86 Graduates Honored as Senior Marshals

They’ll lead the way at the University of Maryland’s main Commencement ceremony next week: 86 graduating students who have been named 2026 senior marshals in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, service to the campus community, extracurricular involvement and personal growth.

The full group will carry banners representing their schools and colleges into the ceremony on May 20 at SECU Stadium, 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 2026 for their achievement in overcoming such unprecedented times and making the most of it,” she said. “We celebrate the achievement of graduation for all of these Terps.”

Matthew Ethan Adjodha (dual degrees: public health science; biological sciences) of Rockville, Md., served as co-president of Asian American Student Union, vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, cofounder of Students for Public Research and program coordinator of College Success Scholars. He volunteered with Maryland Athletics’ Sports Nutrition Program and the Community Health Awareness, Messages and Prevention (CHAMP) Lab and was funded as a National Institutes of Health Maximizing Access to Research Careers scholar and a Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Program fellow. A UMD Federal Fellow, he interned at the Food and Drug Administration, Johns Hopkins University and Mayo Clinic, and is an incoming Children’s National Hospital intern. Adjodha hopes to earn an M.D.-Ph.D. to become a physician-scientist translating genetic epidemiology research into preventative medicine, policy and advocacy to support marginalized communities with chronic diseases. 

Ziyan Ahmed (dual degrees: international relations; biochemistry) of Clarksburg, Md., was a Banneker/Key scholar who earned his honors citation through the Honors Global Challenges and Solutions living-learning program. He served as president of its student association and was an Honors College ambassador, receiving the Portz Outstanding Student Award. Ahmed was a UMD Federal Fellow who dedicated himself to mentorship, service and healthcare. He worked six semesters as an organic chemistry lecture and lab teaching assistant, served as a peer coach with the Social Interaction Group Network for All to support neurodivergent students in acclimating to campus, served as a medical assistant with the American Diversity Group’s free clinic and Olney Medical Group, co-founded Haynes Kitchen to prepare and serve meals to local homeless shelters in Washington, D.C., and interned at the Consortium for Health and Military Performance at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He hopes to attend medical school to become a physician committed to bridging gaps in healthcare and practicing in underserved communities.

Michelle Akem (major: information science) of Upper Marlboro, Md., was a research assistant for the Department of Entomology, a teaching assistant for courses in biological sciences and information science, administrative director of Phunktions Hip Hop Dance Company, and a tutor for the Latino Student Fund. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring within technology, which she demonstrated through her two years as an organizer of the Technica hackathon and her ongoing language learning project Dialectable, which earned a capstone award from the Honors College’s Digital Cultures and Creativity program. She plans to pursue software engineering at a consulting firm before applying for graduate school.

Ishaan Sameer Antani (major: cell biology and genetics; minor: general business) of Montgomery Village, Md., was a Banneker/Key scholar who was a teaching assistant for the Honors College’s Integrated Life Sciences program. He was a research assistant in Brantley Hall’s laboratory in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics and a research intern in Christian Mayer’s laboratory at the National Cancer Institute’s Experimental Immunology Branch. Antani was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, the drumline section leader for the Mighty Sound of Maryland, a volunteer with Terps for Change, and a recovery leader with the Food Recovery Network. He is a medical assistant at a primary care practice and aspires to attend medical school.

LeeAnn Wong Arbelo (double degrees: English; philosophy, politics and economics) was a Banneker/Key Scholar in both the Honors College’s University Honors and Global Fellows communities. She was active in the College of Arts and Humanities, serving as editor-in-chief of the Paper Shell Review, an undergraduate representative on multiple departmental committees, and an ARHU ambassador. She worked at the Writing Center, took part in Sigma Tau Delta as the vice president and presented a paper at the Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium. Arbelo completed research with the Department of Communication’s Recovering Democracy Archives and at the University of Mississippi with the National Science Foundation-funded Interdisciplinary Study of the Politics of Place. Outside of academia and campus, she interned at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Maryland General Assembly and Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C.

Divya Bhat (major: public policy) of Germantown, Md., is in the five-year B.A./M.P.P. program. She founded the Asian American Policy Union, served as director of diversity and inclusion for Kappa Omega Alpha professional fraternity, as student co-chair to the School of Public Policy’s Assembly Executive Committee, and as co-vice president of external affairs of the Asian American Student Union. Bhat was a member of the Carillon Communities living-learning program and interned at the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Maryland Administrator Pathways Program. She hopes to continue to work on advancing equity through public health policy.

Madison Blaustein (major: psychology) of East Brunswick, N.J., was a research assistant at the Neurocognitive and Development Lab, a peer and crisis counselor at the Help Center, vice president of the Student Organ Donation Advocates at UMD, and music director of the Treblemakers a cappella group. Blaustein was also a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and a member of the Student Health Advisory Committee at the Health Center. She hopes to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.

Cassidy Blum (major: food and nutrition science; minor: business) of Warwick, Md., worked as a nutrition coach for the University Health Center, a nutrition intern for the football team, a peer mentor for the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, an Agriculture Student Council representative and campus outreach coordinator for the Student Dietetic Association. She plans to earn her master's degree in dietetics.

Tal T. Bresler (major: neuroscience; minor; health, humanities, and medicine) of Silver Spring, Md., 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, and member of the UMD Women’s Crew Team and of Omicron Delta Kappa. Beyond campus, she was a volunteer medical assistant at the Pregnancy Aid Center, 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. Bresler will attend medical school and hopes to pursue a career integrating primary care and public health policy.

Walter E. Brown Jr. (major: biological sciences) participated in Civicus (now Civic Engagement for Social Good), the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience, and the Gemstone  program in Honors College, while contributing to multiple undergraduate research labs and serving as a teaching assistant for an introductory biological sciences course. He was vice president of the Black Alliance Network and a member of United Against Inequities in Disease, the Student Health Advisory Committee and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. Brown also served as a resident assistant, peer career influencer, certified medical assistant and clinical engineering equipment technician at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He plans to attend medical school to become a cardiothoracic surgeon while advancing public health advocacy to address health disparities in underserved communities.

Elle Burke (dual degrees: information science; immersive media design) is a first-generation student from Silver Spring, Md. She served as programmer team lead, comedy, and co-special events and traditions director for Student Entertainment Events (SEE); a resident assistant; and an artist operations assistant; and NextNOW Fest student curator at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Burke interned and worked in various roles across the music industry, from talent research to working the merch table on the Vans Warped Tour. She hopes to work to improve the music industry and amplify the voices of a diverse range of artists.

Eileen Chen (dual degrees: information systems; finance) is a first-generation student from Rockville, Md. She served on the Robert H. Smith School of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Council; was a College Park Scholar and sat on the Scholars Advisory Board; and was a member of the QUEST Honors Program and a Smith Business Leadership fellow. She also served as president of the Women in Business Association and the 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 was named the 2024 Omicron Delta Kappa Sophomore Leader of the Year. Chen completed internships with both Northrop Grumman and J.P. Morgan Private Bank, whose New York City office she will return to full-time after graduation. 

Gabriella Chiasera (dual degrees: biological sciences; Spanish) of Baltimore, participated in the Language House program. She 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. Chiasera worked to expand access to educational and health resources for Spanish-speaking communities by developing translation materials and supporting outreach initiatives in underserved areas. 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.

Urszula Cieslak (dual degrees: finance; accounting) of Kensington, Md., was a member of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program, an ambassador for both the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Honors College and director of membership and recruitment for the Smith Start Program. She was a Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar, an experiential learning assistant for the Schanwald Sports Management Program and lead teaching assistant in the Department of Finance. Cieslak served as president of the Women in Business Association and vice president of alumni programming for the Student Alumni Leadership Council. After graduation, she will return full-time to PwC as a deals advisory associate.

Faith Comising (major: computer science; minor: general business) of Fulton, Md., served as a director for the Technica hackathon, 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. Comising earned a citation from the Design Cultures and Creativity program in the Honors College and represented the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences as a recruitment ambassador.

Jess Daninhirsch (major: journalism; minor: history) of Pittsburgh, was involved in Kol Sasson Jewish a cappella, Avirah Israeli Dance Company and Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi honors societies. She served as the executive board historian for Omicron Delta Kappa, the social media and communications chair for the Society of Professional Journalists, and wrote for and took photos for numerous campus publications. She worked as a reporter and photographer for Capital News Service and interned at UMD’s Office of Marketing and Communications, and at NBC's “Meet the Press.” She aspires to be a traveling photojournalist and documentarian.

Anika Darbari (major: neuroscience; minor: Spanish) of Silver Spring, Md., participated in College Park Scholars’ Life Sciences program. She served as president of STRIVE, a sickle-cell mentorship program, internal vice president of BridgeUMD, and committee chair of UMD’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association, Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor 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.

Saanchi Desai (major: aerospace engineering) of Mumbai, India, held leadership roles in UMD’s American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics student chapter, was a board and senior member of the Balloon Payload Program and supported the Women in Engineering (WIE) Program as a mentor coordinator and staff member. She also served the aerospace engineering department as a teaching fellow and was part of a winning A. James Clark School of Engineering Alumni Cup team. Desai studied the aerodynamic loads and acoustics of the Leonardo da Vinci aerial screw as part of Professor James Baeder’s team and aspires to lead innovation in aerospace engineering while advancing STEM.

Varun Deshpande (major: public health science) of Glenwood, Md., served as deputy director and co-director of the Student Government Association Health and 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 also received 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. Deshpande plans to apply to medical school.

Alexandra Doncheva (major: finance) is on an accelerated track to complete her B.S. and M.S. in four years. She was active in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows, Sophomore Finance Fellows, Wall Street Fellows and Banking Fellows programs. She served as vice president of finance for the Smith Investment Fund and as a financial peer mentor for the Financial Wellness Center. She was a two-time recipient of the Paul J. Cinquegrana ’63 Finance Scholarship award, was honored by the Center for Social Value Creation with an Outstanding Student Award for her team’s work as impact consulting fellows, and completed professional experiences spanning investments, venture capital, wealth management and private credit. After completing her M.S., she plans to begin her career on Wall Street.

Kelsey Eggleston (major: hearing and speech sciences) of Prince George’s County was an undergraduate clinician in the LEAP (Language-Learning Early Advantage Program) Preschool, a clinician in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences (HESP) clinical practicum, a student representative for its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee, and vice chair of student services and HESP representative for the Dean’s Student Advisory Council. Eggleston was also president of the National Black Association for Speech Language and Hearing and member of the UMD’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She plans to pursue a master's degree in speech-language pathology.

Jasmine Emeruwa (major: information science; minors: general business; information risk management, ethics, and privacy). She participated in the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program, was a student intern at the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy office, a College of Information 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. 

Samiya Farhin (major: biological sciences; minor: technology entrepreneurship and corporate innovation) of Gaithersburg, Md. She emigrated from Bangladesh four years ago and began her studies at a local community college. She completed her degree while raising her daughter, now 3 ½ years old.

Jasmine Flores (major: public policy) served 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 Federal Fellows, the Do Good Institute Accelerators Program, and the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Program. Flores 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. She will attend law school to continue her commitment to public service.

Raquel Ford (major: marketing) of Frederick, Md., served as a program coordinator at the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets and was co-founder and president of the Fashion Business Association. She was a member of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors (IBH) Program and won the Honors College Portz Outstanding Student Award for the program. She participated in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program, QUEST Honors Program and Strategic Design Fellows Program. She was active in the Student Alumni Leadership Council, served as a Smith Start mentor and represented UMD as an ambassador for the National Retail Federation Foundation. She is pursuing her master’s degree in management at UMD.

Catherine Furtado (major: kinesiology; minor: human development) is a Banneker/Key Scholar from Waldorf, Md. She served as community service chair for the Filipino Cultural Association, Delta Epsilon Mu Professional Pre-Health Fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa. She also was a volunteer coach for Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), a tutor/mentor for the Latino Student Fund, a sports medicine intern for Maryland Athletics, a teacher's aide for UMD's Center for Young Children and a rehabilitation aide at an off-campus clinic. Following graduation, Furtado will pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy at Towson University.

Noora Ghahremani (dual degrees: English language and literature, psychology; minors in law and society, Spanish, and creative writing) of Ellicott City, Md., was a Banneker/Key Scholar. Within the Honors College, she served as a team captain in the Honors Ambassadors program and worked as the Honors Humanities communications Intern and was a two-time editor-in-chief of Impressions Magazine, receiving the Seidel Keystone Award and the Portz Outstanding Honors Student Award. She was secretary and president of the Spanish Club, philanthropy chair of the Iranian Student Foundation, and president of UMD’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society). Ghahremani also served as a teaching assistant in the English and psychology departments and the Honors College, taught weekly character development classes for children in the DMV and volunteered as a student ambassador for the Robert H. Smith School of Business. She plans to complete a plus-one master’s program at UMD before attending law school.

Darcia Gleason (majors: psychology, criminology and criminal justice, and English language and literature; minor: general business) of Cleveland, completed the University Honors program in the Honors College and was a Federal Fellow, leading to an eight-month internship with the National Labor Relations Board. Gleason also served as a teaching assistant in three courses and worked as a research assistant in two psychology research labs. She was an Honors Ambassador through the duration of her undergraduate studies, orientation peer advisor and president of the Student Life Council for University Honors. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue further studies in the psychology field.

Ciana Gomes (major: computer science; minor: data science) is a Trinidadian-American first-generation student from Columbia, Md. She was a member of the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society and 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. Gomes also served as a recruiting ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and was a software developer intern. She hopes to continue mentoring young people and uplifting underrepresented communities in STEM while pursuing a career in software development.

Avipsa Hamal (major: psychology; minor: Asian American studies) of Baltimore earned a citation from the Honors College’s University Honors program. 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. 

Grace Herron (major: bioengineering) of Forest Hill, Md., conducted infectious disease research in the Respiratory Nano Bioengineering and Public Health Aerobiology labs, contributing to studies on influenza transmission and mucosal barrier engineering. She served as an undergraduate teaching fellow for two bioengineering courses, a Women In Engineering Program intern and peer mentor, and A. James Clark School of Engineering student ambassador. She is an alumna of Civicus (now Civic Engagement for Social Good), former president of the North Hill Area Council, a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society, and a recipient of the Adele H. Stamp Circle of Women Scholarship. Herson studied abroad at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and was a member of the Denmark Sustainability Challenge Competition Team. She also co-hosted the long-running WMUC radio show “Weezer Wednesday.”

Gabrielle Hester (major: immersive media design) of Rockville, Md., held leadership roles at Student Entertainment Events, Hack4Impact, Startup Shell and Technica, and co-founded the Petal Project, a campus initiative addressing relationship abuse in young adults. She also was a resident assistant and two-time Do Good Institute Accelerator Fellow. Hester represented UMD at national conferences including the Allstate Youth Service Summit, the Our Voice Summit at UPenn and Princeton's Design Nation Conference.

Madison Hueston (major: information science; minor: history) of Prince George’s County, Md., served as president of UMD’s chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, founder and president of Mind Matters, an orientation advisor, public relations chair for Students Towards Education Progress and Philanthropy (STEPP), and a counselor for Camp Kesem UMD. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in user experience design and continue her education in human-computer interaction.

Mia Jocić (major: bioengineering; minor: science, technology, ethics and policy) of Annapolis, Md., 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 Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society. She received the A. James Clark School of Engineering Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership as well as the Fischell Department of Bioengineering Outstanding Leadership Award. She is interested in pursuing a career in global health engineering, focusing on expanding healthcare capacity in low-resource settings.

Maria Johnsonbaugh (dual degree: neuroscience, Spanish language, literature, and cultures) from Ellicott City, Md., was part of the Honors College’s Gemstone program. She conducted 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 was a three-year resident assistant; finance director of the Help Center; treasurer of SCALE Operations; a teaching assistant, learning assistant and Guided Study Sessions leader; and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society; she also served in the Residence Hall Association and Student Government Association. Johnsonbaugh will be a dental student next fall and hopes to focus on sustainable health care options for underserved communities.

Saili Khorjekar (major: public health science; minor: law and society) of Columbia, Md., was in the Global Public Health Scholars program, a teaching assistant for introductory chemistry classes, president of Phi Alpha Epsilon, the Public Health Honors Society, vice president and later chief of staff in the Student Government Association, vice president of Remote Area Medical, and director of Maryland Minza. Khorjekar 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.

Catherine Koo (major: biological sciences; minors: general business; science, technology, ethics and policy) of Rockville, Md., is an alumna of the Global Fellows program. She was also a recruitment officer with Hearts for the Homeless, team leader with Maryland Mentor Corps' Maryland Reading Program, a peer mentor with the Honor College’s Integrated Life Sciences program, tutor with the Every Child Project, and a fan development and event marketing intern with Maryland Athletics. Koo plans to pursue a career in biotech or healthcare, bridging science and business to advance innovative solutions and improve health outcomes.

Rohita Krishnakumar (major: international business; minor: nonprofit leadership and social innovation) was president of Student Entertainment Events and represented student voices on the STAMP Advisory Board and the Vice President for Student Affairs’ Student Advisory Council. Additionally, she worked at the Student Organization Resource Center, served as a teaching assistant for business and public policy courses, and was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. Krishnakumar plans to pursue a career in law.

Psalmy Lacson (dual degrees: public health science and psychology) is from Maryland’s Eastern Shore and originally from the Philippines. She served as president of the Filipino Cultural Association, vice president of finance for the Asian American Student Union, historian for Alpha Kappa Delta Phi 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. Lacson was named a 2025 Spirit of Maryland Award finalist and was a member of Psi Chi Psychology Honors Society. She plans to pursue a career at the intersection of public health and organizational leadership, building systems and programs that uplift underserved communities.

Bidushi Lakhemaru (major: public health science) of Montgomery County, Md., 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 a 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.

Faith LeBrun (major: information systems) of Baltimore was a member of the Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program and the QUEST Honors Program and served as president of the Snider Consulting Group. LeBrun also studied abroad in Rome. She will join Capital One as an associate product manager in McLean, Va.

Richard Lee (majors: marketing, international business; minors: nonprofit leadership and social Innovation, creative writing) is a Korean American from Baltimore. He served as Focus Family leader and vice president at Kharis Campus Ministry, as a Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program mentor and ambassador, and as a Hack4Impact National Operations Committee member. He was also part of the College Park Scholars’ Public Leadership program, Smith Business Leadership Fellows and Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House. He aspires to be a positive change in his community by bridging the gap between for-profit and not-for-profit sectors and putting smiles on the faces of anyone around him.

Rachel Lei (dual degrees: chemistry and mathematics; minor: computer science) of Ellicott City, Md., was a research assistant in the Mullin Lab, a teaching assistant in chemistry, a recruitment ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and Honors College, where she was part of University Honors, an academic peer mentor and a university senator. She will pursue a doctorate in physical chemistry.

Olivia Lewis (major: biological sciences; minor: classical mythology) of Ellicott City, Md., is an alumnus of the College Park Scholars’ Life Sciences (LS) program, where she was a peer mentor and LS representative on the Student Advisory Board and the Scholars representative on the Undergraduate Studies Dean's Student Advisory Board. Lewis was also a teaching assistant for four semesters and participated in the Federal Fellows program, culminating in an internship with the Department of Energy. Lewis hopes to pursue a master’s degree in genetic counseling, combining her love of biology and service.

Reva Mannan (major: public health science) is a native of Potomac, Md., and third-generation Terrapin. She earned recognition as a Dean’s Scholar, University Honors student and Omicron Delta Kappa member. Mannan also served as president of the Indian Students Association, vice president of programming of Phi Delta Epsilon, Guided Study Sessions leader and mentor for “Anatomy and 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 Reed-Yorke Health Professions Advising Office. Beyond campus, she was a volunteer EMT in Montgomery County. She plans to pursue a career in medicine as a physician. 

Ronja Markoff (double degree: public policy; technology and information design) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 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 Communities living-learning program.

Cadence Michels (major: biological sciences: minor: music and culture) of Wilmington, Del., was a teaching assistant for “Principles of Genetics” and a peer research mentor with the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE). She conducted independent research at several labs on campus. As student training manager at Shuttle-UM and vice president of the Terrapin Record Label club, Michels built upon her experiences as a bus driver, radio DJ and student musician to develop new opportunities and platforms for students.

Dhruvak Mirani (dual degrees: computer science and international relations) was president of the Student Government Association and a member of the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents. He previously served as student liaison to College Park City Council, where he helped create a housing assistance program for student residents. Mirani also worked as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant, was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, and wrote opinion columns for The Diamondback. He was a UMD Global Fellow, a member of the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) in the Honors College and named a 2025 Truman Scholar and a 2026 Marshall Scholar. 

Dorian Mitchell (majors: government and politics; criminology and criminal justice) of Baltimore County, Md., was a Banneker/Key scholar and University Honors alum. She served as 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, a volunteer with Terps 4 Change and an inductee of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. As a member of the Kappa Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, she served as historian, chair of educational development and social action co-chair. Mitchell plans to attend law school to pursue a career aligned with her passion for social justice.

Linaly Miyamoto (major: information science; minor; global terrorism studies) of College Park, Md., 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 University Senate Elections, Representation & Governance Committee, a data reporter for The Diamondback, and a student consultant at the iConsultancy. Miyamoto was a member of the Carillon Communities living-learning program, was a teaching assistant for the “Introduction to Programming” course and conducted counterterrorism research at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism.

Joseph Moore (major: public policy) is a first-generation college student from Pasadena, Md. He began his academic journey at Anne Arundel Community College, and at UMD, served as a student ambassador for the School of Public Policy, a 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. Moore plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public-interest law.

Ashley Morales (dual degrees: English and Spanish) of Gaithersburg, Md., 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 national leadership honor society. She was 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. Morales, who earned her citation from the Honor College’s Design Cultures and Creativity program, will continue her studies at UMD’s College of Education’s Master of Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certification program.

Judy Nasser (dual degrees: sociology; criminology and Criminal Justice; minor: law and society) of Baltimore) is a 4+1 graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts degree in international relations. She was nominated for a Harry S. Truman Scholarship and selected to represent UMD for the DACOR Bacon House Foundation Graduate Fellowship. Nasser served as director of public advocacy and legal education for the American Civil Liberties Union, as assistant editor of the Undergraduate Law Review, and on the University Student Judiciary Honor Council. She was a Global Fellow and inductee of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. Nasser plans to pursue a J.D. and a career in civil rights litigation to advance protections for immigrants and refugees.

Gavin Neubauer (major: public policy; minor: Chinese language) of Washington, D.C., is an alumnus of the Honors Humanities program. He was a UMD Maryland Fellow and 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. Beyond campus, he 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.

Naomi Nicholas (major: English: minor: history) of Bowie, Md., was part of the Honors Humanities program in the Honors College, Maryland Fellows Program and Jiménez-Porter Writers' House. She was 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 and service chair for Black Girls Vote. Nicholas was also a general member of the Black Honors Caucus and completed the Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program.

Obariagora Nwogu (majors: biological sciences and and public health science) of Prince George’s County served as president of the Black Pre-Med Association; program coordinator, team leader and executive board member for 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; and Phi Delta Epsilon member and was a part of the University Honors Program. Nwogu plans to apply to medical school to pursue his goal of becoming a physician.

Chinazam “Zam” Nwosu (major: computer engineering) of Montgomery County, Md., served as president, programs chair and academic excellence chair of the UMD chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. Nwoso was a DEI student representative for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, a teaching assistant for Girls Who Code, and programs chair and inaugural member of the Computing Society. Additionally, she volunteered for three years as a tutor and mentor for the Latino Student Fund and Higher Achievement Middle School programs, served as a member of the National Scholarships Office Student Advisory Council, was a member of the QUEST Honors Program, and worked as an additive technician at Terrapin Works.

Zef'Rah Ochoa (major: criminology and criminal justice) is a first-generation student from Baltimore County, Md. She was part of the Honors College’s Honors Humanities program and was engaged on campus in the Department of Resident Life, as an ambassador for U.S. Latino/a Studies, as president of the Latino Pre-Law Society, through employment with the Student Organization Resource Center and more.

Oriel Ockerman (major: neuroscience) of Columbia, Md., was an executive board member for Pre-Health Global Brigades, Nu Rho Psi Honor Society, SHARE (Supplying Hospitals Abroad with Resources and Equipment) and the University Honors Student Life Council. She was awarded a Student Fellow Grant for her mental health mural in University Honors. Ockerman also worked as a medical assistant and scribe at a neurology office. She hopes to spend two gap years serving under-resourced communities and traveling before applying to medical school.

Inez “Dulce” Ortiz (major: criminology and criminal justice) is a first-generation student who was 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 for Community Engagement and a member of the Unity Center Steering Committee. A December 2025 graduate, she went on to work for the federal government.

Elli Papasava (dual degrees: psychology, human development) served as president of the community service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, raised a service dog in training, participated in the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) and worked as a research assistant for the Cognition and Development Lab and the Human Computer Interaction Lab. Papasava is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and earned the Human Development Undergraduate Research Award for her honors thesis investigating children’s expectations of partisanship. After graduation, she aims to pursue a graduate degree.

Dylan Patel (major: computer science; minor: computational finance) of Kolkata, West Bengal, India, 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 Embodied Dynamics Lab. He was also a leader in Product Space@UMD and represented students through the University Senate, the Senate Student Affairs Committee and the Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Dean’s Student Advisory Council. After graduation, Patel will continue at UMD to complete a master’s degree in finance.

Sarah Pham (dual degrees: information systems, operations management and business analytics; minor: data science) of Frederick, Md., served as vice president of engagement and vice president of external affairs for Consult Your Community’s UMD branch, finance and information systems tutor for athletes in the GSAC Tutorial Program, algebra tutor in the Every Child Project, undergraduate researcher in the Biogeochemistry Lab and teaching assistant for a data analytics class. Pham was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society and received the citation for the Science, Technology, and Society Scholars Program and was a member of the inaugural Smith Business Leadership Fellows cohort. She plans to work in the digital equity, sustainability and educational nonprofit sectors after graduation.

Isabel Polanco (major: human development) of Gaithersburg, Md., served as a teaching assistant for Inquiry Approach to Teaching STEM, peer advisor and student worker in the College of Education's Office of Student Services, participant in the University Honors program and peer academic leader in the Honors College, intern in the A. James Clark School of Engineering's Academic Services Office, research assistant in the College of Education's Family Involvement Laboratory, student assembly member in the College of Education, and the historian and study abroad chair for the Latinx Student Union. Beyond campus, Polanco was a substitute teacher for Montgomery County Public Schools and camp counselor for Montgomery County Recreation. She will pursue a master’s degree in higher education administration.

Stefano Raffo (double degree: international business, government and politics) of Pembroke Pines, Fla., was vice president of Latina Pathways, a community organizer for Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy and practice coordinator for UMD’s speech and debate team. He was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and received the Benjamin, Mary, and Maryanne Sharp TerpStart Endowed Scholarship in Government and Politics. Raffo hopes to work in conservation and the nonprofit sector.

Riya Raikar (major: biological sciences; minors: humanities, health, and medicine; Asian American studies) of Ellicott City, Md., served as a research associate in the Water Quality, Outreach and Wellness (WOW) Laboratory in the School of Public Health, where she studied microbial water quality and worked with her team to analyze its effect on community health. She 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’s Maryland Beta chapter. Raikar, a College Park Scholar, was also active in the Every Child Project and the Food Recovery Network.

Savannah Robbins (major: psychology) of Montgomery County, Md., was part of University Honors, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a student in the Honors Psychology program and a musician in the Mighty Sound of Maryland marching band and Maryland Basketball Pep Band. With grief as a primary research interest, she worked as a member of the Counseling Psychology Research Center and received the Honors College Research Grant for her honors thesis on best practices for faculty to respond to grieving students. Robbins was involved with the Lean on Me peer-to-peer campus support line and was a shelter volunteer with the Playtime Project.

Mateo Rodriguez (major: immersive media design-computing) explored the intersections of technology and art through the creation of immersive projects and involvement with campus communities. He was sound studio manager for the Design Cultures and Creativity program in the Honors College, and participated 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 Forward campaign launch event. 

Eric Rudo (major: information science) of Elkridge, Md., served as a research assistant for both the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the A. James Clark School of Engineering and teaching assistant for classes in the College of Information and the Joint Program on Survey Methodology, treasurer of the Maryland Chess Club, and executive board member of the Theta Chi fraternity as housing operations manager. He plans to pursue either a Master of Information Management degree or a career in data science and analytics systems.

Barbara Seruya (major: criminology and criminal justice; minor: law and society) of Los Angeles received the Peter P. Lejins Award for Academic Excellence, served as a student police aid and Security Operations Center monitor for the University of Maryland Police Department, a First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) participant, a Federal Fellow in the Intelligence and Policymaking cohort and a teaching assistant for 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, she researched topics including juvenile crime rates, sexual victimization of inmates and the legacy of slavery in modern Maryland. She held an injury-law internship and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, while also participating in extracurriculars, including intramural flag football and Hillel.

Emily Shoemaker (dual majors: information science; philosophy, politics, and economics) of Catonsville, Md., was a part of the Residence Hall Association and served as a senator for Ellicott Hall, sustainability coordinator and finally as president, which led her to serve on six advisory committees in the last year. She was also selected as a member of the Sustainability Collective of Maryland and interned in marketing and communications and sustainability for Dining Services. While doing so, she authored and won a $21,000 grant for the South Campus Botanical Refresh Project and developed and launched the Campus Cafes: Collect Them All! event, while also working as a community assistant in Resident Life for all three years of her degree. After graduation, Shoemaker will pursue a Master of Information Management degree.

Marvi Shroff (dual degrees: finance, information systems) of Clarksburg, Md., was deeply involved at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, serving as co-lead of 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, Shroff was active in the College Park Scholars Public Leadership program, first as a peer mentor, then as a teaching assistant for the program’s capstone course over the past two years. She will work at Capital One as an associate in the Finance Rotation Program.

Kaisha Snowden (dual degrees: public health practice; dance) contributed to the physical, social and mental well-being of Black and African American students on campus by serving on the executive board of the Black Student Union and representing the Kappa Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She earned her citation from the Honor College’s Design Cultures and Creativity program and will return to UMD this summer to continue her studies in her Master of Public Health program with the goal of becoming a biostatistician.

Eugene Song (major: public health science; minor: disability studies) of Rockville, Md., graduated with a Gemstone citation in the Honors College. She has held numerous leadership and academic roles, including leading a maternal chemical exposure research team through Gemstone, serving as president of the Gemstone Student Council, working as a teaching assistant for three years and serving as a research assistant in the Public Health AeroBiology Lab. She was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and the public health honors society Phi Alpha Epsilon. During internships, she conducted virology research at the Mayo Clinic and examined water quality across Maryland counties through the CONSERVE/DAWN project at the University of Maryland, and co-authored manuscript submissions and conference abstracts. Song is passionate about infectious disease control research and hopes to further pursue a career in public health. 

Sarah St. Villier (dual degrees: public policy; criminology and criminal justice; minor: rhetoric) of Burtonsville, Md., was a Maryland Promise Scholar and College Park Scholar who 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. A UMD Maryland Fellow, she was 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. St. Villier plans to attend law school and pursue a career in criminal defense.

Bilal Suleman (major: computer science; minors: data science, general business) of Laurel, Md., served as a College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences peer mentor, teaching assistant and orientation leader who helped students navigate course planning and campus resources. He led projects in the App Dev 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. Suleman studied abroad in Indonesia, where he researched 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.

Erin Tebbe (major: kinesiology) is an alumna of the Kinesiology Honors Program and College Park Scholars. She served as president of the Kinesiology Student Organization, vice president of the Phi Alpha Epsilon Honorary Society, teaching assistant for sports psychology, and kinesiology student panelist, while also working as a weight/fitness supervisor at University Recreation and Wellness. She was a tutor with Lakeland STARs, conducted research in the Human Performance Biopsychology Laboratory, and gained clinical experiences with Maryland Athletics Sports Medicine. Tebbe was 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, Tebbe plans to pursue her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at the Ohio State University.

Milca Teklezgi (major: technology and information design) of Silver Spring, Md., served as a student employee in the Student Involvement Suite, acting as an advocate for student leaders. After graduation, Tejkezgu plans to pursue museum and archival studies in hopes of making historical collections more accessible, equitable and engaging for diverse audiences while also protecting the stories that shape our world.

Adaugo Umeh (major: public health science; minor: disability studies) of Bowie, Md., was the president and founder of Black Maternal Health@UMD student organization. She served as a research assistant for the BLACK Health Research Lab, a resident assistant, a student video intern for UMD’s football team, a social media assistant and an operations assistant for Maryland Athletics, a teaching assistant on the School of Public Health’s UTEAM, a volunteer at the Pregnancy Aid Center, a tutor for Lakeland STARs, a representative on the Scholars Advisory Board for the Science and Global Change living-learning program and a member of Delta Epsilon Mu, a professional pre-health fraternity. After graduation, Umeh plans to obtain a Master of Public Health degree before attending medical school to become a physician who advocates for underserved communities, especially mothers of color.

Shreyes Varde (major: computer science; minor: business analytics) of Edison, N.J., served as a teaching assistant for a Student Initiated Course; was the chair of sexual assault prevention, DEI, and grades for his fraternity, Sigma Phi Delta; met with prospective students and answered their questions during open houses as a College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences ambassador; and chaired high school conferences as part of UMD's Model United Nations club. He was also a member of the QUEST Honors Program and the UMD chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa. After graduation, Varde will work as a software engineer.

Chaltu Watkins (major: public policy; certificate: African American and Africana studies) of Frederick, Md., earned a citation in the College Park Scholars Justice and Legal Thought program and was a Rawlings Leadership Fellow. She also served as a Maryland fellow in the Maryland General Assembly Writing Seminar cohort and participated in the Do Good Institute’s Impact Interns program. She plans in her work to uplift marginalized communities and promote more inclusive systems.

Brendan Weissel (major: journalism; minor: general business) of Newton, Mass., served as captain of the Testudo team, representing the university at sporting events, community gatherings, campus celebrations and statewide events. He also was a deputy engagement editor at The Diamondback to keep students informed of campus news as it unfolded. Weissel traveled with the Philip Merrill College of Journalism to Senegal, Rwanda and the United Kingdom, reporting on the globalization of sports.

Laila Wilson (major: architecture; minor: construction project management) of Baltimore was a peer academic leader in University Honors (UH) and vice president of community development in the Student Life Council, receiving a Leadership Medallion, Emerging Leader Award and UH Portz Outstanding Student Award, among others. Outside of UH, she was involved in Crochet for a Cause, the Food Recovery Network, Community Learning Garden, Tea Club, Club Crew, Club Badminton and Club Climbing. Wilson plans to pursue a master's degree in environmental engineering at UMD to work on stormwater management and ecological restoration.

Bria Young (major: environmental science and technology; minor: anti-Black racism) of Baltimore County, Md., served as marketing chair and chair for the Student Success Leadership Council’s Gift of Giving Gala, peer mentor for the Carillon Communities living-learning program, community assistant for South Campus Commons and undergraduate teacher assistant for Introduction to Environmental Health in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (ENST). Young has also participated as a student mentor for Maryland Mentor Corps' Latino Student Fund, and participated in a week-long service trip through Alternative Breaks, in collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Young advocated for environmental justice and representation within ENST, and pushed for discussion of social justice issues within the environmental sciences.

Emilee Yuan (major: bioengineering) was an Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) Honors College scholar who served as the president of the American Physician Scientist Association, Biomedical Engineering Honors Society webmaster, and ILS senior advisor and events coordinator. She guided underclassmen as an ILS peer mentor, supported students as a departmental teaching assistant for multiple courses and conducted research in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s laboratories. Yuan intends to attend medical school to pursue a career as a physician, applying engineering concepts to clinical problems.

Alena Zheng (major: bioengineering; minor: neuroscience) was a first-generation college student and McNair Scholar who conducted research all four years as a First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) alumna and as a research assistant at the Integrative Cognition and Neuroscience Lab. She served as a member of the A. James Clark School of Engineering First-Generation Student Advisory Committee, vice president of programming and community development for the Oakland Residence Hall Association and student ambassador for the Student Alumni Leadership Council, and also worked as an office assistant for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Zheng plans to pursue a graduate degree, continuing her neuroengineering research to support those affected by neurological disorders.