty Sound of Maryland, co-president of the Banneker Key Community Council, vice president of the English Undergraduate Association, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honors society. She works diligently on and off campus, demonstrating her passion for education as a teaching assistant in the English department, an intern in Montgomery County Public Schools’ Student Leadership and Activities Office, and an English instructor for the Cultural Academy for Excellence. After graduation, Ashley looks forward to continuing her studies at the University of Maryland in the College of Education’s MCERT TESOL program.
Avipsa Hamal
Psychology / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Avipsa is from Baltimore, Maryland, and is graduating with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Asian American Studies with a University Honors citation. As a member of the Psychology Honors program, she completed a thesis exploring mental health outcomes of racial trauma in Asian American young adults. During her time on campus, she served as the Co-President of the Asian American Student Union, conducted research for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Postsecondary Transition Equity Lab, served as a teaching assistant for the Department of Psychology, a board member for the Counseling Center Student Advisory Board, and an active inductee of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society. Throughout all her experiences, Avipsa was grateful to be an advocate and leader for the University of Maryland community.
Barbara Seruya
Criminology and Criminal Justice, Law and Society / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Barbara Seruya, originally from Los Angeles, California, is a Criminology and Criminal Justice double major with a minor in Law and Society, and she is interested in the intersection of intelligence gathering and public safety. Recipient of the Peter P. Lejin Award for Academic Excellence, she has served as a Student Police Aid and Security Operations Center Monitor for UMD's Police Department, a FIRE researcher for the Addiction Science seminar, a Federal Fellow in the Intelligence and Policymaking cohort, and an undergraduate teaching assistant for both the fellowship program and a Criminal Law course. Through work with the U.S. Census Bureau’s Criminal Justice Statistics Branch and the Maryland State Archives, her research experience spans topics including juvenile crime rates, sexual victimization of inmates, and the legacy of slavery in modern Maryland. Barbara has furthered her legal interests through her capstone project examining structural continuity between Maryland's slavery-era and contemporary criminal justice systems, an injury-law internship, and membership in the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, while also participating in extracurriculars like intramural flag football and the Hillel organization.
Bidushi Lakhemaru
Public Health Science / School of Public Health
Bidushi Lakhemaru (she/her) is a Public Health Science major from Montgomery County, Md. Throughout her time at UMD, she has been passionately raising awareness of health disparities in historically marginalized communities. She developed and led dialogues for Terps for Change, facilitated data collection as a Research Assistant for the Social Policy Impact on Reproductive Events (SPIRE) study to encourage policies protecting reproductive rights, and supported pilot of community engagement courses for research professionals to encourage ethical research practices. Bidushi plans to attend graduate school for Epidemiology to continue advocating for and supporting underserved populations.
Bilal Suleman
Computer Science / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Bilal Suleman is a Computer Science major with minors in Data Science and General Business from Laurel, Maryland. During his time at UMD, he served as a CMNS Peer Mentor, teaching assistant, and orientation leader, helping students navigate course planning and campus resources. He led projects in the App Development Club, including a professional skills app with Omal Inc. and a machine learning Chest X-ray analysis tool for Children’s National Hospital, and served as President of the Pakistani Student Association, organizing large-scale events and fundraisers. Bilal also studied abroad in Indonesia, researching Environmental Policy and sustainable development, culminating in a paper on Javacentrism. After graduation, he plans to work in the field of healthcare and technology to create impactful solutions.
Brendan Silber Weissel
Journalism / Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Brendan Weissel is a Journalism major and General Business minor from Newton, Massachusetts. During his time at Maryland, he served as captain of the Testudo team, representing the University at sporting events, community gatherings, campus celebrations and statewide events. Brendan also worked at The Diamondback as a Deputy Engagement Editor to keep students informed of important campus news as it unfolded. He traveled abroad with the Philip Merrill College of Journalism to Senegal, Rwanda and the United Kingdom, reporting on the globalization of sports.
Bria Young
Environmental Science and Technology / College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Bria Young is a Environmental Science and Technology Major with a minor in Anti-Black Racism from Baltimore County, MD. During her time at UMD, Bria has served as the Marketing Chair and the Chair for the Gift of Giving Gala as apart of the Student Success Leadership Council, a Peer Mentor for Carillon Communities, a Community Assistant for South Campus Commons, and an Undergraduate Teacher Assistant for Introduction to Environmental Health in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology. Bria has also participated as a Student Mentor for Maryland Mentor Corps' Latino Student Fund, and been apart of a week-long service trip in collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation with Alternative Breaks. Furthermore, Bria believes in advocating for Environmental Justice and representation within the ENST department, pushing for the discussion social justice issues within the environmental sciences.
Cadence Carpenter Michels
Cell Biology and Genetics (Biological Sciences) / College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
Cadence is a Cell Biology and Genetics (Biological Sciences) major and Music & Culture minor from Wilmington, Delaware. During her time at the University of Maryland, Cadence has dedicated herself to scientific mentorship and advancement, working closely with over 160 students as a teaching assistant for BSCI222 Principles of Genetics and as a Peer Research Mentor with the First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE), and conducting independent research at several labs on campus. As the current Student Training Manager at Shuttle-UM and Vice President of the Terrapin Record Label club, Cadence has built upon her experiences as a bus driver, radio DJ, and student musician to innovate/develop new opportunities and platforms for students across campus and with similar interests.
Cassidy Blum
Food and Nutrition Science (Dietetics) / College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Cassidy Blum is a Food and Nutrition Science major with a concentration in Dietetics and a minor in Business from Warwick, Maryland. During her time at the University of Maryland, Cassidy has worked as a nutrition coach for the University Health Center, a nutrition intern for the football team, a peer mentor for the College of AGNR, as well as the Agriculture Student Council Representative and the Campus Outreach Coordinator for the Student Dietetic Association. In her free time, Cassidy loves to hike, go fishing, and catch crabs on the Sassafras River. After graduation, she plans to further her education and earn her master's degree in the field of dietetics.
Catherine Ianna Furtado
Kinesiology / School of Public Health
Catherine is a Banneker/Key Scholar from Waldorf, Maryland, majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Human Development. During her time at UMD, she pursued her passion for community service through her leadership as the Community Service Chair for the Filipino Cultural Association, Delta Epsilon Mu Professional Pre-Health Fraternity, and Omicron Delta Kappa. She has also served as a volunteer coach for Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), a tutor/mentor for the Latino Student Fund, a sports medicine intern for UMD Athletics, a teacher's aide for UMD's Center for Young Children, and a rehabilitation aide at an off-campus clinic. Following graduation, Catherine will complete her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Towson University.
Catherine Koo
Biological Sciences: General Biology / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Catherine Koo is a Biological Sciences major with double minors in General Business and Science, Technology, Ethics and Policy from Rockville, Maryland. She is a proud recipient of the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) Honors Citation and an alumna of the Global Fellows Program with a concentration in Science Diplomacy. During her time at UMD, she has been actively involved in her community as a Recruitment Officer with Hearts for the Homeless, Team Leader with Maryland Mentor Corps' Maryland Reading Program, Peer Mentor with the ILS Honors College, tutor with The Every Child Project, and Fan Development and Event Marketing Intern with Maryland Athletics. After graduation, Catherine plans to pursue a career in biotech or healthcare, bridging science and business to advance innovative solutions and improve health outcomes.
Chaltu Watkins
Public Policy / School of Public Policy
Chaltu Watkins is from Frederick, Maryland, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and a certificate in African American and Africana Studies, where she developed a strong foundation in equity-focused policymaking. She is a graduate of the College Park Scholars Justice and Legal Thought program and a Rawlings Leadership Fellow. Those experiences strengthened her interest in leadership, law, and community impact. Chaltu also served as a Maryland Fellow in the Maryland General Assembly Writing Seminar cohort and gained additional professional experience as an IMPACT intern. She is deeply passionate about restorative justice, advocacy, and equality, dedicating her work to uplifting marginalized communities and promoting more inclusive systems.
Chinazam Nwosu
Computer Engineering / A. James Clark School of Engineering
Chinazam (Zam) Nwosu is a Computer Engineering major hailing from Montgomery County, MD. At the University of Maryland, Zam currently serves as the President of University of Maryland's National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter, after previously holding positions of Programs Chair and Academic Excellence Chair, served as the '24-'25 DEI Student Representative for the ECE Department, a teaching assistant for Girls Who Code, and Programs Chair and an inaugural member of The Computing Society at UMD. Additionally, Zam volunteered for three years as a tutor and mentor for the Latino Student Fund and Higher Achievement Middle School programs, served as a council-member for the National Scholarships Office Student Advisory Council, was a member of Cohort 41 of the QUEST Honors Program, and works as an additive technician at Terrapin Works.
Ciana Miracle Gomes
Computer Science / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Ciana Gomes is a Trinidadian-American first-generation student and Computer Science major with a minor in Data Science from Columbia, Maryland. She is a member of the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society and has held leadership roles including Community Outreach Coordinator for the Caribbean Student Association, General Manager and Vice President of Activity Planning for College Mentors for Kids, and Social Events Director for the Association for Women in Computing. Ciana also serves as a recruiting ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and has gained professional experience as a software developer intern. She is grateful for her time at the University of Maryland and hopes to continue mentoring young people, uplifting underrepresented communities in STEM, and pursuing a career in software development.
Darcia Gleason
Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, English Language and Literature / College of Arts and Humanities & College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Darcia Gleason is a Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, and English Language and Literature triple major, minoring in General Business from Cleveland, Ohio. She completed the University Honors program and was a Federal Fellow on the Homeland Security Track, leading to an eight-month-long internship with the National Labor Relations Board. During her time at UMD, she served as a Teaching Assistant in three different courses, worked as a research assistant in two research labs through the Psychology Department, was an Honors Ambassador through the duration of her undergraduate studies, collaborated with the BSOS Feller Center as an Orientation Peer Advisor, and was president of the Student Life Council for University Honors. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue further studies in the psychology field.
Dhruvak Mirani
Computer Science & International Relations / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences & College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Dhruvak serves as UMD’s Student Body President and a member of the university system's Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Moore. A 2025 Truman Scholar and 2026 Marshall Scholar, he is graduating with dual degrees in Computer Science and International Relations. Dhruvak previously served as Student Liaison to College Park City Council, where he helped create a housing assistance program for student residents. At UMD, he has also worked as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant, been inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, and written opinion columns for The Diamondback.
Divya Bhat
Public Policy / School of Public Policy
Divya Bhat is a Public Policy BA/MPP student from Germantown, Maryland, who hopes to work on advancing equity through public health policy. Throughout her time at UMD, she has demonstrated her commitment to advocacy, founding the Asian American Policy Union (AAPU), serving as Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Kappa Omega Alpha professional fraternity, serving as the Student co-Chair to the SPP Assembly Executive Committee, and serving as co-VP of External Affairs. Beyond UMD, Divya has interned at the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Administrator Pathways Program.
Dorian Amaya Mitchell
Government and Politics, Criminology and Criminal Justice / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dorian Mitchell is a Banneker/Key scholar and University Honors alum from Baltimore County, MD, double-majoring in Government and Politics and Criminology and Criminal Justice. During her time on campus, she has proudly served as the President of the Black Pre-Law Association, Teaching Assistant for Scope and Methods for Political Science Research, Teaching Assistant for the Federal Fellows program, an Honor Board member of the University Student Judiciary, Terps 4 Change Volunteer, and a proud inductee of Omicron Delta Kappa. In the Spring of 2025, Dorian was honored to be initiated into the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she diligently served as the chapter’s Historian, Chair of Educational Development, and Social Action Co-Chair. Upon graduation, Dorian plans to attend law school to pursue a career aligned with her passion for social justice.
Dylan Patel
Computer Science / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Dylan Patel is a computer science major with a minor in computational finance from Kolkata, West Bengal, India. At UMD, he has served as a student manager at the Student Organization Resource Center, an undergraduate teaching assistant in the Department of Computer Science, and a researcher at the UMD Embodied Dynamics Lab. He is also a leader in Product Space @ UMD and has represented students through the University Senate, the Senate Student Affairs Committee, and the CMNS Dean’s Student Advisory Council. After graduation, Dylan will continue at UMD to complete his master’s degree in finance.
Eileen Chen
Finance & Information Systems / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Eileen Chen is a dual-degree student from Rockville, Maryland studying Information Systems and Finance at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. At the University of Maryland, Eileen has served on the Smith Dean’s Student Advisory Council; was a College Park Scholar; represented her program on the Scholars Advisory Board; is a member of both the QUEST Honors Program and the Smith Business Leadership Fellows. Additionally, she has held positions as President of the Women in Business Association and Alpha Kappa Psi, Professional Business Fraternity; worked as the Project Management Lead for the Center for Social Value Creation and the Office of Experiential Learning at Smith; and has completed internships with both Northrop Grumman and J.P. Morgan Private Bank – where she will be returning full-time to the NYC office upon graduation. Eileen is also a first-generation college student; a member of Omicron Delta Kappa; and was named the 2024 ODK Sophomore Leader of the Year.
Elle Burke
Information Science and Immersive Media Design (B.A.) / College of Information Studies & College of Arts and Humanities
Elle is a first-generation student from Silver Spring, Maryland, pursuing a dual degree in Information Science and Immersive Media Design. During her time at UMD, she has served as Programmer Team Lead, Comedy; Co Special Events and Traditions Director for Student Entertainment Events (SEE); a Resident Assistant within ResLife; an Artist Operations Assistant; and NextNOW Fest Student Curator at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Outside of campus, Elle has interned and worked in various roles across the music industry, from talent research to working the merch table on Vans Warped Tour, giving them a better understanding of how live music works at every level. After graduation, she hopes to use her leadership and experience to improve the music industry and amplify the voices of a diverse range of artists.
Elli Papasava
Psychology & Human Development / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences & College of Education
Elli Papasava is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a dual degree in Human Development. During her time on campus, Elli has served as President of the community service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, raised a service dog in-training, participated in the FIRE Program and worked as a research assistant for the Cognition & Development Lab and the Human Computer Interaction Lab. Elli is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and earned the Human Development Undergraduate Research Award for her undergraduate honors thesis investigating children’s expectations of partisanship. After graduation, Elli aims to pursue a graduate degree.
Emilee Yuan
Bioengineering / A. James Clark School of Engineering
Emilee is graduating with a B.S. in Bioengineering and is an Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) Honors College scholar. During her time at the University of Maryland, she served as the President of the American Physician Scientist Association, Biomedical Engineering Honors Society Webmaster, and ILS Senior Advisor and Events Coordinator. Within the University, Emilee continuously guides underclassmen as an ILS Peer Mentor, supports students as a departmental teaching assistant for multiple courses, and conducts research in the Department of Bioengineering and through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration laboratories. After graduation, Emilee intends on attending medical school to pursue a career as a physician, applying engineering concepts to solve clinical problems.
Emily Lynn Shoemaker
Information Science & Philosophy Politics Economics (PPE) / College of Information Studies & College of Arts and Humanities
Emily Shoemaker is an Information Science and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) major from Catonsville, Maryland. During her time at UMD, Emily was a part of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and served as a Senator for Ellicott Hall (2023-2024), Sustainability Coordinator (2024-2025), and as President (2025-2026), which led her to sit on six advisory committees in the last year (VPSA, CSAC, CSAB, CCSAB, CTAC, Micromobility Work Group) and work to build stronger internal communications between student governments on campus. Emily was also selected as a member of the Sustainability Collective of Maryland in 2024 and was later promoted to work in Dining Services Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability as a student intern in 2025, where she authored and won a $21k grant for the South Campus Botanical Refresh Project and developed and launched the Campus Cafes: Collect Them All! Event across all 12 campus cafes, all while working as a Community Assistant in Resident life for all three years of her degree. After graduation, Emily will be pursuing a Master of Information Management to build a career in data science and information policy.
Eric Rudo
Information Science, Data Science / College of Information Studies
Eric Rudo is an Information Science major with a concentration in Data Science from Elkridge, Maryland. During his time at UMD, he served as a research assistant for both the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the A. James Clark School of Engineering, a teaching assistant for Statistics for Information Science and Introduction to Data Visualization, Treasurer of the Maryland Chess Club, and an executive board member of Theta Chi as Housing Operations Manager. Through all of his experiences, Eric strives to create a better world by leading with positivity and curiosity. After graduation, he plans to pursue either a Master of Information Management degree or a career in data science and analytics systems.
Erin Lynn Tebbe
Kinesiology / School of Public Health
Erin is a Kinesiology Honors Student and College Park Scholars alumna graduating with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Passionate about leadership, service, and human performance, she has served as President of the Kinesiology Student Organization, Vice President of the Phi Alpha Epsilon Honorary Society, an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Sports Psychology, and a Kinesiology Student Panelist, while also working as a Weight/Fitness Supervisor at University Recreation and Wellness. She has further distinguished herself through peer mentorship and tutoring with Lakeland STARs, undergraduate research in the Human Performance Biopsychology Laboratory, and clinical experiences with UMD Athletics Sports Medicine, earning recognition as a two-time recipient of the Dean’s Scholar Undergraduate Award for Kinesiology, an American Kinesiology Association Scholar Award nominee, and an inductee of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Upon graduation, Erin plans to pursue her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at The Ohio State University.
Eugene Song
Public Health Science / School of Public Health
Eugene is a Public Health Science student from Rockville, MD with a minor in Disability Studies and a Gemstone Honors College citation. She has held numerous leadership and academic roles, including leading a maternal chemical exposure research team through the Gemstone Program, serving as President of the Gemstone Student Council, serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant for three years and working as a research assistant in the Public Health AeroBiology Lab. She is also a member of the National Leadership society, Omicron Delta Kappa, and a member of the Public Health Honors Society, Phi Alpha Epsilon. She has also gained professional experience through internships conducting virology research at the Mayo Clinic and examining water quality across Maryland counties through the CONSERVE/DAWN project at the University of Maryland, and has co-authored manuscript submissions and conference abstracts. Eugene is passionate about infectious disease control research and hopes to further pursue a career in public health.
Faith Lebrun
Information Systems / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Faith LeBrun is an Information Systems major from Baltimore, Maryland. During her time at the University of Maryland, Faith was a Cohort 1 member of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program, a Cohort 41 member of the QUEST Honors Program, and served as the President of Snider Consulting Group. Faith also spent a semester studying abroad in Rome, Italy. Following graduation, Faith will be joining Capital One as an Associate Product Manager in McLean, Virginia.
Gabriella Chiasera
Spanish Language, Literatures, and Culture & Microbiology / College of Arts and Humanities & College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Gabriella is a Microbiology and Spanish dual-degree student from Baltimore, Maryland, and has participated in the Language House program. At the University of Maryland, she has served as a Team Lead and Mentor with Maryland Mentor Corps, a Research Assistant in the Family Involvement Laboratory, studied abroad in several Spanish-speaking countries, and founded the University of Maryland Club Polo Team, serving as both president and coach. Through her advocacy efforts, she has worked to expand access to educational and health resources for Spanish-speaking communities by developing translation materials and supporting outreach initiatives in underserved areas. After graduation, she plans to work as a medical assistant and apply to medical school, aspiring to become a physician dedicated to advancing health equity and caring for underserved populations.
Gabrielle Elise Hester
Immersive Media Design / College of Arts and Humanities
Gabrielle is an Immersive Media Design major from Rockville, MD who has spent four years leading across design, advocacy, and student life at the University of Maryland. She has held leadership roles at Student Entertainment Events, Hack4Impact, Startup Shell, and Technica, and is the founder of The Petal Project, a campus initiative addressing relationship abuse in young adults. She also serves as a Resident Assistant and is a two-time Do Good Institute Accelerator Fellow and DCC Honors College alumna, and has represented UMD at national conferences including the Allstate Youth Service Summit, the Our Voice Summit at UPenn, and Princeton's Design Nation Conference.
Gavin Neubauer
Public Policy / School of Public Policy
Gavin Neubauer is a Public Policy major with a Chinese Language minor, as well as an alumnus of the Honors Humanities program from Washington, DC. As a student of policy, he has dedicated his time at UMD to giving back to the campus and wider community through advocacy and hands-on policy work. On campus, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Observer, a student newspaper focused on politics and policy, and set up this year’s free Annapolis intern bus as the Public Policy Representative and Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs in the Student Government Association. Outside of the UMD campus, he has interned and advocated for research funding restorations in Congress, worked in and helped teach a course for aspiring interns in the Maryland General Assembly, and led an affordable childcare task force for the City of College Park.
Grace Herron
Bioengineering / A. James Clark School of Engineering
Grace Herron is a Bioengineering major on the Biotechnology and Therapeutics track from Forest Hill, Maryland. She conducts infectious disease research in the Respiratory Nano Bioengineering and Public Health Aerobiology Labs, contributing to studies on influenza transmission and mucosal barrier engineering. Grace serves as an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow for two BIOE courses, Women in Engineering Program Intern and peer mentor, and Engineering School Student Ambassador, supporting and empowering hundreds of students within the Clark School community. She is an alumna of the CIVICUS Community Service Living-Learning Program, former President of the North Hill Area Council, a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society, and a recipient of the Adele H. Stamps Circle of Women Scholarship. Grace has represented UMD internationally through study abroad at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and as a selected member of the Denmark Sustainability Challenge Competition Team, and she connects with the campus community through music as co-host of the long-running WMUC radio show, Weezer Wednesday.
Inez Dulcemaria Ortiz
Criminology and Criminal Justice / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Inez “Dulce” Ortiz, a proud first-generation student receiving a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice, has strived to find new ways to create spaces for underrepresented communities, acknowledging the impact of race and ethnicity in everyday areas, and has focused her work on bridging connections from the classroom to the world. To enact these goals, she took on several leadership positions, including Editor-in-Chief of the bilingual newspaper La Voz Latina, Vice President of the Latinx Student Union, and Peer Mentor Captain of the College Park Scholars International Studies Program. Additionally, she was a Do Good Award winner and medallion recipient, a volunteer for the Center of Community Engagement, and a member of both the university’s Provost Committee and Unity Center Steering Committee. Having graduated in December 2025, she went on to work for the federal government.
Isabel Polanco
Human Development / College of Education
Isabel Polanco will be graduating with a B.S. in Human Development and is from Gaithersburg, MD. During her time at UMD she has served as a Teaching Assistant for Inquiry Approach to Teaching STEM, a Peer Advisor and Student Worker in the College of Education's Office of Student Services, a Peer Academic Leader in the University Honors College, an Intern in the Clark School of Engineering's Academic Services Office, a Research Assistant in the College of Education's Family Involvement Laboratory, an Undergraduate Student Assembly member in the College of Education, and the Historian and Study Abroad Chair for the Latinx Student Union. During her time off-campus, she was also a substitute teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools and Camp Counselor for Montgomery County Recreation. She has always enjoyed working with students and after graduation, she will pursue a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration to continue supporting students throughout their academic career.
Ishaan Sameer Antani
Biological Sciences: Cell Biology and Genetics / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Ishaan is a Cell Biology and Genetics major with a minor in General Business from Montgomery Village, Maryland. During his time as a Banneker/Key scholar at UMD, Ishaan demonstrated a commitment to the biomedical sciences through his roles as research assistant in Dr. Brantley Hall’s laboratory in the UMD Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, research intern in Dr. Christian Mayer’s laboratory at the National Cancer Institute’s Experimental Immunology Branch, and teaching assistant for the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College. As a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, Ishaan is also dedicated to leadership and service; he has served as the Drumline Section Leader for the Mighty Sound of Maryland, volunteered with Terps for Change, and worked as a recovery leader with the Food Recovery Network. Ishaan is currently a medical assistant at a primary care practice, and aspires to attend medical school after graduation.
Jasmine Emeruwa
Information Science / College of Information Studies
Jasmine Emeruwa is graduating with a B.S. in Information Science with a double minor in General Business and Information Risk Management, Ethics, & Privacy. Since her freshman year, she has taken a wide-ranging approach to her education, having enrolled in the first cohort of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program while pursuing a STEM major. Throughout her time at the university, she has held many roles across the campus, including as a student intern at the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy (MICA) office, an INFO Ambassador, a representative on both the Dean’s and Undergraduate Provost Student Advisory Councils, a Co-Executive of Technica, and a Big Sis mentor in the RESET Project. Across each of these roles, she has done her best to ensure that students are connected to the resources, opportunities, and communities they need to succeed at the University of Maryland.
Jasmine Faith Flores
Public Policy / School of Public Policy
Jasmine Flores is a graduate earning a B.A. in Public Policy with a focus in Family Law. During her career at the University of Maryland, she has been an active contributor to several organizations, serving as Chief of Staff, Director of Communications, and Associate Justice for the Student Government Association, Presiding Officer and Honor Council Board Member for the University Student Judiciary, Student Conduct Committee Representative for the University Senate, Vice President of Educational Programming for the Senior Council, Student Ambassador for the School of Public Policy, Member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Hornist for the University Orchestra, and a fellow in the University of Maryland Federal Fellowship Program, the Do Good Institute Accelerators Program, and the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Program. Outside of her involvement at the University of Maryland, she has interned for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Young People for Progress, Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender, and the Maryland General Assembly. Upon graduation, Jasmine is excited to attend law school to continue her commitment to public service.
Jessica Erin Daninhirsch
Multiplatform Journalism / Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Jess Daninhirsch is a journalism major and history minor from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Throughout her time at UMD, she's been involved in Kol Sasson Jewish A Cappella, Avirah Israeli Dance Company, and Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi honors societies; served as the executive board historian for Omicron Delta Kappa, the social media and communications chair for the Society of Professional Journalists, and written for and taken photos for numerous campus publications. She has worked as a reporter and photographer for Capital News Service and a photographer for the University Office of Marketing & Communications, and most recently she was an intern at NBC's Meet the Press. One day, she will be a traveling photojournalist and a documentarian.
Joseph Thomas Moore
B.A. Public Policy / School of Public Policy
Joseph Moore is a Public Policy major from Pasadena, Maryland, and a first-generation college student. He began his academic journey at Anne Arundel Community College before transferring to complete his undergraduate degree. During his time at the University of Maryland, he has served as a student ambassador for the School of Public Policy, an undergraduate teaching assistant, and an intern in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Maryland’s third congressional district, where he developed a strong commitment to public service. After graduation, Joseph plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public-interest law.
Judy Samiha Nasser
Sociology and Criminology & Criminal Justice / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Judy Nasser is from Baltimore, Maryland. She is graduating with dual degrees in Sociology and Criminology & Criminal Justice, with a minor in Law & Society. She is also a 4+1 graduate student at UMD in the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) program. Nominated by the university for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, she was also selected to represent UMD for the DACOR Bacon House Foundation Graduate Fellowship. Throughout her time at UMD, Judy has held leadership roles across advocacy, research, and student governance. She has served as Director of Public Advocacy & Legal Education for the American Civil Liberties Union, Assistant Editor of the Undergraduate Law Review, and on the University Student Judiciary Honor Council. As a Critical Regions and International Relations Global Fellow, she was also selected to join Omicron Delta Kappa. Judy plans to pursue a J.D. and a career in civil rights litigation to advance protections for immigrants and refugees.
Kaisha Snowden
Public Health Practice & Dance / College of Arts and Humanities & School of Public Health
Kaisha Snowden is a graduating senior receiving their Bachelor of Science in Public Health Practice and Bachelor of Art in Dance. In her time at the University of Maryland, she has prided herself in contributing to the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of Black and African American students on campus. Whether it's serving on the executive board of the Black Student Union or representing the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kaisha is proud to have left an impact on the students of this campus. She is returning to the University of Maryland in the summer to continue her studies in her Master of Public Health program with the goal of becoming a Biostatistician.
Kelsey Quinn Eggleston
Hearing and Speech Sciences / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Kelsey Eggleston is a Hearing and Speech Sciences major from PG county Maryland. During her time at Maryland she served as an Undergraduate clinician in the LEAP (Language-Learning Early Advantage Program) Preschool, an UG clinician in the HESP Clinical Practicum, a student representative for the HESP Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee and she served as the Vice Chair of Student Services and the HESP representative for the Deans Student Advisory Council. Kelsey is also President of the National Black Association for Speech Language and Hearing (NBASLH) and a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). After graduation, she plans to pursue her Master's degree in Speech- Language Pathology and will continue to advocate, lead with integrity, uplift others, and approach service with intention and action.
Laila Wilson
Architecture B.S. / School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
Laila Wilson, an Architecture B.S. major from Baltimore, MD with a minor in Construction Project Management, has excelled in leadership roles within the University Honors (UH) Program as a Peer Academic Leader (PAL) and Vice President of Community Development in the Student Life Council (SLC). She has worked to improve student engagement within UH, her efforts being rewarded with a Leadership Medallion, Emerging Leader Award, and UH Portz Outstanding Student Award to name a few honors. Outside of UH, she has been involved in a variety of clubs including Crochet for a Cause, the Food Recovery Network, Community Learning Garden, Tea Club, Club Crew, Club Badminton, and Club Climbing. Laila plans to pursue a master's degree in Environmental Engineering at UMD after graduating to work on stormwater management and ecological restoration.
LeeAnn Wong Arbelo
English Language, Writing and Rhetoric; Philosophy, Politics and Economics / College of Arts and Humanities
LeeAnn Wong Arbelo is a Banneker/Key Scholar pursuing a double degree in English and Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and was a member of both the University Honors and the Global Fellows communities. During her four years at UMD, she was an active member of the Arts and Humanities community, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Paper Shell Review, participated as an undergraduate representative on multiple departmental committees, worked at the Writing Center, took part in Sigma Tau Delta as the Vice President, presented a paper at the Richard Macksey Conference, wrote her Honors thesis on Puerto Rican Poetry and Caribbean Critical Theory, and was an ArHu Ambassador for three years. Empowered by a desire to learn more about the intersection of rhetoric, politics and power, she had the opportunity to complete research with the Department of Communication’s Recovering Democracy Archives and at the University of Mississippi with the National Science Foundation- funded research project, Interdisciplinary Study of the Politics of Place. Outside of academia and campus, she gained experience in every level of government by interning in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Maryland General Assembly and the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C.
Linaly Miyamoto
Information Science / College of Information Studies
Linaly Miyamoto is an Information Science major with a Minor in Global Terrorism Studies from College Park, Maryland. During her time at UMD, she has served as President of the Native American and Indigenous Student Union, a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Council for the College of Information, a member of the Senate Elections, Representation & Governance Committee, a Data Reporter for The Diamondback, and a Student Consultant at the iConsultancy. Linaly has also contributed to the classroom as a Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Programming and conducted counterterrorism research at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism.
Madison Alanna Hueston
Information Science / College of Information Studies
Madison Hueston is an Information Science major with a minor in History from Prince George’s County, Maryland. During her time at the University of Maryland, she has served as President of the Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as Founder and President of Mind Matters, as an Orientation Advisor, as Public Relations Chair for Students Towards Education Progress and Philanthropy (STEPP), and as a counselor for Camp Kesem UMD. Through these roles, Madison has led campus-wide initiatives centered on mental wellness, cultural literacy, service, and student belonging, creating spaces that empower and uplift the broader Maryland community. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in user experience design and continue her education in Human-Computer Interaction.
Madison Paige Blaustein
Psychology / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Madison Blaustein is a psychology and pre-medical student from East Brunswick, New Jersey. During her time at the University of Maryland, Madison was a research assistant at the Neurocognitive and Development Lab, a peer and crisis counselor at the UMD Help Center, Vice President of the Student Organ Donation Advocates at UMD, and the music director of the acapella group, the UMD Treblemakers. Madison is also a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and was a past member of the Student Health Advisory Committee at the Health Center. After graduation, Madison hopes to pursue a career in pediatric medicine and truly make a difference in kids' lives.
Maria Joy Johnsonbaugh
Neuroscience, Spanish Language, Cultures, and Professional Contexts / College of Arts and Humanities & College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Maria Johnsonbaugh is a dual degree in Neuroscience and Spanish Language, Literature, and Professional Contexts in Gemstone Honors College from Ellicott City, Maryland. She conducts independent genetic research on Caenorhabditis elegans and contributed to public health and environmental policy initiatives as an intern at the Maryland General Assembly. On campus, she is a third-year Resident Assistant, Finance Director of the UMD Help Center, Treasurer of SCALE Operations, an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Learning Assistant, and Guided Study Sessions Leader, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society; she has also previously served in the Residence Hall Association and Student Government Association. She will be applying all that she learned at UMD as a dental student next fall, and hopes to focus on sustainable health care options for underserved communities.
Marvi Shroff
Finance and Information Systems / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Marvi is a Finance and Information Systems dual degree student from Clarksburg, MD. During her time at the University of Maryland, she has been deeply involved within the Smith School of Business, serving as Co-Lead of QUEST Recruiting in the QUEST Honors Program, a Smith Ambassador, a Teaching Assistant for two upper-level courses, and Director of Fundraising and Director of Social Activities for Alpha Kappa Psi. Beyond the business school, Marvi has been actively engaged in the Public Leadership Scholars program, first as a peer mentor for freshman students and later as a Teaching Assistant for the program’s capstone course over the past two years. After graduation, Marvi will be working at Capital One as an Associate in the Finance Rotation Program.
Mateo V. Rodriguez
Immersive Media Design: Computing / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Mateo Rodriguez is an Immersive Media Design: Computing major from Maryland. During his time at UMD, Mateo has explored the intersections of technology and art through the creation of immersive projects and involvement with campus communities. He worked for the Design Cultures and Creativity Honors college as a manager of their Sound Studio, as well as participating in the IMD New Works Incubator program where he created an art installation called Fidgets that was showcased at NextNow Fest as well as the Fearlessly Forward Campaign launch event. Through his collaborative interactive projects Mateo was able to grow the artistic talents of himself and his peers.
Matthew Ethan Adjodha
Public Health Science & Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics / School of Public Health & College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Matthew is a senior Public Health Science and Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics dual degree student from Rockville, Maryland. He hopes to earn an MD–PhD to become a physician–scientist translating genetic epidemiology research into preventative medicine, policy, and advocacy to support marginalized communities with chronic diseases. Matthew serves as Co–President of Asian American Student Union (AASU), Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society (ODK), co–founder of Students for Public Research (SPR), and Program Coordinator of College Success Scholars (CSS). He volunteers with Maryland Athletics Sports Nutrition Program and UMSOM’s CHAMP Lab and is funded as an NIH Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Scholar and an SPP Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellow (RULF). As an incoming Children’s National Hospital intern and former FDA, Johns Hopkins University, and Mayo Clinic intern, Matthew is passionate about applying public health advocacy to research medicine and health policy.
Mia Jocić
Bioengineering / A. James Clark School of Engineering
Mia is from Annapolis, Maryland, and is studying Bioengineering with a minor in Science, Technology, Ethics, and Policy (STEP). She is a Dean’s List student who has served as a Peer Mentor Coordinator, Mentor, and Tutor for the Women in Engineering Program; held Wet Lab and Integrated Human Practices Committee Chair positions within UMaryland iGEM; and was inducted into the Sigma Circle of the Omicron Delta Kappa (OΔK) National Leadership Honor Society. Through her service, leadership, and research efforts, Mia was recently awarded the A. James Clark School of Engineering Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership, as well as the Fischell Department of Bioengineering Outstanding Leadership Award. After graduating as the first engineer in her family, she is interested in pursuing a career in global health engineering, focusing on expanding healthcare capacity in low-resource settings.
Michelle Asongna Akem
Information Science / College of Information Studies
Michelle Akem is an Information Science major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. During her time at the University of Maryland, she was a research assistant for the Entomology Department, a teaching assistant for BSCI160 and INST352, Administrative Director of Phunktions Hip Hop Dance Company, and volunteered as a tutor for the Latino Student Fund. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring within technology, which she demonstrated through her 2 years serving as a Technica organizer and her ongoing language learning project Dialectable, which earned a DCC Capstone Award. After graduation, she will pursue software engineering at a consulting firm before applying for graduate school.
Milca Teklezgi
Technology and Information Design / College of Information Studies
Milca is a Technology and Information Design Major from Silver Spring, Maryland. During undergraduate career at the University of Maryland, she served as a student employee in the Student Involvement Suite. She acted as a vital advocate for student leaders, streamlining communication and ensuring every organization received the support and resources they needed to thrive. After graduation, Milca plans to pursue Museum and Archival Studies. She hopes to make historical collections more accessible, equitable, and engaging for diverse audiences while also protecting the stories that shape our world.
Naomi Nicholas
English Literature and Language / College of Arts and Humanities
Naomi Nicholas, a student from Bowie, Maryland, is an English major with a history minor. During her time at UMD, she received an honors citation, a citation from the Maryland Fellows Program, and a citation in writing arts from the Jiménez-Porter Writers' House. She is treasurer for the Black Pre-Law Association, Vice President of Programming for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Financial Secretary for the Eta Beta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Service Chair for Black Girls Vote. Naomi is also a general member of the Black Honors Caucus and completed the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program.
Noora Ghahremani
English Language & Literature (B.A.) and Psychology (B.S.) / College of Arts and Humanities & College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Noora Ghahremani is a Banneker/Key Scholar and Honors Humanities alum from Ellicott City, Maryland, graduating with dual degrees in English Language & Literature and Psychology, with minors in Law & Society, Spanish Language, and Creative Writing. Within the Honors College, she serves as a team captain in the Honors Ambassadors program and has worked as the Honors Humanities Communications Intern and a two-time Editor-in-Chief of Impressions Magazine, receiving distinctions including the Seidel Keystone Award and the Portz Outstanding Honors Student Award. She has held transformative leadership roles across academic and cultural organizations, including Secretary and President of the Spanish Club, Philanthropy Chair of the Iranian Student Foundation, and President of UMD’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society). Noora has also served as a teaching assistant in the English, Psychology, and Honors departments, teaches weekly character development classes for children in the DMV, volunteers as a Student Ambassador for the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and plans to complete her Plus One program at UMD before attending law school.
Obariagora Nwogu
Biological Sciences: General Biology, Public Health Science / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences & School of Public Health
Obariagora Nwogu is a General Biology and Public Health Science Double major from Prince George’s County, Maryland. During his time at the University of Maryland, Obariagora served as the President of the Black Pre-Med Association, Program Coordinator/Team leader/Executive Board Memberfor the College Success Scholars program, Tutor for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education, Team Lead Resident Assistant for Oakland Hall, Pyon Chen Resident Hall Association Vice President of Communications, Research Assistant at the Farcuh Laboratory, Fostering Terps Success Scholar, Member of Phi Delta Epsilon, and was a part of the Univeristy Honors Program. Obariagora is dedicated to mentorship and creating empowering spaces that uplift diversity and community. After graduation, he plans to apply to medical school to pursue his goal of becoming a physician.
Olivia Madeleine Lewis
Biological Sciences: General Biology / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Olivia Lewis is a General Biology major with a Classical Mythology minor from Ellicott City, MD. Olivia is an alumnus of the Life Sciences (LS) Scholars program where she not only acted as a peer mentor, but also acted as the LS representative on the Student Advisory Board (SAB) and the Scholars representative on the Undergraduate Studies Dean's Student Advisory Board. Olivia has been an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) within the Biological Sciences (BSCI) department for 4 consecutive semesters, and also participated in the Federal Fellows program in the Science Diplomacy seminar, culminating in an internship with the Department of Energy (DOE). After graduation, Olivia hopes to pursue a Master’s in genetic counseling, combining her love of biology and service.
Oriel Ockerman
Neuroscience / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Originally from Columbia, Maryland, Oriel is a pre-med student graduating with a B.S. in Neuroscience. During her time at UMD, she's been an executive board member for Pre-Health Global Brigades, Nu Rho Psi Honor Society, SHARE (Supplying Hospitals Abroad with Resources and Equipment), University Honors Student Life Council, and was awarded the Student Fellow Grant for her mental health mural in University Honors. She currently is working as a medical assistant and scribe at a neurology office, where she learns new skills every day. After graduating, she hopes to spend two gap years serving under-resourced communities and traveling before applying to medical school.
Rachel Lei
Dual degree in Chemistry and Mathematics on the Statistics Track / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Rachel Lei is a graduating senior from Ellicott City, Maryland with a dual degree in Chemistry and Mathematics on the Statistics Track and a minor in Computer Science. During her time at Maryland, she has been a research assistant in the Mullin Lab, a teaching assistant for General Chemistry 1 Lab, volunteered as CMNS and Honors Recruitment Ambassadors, an Academic Peer Mentor, and a University Senator. After graduation, Rachel will be pursuing her PhD in physical chemistry.
Raquel Luisa Ford
Marketing / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Raquel Ford is a Marketing major from Frederick, Maryland and is pursuing her Master’s in Management at the University of Maryland. She serves as a Program Coordinator at the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets and is the Co-Founder and President of the Fashion Business Association. Raquel is a member of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors (IBH) Program, Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program (SBLF), QUEST Honors Program, and Strategic Design Fellows Program. A proud 17th Terp, she is actively involved in the Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC), has served as a Smith Start mentor, and has represented the University as an ambassador for the National Retail Federation Foundation (NRF Foundation). She is also a recipient of the Honors College Portz Outstanding Student Award for IBH.
Reva Mannan
Public Health Science / School of Public Health
Reva Mannan recently graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science and is a native of Potomac, Maryland. A proud third-generation Terrapin, Reva earned recognition as a Dean’s Scholar, Honors Student, and Omicron Delta Kappa member. During her time at UMD, she served as President of the Indian Students Association, Vice President of Programming of Phi Delta Epsilon, Guided Study Sessions Leader and Mentor for Anatomy & Physiology I, Student Healthcare Assistant at the University Health Center, Intramural Soccer and Basketball Captain, Research Assistant in the Neurocognitive Development Lab, and Student Ambassador for the Health Professions Advising Office. Beyond campus, Reva has served as a volunteer EMT in Montgomery County for over two years, providing compassionate care to her local community in times of need. Upon graduation, Reva plans to pursue a career in medicine as a physician.
Richard Lee
International Business and Marketing (Dual Degree) / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Richard Lee is a Korean-American from Baltimore, Maryland, who majors in Marketing and International Business at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, with minors in Nonprofit Leadership & Social Innovation and Creative Writing. Dedicated to both his faith and community, he has served in leadership positions such as Focus Family Leader and later Vice-President at Kharis Campus Ministry, both a Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program Mentor and Ambassador, and Hack4Impact National Operations Committee Member. He is also part of the College Park Public Leadership Scholars, Smith Business Leadership Fellows, and Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House. With a passion for people and the arts, he aspires to be a positive change in his community by bridging the gap between for-profit and not-for-profit sectors through different capacity-building initiatives and continuing to put smiles on the faces of anyone around him.
Riya Jayakumar Raikar
Biological Sciences / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Riya Raikar is a General Biology major with minors in Humanities, Health, and Medicine and Asian American Studies from Ellicott City, Maryland. During her time at the University of Maryland, she served as a research associate in Dr. Rachel Goldstein’s Water Quality, Outreach and Wellness (WOW) Laboratory within the School of Public Health, where she studies microbial water quality and works with her team to analyze its effect on community health. She has also served as the DEI subcommittee chair for the Student Health Advisory Committee, President of the Oxfam Club, and Marketing Chair for Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity MD Beta Chapter. Beyond research and leadership, she is actively involved in community service through The Every Child Project and the Food Recovery Network.
Rohita Krishnakumar
International Business / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Rohita Krishnakumar is an International Business major at the Smith School of Business with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. She has dedicated her time at the University of Maryland to fostering community and enhancing the student experience, serving as President of Student Entertainment Events (SEE), where she leads large-scale campus programming, and representing student voices on the STAMP Advisory Board and the VPSA Student Advisory Council. Additionally, she worked at the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC), served as a teaching assistant for Business and Public Policy courses, and is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society. Rohita is passionate about leadership and student advocacy and hopes to continue advancing these values as she pursues a career in law.
Ronja Markoff
Public Policy & Technology and Information Design / College of Information Studies & School of Public Policy
Ronja is receiving a double degree in Public Policy and Technology and Information Design and is from Chagrin Falls, Ohio. During her time at the University of Maryland, she served as President of both the Panhellenic Association and Order of Omega and as a student ambassador for the School of Public Policy. She also participated on the Dean's Student Advisory Council for Public Policy and on the Vice President for Student Affairs Advisory Council and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and the Carillon Living Learning Community.
Saanchi Hiren Desai
Aerospace Engineering / A. James Clark School of Engineering
Saanchi Desai is an Aerospace Engineering major from Mumbai, India. She has held leadership roles in UMD’s AIAA student chapter, served as a board and senior member of the Balloon Payload Program developing high-altitude payloads, and supports the Women in Engineering (WIE) Program as a Mentor Coordinator and staff member. She also serves the Aerospace Department as a Teaching Fellow and is an active participant in departmental events and competitions, including the winning Alumni Cup team. Saanchi works with Dr. Baeder’s team studying the aerodynamic loads and acoustics of the Leonardo da Vinci aerial screw and aspires to lead innovation in aerospace engineering while advancing STEM through her involvement.
Saili Khorjekar
Public Health Science / School of Public Health
Saili Khorjekar is Public Health Science major with a minor in Law and Society from Columbia, Maryland. During her time at UMD, she was apart of the Global Public Health Scholars program, a teaching assistant for introductory chemistry classes, the President of the Public Health Honors Society (Phi Alpha Epsilon), Vice President and later Chief of Staff in UMD's Student Government, Vice President of Remote Area Medical, and Director of Maryland Minza. With a strong passion for accessible vision care, Saili actively volunteered with the Prevention of Blindness and served as a medical assistant for an ophthalmologist. After graduation, she will be a Research Associate at the University of Miami's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and hopes to apply to medical school.
Samiya Farhin
Biological Sciences / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Samiya Farhin is a Biological Sciences major from Gaithersburg, Maryland, with a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. She came to the United States about four years ago from Bangladesh and began her studies at a local community college. After facing enormous challenges, she has now completed her degree while raising her three and half-year-old daughter.
Sarah Kirstie Tamara St Villier
Public Policy & Criminology/Criminal Justice / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences & School of Public Policy
Sarah St. Villier is a Maryland Promise Scholar graduating with a dual degree in Public Policy and Criminology/Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Social Policy and a minor in Rhetoric, from Burtonsville, Maryland. She is passionate about advancing justice and addressing systemic inequities through law and public policy. During her time in college, she has served as Program Director for the Policy Student Government Association, Director of Programming for the Black Pre-Law Association, and Co-President of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She has also gained professional experience as an intern with the Maryland General Assembly’s Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Partnership for Public Service, where she developed skills in legislative research, leadership development, and public engagement. After graduation, Sarah plans to attend law school and pursue a career in criminal defense, where she will work to advance justice and systemic reform.
Sarah Pham
Information Systems, Operations Management & Business Analytics / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Sarah is from Frederick, Maryland, graduating with a double degree in Information Systems and Operations Management & Business Analytics and a minor in Data Science. During her time at UMD, she served as Vice President of Engagements and Vice President of External Affairs for Consult Your Community, Finance and Information Systems tutor for athletes in the GSAC Tutorial Program, Algebra 1 tutor in The Every Child Project, Undergraduate Researcher in the Biogeochemistry Lab, Teaching Assistant for BUSO733 (Data Analytics), and as a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. She received the citation for the Science, Technology, and Society Scholars Program and is a member of the inaugural Smith Business Leadership Fellows cohort. Sarah is passionate about social impact and entrepreneurship and plans to continue work in the digital equity, sustainability, and educational nonprofit sectors.
Savannah Robbins
Psychology / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Savannah Robbins is from Montgomery County, Maryland, and will be graduating with a B.S. in Psychology. During her time at the University, she has been part of the University Honors College, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, a student in the Honors Psychology program, and a musician in the marching band and Maryland Pep Band. With grief being a prime research interest of hers, she has worked as a member of the Counseling Psychology Research Center and received the Honors College Research Grant for her honors thesis evaluating an infographic that she and her advisor created to educate faculty on best practices for responding to grieving students. Passionate about helping others in the community and in her future career, Savannah is involved with the Lean on Me peer-to-peer campus support line and is a shelter volunteer with the Playtime Project to support children experiencing domestic violence or homelessness.
Shalese Psalmy Lacson
Public Health Science & Psychology / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Psalmy Lacson is a Public Health Science and Psychology dual degree from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, originally from Iloilo City, Philippines. During her time at the University of Maryland, Psalmy served as President of the Filipino Cultural Association, leading a 20-member executive board and over 400 active members, Vice President of Finance for the Asian American Student Union, Historian for Alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc., and a campus ambassador for Teach For America. She also interned in the Office of the Vice President for University Relations, and completed a finance and personnel internship through the Maryland Administrator Pathways program, where she contributed to DEI-focused recruitment research. Psalmy was named a 2025 Spirit of Maryland Award Finalist and is a member of Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society. After graduation, Psalmy plans to pursue a career at the intersection of public health and organizational leadership, building systems and programs that uplift underserved communities.
Shreyes Varde
Computer Science / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Shreyes is a Computer Science major with a minor in Business Analytics from Edison, New Jersey. During his time at UMD, he's served as a teaching assistant for a STIC (Student Initiated Course), been the Sexual Assault Prevention, DEI, and Grades chair of his fraternity Sigma Phi Delta, answered questions during prospective student open houses as a CMNS Ambassador, and chaired high school conferences as part of UMD's Model UN club. He's also a member of some of UMD's most prestigious organizations, including the QUEST Honors Program and Omicron Delta Kappa. After graduation, Shreyes will work as a software engineer.
Stefano Raffo
Government and Politics & International Business / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences & Robert H. Smith School of Business
Stefano is from Pembroke Pines, Florida, and will be graduating with a degree in International Business and Government & Politics. During his time at the University of Maryland, Stefano has been Vice President of Latina Pathways, a Community Organizer at MICA, and Practice Coordinator for the Speech and Debate team. Stefano was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa in Fall 2024, and is a recipient of the Benjamin, Mary, and Maryanne Sharp TerpStart Endowed Scholarship in Government and Politics. Stefano hopes to work in conservation and the nonprofit sector after graduating.
Tal T. Bresler
Neuroscience: Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Tal is from Silver Spring, Maryland and will graduate with a B.S. in Neuroscience in the Molecular, Cellular, and Physiological Track and a minor in Health, Humanities, and Medicine. During her time at the University of Maryland, she participated in the Federal Fellows Program and University Honors while serving as a teaching assistant, Honors Ambassador, Neuroscience Ambassador, Guided Study Sessions Leader, founder and president of the Maryland Beit Midrash, research assistant in the Language and Music Cognition Lab, member of the UMD Women’s Crew Team, and member of Omicron Delta Kappa. Beyond campus, Tal worked as a Volunteer Medical Assistant at the Pregnancy Aid Center, served as President of Yavneh’s National Hillel Torah Bowl, tutored an underserved student in math, worked with YATOM: The Jewish Foster and Adoption Network, and interned at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. After graduation, Tal will attend medical school and hopes to pursue a career integrating primary care and public health policy.
Urszula Cieslak
Finance & Accounting / Robert H. Smith School of Business
Urszula Cieslak is a dual-degree student in Finance and Accounting from Kensington, Maryland. During her time at the University of Maryland, she has served as President of the Women in Business Association, VP of Alumni Programming for the Student Alumni Leadership Council, Director of Membership and Recruitment for the Smith Start Program, and an Ambassador for both the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Honors College. Urszula is a member of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program and Schanwald Sports Management Program, as well as a Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar. She currently serves as the Experiential Learning Assistant for the Schanwald Sports Management Program and as a Lead Teaching Assistant in the Department of Finance and will be returning full-time to PwC as a Deals Advisory Associate.
Varun Deshpande
Public Health Science / School of Public Health
Varun Deshpande is a Public Health Science major from Glenwood, Maryland. During his time at UMD, he served as the Deputy Director and Co-Director of the Student Government Association Health & Wellness Committee, a research assistant in the Moore Lab and Optics Biotechnology Lab, the Public Relations Chair for the National Marrow Donor Program, and a member of the School of Public Health inaugural Dean's Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee. He was also the recipient of the Student-Proposed Innovation and Research Experience Award from the Office of Undergraduate Research and is a published author in the Biology of Sex Differences Scientific Journal, and completed a summer internship at AllPhases Dermatology. He plans to apply to medical school in the future.
Walter E. Brown Jr.
General Biology / College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Walter is a General Biology major from Baltimore, Maryland, grounded in faith, service, and leadership. At the University of Maryland, he actively engaged in the CIVICUS program (now CESG), the FIRE research program, and the Gemstone Honors College, while contributing to multiple undergraduate research labs and serving as a Teaching Assistant for BSCI160. He held leadership and service roles as Vice President of the Black Alliance Network, a member of United Against Inequities in Disease, the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), and the Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Honors Society, and has also served as a Resident Assistant, Peer Career Influencer, Certified Medical Assistant, and clinical engineering equipment technician at the University of Maryland Medical Center. In his free time, Walter enjoys discovering new music, gardening, journaling, engaging in community service, and spending time with his five younger siblings, and he plans to attend medical school to become a cardiothoracic surgeon while advancing public health advocacy to address health disparities in underserved communities.
Zef'Rah Ochoa
Criminology and Criminal Justice / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Zef'Rah is a First-Generation Criminology and Criminal Justice major from Baltimore County, Maryland. Zef'Rah has made strides in campus leadership through engagement in Resident Life, Ambassadorship for U.S. Latino/a Studies, Presidency of the Latino Pre-Law Society, SORC employment, and more in-between. Zef'Rah has committed herself to exploring campus, making UMD more than an institution but rather a home.
Ziyan Ahmed
International Relations & Biochemistry / College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Ziyan Ahmed is a Banneker/Key Scholar from Clarksburg, Maryland, pursuing a double degree in International Relations and Biochemistry. He earned his honors citation through the Honors Global Challenges and Solutions Living & Learning Program, where he served as President of its student association and represented the Honors College as an Honors Ambassador, receiving the Portz Outstanding Student Award. Throughout his time as an undergraduate, Ziyan dedicated himself to mentorship, service, and healthcare both on and off campus, working six semesters as an organic chemistry lecture and lab teaching assistant, serving as a peer coach with the Social Interaction Group Network for All to support neurodivergent students in acclimating to campus, contributing as a medical assistant with the American Diversity Group’s free clinic and Olney Medical Group, co-founding Haynes Kitchen to prepare and serve meals to local homeless shelters in Washington, D.C., and conducting performance psychology research as an intern at the Consortium for Health and Military Performance at USUHS. Next year, he looks forward to attending medical school to become a physician committed to bridging gaps in healthcare and practicing in underserved communities.