Finance student Heer Patel seated inside a UMass Lowell building
Heer Patel '23
Accounting, Finance

A staff accountant internship at Novogradac confirmed business major Heer Patel’s interest in auditing.

I wanted a college that I could afford, and that has diversity and inclusiveness and makes me feel welcome. UMass Lowell was perfect.
Read More About Heer Patel 
Twisha Mohapatra in the audience during Oprah Winfrey's visit to UMass Lowell.
Twisha Mohapatra '21
Business

Twisha Mohapatra says her experiences in the River Hawk Scholars Academy and the Honors College have boosted her confidence, taught her leadership skills and set her up for academic success.

My self-esteem has skyrocketed. I’m a leader now. Before, I never thought of myself as a leader.
Read More About Twisha Mohapatra 
Neyder Fernandez and Joe Kennedy
Neyder Fernandez '23
Political Science

Mass Lowell offered another “bonus” says Neyder Fernandez: the River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA), a supportive program for first-generation college students.

The price, the location, the people – a lot of my friends from high school are at UMass Lowell, so I felt like I would start off on a good footing.
Read More About Neyder Fernandez 
Shakira Fedna sorts pills
Shakira Fedna '23
Biology

Shakira Fedna came to UMass Lowell because of the River Hawk Scholars Academy, a support program for first-generation college students.

Everybody you come into contact with in the RHSA wants to see you succeed.
Read More About Shakira Fedna 

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.