Meet Our Students

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Ted Lagrander studied engineering in Germany over the summer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albert Farah found multiple paid research experiences at UMass Lowell.

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

Grace Hansen is researching sports nutrition and brain injuries.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Honors student Hannah Allgood came to UML for undergraduate research opportunities.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Honors student Stephanie Guglielmo is all about studying abroad.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Honors transfer student Cameron McKenzie squeezed four study abroad trips into her short time at UML.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Aya Oulal was able to study abroad in Spain, attend COP28 in Dubai and become a resident advisor.

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

Karam Alafandi is studying history on his way to becoming a doctor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Varsha Perkins loves both her teaching and honors classes.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

An introduction to research helped Noah Mason find his passion.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Nicholas Trunfio immersed himself in history while studying abroad.

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.

Computer science alum William Boag ’16, a senior health care data lead for MassHealth, remains deeply engaged with the Honors College through leadership, mentorship and philanthropy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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