Sean Simonini holds a petri dish while another person points at it in a UMass Lowell lab.
Sean Simonini '26
Political Science, Biology

From policy to research, Sean Simonini is making an impact.

UMass Lowell is about the grit, the work ethic. It’s everybody on an equal playing field. I love that mission.
Read More About Sean Simonini 
Monica Kong headshot
Monica Kong '22
Public Health

The River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students, gave Monica Kong the confidence she needed to succeed – and lead.

The RHSA empowered me not only as a student, but as a leader and a person who wants to serve the community.
Read More About Monica Kong 
Twins Jessica and Jennifer Dossantos
Jennifer Dossantos '23
Business

Honors College student Jennifer Dossantos is majoring in business because she’s inspired by her mom.

I wanted to have a major where I could have versatility, so business seemed like a good option.
Read More About Jennifer Dossantos 
Justin Baez Peguero stands in front of framed images of flags from around the world
Justin Baez Peguero '24
Business

Justin Baez Peguero is studying business, working three jobs and serving in student government.

If you work hard and take chances in life, that’s how you get opportunities.
Read More About Justin Baez Peguero 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand, left, and student researcher Melanie Khiem outdoors in front of trees

    Precalculus Coordinator Aims to Improve Math Education

    Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand ’03, ’10 aims to improve students’ understanding of higher mathematics – and to make precalculus classes more fun. Two undergraduate students are helping him while gaining research experience.
    Featured Story
  • Four panelists sit in chairs in front of a screen at the front of a room, talking to college students.

    Peer Leaders Get a Boost from UKG

    Peer leaders from the Office of Multicultural Affairs are now supported with scholarships and mentorship from workforce management software company UKG, a longtime industry partner of UMass Lowell.
    Featured Story
  • Sean Simonini poses in a white lab coat in a laboratory

    Biology and Political Science Student Wins National Scholarship

    Sean Simonini, who is double-majoring in biology and political science, wants to help find treatments and a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. He won a $7,500 Goldwater Scholarship to support that work.
    Featured Story
  • A woman in a gray blazer poses for a photo while standing near the reception desk in a college office.

    Alumna Returns to Lead First-Gen Success at UML

    English alumna Venus Israni has returned to her alma mater to lead the River Hawk Scholars Academy, UML’s support program for first-generation college students.