Meet Our Students

Honors College student Anthony Amatucci leads the UML Marching Band and the Model U.N. team – and still finds time for a double major, a minor and research.

By her sophomore year, Feriel Boudif had secured two paid research assistant positions on campus.

Samuel Morse, founder of UML’s Artificial Intelligence Multidisciplinary Society, is exploring AI’s practical applications in business and education while helping students prepare for an AI-shaped future.

Sonakshi Chaudhary came to UML planning to transfer. She stayed after falling in love with everything the campus has to offer.

Duc Vu discovered his ability to teach in high school, so he signed up for the UTeach program in STEM education.

Honors College Student Fellow Sunilda Frias is studying biology to help subsistence farmers improve their soil.

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

Rachel Jordan says that discovering the chair of the Economics Department was a woman helped convince her to come to UMass Lowell.

Fatin Rahman combines her skills for academics and leadership to inspire women and underrepresented students in engineering.

Sam Morgan came to UMass Lowell to study atmospheric science and meteorology. He expanded his education and professional network through experiences with two of the nation’s leading atmospheric sciences organizations.

Cooper Ferrari combined research, emergency medical service and coursework for a successful application to physician assistant school.

Isabella De Souza has won two scholarships that will allow her to study Spanish abroad, so she can bring multiple languages to her future nursing career.

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

An Honors College student fellowship gave Marbella Leal a chance to work with at-risk students and do research with a professor.

As a pharmaceutical sciences major interested in research and business, Marita Merheb pursues all opportunities to advance her goals.

SoarCS, a summer program for incoming computer science majors, helped shape Ariana Brown’s college experience.

An honors seminar led Joshua Walsh to design a drinking water system and solar grid for a center in Haiti.

Madison Fusco is helping to make a difference in people’s lives through her biotechnology co-op at Wave Life Sciences.

An introduction to research helped Noah Mason find his passion.

Eric Roy started doing meteorological research on campus the summer after his freshman year – and then won two research internships with government agencies.

Transfer student Nicole Karp has thrived as a leader and mentor at UML, preparing herself for a global career.

Honors student Malcolm Schrafft studied his twin passions: music and theater.

Honors College transfer student Serah Njoroge is excited about working within the public health profession to create change, especially within underserved communities.

Sahana Sivarajan is leveraging leadership roles in the Manning School of Business and multiple marketing internships to prepare for a career in the pharmaceutical, consulting or tech industries.

After earning two degrees at UMass Lowell, Rebecca Mendum is continuing her education at Harvard University.

Rhondyna Reth is blending global experiences, cultural advocacy and graphic design at UML — a path made possible by scholarships and smart financial planning.

Great classes and research experience, a professional co-op and a cybersecurity competition are preparing Grace Chin for professional success.

Brigid Archibald always wanted to be a superhero. Now the editor of the student newspaper, The Connector, she sees journalists as today’s heroes.

Adam Wood is making the most of every opportunity at UMass Lowell, from studying abroad in Paris to tutoring his peers and balancing two majors.

Eleanora Peters fell in love with teaching at the Boston Museum of Science.

Veyli Ortiz Solis earned a B.S. in criminal justice in just three years – with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Honors mechanical engineering major Scott Penfield has traveled extensively on two continents besides North America – and hopes to add a fourth before long.

Branae Craveiro traveled to Belize to collect data on coral reefs while gaining experience that is shaping her future as a marine biologist.

With help from donor-funded scholarships, biology major and trumpet player CeCe Allen is pursuing her dream of scientific discovery at UMass Lowell.

Lawreta Kankam is passionate about public health. She plans to go on to medical school so she can provide both care and preventive health programs for underserved groups.

An internship with a criminal defense attorney helped Political Science major Hannah Casey choose her career direction.

Nicole Wilson ’24 discovered a passion for volunteering while earning a business degree.

Driven by a passion for environmental protection, Colin Ormond found his path at UMass Lowell through political science, sustainability research and public policy work.

Nazeli Acosta won a State Department Scholarship to study rural health care in the Dominican Republic.

Honors student Stephanie Guglielmo is all about studying abroad.

River Hawk Racing President Thomas Warren designed precision robotics for semiconductor manufacturing during a pair of summer internships at Brooks Automation.

Catherine de Groot enjoys using her marketing skills to help nonprofits in Lowell.

Aya Oulal traveled to Dubai to attend COP28, the annual United Nations climate summit, as a member of the UMass Lowell delegation.

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

Pratibha Gautam’s job at a medical device incubator inspired her to pursue a career in health economics.

Inspired by a summer program, Carolina Reyes is determined to become an English teacher at Lawrence High School.

When Payal Patel started college as an engineering major, she missed tutoring and teaching – so she decided to make education her career.

Sarah Elizabeth McDermott is grateful for scholarships that are helping her to graduate debt-free, because in the future she won’t have to say “No” to any opportunities.

Alyssa Puglisi was awarded a three-year, $75,000 scholarship by Entegris, the second UML student to receive this support from the company.

Transfer student Cameron McKenzie chose UMass Lowell for its criminal justice program and its generous financial aid package.

Grace Hansen is researching sports nutrition and brain injuries.

Inspired by his mother’s careers in health care and business, Emmanuel Idehen-Ovabor is working toward a master’s in health care administration while also pursuing his dream of becoming a pediatrician.

Aspiring math teacher Tanya Kieu ’24 gained real-world teaching experience through the UTeach program.

Brianna Atwood came to UMass Lowell to study plastics engineering – but she’s done so much more. The honors student started a volunteer program that connects UML students with a local school. She has also participated in the professional co-op program, working on fire-resistant seals for airplanes.

Dana Ibrahim chose UMass Lowell for its peace and conflict studies program, which lets her combine classes across the social sciences and humanities to suit her goal: to become a diplomat and aid refugees.

Psychology and Sociology major Debby Fernand serves on the university’s Student Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Between UML’s rigorous coursework and vast extracurricular activities, Sara Aldahabi feels ready to take on dental school.

Sofia Savoca chose UMass Lowell for the opportunity to be in the Honors College and to study civil engineering. She’s found a dozen new opportunities since arriving on campus.

The Honors Program at Middlesex Community College helped Andrea Patino Galindo master English – and transfer to the Honors College at UMass Lowell.

Honors physics alum Dashon Jones ’23 took advantage of research opportunities on and off campus.

Student-athlete Megan Salsinha credits her honors research project and academic coursework for preparing her for medical school.

Ainsley Skinner is capping her biology degree with a faculty-led trip to the Galápagos Islands, where she’ll walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin.

Flore Stécie Norcéide won an Oprah Winfrey Scholarship to study computer engineering here.

Abby Mastromonaco’s passion for sustainability led to a Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy fellowship and research experience in a plastics engineering lab.

Kay Wojtowicz ’25 is carrying on a family legacy at UMass Lowell by pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, focusing on cutting-edge materials research with real-world impact.

Thiago Borges’ work as a student researcher in a biology lab paved the way for a national fellowship that has provided paid research experience.

Christina Han’s work with Multicultural Affairs, her club leadership and her studies in criminal justice converged in her honors capstone: running a “Support Space” for Asian American and Pacific Islander students during a surge in hate crimes.

With an unbridled passion for learning, Sammy Santana is pursuing his numerous interests through the BLA program.

Jared Socolow turned his interest into a research project that he will present at the annual conference of the Association for Psychological Science.

Honors student Franchesca Arias is passionate about studying abroad after completing a summer program in Valencia, Spain.

An interest in genomics took Caryn McCowan ’11 from researching spiders to working at a canine genetics company.

Sophie Combs knows her research is going somewhere: into the online Library of New England Immigration.

Celia Hoffman discovered her passion for helping others improve their writing, a skill that’s guiding her toward two possible career paths: teaching and publishing.

Mya Neary won an honors fellowship to learn more about running an urban farming nonprofit. Now she’s volunteering with Mill City Grows while developing her own business plan.

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.

David Levenson’s Mock Trial team experience led to a real legal internship.

Mateo Rull Garza immersed himself in research – and published in a leading scientific journal.

As a sophomore, Matthew Clancy designed a small satellite with a vital mission: getting children and teens excited about their STEM studies and aerospace careers. Now he’s developing his LEARNsat for NASA launch.

So far, Honors College student Nancy Chac has signed up for three honors classes every semester. It could be a record.

Varsha Perkins loves both her teaching and honors classes.

Sid Iyer has taken advantage of internships, research opportunities, the DifferenceMaker program and more to pursue his goal: a career in biomedical research and development.

Annie Cary found herself wading through lakes in search of stickleback fish as part of her immunology research.

Mina Lam added “Japanese Student Association founder” to her already busy schedule.

Leonardo Giordano has twice interned for credit through a new program.

With the goal of becoming a lawyer, Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut double majored in philosophy and political science.

Emmy Misail won an Honors College creativity fellowship to draw comic strips under the guidance of an art professor.

Nicholas Trunfio immersed himself in history while studying abroad.

Honors student Rachel Record won a full scholarship to law school, thanks to the Legal Studies Program and research and practical experiences.

Kyle Mehan began researching nutrition when trying to heal his own injuries. Now he promotes a plant-based diet.

Shanice Kelly is a leader in multiple campus clubs because she wants to get more students of color involved in STEM, especially space science programs.

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

Honors transfer student Fidel Castro wants to make a name for himself in the field of nanotechnology manufacturing.

From powerlifting and internships to language study and volunteering, Aidan George is making the most of every opportunity at UMass Lowell.

Graduate student Ryan Cormier is enjoying one extra year on campus before joining the workforce.

Coral Gonzalez set her sights on becoming a nurse after she was hospitalized in middle school. The Honors College student won one of the first Oprah Winfrey Scholarships to help her succeed.

Elinor Mayo wants to fly and pursue a career in law enforcement, so she joined the Air Force ROTC program while studying criminal justice.

From attending COP28 in Dubai to joining the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy, William Lefebvre is learning that environmental science is also an art.

Honors nursing major Emerson Tully discovered the power of grant writing as an intern for the Refuge Art School, a nonprofit in Lowell.

Affordability drew Sarah Curley to UML, but her experience led to a wealth of opportunities and set her up for an accounting career.

Juana Guerrero came to UML with strong academic credentials. A support program helped boost her confidence and leadership skills, too.

Jack Callahan is pursuing a public health degree to improve the lives of as many people as possible.

Melisa Hussain’s experience as a visibly Muslim teenager inspired her honors thesis.

An aspiring audio engineer and music teacher, Joe Paquin composed his first choral piece, “Barter,” which was performed at UML’s annual New Music Concert.

Tim Murphy says his experiences at UMass Lowell have increased his confidence along with his expertise.

Suhani Karki has taken advantage of all that UML offers, from study abroad and student clubs to research.

Patricia Pham has been able to explore many interests beyond her accounting studies at UMass Lowell, from running the Book Club and Crochet Club to studying abroad and tutoring.

Political science major Nadia Eshun used her Immersive Scholar award to intern at the Safe Exit Initiative, a nonprofit that supports women leaving the sex trade.

A class in cognitive psychology inspired Melissa DiPano to do research with two professors and aim for a Ph.D.

Maxwell Aaronson is pursuing international experiences and languages, with the goal of working in the Foreign Service.

Honors history major Campbell Tacey is a commuter student bent on enjoying the full college experience, from research to leading student clubs.

David Rosario says his professors help him to stay focused and motivated.

Olivia Hebert discovered a passion for corporate real estate at UMass Lowell.

With her people-first approach, Yonnie Collins found success in her coursework and her extracurricular activities.

Maria Rojas is gaining a deep clinical understanding of disease mechanisms, diagnostic laboratory science and therapeutic science to prepare for physician assistant school.

Business administration major Josiah Gennell loves music and gaming. He hopes that by becoming an information technology consultant, he’ll have the flexibility to pursue those interests and turn them into a career.

Greg Reimonn found a faculty mentor to help him research microplastics in waterways, thanks to an honors fellowship.

The River Hawk Racing club steered Garrett Perry to UML. Now, he’s on course for a career in motor sports.

Ted Lagrander studied engineering in Germany over the summer.

One faculty member opened a door for Adeja Crearer, and it changed her life.

Army Rangers veteran Brendon Aylaian is working as a financial specialist for the Air Force.

Yrvanie Joseph is grateful for alumni scholarships because they confirm the value of her hard work and academic achievements.

Albert Farah found multiple paid research experiences at UMass Lowell.

Maddy Roop transferred to UMass Lowell as a business student looking to launch a music career. But along the way she’s become president of the Student Society for Sustainability.

Transfer student Elliot Johnson ’25 built a portfolio of global health, entrepreneurship and public service experiences that shaped his commitment to humanitarian innovation.

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

First-generation college student Nayeli Almanzar Lizardo serves on YMCA of the USA’s National Youth Advisory Council.

Rena McFall led student organizations and gained national and international experience in Washington, D.C., preparing for a future career in international law.

Riley Mathieson landed an internship with MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory research program, a highly competitive program that offers hands-on research experience.

Benedicta Agyemang-Brantuo won the 2021 MLK Service Award for starting a club to address health disparities – amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

By participating in the virtual UML Launch! Summer Program, Khadija Mir felt better prepared to begin college remotely during the pandemic.

Teerth Patel had to pinch himself after landing a manufacturing engineering internship at Tesla — just after his internship at Procter & Gamble.

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts program provided Gabrielle Salvatore ’24 with a great foundation for a teaching career.

A research opportunity helped Caroline DeSouza see that marine biology was an attainable career.

Honors business student and MLK award-winner Beatriz Martins has learned the value of resilience.

Sam DeLap ’21 went from an intern to a lead engineer in just one year at Science Applications International Corporation.

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

Jesse Friedman’s path from Middlesex Community College to UMass Lowell included stops in Northern Ireland and Spain through study abroad programs.

Wonder Ahiatsi chose UMass Lowell for its B.S. in quantitative economics.

Connor Shaw discovered a passion for archival work through an Honors College fellowship and is now preparing for graduate study in library science.

Madison Reed works as a research assistant with Plastics Engineering Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan in the UML Fabric Discovery Center.

A paid research project with a history professor “shifted the axis” of Daranee Khoeun’s life.

Vanessa Chen likes computer science because it’s both logical and creative.

Environmental Science major Mars Orfanos has found numerous opportunities at UMass Lowell to support his career ambitions of designing environmentally sustainable buildings.

Ever since moving to Lowell from the Philippines with his mom as a child, Andre Ragel has embraced a sink-or-swim attitude – one that carried the business administration major through a busy first year on campus.

Jeurys Santiago credits his entrepreneurship classes and experiences with helping him launch his networking and marketing company, Minds With Purpose.

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

Kylie Letendre, who struggled in school due to ADHD, wants to help children with learning disabilities.

Whether studying abroad or conducting research, Stephanie Ceballos is making the most out of her UMass Lowell experience.

With faculty support, Hope Zouzas won a prestigious $15,000 scholarship and has lined up a post-graduation accounting internship at PwC.

Maddie Gear’s favorable first impression of UML steered her to a marketing co-op position at CarGurus.

Transfer student Emily Willard has taken advantage of an array of opportunities at UML, from research and studying abroad in Paris to competing with the Powerlifting Club.

From leading her Air Force ROTC detachment to speaking at Commencement, Sydney Selby ’25 has found purpose, confidence and community far from her Colorado home.

Douglas Correa Ospina plans to combine his studies in psychology and economics to help immigrants and others from marginalized groups become more financially secure.

Marine Corps veteran Daryle LaMonica is on the fast track to becoming a doctor through the UMass Medical School Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program.

Education major Rosalie Casavant has embraced hands-on teaching, peer mentoring and leadership opportunities since transferring to UMass Lowell.