62 Graduates Honored as Senior Marshals

Sixty-two graduating University of Maryland students have been named 2024 senior marshals in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement and personal growth.

They will carry banners representing their schools and colleges into the university’s main commencement ceremony on May 20, accompanied by Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, and Robert Infantino, associate dean of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, who oversee the marshals program.

“We congratulate the Class of 2024 for their achievement in overcoming such unprecedented times and making the most of it. We celebrate the achievement of graduation for all of these Terps,” she said.

Omoleye Adeyemi (major: communication; minor: humanities, health, and medicine) was the president of the Senior Council, a member of BioFIRE, a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Scholar, a tutor in the Oral Communication Center, a UNIV100 teaching assistant, co-president of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, a student leader in the Communication Undergraduate Chair Student Advisory Committee, multimedia, website and research director for Student Entertainment Events, front-desk resources specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center, member of the Student Alumni Leadership Council and of the Lambda Pi Eta communication honor society. Upon graduation, Adeyemi plans to continue her education in communication studies on the use of social media.

Meenakshi Pradeep Adiyodi (major: neuroscience; minor: Asian American studies) earned a certificate from the Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality studies. She served as president of the American Red Cross Club and Nu Rho Psi neuroscience national honor society, a dialogue lead for Terps for Change, programming chair for the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, a recruitment ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, and an undergraduate teaching assistant. She was also an undergraduate researcher in the Speer Lab and involved in the Biology Honors Program. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year to work as a medical assistant before attending medical school, where she hopes to specialize in psychiatry and contribute to destigmatizing the need for mental health-related services.

Lourdes Arteaga Baeza (major: hearing and speech sciences; minor: disability studies) was involved in the National Institutes of Health-funded Child Language Assessment Project and was a member of National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association and of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education Academic Excellence Society. She was also involved with the Every Child Project, Project CLIMB: Capturing Language Immersion Benefits, Maryland Cochlear Impact Center of Excellence, Identity Management Lab and Stuttering Scholarship Alliance. She tutored for the College Prep Excellence Roadmap Academy and served as a Maryland Images tour guide, a mentor for Sisters to Sisters and Latina Pathways and a teaching assistant for the Honors Humanities program, from which she earned a citation. Baeza was also a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. She plans to pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology to ensure students from diverse backgrounds achieve their full potential.

Akshaya Sree Balaji (majors: biological sciences, environmental science and technology; minor: sustainability) was a Banneker/Key scholar who participated in the Honors College’s Integrated Life Sciences program. She was president of the advocacy group MaryPIRG, an intern with Alternative Breaks, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and a Guided Study Sessions leader for organic chemistry and biochemistry. She was on the pre-medicine track and is interested in pursuing the intersection of environmental science and public health.

Toluwalope Justinah Bashua (majors: computer science, information science; minor: technology entrepreneurship and corporate innovation) is a first-generation Nigerian student and served on the Student Government Association for three years and as a student employee in two campus departments. She was also a part of Code: Black, African Students Association, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, The Pride, the Adele H. Stamp Student Union’s Student Employee Advisory Board and more. She looks forward to pursuing a master's degree at UMD.

Elaine Sultana Berger (double degree: Jewish studies, management) was active in the Jewish community on campus, serving as artistic director for the Avirah Israeli Dance Company and as gabbi (religious coordinator) for Neshama, a community within Hillel. She was involved with Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, National Residence Hall Honorary and the College of Arts and Humanities’ Dean's Advisory Board, and worked as a program assistant in the Department of Resident Life. She also participated in College Park Scholars’ Public Leadership program.

Kruti Bhingradiya (major: aerospace engineering; minor: robotic and autonomous systems) served as president of UMD’s chapter of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and vice president of Sigma Gamma Tau, the aerospace engineering honors society. She also was a researcher with the Collective Dynamics and Controls Lab. where she worked on hydrodynamic modeling and control of underwater robots. She was also the student-government president of UMD Nearspace Balloon Payload Program.

Riley Paige Blaugrund (major: public policy; minor: religious studies) earned her College Park Scholars citation in the International Studies program, where she started a community service program for Afghan refugee families and was a peer mentor. She also served as a volunteer tour guide, an executive board member of the Alpha Phi Omega national co-ed community service fraternity, the marketing director of Student Entertainment Events and a representative on both the Provost’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council and the Brody Professor Student Advisory Council. She interned with Jews United for Justice, the Luminus Network social services agency for refugees and immigrants, and the Maryland Senate. She is continuing on at UMD to pursue a master’s in public policy and aims to work in social justice.

Nicole Bonacorso (major: architecture; minor: real estate development) was a part of UMD's cheerleading program and a member of the Real Estate Club, and Delta Delta Delta sorority. After graduation, she plans to apply what she learned about sustainability, artistic creativity and technical expertise to obtaining a master’s degree in real estate development.

Leah Bregman (dual degree: marketing, management; minor: human development) was founder and president of the Gift of Life Marrow Registry Club and the Jewish Student Union. She was also a teaching assistant and active in the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Student Advisory Council. She also spent three and a half years as a development intern at Maryland Hillel. Following graduation, she aims to advance her career at Maryland Hillel as a development associate and to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

Nora Bui (major: neuroscience; minor: humanities, health, and medicine) served as the co-president of the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, the education and design chair for the American Medical Women’s Association and university senator for the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. She was also a teaching assistant for the “Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience” course and a research assistant in the Shackman Lab using neuroimaging to study the neural basis of emotions such as anxiety and fear. Off campus, she worked as a medical assistant in a family medicine clinic, engaged in experiential learning as an Nvolve Scholar, and volunteers for Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor. She hopes to pursue a career in health care to provide culturally competent care, especially to those with neurological/psychiatric challenges.

Serena Bujtor (majors: criminology and criminal justice; psychology) dedicated her college experience to supporting the mental well-being of campus community members through her roles as administrative director and counselor at the Help Center and as a peer advocate with the Health Center’s CARE to Stop Violence. She was active in multiple research labs and projects on and off of campus, including the Laboratory of Emotion and Psychopathology, the Behavioral Health and Public Safety Center of Excellence planning project and National Defense University's Leadership and Fitness Lab.

Jake Austin Burgess (dual degree: finance, economics) earned a citation from the University Honors program in the Honors College and devoted much of himself to his campus ministry, OneU, where he now works full-time. He also served as president of UMD’s Circle K International chapter for two years, worked as a math tutor and teaching assistant for BMGT345 and volunteered as an undergraduate research assistant for the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Erin Burnett (major: multimedia journalism; minor: technology entrepreneurship and corporate innovation) was a leader in organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Theta Nu Chapter, the Maryland Association of Black Journalists, the Black Explosion newspaper, College Park Scholars Peer Mentors, College Mentors and the Prima Dolls Dance Team. Outside of her collegiate commitments, Burnett dedicated herself to professional development as an Emma Bowen Foundation fellow, interning at WBAL-TV in Baltimore and “The Today Show.” She aspires to be a news reporter, anchor and media entrepreneur.

Carey Lawless Cameron (major: English language and literature; minor: creative writing) was involved in the arts across campus: She served on the executive board of Student Entertainment Events, as a student curator for NextNOW Fest, a DJ at WMUC Radio, a staff writer for The Diamondback and as the Spring 2024 selected full-length playwright for the Muses. Additionally, she contributed written and visual work to the student short-film organization Veritas, the Jiménez-Porter Writers' House and the WMUC zine. She hopes to pursue a career in entertainment.

Raeann Carpenter (major: hearing and speech sciences; minor: disability studies) was involved in the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association, UMD’s Language Development and Perception Laboratory, College Mentors for Kids, the club lacrosse team and Delta Gamma sorority. She spent her free time working and volunteering at Main Street Connect, a local nonprofit organization for adults with disabilities. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and hopes to work with neurodivergent children and adults in her career.

Riley Kenneth Christian AIAS, LEED GA, CSI, ICAA ( major: architecture) earned his associate degree in architecture from Anne Arundel Community College in May 2020, and then embraced his love of travel by driving across the continent twice, from Ocean City, Md. to San Diego, Calif., before beginning his career in high-end residential Architecture at Jeremy Fletcher Design in Alexandria, Va. He transferred to UMD for the Fall '22 semester after setting fundamentals with his mentor in the firm, and has since balanced responsibilities in both his profession and education. Riley enjoys a multitude of chips, bike rides and sightseeing, and was known to have a stash of Dr. Pepper, snacks and thoughtful opinions and advice that was welcome to all who were in need.

Caroline Davisson (dual degree: business management, government and politics) served as a peer mentor for the Justice and Legal Thought program in College Park Scholars, a student coordinator for the Lakeland STARs tutoring program for local elementary schoolers, an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Department of Government and Politics, an accounting and macroeconomics tutor for the Academic Success and Tutorial Services Office and a resident assistant and team lead in Centreville Hall. Davisson is also a member of the Moot Court team and represented UMD at regional, pre-national and national tournaments. She plans to attend law school.

Kristina Elizabeth Diaz (public health science) served on the executive board for Preventing Sexual Assault, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines and Phi Alpha Epsilon, the public health honor society. She was selected into Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, Order of Omega society, and the national senior honor society, Mortar Board. She also worked on the public health student advisory committee, served as a teaching assistant for microbiology, performed research for the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE), interned at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is a medical assistant for a general surgeon before attending school to become a physician assistant.

Deborah A. Dwomoh (major: public health science) is a proud Ghanaian who was an undergraduate researcher and peer mentor in the Molecular Diagnostics Lab within the FIRE program, an undergraduate teaching assistant, part-time medical assistant in a pediatric urgent care and volunteer with Food Recovery Network. She is passionate about becoming a physician assistant.

Lei Danielle Escobal (dual degree: sociology, American studies; minor: Asian American studies) is a second-generation Filipina American who served as co-president and co-vice president of internal affairs of the Asian American Student Union, co-director of public relations and head writer of the Filipino Cultural Association and member of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. She earned a citation from the University Honors program in the Honors College, received the 2023 Spirit of Maryland Award, 2023 College of Arts and Humanities’ Dean Student Scholar Award and 2023-24 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Award. Following graduation, Escobal will seek to decolonize and rebuild what community means through immersive art and media, accessibility to resources and sustainable leadership.

Nusirat Afolashade Fahm (major: information science; minor: innovation and entrepreneurship) contributed to student organizations, including as programming director and chief of staff for the African Student Association, vice president of Code: Black and organizer for Technica's brand and diversity and inclusion teams. She interned at NBCUniversal within the global IT procurement and media operations teams, and at Microsoft as a customer success manager. After graduation, Fahm will rejoin Microsoft as a customer success account manager.

Micah Victoria Ferguson (majors: community health, anthropology) studied the intersections of substance abuse, housing, poverty and the criminal justice system, particularly in the Black community. After interning in the Region V Office at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, she planned a region-wide reentry working group luncheon for political appointees, landlords, housing authorities and the formerly incarcerated. She earned a citation from the University Honors program in the Honors College. Ferguson will continue her research interests in the mental health effects of activism as a Black student, and perceptions of campus climate in the queer community while pursuing a master’s degree in public health, health policy analysis and evaluation, and hopes to return to a federal agency to work on community health issues.

Scott Eric Fleischmann (major: electrical engineering) earned a citation from the Gemstone program in the Honors College, and served as workshop lead for Engineers Without Borders, as an undergraduate teaching fellow for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and as the aquatics representative on RecWell’s Student Employee Advisory Board. He was also part of the QUEST Honors Program and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. After graduation, he hopes to be able to use the skills and knowledge gained at UMD for the good of the global community.

Emma Dahlia Friedman (major: English literature) participated in internships at NASA and the White House. She owes her sense of community to the Undergraduate Writing Center, where she worked with students of all majors hoping to sharpen their written communications skills.

Makayla George (major: information systems) was a Banneker/Key Scholar and earned a citation from the ACES program in the Honors College. She founded and led the Club Cheer team and served as president of the Business & Information Technology Society and as a volunteer and programming assistant for the Iribe Center for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing. She also interned at Capital One and Microsoft. After graduation, George will design products for the Office 365 platform at Microsoft.

Adrianna Leigh Giuliani (major: government and politics; minor: nonprofit leadership and social innovation) was the service chair in Civicus; the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences representative and speaker pro tempore in the Student Government Association co director of membership outreach in Empowering Women in Law. She was also an active member of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society and Food Recovery Network. After graduation, she intends to pursue a law degree to aid governments, businesses and nonprofits in enacting social change through cross-sector participation.

Annabelle Teel Grant (dual degree: government and politics; criminology and criminal justice) was co-chair of the Student Conduct Review Coalition, a community advocate for the University Student Judiciary, a teaching assistant for the inaugural Maryland Fellows Program, events and lectures chair for Omicron Delta Kappa, peer mentor in the Justice and Legal Thought program of College Park Scholars, vice president of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and captain in the Maryland Mock Trial Program. Off campus, she interned in the U.S. Department of State, the D.C. Office of the Attorney General, the Maryland General Assembly and a Maryland congressional office. After graduation she will serve as a Teach for America corps member in Baltimore, where she hopes to help advance educational equity while preparing for law school.

Isaiah Malik Griffith (major: public health science) was a first-generation student who served as a teaching assistant in the School of Public Health, a mentor for the school’s Students Transitioning into Effective Professionals (STEP) program, vice president of College Mentors for Kids, member of Phi Alpha Epsilon, founding member and vice president of the Association of Black Public Health Students and a host of other clubs on campus. Griffith was also enrolled in the accelerated B.S./M.P.H. program in the School of Public Health, where he serves as president of Graduate Students in Public Health.

Grace Carrigan Hayden (major: government and politics; minor: international development and conflict management) led the Health and Wellness Committee for the Student Government Association, worked at the Student Organization Resource Center as a financial analyst, interned with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and was accepted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Circle. She was offered a full-time position with her home congressman, U.S. Rep. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (a UMD alum himself).

Heydy Herbert (major: community health) is a first-generation Mexican and Ecuadorian immigrant who grew up in New York City and Baltimore, seeing the impacts of redlining and how that played a critical role in the health of those around her. Whether through advocacy, serving or mentoring, she sought at UMD to improve the quality of lives of those around her. Herbert is matriculating into a Master of Public Health program and hopes to pursue a doctorate in public health to continue helping minoritized communities.

Emanuelle Adina Hutman (major: public policy; minor; general business) was a recovery leader at Food Recovery Network, head of service for the James Harrington pledge class in Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity, a Repair the World fellow and a service engagement intern at Hillel, and served as vice president for Gift of Life. She was involved in the Do Good Institute’s Impact Interns program and Rawlings Undergraduate Fellowship through the School of Public Policy and as a research assistant at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. She worked with two grants to create meaningful change within the food insecurity and foster care sectors. Next year, Hutman will pursue a Master of Science in Management Studies at the Smith School.

Piper Jackson (major: public policy) served as president of the UMD Panhellenic Association, was a member of the Order of Omega honor society and the Carillon Communities living-learning program, and served as a political engagement and advocacy fellow in the Federal Fellows program, teaching assistant for the School of Public Policy and a Thurgood Marshall research fellow for the School of Public Policy. She held internships with a political consulting firm and the U.S. House of Representatives. Jackson is continuing her studies toward a master’s degree in public policy at UMD in the joint bachelor’s/master’s program.

Julia Kathleen Kallaur (major: criminology and criminal justice) was a community advocate in the University Student Judiciary, a representative and director in the Student Government Association, director of the Student Advisory Council to the University of Maryland Police Department, ambassador for Preventing Sexual Assault, an employee at the Student Organization Resource Center, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership society. She received the 2023 Murray E. Polakoff Award and interned for Del. Adrian Boafo in the Maryland General Assembly. Kallaur also studied abroad in Madrid in Fall 2023. She graduated a year early and plans to pursue graduate certification in terrorism analysis and continue her legal studies.

Rhea Kalluri (major: government and politics; minor: public health) worked as a teaching assistant for public health classes and a research assistant for the School of Public Policy, and was also a Federal Fellows program participant in public health policy and a research innovator with the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) program. She served on the leadership boards of several organizations and was part of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, Student Judiciary Council, Student Health Council, Empowering Women in Law and the Indian Student Association. Rhea also wrote a health policy honors thesis, in which she was designated high honors, as well as been published several times in UMD's Undergraduate Law Review. A December graduate, she is pursuing a master’s in public health policy degree at Boston University and plans to attend law school following graduation.

Palrika Kasondra (majors: finance, information science; certificate: leadership studies) served as vice president of finance for the South Asian Student Association and worked as an accounts manager at the Student Organization Resource Center's finance department. She also interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Giant Food.

Hannah Klein (major: government and politics; minor: sustainability) developed a passion for environmental policy while growing up on the Chesapeake Bay. She served as vice president for Kappa Omega Alpha, the professional public policy fraternity, and as national communications coordinator for the UMD Residence Hall Association. Additionally, she worked as a program assistant with the Department of Resident Life and as a teaching assistant for the Global Fellows program and the Department of Government and Politics. She plans to pursue a Master of Public Policy at UMD, concentrating on environmental policy.

Yasmine Kotb (majors: biological sciences, dance) participated in College Park Scholars’ Life Sciences program, earning the Academic Achievement Award. She was also Peru Project team leader for Public Health Beyond Borders, director of public relations for the Foundation for International Medical Relief in Children-UMD and a tutor with Lakeland STARs. She conducted clinical research during summer internships at the National Institutes of Health and volunteered as a research assistant at UMD’s Child Development Lab. After graduation, Kotb hopes to pursue a career as a well-rounded, well-informed physician.

Meghana Kotraiah (majors: agricultural and resource economics, government and politics; minor: Asian American studies) served in the Student Government Association for four years, most recently as executive vice president. She also was on the boards of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honors society as philanthropy and community service chair, and the Student Alumni Leadership Council as vice president of marketing and communications. Kotraiah participated in the University Honors program in the Honors College and was a Maryland Images tour guide. Within the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, she was a student ambassador, served on the Dean's Student Advisory Council, represented undergraduates on the college's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect Council, and is a Sigma Alpha sorority sister. She will pursue a career in agriculture and natural resources policy.

Caleigh Larkin (major: criminology and criminal justice; minor: creative writing) was dedicated to building a community on campus that unites and empowers young poets across majors. They participated in the Jiménez-Porter Writers' House and served as Terpoets president for the past two years. They also performed stand-up comedy with the UMD Hysterics and served as a student advocate at the Undergraduate Legal Aid Office.

Karthik Sellakumaran Latha (major: mathematics; minor: computer science) served as a teaching assistant for MATH140/141 and CMSC131/132, was a peer research mentor for the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) program, and created and taught a student-led course on math and art. After graduating, Latha will pursue a doctorate in mathematics and work toward becoming a math professor.

Genaro Aguirre Lavarias III (major: civil engineering) was an international student from Quezon City, Philippines who graduated magna cum laude; he also graduated magna cum laude from Towson University with a degree in general physics. He earned the Leidos Partner Scholarship, Ben Dyer Memorial Scholarship and the Stephen M. Evans P.E. Memorial Scholarship from the American Society of Highway Engineers. Outside of academics, he worked extensively in the Filipino Cultural Association, primarily as the design and publications editor, was a member of the Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, and worked as a highway design intern at GPI. His interest in creating and sustaining connected communities drives his work as a roadway designer at HDR, where he plans to pursue his professional engineering licensure.

Sonya M. Leikin (major: psychology; minor: neuroscience and human development) worked at the Department of Psychology as a program manager and held numerous leadership roles with College Mentors for Kids. As a research assistant in UMD’s Neurocognitive Development Lab, she worked to use research and science as a tool for change in supporting child development.

Alyssa Leventhal (major: special education; minor in human development) served as a peer adviser in the College of Education, president of the Teacher Education Association of Maryland Students, research assistant in the Early Childhood Interaction Lab, member of the Provost’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, mentor for College Mentors for Kids and tutor with the Every Child Project and Maryland Mentor Corps. She was a Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar, completed the Global Public Health Scholars program, and received the Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship. She will pursue a career as an elementary school teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Ananyaa Malhotra (majors: English language and literature, communications; minor: creative writing) served as president of the English honors society Sigma Tau Delta, an editor and reading group leader for UMD’s undergraduate literary studies journal, the Paper Shell Review, and a tutor with the Writing Center. She completed the Honors Humanities program in the Honors College, where she received an award for her final Keystone project. She looks forward to pursuing a career in book publishing.

Valerie Markel (major: finance) graduated summa cum laude in December. She worked for the Department of Resident Life as a resident assistant and for RecWell as a group fitness instructor, served as vice president of finance for Delta Gamma sorority, was a member of Public Leadership Scholars, worked as an Education Equality Initiative tutor and received a certificate of career readiness from Forte Foundation for Women in Business. Active in the deaf community, she serves as a sign language interpreter for many different functions. She is continuing her studies at UMD toward a Master of Science in business analytics as a Terrapin Scholar scholarship recipient.

Vanshika Mehta (major: computer science) is graduating with a citation from the Gemstone program in the Honors College. She was a teaching assistant for various Gemstone and computer science classes and served as a student coordinator for the Honors College. She was an active member of the Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority and the Honors Ambassadors program. After graduation, she plans to work as a software engineer at Bank of America.

Nicole Miko (majors: biological sciences, public health science; minors: sustainability, humanities, health, and medicine) is graduating with a University Honors citation, and served as a SustainableUMD ambassador, Terps for Change coordinator, biology undergraduate teaching assistant, student leader for Kairos Christian Fellowship, Juggling Club co-president and treasurer for the Community Learning Garden as well as for the Thai Student Association. She also served as a research assistant in the Caras Lab, where she pursued an honors thesis through the Biology Honors Program. Off campus, she worked as a medical assistant in an allergy clinic and in a home health care practice, and she plans to serve in an AmeriCorps program before entering medical school.

Navya (Rowan) Mohan (majors: public policy, marketing) received a citation from College Park Scholars’ Public Leadership program. She volunteered as a Help Center peer crisis counselor and served as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Alpha Kappa Psi co-ed business fraternity. She worked as an adventure trip leader for RecWell, and is passionate about education justice, which she pursued through teaching, nonprofit and private-sector internships at firms including enFocus and Comcast. She hopes to pursue a career in global education equity.

Tyler J. Nasuta (major: neuroscience) served as a resource specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center and as an ophthalmic assistant at Seidenberg and Protzko Eye Associates. He loves sports, whether playing for the UMD flag football team or watching his favorite professional teams play. He hopes to pursue a career in ophthalmology.

Linh Nguyen (major: architecture; minor: construction project management) is graduating with a LEED Green Associate certification and served in student leadership roles including vice president of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, university senator and member of both the Provost’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council and the Dean's Advisory Board. A first-generation student from Vietnam, she is an active participant in design competitions with a keen interest in military and defensive Architecture. Fluent in multiple languages, she aims to pursue a master's degree and become a licensed architect while also dedicating herself to volunteering and community service, inspiring her peers to break cultural barriers and drive meaningful social change.

Mateo Noguera (major: operations management and business analytics) is graduating magna cum laude. He conducted biomedical research, co-authoring a thesis on antibiotic resistance with the Gemstone program in the Honors College, and was a teaching assistant in data analytics. He served as vice president of the Maryland men’s club soccer team and continues to compete for Toca Juniors FC. Noguera is pursuing a master's degree in business analytics and is a graduate research assistant at UMD’s Applied Lab for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS). After graduation, he hopes to leverage data science and statistics to positively impact the American public health system.

Ogechukwu Odidika (majors: psychology, information science; minor: humanities, health and medicine), a second-generation Nigerian student, was active in the African Student Association, Charles R. Drew Pre-Health Society and Maryland Mentor Corps. She was part of College Park Scholars’ Global Public Health program and served as a resource specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center. Passionate about mental health and making a positive impact, she will pursue a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Giuse Pham (major: mechanical engineering; minor: global engineering leadership) participated in the A. James Clark Scholars Program and the Science, Technology, and Society program of College Park Scholars. He served as lounge chair of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, played a significant role in developing the ergonomics system for the Terps Racing EV team and advanced machine design research in the mechanical engineering department. His internships included research with the UMD Applied Research Laboratory in Intelligence and Security, designing rockets for Northrop Grumman in Arizona, and integrating and testing satellites in Virginia for Northrop Grumman. After graduating summa cum laude, Pham will return to Northrop Grumman to continue producing satellite systems before pursuing a graduate degree in mechanical engineering.

Daphne Alexis Ranti (major: finance; minor: science, technology, ethics, and policy) was involved in the Science, Technology, and Society program in College Park Scholars, the Scholars’ Communications Committee, Smith Undergraduate Student Association, Sophomore Finance Fellows, Office of Career Services at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, Women in Business Association and QUEST Honors Program. In her leadership roles, she sought to uplift her peers and provide mentorship. She will pursue a master's degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant and diversifying the voices and perspectives in the field.

Elliot Tomar Skopp (major: public health science) served as president of Order of Omega the National Greek Honor Society, president of Sigma Chi Fraternity and vice president of internal affairs for the Interfraternity Council. He also tutored local elementary and middle school students through the Latino Student Fund and Lakeland STARs programs. As a member of the Public Leadership program in College Park Scholars and the School of Public Health honors society, he is poised to make a meaningful impact in the dental community.

Judy Song (major: computer science; minor: statistics) earned a certificate from the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) in the Autonomous Unmanned Systems stream. She served as a teaching assistant and professional chair of Alpha Omega Epsilon and was an active participant of Association of Women in Computing, and the Society of Women Engineers. She was also a member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland and the Maryland Pep Band. Upon graduation, she will work as an embedded software engineer while pursuing a graduate degree in computer science.

Alexa Stimpson (majors: finance and international business) served as vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, vice president of campus programming for the Student Alumni Leadership Council, a mentor in Smith Business Leadership Fellows, and a member of the Smith Dean’s Student Advisory Council; she assumed various leadership positions within the Residence Hall Association. She also worked as a supervisor in University Recreation and Wellness and as a student assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Upon graduation, Stimpson will join KPMG as an advisory associate.

Donaysia Torbit (major: bioengineering) participated in the Science and Global Change program in College Park Scholars. She served as a co-chair of NetNite for the Student Success Leadership Council, a community assistant in the Department of Resident Life, a student resource specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center and a ClarkLeader. Additionally, she was an undergraduate research assistant in the Vascular Kinetics Lab investigating the effects of sex and obesity on vascular health. She plans to pursue a career in the biotherapeutic and technology field before applying to doctoral programs in bioengineering.

Divya Vydhianathan (major: philosophy, politics, and economics; minor: law and society) held leadership roles in the South Asian Student Association, BridgeUMD and Empowering Women in Law UMD; and served as an ambassador for the College of Arts and Humanities and a teaching assistant for freshmen in the Honors Humanities program in the Honors College. She enjoys reading, watching movies and TV shows, cooking, working out and spending time with friends.

Julia Wall (major: elementary education; minor: human development) served as student assistant manager at the Leadership & Community Service Learning Office, a mentor in Maryland Mentor Corps Math Program, an officer of the education honors society Kappa Delta Pi, and a member of the Mortar Board honors society and of the national honors fraternity Phi Sigma Pi. She worked as an elementary school civics teacher through the Civic Circle and has student-taught in Montgomery County and Prince George's County public schools. Following graduation, Wall will become an elementary school teacher and plans to pursue further education.

Maya Trinite Wheeler (major: bioengineering) was a member of the Honors Humanities program in the Honors College and Federal Fellows program, serving as a fellow and teaching assistant. Outside of class, she was a resource specialist at the Student Organization Resource Center, served as the pre-college programs coordinator for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, as an ambassador for the A. James Clark School of Engineering and volunteered with the International Rescue Committee Youth Services Program.