Meet undergraduate students from 51Ƶ's Honors College, which challenges, encourages and celebrates students who pursue academic excellence.
-
Plastics EngineeringAbby Mastromonaco’s passion for sustainability led to a Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy fellowship and research experience in a plastics engineering lab.
-
English, minors in Political Science and Digital MediaOne faculty member opened a door for Adeja Crearer, and it changed her life.
-
BiologyAinsley 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.
-
-
Chemical EngineeringAlyssa Puglisi was awarded a three-year, $75,000 scholarship by Entegris, the second UML student to receive this support from the company.
-
FinanceThe Honors Program at Middlesex Community College helped Andrea Patino Galindo master English – and transfer to the Honors College at 51Ƶ.
-
ManagementEver 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.
-
Biological SciencesAnnie Cary found herself wading through lakes in search of stickleback fish as part of her immunology research.
-
Economics and Political ScienceHonors 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.
-
Mathematics & Economics
Anthony Gaeta says his six-month co-op at John Hancock Financial gave him real-world experience in his dream job as an actuary.
-
Computer ScienceSoarCS, a summer program for incoming computer science majors, helped shape Ariana Brown’s college experience.
-
Environmental ScienceDespite the COVID-19 pandemic, Aya Oulal was able to study abroad in Spain, attend COP28 in Dubai and become a resident advisor.
-
Marketing and ManagementHonors business student and MLK award-winner Beatriz Martins has learned the value of resilience.
-
ChemistryBenedicta Agyemang-Brantuo won the 2021 MLK Service Award for starting a club to address health disparities – amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Director of the Honors CollegeAs a 1982 graduate with a degree in English, Beth Donaghey took a temporary job as a secretary at the university, just for a year. She never left.
-
Business ManagementArmy Rangers veteran Brendon Aylaian is working as a financial specialist for the Air Force.
-
Plastics EngineeringBrianna Atwood came to 51Ƶ 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.
-
EnglishBrigid Archibald always wanted to be a superhero. Now the editor of the student newspaper, The Connector, she sees journalists as today’s heroes.
-
Criminal Justice (History minor)Honors transfer student Cameron McKenzie squeezed four study abroad trips into her short time at UML.
-
HistoryHonors history major Campbell Tacey is a commuter student bent on enjoying the full college experience, from research to leading student clubs.
-
English – Creative WritingInspired by a summer program, Carolina Reyes is determined to become an English teacher at Lawrence High School.
-
Biological Sciences, EconomicsA research opportunity helped Caroline DeSouza see that marine biology was an attainable career.
-
BiologyAn interest in genomics took Caryn McCowan ’11 from researching spiders to working at a canine genetics company.
-
MarketingCatherine de Groot enjoys using her marketing skills to help nonprofits in Lowell.
-
Criminal JusticeChristina 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.
-
Political ScienceDriven by a passion for environmental protection, Colin Ormond found his path at 51Ƶ through political science, sustainability research and public policy work.
-
MathematicsCora Casteel says mathematics will help her with a career in policing and criminal justice policy.
-
NursingCoral 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.
-
NursingHonors nursing student Corrina Quaglietta studied abroad in San Sebastian, Spain, the summer after her freshman year. The experience turned her into a huge booster of study abroad.
-
Peace and Conflict Studies & Political ScienceDana Ibrahim chose 51Ƶ 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.
-
Political Science & PhilosophyHonors College student Daphne Shakira Naut was already fluent in two languages and had started on two more by the time she finished high school. Here at UML, she’s picked up a fifth language and studied abroad three times – all while supporting herself.
-
BiologyMarine Corps veteran Daryle LaMonica is on the fast track to becoming a doctor through the UMass Medical School Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program.
-
PhysicsHonors physics alum Dashon Jones ’23 took advantage of research opportunities on and off campus.
-
-
PsychologyDavid Levenson’s Mock Trial team experience led to a real legal internship.
-
Mechanical EngineeringDean Kennedy always dreamed of a career at Disney. The experience he gained and connections he made while earning his bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering helped make that dream come true.
-
Psychology, Sociology and Race and Ethnic StudiesDebby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.
-
Political ScienceHonors student Denia Taylor has overcome many challenges in order to pursue a degree in political science. She plans to take up a career that allows her to combine legal training and philosophy.
-
Economics and PsychologyDouglas Correa Ospina plans to combine his studies in psychology and economics to help immigrants and others from marginalized groups become more financially secure.
-
Chemistry, UTeachDuc Vu discovered his ability to teach in high school, so he signed up for the UTeach program in STEM education.
-
Psychology, Autism StudiesHonors student Edina Hirt faced hurdles from learning English to battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma while working toward her degree. Still, she won an award for her dedication to community service.
-
EducationEleanora Peters fell in love with teaching at the Boston Museum of Science.
-
Criminal JusticeElinor Mayo has lofty dreams, and Air Force ROTC is helping her find her way to the cockpit.
-
Applied Biomedical Sciences, MPH in Social and Behavioral SciencesTransfer student Elliot Johnson ’25 built a portfolio of global health, entrepreneurship and public service experiences that shaped his commitment to humanitarian innovation.
-
NursingHonors nursing major Emerson Tully discovered the power of grant writing as an intern for the Refuge Art School, a nonprofit in Lowell.
-
Business and Pre-medInspired 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.
-
English – Journalism and Professional WritingEmmy Misail won an Honors College creativity fellowship to draw comic strips under the guidance of an art professor.
-
Meteorology and MathematicsEric Roy started doing meteorological research on campus the summer after his freshman year – and then won two research internships with government agencies.
-
English
Evan Dingle’s passion for helping people and love of international study led him to a job with a nonprofit in Uganda that serves children with special needs.
-
Biological SciencesBy her sophomore year, Feriel Boudif had secured two paid research assistant positions on campus.
-
Computer EngineeringHonors transfer student Fidel Castro wants to make a name for himself in the field of nanotechnology manufacturing.
-
Computer EngineeringFlore Stécie Norcéide won an Oprah Winfrey Scholarship to study computer engineering here.
-
Sociology & SpanishHonors student Franchesca Arias is passionate about studying abroad after completing a summer program in Valencia, Spain.
-
Bachelor of Liberal Arts, concentrations in education and psychologyThe Bachelor of Liberal Arts program provided Gabrielle Salvatore ’24 with a great foundation for a teaching career.
-
Mechanical EngineeringThe River Hawk Racing club steered Garrett Perry to UML. Now, he’s on course for a career in motor sports.
-
Computer ScienceGreat classes and research experience, a professional co-op and a cybersecurity competition are preparing Grace Chin for professional success.
-
-
Plastics EngineeringGreg Reimonn found a faculty mentor to help him research microplastics in waterways, thanks to an honors fellowship.
-
Exercise ScienceHonors student Hannah Allgood came to UML for undergraduate research opportunities.
-
Political ScienceHannah Casey signed up for the Model U.N. and Mock Trial teams and student government. She interned with a congressional candidate and a defense attorney. Now she’s student body president.
-
Accounting, FinanceA staff accountant internship at Novogradac confirmed business major Heer Patel’s interest in auditing.
-
Accounting and Management Information SystemsWith faculty support, Hope Zouzas won a prestigious $15,000 scholarship and has lined up a post-graduation accounting internship at PwC.
-
NursingIsabella 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.
-
Public HealthJack Callahan is pursuing a public health degree to improve the lives of as many people as possible.
-
English & MathematicsJacob Solomon is as well-rounded as they come. The honors English and math major is assisting with research in a biology lab.
-
Liberal Arts – Digital Media and Theatre Arts
James Joutras came to 51Ƶ to discover himself. His experiences instilled confidence – and took him to Japan, where he plans to work after graduation.
-
-
EducationJanelle Christopher started studying at 51Ƶ at the same time as her mom, Lorraine.
-
PsychologyJared Socolow turned his own struggles into a research project that he will present at the annual conference of the Association for Psychological Science.
-
Peace and Conflict StudiesPeace and Conflict Studies major Jenna Kapp has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity that’s come her way on campus. Now she’s finding more abroad.
-
BusinessHonors College student Jennifer Dossantos is majoring in business because she’s inspired by her mom.
-
Political Science
Honors student Jessica Kergo has landed great jobs and internships – including one with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. She also writes for The Connector student newspaper and advocates for mental health awareness.
-
BusinessJeurys Santiago credits his entrepreneurship classes and experiences with helping him launch his networking and marketing company, Minds With Purpose.
-
Sound Recording Technology and Music StudiesAn aspiring audio engineer and music teacher, Joe Paquin composed his first choral piece, “Barter,” which was performed at UML’s annual New Music Concert.
-
-
Environmental EngineeringAn honors seminar led Joshua Walsh to design a drinking water system and solar grid for a center in Haiti.
-
Finance and Management Information SystemsBusiness 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.
-
NursingJuana Guerrero came to UML with strong academic credentials. A support program helped boost her confidence and leadership skills, too.
-
BusinessJustin Baez Peguero is studying business, working three jobs and serving in student government.
-
Karam AlafandiHistory, Pre-medKaram Alafandi is studying history on his way to becoming a doctor.
-
Mechanical EngineeringKay Wojtowicz ’25 is carrying on a family legacy at 51Ƶ by pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, focusing on cutting-edge materials research with real-world impact.
-
Business AdministrationBy participating in the virtual UML Launch! Summer Program, Khadija Mir felt better prepared to begin college remotely during the pandemic.
-
Peace and Conflict StudiesHonors student Kripa Joseph is earning her B.A. and M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies in four years, while minoring in music and pursuing internships that promote diversity and respect among cultures.
-
Nutritional ScienceKyle Mehan began researching nutrition when trying to heal his own injuries. Now he promotes a plant-based diet.
-
Education, minor in EnglishKylie Letendre, who struggled in school due to ADHD, wants to help children with learning disabilities.
-
Public Health, Pre-medLawreta 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.
-
Computer ScienceLukas Lazarek’s summer research fellowship in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University helped prepare him for graduate school – and won him an award.
-
MarketingMaddie Gear’s favorable first impression of UML steered her to a marketing co-op position at CarGurus.
-
BusinessMaddy Roop transferred to 51Ƶ as a business student looking to launch a music career. But along the way she’s become president of the Student Society for Sustainability.
-
Plastics EngineeringMadison Reed works as a research assistant with Plastics Engineering Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan in the UML Fabric Discovery Center.
-
Biological SciencesMadison Fusco is helping to make a difference in people’s lives through her biotechnology co-op at Wave Life Sciences.
-
Mechanical Engineering
An honors seminar and fellowship sent Maggie Davenport to Haiti, where she’s working on sustainability projects.
-
Music and Theatre ArtsHonors student Malcolm Schrafft studied his twin passions: music and theater.
-
NursingAn Honors College student fellowship gave Marbella Leal a chance to work with at-risk students and do research with a professor.
-
Electrical Engineering & Engineering ManagementHer experiences in the Honors College and in a college readiness program, Let’s Get Ready, helped Marilyn Saha get a job at Raytheon Technologies.
-
Pharmaceutical SciencesAs a pharmaceutical sciences major interested in research and business, Marita Merheb pursues all opportunities to advance her goals.
-
English & Environmental StudiesMary Everett combined her interest in environmental science with a love of writing. An honors fellowship gave her the support to write a group of short stories – which won her admission to a top-ranked M.F.A. program in creative writing.
-
BiologyMateo Rull Garza immersed himself in research – and published in a leading scientific journal.
-
Mechanical Engineering
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.
-
Criminal JusticeCriminal justice major Matt Levenson loves an adventure and a challenge—and he’s bent on seizing every opportunity he can while at 51Ƶ.
-
Civil & Environmental Engineering, Structural EngineeringA service-learning capstone in Lowell and Haiti transformed Maureen Kelly’s civil engineering education — and her life. She now works for a firm that supports her ongoing volunteer work in Haiti and her mentoring of current students.
-
Political ScienceMaxwell Aaronson is pursuing international experiences and languages, with the goal of working in the Foreign Service.
-
Biological SciencesStudent-athlete Megan Salsinha credits her honors research project and academic coursework for preparing her for medical school.
-
EnglishMelisa Hussain’s experience as a visibly Muslim teenager inspired her honors thesis.
-
Psychology & SpanishA class in cognitive psychology inspired Melissa DiPano to do research with two professors and aim for a Ph.D.
-
Finance and MarketingMina Lam added “Japanese Student Association founder” to her already busy schedule.
-
Moniphal BingEnglishMoniphal 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.
-
Entrepreneurship & Management
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.
-
Political SciencePolitical 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.
-
BusinessSo far, Honors College student Nancy Chac has signed up for three honors classes every semester. It could be a record.
-
PhysicsNazeli Acosta won a State Department Scholarship to study rural health care in the Dominican Republic.
-
-
Business (concentrations in international business and marketing)Transfer student Nicole Karp has thrived as a leader and mentor at UML, preparing herself for a global career.
-
Business (finance and management)Nicole Wilson ’24 discovered a passion for volunteering while earning a business degree.
-
-
Finance and MarketingOlivia Hebert discovered a passion for corporate real estate at 51Ƶ.
-
Mechanical Engineering and Computer EngineeringPablo Ruiz returned to school for a second bachelor’s degree, and he’s going on for his master’s degree, too.
-
Exercise Physiology & PsychologyWhile double-majoring in psychology and exercise physiology, Patrice Faith Olivar has gained both research and practical experience. 51Ƶ has opened more doors than she thought possible.
-
Biology, UTeachWhen Payal Patel started college as an engineering major, she missed tutoring and teaching – so she decided to make education her career.
-
EconomicsPratibha Gautam’s job at a medical device incubator inspired her to pursue a career in health economics.
-
Mechanical EngineeringQiana Curcuru loves 51Ƶ for its opportunities. The honors student is president of the campus chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, has done a professional co-op at iRobot, has taught and interned at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and done research with two professors on campus.
-
EconomicsRachel Jordan says that discovering the chair of the Economics Department was a woman helped convince her to come to 51Ƶ.
-
Criminal JusticeHonors student Rachel Record won a full scholarship to law school, thanks to the Legal Studies Program and research and practical experiences.
-
MathematicsAfter earning two degrees at 51Ƶ, Rebecca Mendum is continuing her education at Harvard University.
-
Political ScienceRena McFall led student organizations and gained national and international experience in Washington, D.C., preparing for a future career in international law.
-
Graphic DesignRhondyna Reth is blending global experiences, cultural advocacy and graphic design at UML — a path made possible by scholarships and smart financial planning.
-
Management Information Systems & MarketingRoma Aurora has become a strong and valued presence on campus, from her roles as president of both the Manning Leaders Council and Marketing Society, to her ambassador work for both international students and student alumni, to her participation in the DifferenceMaker Program.
-
Mechanical Engineering, MBAGraduate student Ryan Cormier is enjoying one extra year on campus before joining the workforce.
-
Biological Sciences, Mathematics
Sam DeLap ’21 went from an intern to a lead engineer in just one year at Science Applications International Corporation.
-
Meteorology and Atmospheric ScienceSam Morgan came to 51Ƶ 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.
-
Liberal ArtsWith an unbridled passion for learning, Sammy Santana is pursuing his numerous interests through the BLA program.
-
Biological SciencesBetween UML’s rigorous coursework and vast extracurricular activities, Sara Aldahabi feels ready to take on dental school.
-
HistorySarah 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.
-
AccountingAffordability drew Sarah Curley to UML, but her experience led to a wealth of opportunities and set her up for an accounting career.
-
Mechanical EngineeringHonors mechanical engineering major Scott Penfield has traveled extensively on two continents besides North America – and hopes to add a fourth before long.
-
Political Science, BiologyFrom policy to research, Sean Simonini is making an impact.
-
Physics and Mechanical EngineeringShanice Kelly is a leader in multiple campus clubs because she wants to get more students of color involved in STEM, especially space science programs.
-
Plastics EngineeringSid Iyer has taken advantage of internships, research opportunities, the DifferenceMaker program and more to pursue his goal: a career in biomedical research and development.
-
Civil EngineeringSofia Savoca chose 51Ƶ 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.
-
Biological SciencesSonakshi Chaudhary came to UML planning to transfer. She stayed after falling in love with everything the campus has to offer.
-
HistorySophie Combs knows her research is going somewhere: into the online Library of New England Immigration.
-
BiochemistryWhether studying abroad or conducting research, Stephanie Ceballos is making the most out of her 51Ƶ experience.
-
-
Biology
Honors College Student Fellow Sunilda Frias is studying biology to help subsistence farmers improve their soil.
-
English & PsychologySyeda Nizami is using scholarships, research fellowships and work-study jobs to graduate with low debt, so she can afford a career helping others instead of working to pay off student loans.
-
MathematicsAspiring math teacher Tanya Kieu ’24 gained real-world teaching experience through the UTeach program.
-
-
Mechanical EngineeringTeerth Patel had to pinch himself after landing a manufacturing engineering internship at Tesla — just after his internship at Procter & Gamble.
-
Mechanical EngineeringRiver Hawk Racing President Thomas Warren designed precision robotics for semiconductor manufacturing during a pair of summer internships at Brooks Automation.
-
Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical TherapyThomas Sherriff was the lead author on a paper about functional movements of firefighters.
-
English LiteratureTim Murphy says his experiences at 51Ƶ have increased his confidence along with his expertise.
-
Math and UTeachThomas Heywosz’s experiences in the UTeach program and in Haiti have made him a successful high school math teacher.
-
BusinessTwisha 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.
-
Computer ScienceVanessa Chen likes computer science because it’s both logical and creative.
-
-
Criminal JusticeVeyli Ortiz Solis earned a B.S. in criminal justice in just three years – with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
-
Computer ScienceComputer 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.
-
Climate Change and SustainabilityFrom attending COP28 in Dubai to joining the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy, William Lefebvre is learning that environmental science is also an art.
-
Quantitative EconomicsWonder Ahiatsi chose 51Ƶ for its B.S. in quantitative economics.
-
Exercise Science, Family Health Nurse PractitionerWith her people-first approach, Yonnie Collins found success in her coursework and her extracurricular activities.
-
Plastics EngineeringYrvanie Joseph is grateful for alumni scholarships because they confirm the value of her hard work and academic achievements.
-
Political Science, Arabic & SpanishZayna Basma volunteered at a center that helps Burmese refugees - and became fascinated by refugee policy and research.