Dream big and work hard. That's the River Hawk way. UMass Lowell students pursue  their passion for learning in the classroom and beyond. They are each unique but are united in their drive to make a difference. Here are some of their stories.

  • Meredith Ritze
    Family Health Nursing (NP)

    After 12 years working as a registered nurse at Lowell General Hospital, Meredith Ritze developed specialized skills caring for people who struggle with urology issues. She applied to UMass Lowell to become a nurse practitioner to further her career.

  • Becky O'Hara
    Mechanical Engineering

    Working in the Baseball Research Center prepared Becky O’Hara ’06 for a job at Rawlings Sporting Goods, where she now heads research and development.

  • Meilani Chen
    Public Health

    In and out of the classroom, Meilani Chen found support to pursue a future career in epidemiology.

  • Ryan Katz
    Sound Recording Technology

    Ryan Katz invented a musical instrument that “plays” the weather.

  • Parisa Raad
    Business

    Even as an online student, Parisa Raad found a way to connect in person by enrolling in a study abroad course on international business in Northern Ireland.

  • William Lefebvre
    Climate Change and Sustainability

    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.

  • Victoria Wisniewski
    Meteorology & Atmospheric Science

    As an aspiring broadcast meteorologist, Victoria Wisniewski was attracted to UML due to its bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, successful alumni and research opportunities.

  • Moniphal Bing
    Moniphal Bing
    English

    Moniphal Bing was able to study abroad in Cambodia, which his parents fled before he was born, through a new partnership with the American University of Phnom Penh.