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 
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon poses at the top of Mount Washington.
Jamie-Lyn Cavallon '24
Meteorology

Jamie-Lyn Cavallon won an NSF-funded meteorology internship.

It was a great opportunity.
Read More About Jamie-Lyn Cavallon 
UMass Lowell business student Kristin Kihara holds a tablet displaying the cover of her magazine Black.
Kristin Kihara '24
Business Administration, Entrepreneurship

Kristin Kihara started her own digital magazine, Black, highlighting creators who “aren’t really seen.”

There’s a big African population here, and I wanted to go somewhere where I’d feel comfortable.
Read More About Kristin Kihara 
UMass Lowell student Melanie Khiem poses with Visiting Lecturer Matthew Beyranevand.
Melanie Khiem '26
Mathematics

Melanie Khiem is exploring career paths for math majors.

My RHSA success coach thought that research might interest me.
Read More About Melanie Khiem 

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.