Janelle Christopher and her mom, Lorainne.
Janelle Christopher '22
Education

Janelle Christopher started studying at UMass Lowell at the same time as her mom, Lorraine.

We were both first-gen college students at the same time.
Read More About Janelle Christopher 
Nery Rodriguez reads with a child
Nery Rodriguez '22
Public Health

For Nery Rodriguez, public health is the perfect major to combine science with helping people and communities.

With public health, you’re looking at a population and how to deal with health disparities.
Read More About Nery Rodriguez 
Emily Crespo sits at a table with a Jumpstart poster.
Emily Crespo '21
English & Music Composition

Emily Crespo came to UML for its affordability – and for the River Hawk Scholars Academy, now a supportive community for first-year, first-generation college students.

I learned not only that you can help others, but that they can help you on your journey, too.
Read More About Emily Crespo 
Xonyia Vang in a UMass Lowell computer science classroom.
Xonyia Vang '27
Computer Science

First-generation college student Xonyia Vang is pursuing a career in cybersecurity through hands-on coursework, internships and student leadership.

Technology is always advancing, so that means that security measures always have to evolve with it.
Read More About Xonyia Vang 

River Hawk Scholars Academy News

  • Three people stand in front of a research poster and talk in a room.

    A Big STEP Forward in Student Success

    The growing STEM Training and Excellence Program (STEP) is expanding access to academic support and research opportunities, helping students build confidence, gain hands-on experience and prepare for future careers.
    Featured Story
  • 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.