Valedictorian

Benyam Kinde

Plans: M.D./Ph.D., Harvard-MIT
B.S., Biological Sciences
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Redlands, California

This year’s valedictorian, Benyam Kinde, may not be a Nobel Prize winner yet, but he is headed in that direction: he was recently invited to attend this summer’s Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Germany as a young researcher. It is an honor that he has worked hard for throughout his time at UMBC. At the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), he is conducting research on HIV that provides insight into the life cycle of the virus and an understanding about where the virus spreads. He also performs research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), where he conducts neurophysiology research related to Circadian rhythm. He is president of the Golden Key International Honor Society, a member of Minority Access to Research Careers Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (MARC U STAR) and co-founder of Getting Everyone to Unleash Potential (GET UP!). He also volunteers, tutoring genetics in the Department of Biological Sciences.

“UMBC has provided more than just a strong academic curriculum and vast research opportunities; it has provided a community of passionate, driven individuals that seek to succeed together. By working with my peers and future colleagues, I am now in a unique position where I can greatly contribute to both the medical and scientific community.”

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Salutatorian

Dina Popovkina

Plans: Ph.D., Neurobiology and Behavior, University of Washington
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; B.A., Ancient Studies
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Odessa, Ukraine

UMBC’s 2010 salutatorian, Dina Popovkina, is fascinated with language and how it is learned. That passion linked her two majors: biochemistry and ancient studies. In her ancient studies courses, she learned about the significance of language and how it shaped society. As a biochemistry and molecular biology major, she explored how the brain acquires and retains language. She is a Meyerhoff, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and MARC U*STAR scholar, and a member of the honor societies Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. She visited Greece and Spain through study-travel programs with the ancient studies department and worked as a tutor in the Chemistry Tutorial Center. She also served as a peer advisor for incoming freshmen.

“The opportunities I have had, from undergraduate research to connecting with my peers through tutoring and student organizations, have enabled me to develop a vision for my future and a deep passion for both science and teaching. My time here has laid the foundations for me to be successful in a career as a research scientist, but I find it especially empowering to know that my experiences and the people around me at UMBC have shaped me into a well-rounded individual prepared for the next steps in my life.”

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Stephanie Battle

Plans: Biomedical Researcher, The National Institutes of Health (NIH); Graduate School
B.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Largo, Maryland

While at UMBC, Stephanie Battle took advantage of the opportunity to explore her interest in biological research. Under the mentorship of Hua Lu, assistant professor of biological sciences, she performed research on plant defense genes for two years. Stephanie received the American Society of Hematology’s Trainee Research and Travel Award and her poster presentation on her research at the 2009 Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Chemical and Biological Sciences earned 1st place. She also served as an Orientation Peer Advisor, a UMBC Ambassador, and was a teaching assistant in an introductory-level math class. Stephanie is a Meyerhoff Scholar, an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) Scholar and a MARC U*STAR Scholar. She is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and was an active member of the American Chemistry Society Student Affiliates. In her new position at NIH, she will shift her research focus to Sickle Cell Disease.

“My experiences and the courses I have taken at UMBC definitely make me feel prepared for graduate school. The professors here like to teach students how to problem solve and really want us to understand the course material. After completing four years here at UMBC, I feel I can be successful at any graduate school I attend.”

Carlee Cassidy

Plans: To play professional basketball in Europe
B.A., Media and Communication Studies; B.A., Sociology
Hometown: Syracuse, New York

While excelling in the classroom, Carlee Cassidy made her mark on women’s basketball. Holding UMBC’s record for career three-pointers, Carlee is also ranked second in the school’s history for most career points (1,627). She is a three-time America East All Conference Player and twice made the America East All Academic Team. Leading the conference in scoring in back-to-back seasons, Carlee helped UMBC win its first America East Championship, leading them to the 2008 NCAA tournament.

“UMBC has helped me grow academically, athletically and socially. I have become a better person through my experiences at UMBC. The people that I have met here have been wonderful and will be part of my life forever.”

Maria Chrzanowski

Plans: Finance/Accounting Internship with The Walt Disney Company
B.A., Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Certificate: Accounting
Hometown: Catonsville, Maryland

Maria Chrzanowski was able to incorporate mathematics into both her academics and social life at UMBC. She interned at several organizations while completing her coursework, serving as a business management intern at Northrop Grumman (summer 2008), and an intern at the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General Office of Audit (2009-10). In spring 2009, she participated in the Disney College program – landing herself a job after graduation. A charter member of UMBC’s all-female A cappella group, “The Stilettos,” she was both a singer and the organization’s treasurer.

“UMBC allowed me to explore my interests and discover what I wanted to do in life. I had never taken an accounting class and decided to [take one] as an elective during my freshman year. A whole new world opened up to me, and now I have the opportunity to do what I love for a company I love.”

Michael Coon

Plans: Electronics Engineer, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
B.S., Computer Engineering
Hometown: Scaggsville, Maryland

Michael Coon’s education directly influenced his professional career in computer engineering. Through UMBC, he learned about the equipment and software packages that he’ll need to use after graduation, particularly in his role at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. He began as an intern in summer 2009 and recently accepted a full-time position. While at UMBC, he served as the recruitment chair of Triangle Fraternity. He hopes to obtain his master’s degree in electrical engineering.

“Thanks to UMBC and the challenges provided by the computer engineering department, I feel as though I have developed the proper mindset to excel at my job.”

Monique Cucchi

Plans: Graphic Design Intern, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts (Summer 2010);
Graphic Design Intern, Centerstage in Baltimore (Fall 2010)
B.A., Visual Art, Concentration in Graphic Design;
B.A., Theatre, Concentration in Costume Design
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Combining her love for design and theatre, Monique Cucchi was heavily involved with theatre productions on campus. She served as the Department of Theatre’s graphic designer from 2009-10 and was the costume designer for “This Girl I Used to Know,” a ten-minute play commissioned by UMBC for GRRL Parts in 2010. A Linehan Scholar, she was president of the Musical Theatre Club from 2008-10 and was included in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. During her senior year, she was awarded Most Outstanding Academic Performance in the theatre department. Along with serving on the staff of Harbor Hall, one of UMBC’s residence halls, she was also a camp counselor in summer 2009 at St. Edmond’s Home for Children with profound mental retardation.

“UMBC and the Linehan Artist Program have provided me with countless opportunities. Through the Linehan Program alone I was able to experience a wide range of art forms, both in a classroom environment and in the community as a whole. This exposure provided me with the inspiration needed to embark on my own creative endeavors. In addition to my design curriculum, I was able to study other disciplines that broadened my artistic horizons and provided me with knowledge beyond my specialized majors. I feel as though I am a very well-rounded scholar as a result of my experiences at UMBC. I owe many thanks to my teachers and mentors for guiding me through the past four years and paving the way for my success.”

George Cutsail

Plans: Ph.D., Bioinorganic Chemistry, Northwestern University
B.S., Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland

Chemistry research provided George Cutsail with the opportunity to travel the world. In addition to spending three years researching the role of copper in Alzheimer's Disease with Veronika Szalai, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, he traveled to the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, after his sophomore year. During his internship there, he synthesized new metal that contained compounds that had possible fungus killing properties. In the summer of 2009, he worked at the California Institute of Technology, developing a protein that would glow for applications in bioimaging. George is a Meyerhoff Scholar, a MARC U*STAR Scholar and a National Science Foundation STEM Scholar. He received an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) in both his junior and senior years and was a member of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates.

“UMBC has provided me with rewarding research experiences and unmatched mentorship. Nowhere else would I have been provided such opportunities and support to attend national conferences and to perform significant chemistry research at home, internationally and at other top national institutions.”

Han Dong

Plans: M.S., Computer Science, SUNY Buffalo
B.S., Computer Science
Hometown: Shandong, China

Han Dong engrossed himself in information technology during his time at UMBC. Through the help of an Undergraduate Research Award, he was able to conduct network research, figuring out the intricacies of network protocols. Seeking to understand all forms of networking, Dong studied a broad range of topics including fiber optical networks and network performance measurement.

“UMBC has a beautiful campus that is peaceful and a great place for academics. It’s definitely one of the best schools in terms of promoting undergraduate research.”

Sergey Erenburg

Plans: M.S./Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at UMBC
B.S., Financial Economics; B.S., Mathematics
Hometown: Petah Tikva, Israel

An accomplished scholar, Sergey Erenburg credits the UMBC faculty with helping him discover his passion for applied math. Sergey is an International Grandmaster and a Chess Champion of Israel and has led UMBC to several national chess tournament victories. He recently captured the title of 2010 Maryland Chess Champion. He was team captain for UMBC, a Coca-Cola Chess Fellow and he participated in the World Blitz Championship (9th place), European Chess Team Championship (2nd place), World Chess Cup and the World Junior Championship (tied for 3rd – Under 20). He is recognized as an Outstanding Junior in Mathematics and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. After completing his doctoral work, he hopes to work in the finance industry and teach at the university level.

“During my undergraduate career at UMBC, I gained a lot of knowledge, learned to write reports, papers and how to approach problems from different perspectives and in a more systematic manner. UMBC has outstanding faculty and research facilities, which helped me become interested in quantitative finance, reaffirming my desire to pursue mathematical education in order to apply mathematical methods to the analysis of financial markets.”

Christine Ferrera

Plans: Producer for WYPR, Teaching at UMBC and Anne Arundel Community College
M.F.A., Imaging and Digital Arts (IMDA)
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Christine Ferrera is best known for her Starbux Diary, a chronicle of letters she wrote to the Starbucks corporation for more than five years about being an artist. This project was featured on National Public Radio’s “The Story” and WYPR’s “The Signal.” Her work was also featured in UMBC's IMDA Thesis Exhibition. Winner of the RTKL Fellowship Grant for Innovation in Art, Christine has served as a visiting artist at both Maryland Institute College of Art and Virginia Commonwealth University. She has also produced four stories that have aired on WYPR and participated in Baltimore’s Stoop Storytelling Series.

“I have benefited greatly from the visual arts department at UMBC as well as the university as a whole. I have expanded my art practice by working with the latest digital tools and software. I have had the support and guidance of wonderful mentors and advisors. And I was privileged to receive the RTKL Award, which was a great honor.”

Soumya Ganguly

Plans: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vanderbilt University
Ph.D., Chemistry
Cum Laude
Hometown: Kolkata, India

Soumya Ganguly was active in both research and service to students while at UMBC. In the lab, he developed methodologies to study the motion in small molecules and presented this research at the American Chemical Society conference. As the president of the Association for India’s Development (AID) Baltimore chapter, he helped organize popular fundraising student events, raising money for eye care in rural India. He was the recipient of the National Scholarship from the Government of India for higher studies abroad, a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society and a graduate student representative of the MEES program, helping find solutions to several issues encountered by students enrolled in inter-campus programs.

“Before joining UMBC, my idea of higher studies was to become a good scholar. However, UMBC has not only helped me achieve the scholarly goals but has also shaped my thoughts about who I am and how I should perceive the world. During my graduate years, I have been able to hone my leadership skills, which have given me the confidence to accomplish future challenges. Research life has its ups and downs and can sometimes be overwhelming. I have met some wonderful people and made lasting friendship here at UMBC (including my wife, Meghana Jagdish M.A. ’06, engineering) who have always provided me with the courage and comfort to sail through those rough times.”

Mileidy Gonzalez

Plans: Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Ph.D., Biological Sciences (Computational Biology)
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Cali, Colombia

Mileidy discovered a problem with a widely used tool in biomedical and biochemical research – and spent her time at UMBC researching a solution. The result was a discovery that addressed a research problem the scientific community has been dealing with for more than 13 years. Her findings helped fix an algorithm routinely used in biochemistry to identify potential drug targets and, in biomedical research, in the hunt for disease-associated genes. Mileidy’s findings were published and received commendations by the Nobel Laureate Rich Roberts. Outside of the lab, Mileidy served as a peer mentor in PROMISE, helping other graduate students toward degree completion. She is also a Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) fellow.

“I decided to come to UMBC because I knew I’d be doing exciting research but, unlike in other places, I could tell that great effort went into creating programs that would foster a sense of community to help students succeed. I have had access to one-on-one dissertation completion coaches and great programs. With the financial support and mentoring of the programs at UMBC I have presented my research nationally and internationally and have engaged in collaborations with other labs at UMBC, at NIH, and at the University of Virginia.”

Steven Hemelt ’04, ’07 M.A.

Plans: Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics at Cornell College in Iowa
Ph.D., Public Policy
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Steven William Hemelt earned not only his undergraduate and master-level degrees from UMBC — but also his Ph.D. In his academic life, he focuses on education policy, economics of education, evaluation and analytical methods and labor economics. He was the winner of the prestigious Ph.D. Dissertation Award from the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management in 2009, along with a UMBC Dissertation Fellowship, Roe L. Johns Travel Grant and UMBC Graduate Research Assistantship. Steven’s work has been featured in several publications including the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Education Economics and Education Finance and Policy. In fall 2009, he secured a tenure track position at Cornell College in Iowa, where he teaches a variety of courses in public policy and applied economics.

“UMBC has been responsible for the entirety of my postsecondary academic development. I hold my undergraduate and graduate degrees from UMBC. In just a few sentences, it is difficult to express my gratitude to the numerous outstanding faculty and staff members that have shaped my development as both a scholar and person. Beyond the academic realm, I met many of my closest friends during my undergraduate days at UMBC. UMBC is an extremely diverse place with a rich intellectual community. I have benefited deeply from a variety of perspectives, personalities, and world views throughout the long term course of my education at UMBC.”

Kathleen Herwig

Plans: Advanced Standing Master’s Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work
B.A., Social Work
Minor: Sociology
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Catonsville, Maryland

Kathleen Herwig is a member of two honors societies that characterize her roles on campus: Phi Alpha (the Social Work Honor Society) and Omicron Delta Kappa (the leadership honor society, where she is vice president). She interned at the Walter Sondheim Jr. Maryland Nonprofit Leadership Program, the Center for Social Change and Spring Grove Hospital Center. She was both a mentor and intern at The Choice Program’s College Night and received an Americorps Education award. She has been on the President’s List, the Dean’s List and received Semester Academic Honors.

“UMBC has played an instrumental role in both my academic and personal accomplishments. I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most inspiring professors, staff and students during my time here. My volunteer and internship experiences have provided me with valuable skills that have enhanced my overall learning experience. I am grateful to all of those at UMBC who have enriched my mind with the knowledge to succeed as a graduate student and beyond!”

Roderick “Ricky” Martin Howard, II

Plans: McNair Scholars Summer Research Institute, then graduate school in theatre or communications
B.F.A., Acting; B.A., Media and Communication Studies
Cum Laude/Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Ricky Howard has been an enthusiastic ambassador for the UMBC community – in fact, he even served as a UMBC Ambassador! He welcomed incoming students to campus as a team leader for the Welcome Week Woolies. His academic honors include receiving a Linehan Artist Scholarship, being named a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, earning a place on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll and being part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He is a member of several honors societies and organizations, including Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honour Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. He was included in 2010’s Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to pursue my dreams while receiving a quality education- second to none! I have also had the opportunity to make life-long friends with a diverse group of people from different cultural backgrounds. Finally, my involvement in a number of organizations on campus has opened doors for me to not only get to know students in other fields of study, but also network with professionals who have been willing and eager to share their knowledge and ideas with me. I will always cherish the memories, opportunities and experiences that have come my way as a result of being a member of the UMBC family.”

Christopher Jones

Plans: Credit Risk Analyst, PNC Bank in Washington, D.C.
B.S., Financial Economics
Hometown: Bridgewater, New Jersey

Christopher Jones dedicated himself to both athletics and service during his time at UMBC. A starting attackman for the men’s lacrosse team, Chris was named to the All-Academic America East Conference Team in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He scored 33 career goals and, with the team, won two conference championships with three straight NCAA Division I tournament appearances. A President’s List scholar in 2009, he was a participant in the Make a Difference Mentoring Program at Catonsville Middle School and helped disabled children at the Maryland Council for Special Equestrians. Chris also collaborated with Vice President of Student Affairs Nancy Young in gathering student athlete perspectives on student life to improve the culture and vibrancy of the campus.

“While emphasizing community outreach and highlighting the mutual benefits of helping others, UMBC has steered my focus toward developing critical thinking and problem solving skills to make a difference in the world. UMBC will forever remain in my heart, along with the teammates and students I have grown with and the coaches and professors who have pushed me for the better.”

Ruta Kadonoff

Plans: Continue as Deputy Director, The Green House Project; and Part-Time Lecturer, Erickson School
M.A., Management of Aging Services, Erickson School
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

As Deputy Director of The Green House Project, Ruta Kadonoff is transforming aging and long-term care. Developed by Erickson School professor Bill Thomas, the Green House model fosters the development of an entirely new form of nursing home, one that serves older adults in small communities designed to enable those who live there as well as those who work there to live meaningful, satisfying lives built on continued growth, reciprocal relationships and an atmosphere of dignity and respect. To date, her project team has provided technical assistance to 24 organizations operating a total of 84 Green House homes serving over 900 elderly adults. As a student in the Management of Aging Services program, Kadonoff credits the program’s unique integration of the study of aging, business management and public policy with making her a more effective leader in her field.

“My experience at UMBC and The Erickson School served to broaden my perspectives and expand my knowledge of the multi-faceted issues related to aging, management and public policy that I deal with daily in my professional life. The program provided me with an opportunity to explore these areas more deeply and to discuss and debate them with leading experts and with my fellow students. The cohort model of the MAgS program enriched the experience tremendously, also allowing me to develop relationships and lasting networks with a group of amazingly talented individuals from across the wide-ranging field of aging services.”

Susan Keen

Plans: Teaching special education in the Baltimore City Public Schools through the Baltimore City Teaching Residency Program
B.A., Anthropology; B.A., Political Science
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland

As president of the Anthropology Council of Majors and a member of UMBC’s Model United Nations Team, Susan Keen was able to combine her interests in anthropology and political science through her on-campus activities. She served as a blogger for USDemocrazy.com, a blog created by Artist in Residence Kevin (KAL) Kallaugher, where she wrote about topics ranging from events in Africa and the Middle East to social issues in the U.S. For four semesters, she hosted a show on the campus radio station, where she combined comedy, discussion and music to entertain students during the day. Service work was also important to Susan, as she volunteered at the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents in Baltimore and worked with students with severe emotional disabilities. In addition, she served as a tutor at a center in Baltimore that helps children with learning disabilities.

“Try everything. I didn't know I'd be good at hosting a radio show, or leading a club, or volunteering with children, or blogging, or being a delegate to Model UN, or anything else until I tried it, and found out that I also loved it. Because of UMBC, I had those opportunities.”

Michelle Ko

U.S. Student Fulbright Program, Full Research Grant, Italy (October 2010- July 2011)
M.M./D.M.A. in Flute Performance
B.A., Music, Flute Performance
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Germantown, Maryland

Michelle Ko’s interest in flute performance brought her to UMBC, defined her time here and will soon take her to Italy, where she will study as a Fulbright Scholar. She is a member of the Linehan Artist Scholars program and a Maryland Distinguished Scholar for talent in the arts. Her music fellowships include the Marrowstone Music Festival, the UMBC Chamber Players Fellowship, the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship and the National Trustees’ Summer Music Institute. She also performed at 2009’s Festival of New American Music in Sacramento, California. But her time at UMBC has not been all about music; she also completed fellowships at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Center for Biological Evaluation and Research and served as the Vice President of Recruitment for the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority.

“My phenomenal mentor, Dr. E. Michael Richards, guided me as a musician, artist and person. UMBC gave me ample opportunities to perform as a soloist, collaborate with faculty members, refine my technique, and develop my skills academically and artistically. I was able to hone my leadership skills that will benefit my future goals of university teaching. UMBC is a fabulous institution with an amazing faculty, plentiful resources and a wonderful ambience.”

Michael McGuire

Plans: Continue as Geospatial Data Services Manager, Center for Urban Environmental Research and Education (CUERE)
Ph.D., Information Systems
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Michael McGuire is playing a key role in helping to improve our environment. While working on his Ph.D., he also worked at CUERE, where he managed spatiotemporal databases along with the installation and management of web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He is heavily involved in geospatial research projects and provides analysis for further advancements. For his thesis, he researched spatio-temporal patterns in large sensor datasets. Prior to his appointment at UMBC, he was GIS analyst for the Baltimore County Office of Planning, where he coordinated and managed GIS projects and databases. He also received his M.S. in Information Systems in 2003 from UMBC.

UMBC has provided me with a wealth of opportunities to grow as a professional and as an academic. As a staff member at CUERE, I am inspired by my colleagues who are dedicated to a very high standard of research and education. As a doctoral student in the Department of Information Systems, I have not only learned a great deal about my field, I have also learned a lot about myself. My journey at UMBC has given me a unique blend of professional and academic experiences as well as a network of colleagues and friends that I will always cherish.

Tahira Mahdi

Plans: To continue work on her research project, "Deconstructing the Nerd: Vision and Need for Cognition in Adults” and her community service activities while applying to graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
B.A., Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: District of Columbia

Tahira Mahdi focused her time at UMBC on research and service. Devoted to empowering young women, she speaks to community programs and even authored two books on young women’s self esteem issues. She is the recipient of an Undergraduate Research Award, which she used to study myopia and the need for cognition in a community sample of adults. She also served as a research assistant for two semesters. She was a mentor for the Shriver Center’s Choice Program and an organizer of CauseFest. She is the recipient of several scholarships, the psychology department’s Distinguished Achievement Award and a Volunteer Appreciation Award. She is a member of the honor societies Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Beta Kappa and has also been nominated to Phi Beta Kappa.

“I feel extremely well-prepared by my psychology major at UMBC for all of my future endeavors. Each class complements all of the others, and I love learning new pieces of information that seem to complete the ultimate puzzle of how I will provide clinical assessment and treatment services as Dr. Tahira Mahdi. Having so many occasions to become involved in psychological research has broadened and cultivated my intellectual curiosity. Not only am I well prepared for graduate study but for all situations in life in which innovative, critical thinking is a virtue.”

Tabassum Majid

Plans: Ph.D., Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Aged
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland

An interdisciplinary studies major, Tabassum Majid was able to specialize her own curriculum, enabling her to fully pursue the intricacies of neuroscience. Her capstone project was on caregiving for elders, a joint effort with the Erickson School and Department of Psychology. She completed several summer research internships and presentations including work at the Uniformed Services University of Health Services, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Stony Brook University. She has performed research on traumatic brain injuries, sensory processing disorders and spinal cord injuries. She attended national conferences for neuroscience and engaged in poster presentations. Active on campus, Tabassum was the first first-year student to become Student Government Association (SGA) vice president, later serving as chief of staff and co-chair of the Prove It! Campaign. She served as a representative on the Student Council for the University System of Maryland for two years and was one of two students on the Performing Arts and Humanities Building Design Committee. She was also a Meyerhoff Scholar.

“UMBC has become my home in every possible way. I have come here with a global identity only to find out that in science, arts, humanities, literature, music and diversity – UMBC has taken my identity and stretched it in ways I’ve never imagined. I’ve made lifelong friends, gained mentors, joined a family and a community I can never repay and grown to be an amazingly confident and prepared adult ready to heal the world.”

Shauna Marquess

Plans: Working for ATR Corporation at the Naval Surface Warfare Center
B.S., Physics
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland

Shauna Marquess demonstrated her commitment to physics both inside and outside the classroom. During summer 2008, she worked as an intern at Triangle Universities Nuclear Lab, where she designed, tested and debugged several complex computer programs in order to control the motion of step motors so they could be used to move a robotic arm submersed in liquid argon, an essential element of the lab’s research on detecting dark matter. She interned at the University of Rochester during summer 2009 and redesigned an absorption imaging system used to photograph matter in experiments where atoms are cooled to a frozen state.

“I have learned so much in just four years. My education and experience at UMBC were very helpful in preparing me for the workforce.”

Steven McKerrall

Plans: Ph.D., Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute
B.S., Chemistry and Philosophy
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey

Steven McKerrall used the resources at UMBC to explore his passion for science. He is this year’s Top Senior Chemistry Major. He has worked as a tutor in the Chemistry Tutorial Center for two years and served as the president of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He also participated in the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Georgetown University with Professor Timothy Warren.

"UMBC has allowed me to develop as a scientist and a scholar. The strong academic programs have challenged me to push my own intellectual limits and develop my own interests as a scientist. The faculty support individual development and education and take a genuine interest in the success of their students. The support has allowed me to work on the frontiers of science."

Josh Michael

Plans: Teacher, Teach for America in Baltimore City Public Schools
B.A., Political Science
Certificate: Secondary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland

During his years at UMBC, Josh Michael honed his leadership skills at UMBC while pursuing his passion: public service. He was a Sondheim Scholar, a three-year member of the Student Government Association, and served as the student regent on the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland as well as a student commissioner on the Maryland Higher Education Commission. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, a Harry S. Truman Scholar Finalist, and received the Scholar Leader Award for Political Science, the Outstanding Student Affairs Leadership Award and the Howard H. Baker Leadership Award. To further his interest in and commitment to education, Josh completed internships with the Maryland State Department of Education and Baltimore City Public Schools.

“UMBC has facilitated my growth as a socially conscious scholar, connecting my classroom and research experiences with rich community service opportunities and internships. As the student regent on the Board of Regents for the University System of Maryland, I visited with students and staff at universities across the state. No place else did I find a university community so welcoming and creative, yet so focused on high academic achievement. UMBC is a special place.”

Mary (Cass) Naugle

Plans: Continue as Executive Director, Greater Maryland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
M.A., Management of Aging Services, Erickson School
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Recently named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2010 by The Daily Record, Cass Naugle credits the Erickson School with giving her the tools she needs to lead and manage change in her organization. In the Management of Aging Services program, Naugle was part of a close-knit cohort of aging services professionals at all career levels. Like her fellow graduates, Naugle is looking forward to using the knowledge she gained from the program to improve the function of her organization and serve older adults more effectively.

“The skills and tools I learned at the UMBC Erickson School have been invaluable to me as I manage change in my organization. The blending of management, aging and policy in my degree program gives me a much broader perspective for addressing the challenges and opportunities created by the aging of our population. In addition, I have been especially appreciative of the support of the Erickson School faculty and the network of colleagues from my class cohort.”

Alex Paczynski

Plans: Position in the Science Appliations International Corporation and eventually law school
B.A., Philosophy and English Literature
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland

Alex Paczynski followed the example set by his mentors at UMBC and became a mentor to others by serving as a Writing Center Certified Tutor and a teaching assistant at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. But this was just one aspect of his experience; he was also an editor of the “UMBC Review,” a Humanities Scholar, a Davison Scholar and a member both of the National Society for Collegiate Scholars and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He was active in the Department of Philosophy, where he was a member of the Council of Majors, Philosophers Anonymous and the Ethics Bowl team, and received a Student Leadership Award. Alex also spent a semester abroad in Australia.

“Throughout my undergraduate studies, several professors have taken an interest in me and chosen to help mentor and guide me, often leading me to new opportunities and challenges. I am eternally grateful for their help and support. Likewise, I have been a mentor to my fellow students. In my experience, this is the spirit of UMBC.”

Sarah Paquette

Plans: Ph.D., English Literature and a teaching certificate in Elementary Music Education
B.A., English Literature
Minor: Music, emphasis on Violin Education
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Germantown, Maryland

Sarah Paquette was a key member of UMBC’s musical community. She was a member of the UMBC Symphony Orchestra and Baroque Chamber Group, served as chamber host for the Chamber Music Festival and was secretary and co-founder of the UMBC Traditional Irish Ensemble. Her research also focused on music: she received an Undergraduate Research Award to study Baroque violin pedagogy and spent the summer of 2009 at the Summit Music Program at Manhattanville College in New York. She also student taught at Arbutus Middle School through the Department of Music. In addition to her musical talent, she is a dedicated scholar who spent her entire time at UMBC on the Dean’s List, received a Regent’s Presidential Scholarship and is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. She gave back to the community by serving as secretary of UMBC’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter and serving on the UMBC Judicial Board.

“UMBC has provided me with a variety of research opportunities in the arts, and my supportive group of professors led me to my desire to teach and perform. Departments such as UMBC Judicial Services have provided me opportunities to support my fellow students as well as make a difference in the university judicial system. These people have proven to be helpful and caring advisors and mentors as I bring my college career to a close.”

Matea Pender ’05, ’07 M.A.

Plans: Education Policy Researcher, Optimal Solutions Group, LLC
Ph.D., Public Policy
Cum Laude
Hometown: Sibenik, Croatia

Matea Pender earned all of her degrees at UMBC, focusing on public and higher education economics, labor economics and education policy analysis. In 2009, she served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Public Policy, where she assisted with grading and teaching. In 2007, she was an adjunct instructor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at CCBC, through the professors-in-training program. From 2006-09 she was a research assistant and analyzed whether summer research opportunities affected the probability of enrolling in a Ph.D. program. In addition to her academic achievements, Matea was also a member of the women’s basketball team and was selected to the conference’s All-Rookie squad in 2001. She also played as a member of the Croatian National Basketball Team from 2000-03.

“UMBC will always be a special place to me. I’ve spent a wonderful five years playing for the UMBC women’s basketball team. In addition, I have obtained my bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees at UMBC. Most importantly, I have met some of the most amazing people and worked with the most remarkable professors. I will always be grateful to UMBC.”

Elizabeth Gomes de Matos Plum

Plans: Pharmacy School, University of Maryland
Cum Laude
Hometown: Minas Gerais, Brazil (relocated to Germantown, Maryland)

After transferring from Montgomery College, Elizabeth Gomes de Matos Plum wanted to help other students successfully immerse themselves into new academic environments. She was the transfer student leader for the Honors College in 2009-10 and was vice president of Tau Sigma, an Honor Society for Transfer students in 2008-09. Through an Undergraduate Research Award, she performed research under the guidance of Richard Karpel, professor of chemistry and, in 2006, she served assistant researcher at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Biologics and Evaluation Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A President’s List Scholar, she received the Lise Satterfield Scholarship, the Chemistry Scholarship and the Tau Sigma National Scholarship Award. At Montgomery College, she was awarded the Hispanic Student Academic Award among various other honors.

“I absolutely love UMBC! This university has given me an excellent education and great opportunities, especially doing research as an undergraduate. I actually feel prepared to go out into the real world. It has helped me in fulfilling my dream of getting my degree in science and in being accepted into pharmacy school. I have also met great people along the way, and it was also a place where I could get involved. I am honored that I came here and it is no surprise that UMBC has been recognized as the top ‘up and coming national university.’”

Joseph Ring

Plans: M.S., Forensic Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University
B.S., Biological Sciences
Minor: Chemistry
Cum Laude
Hometown: Huntingtown, Maryland (Southern Maryland)

A President’s Fellows Scholarship recipient, Joseph Ring immersed himself in biology at UMBC, focusing on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In his Undergraduate Research Award project, he tried to identify various compounds that can interact with HIV’s packaging signal and disrupt its action. He’s hoping this proves useful in further antiviral treatment.

“UMBC has helped me meet really great people and has taught me invaluable skills as I move forward in life.”

Martha Schmitz

Plans: M.A., International Relations (U.S. Foreign Policy), Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
B.A., History; B.A., Political Science
Minor: French
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Martha Schmitz’s dream is to be a diplomat, and she worked toward that dream at UMBC. She studied abroad at France’s Universite de Nancy II and held a full-time internship at the Turkey Desk of the U.S. Department of State. She also completed internships at Partnership for Learning, Inc. and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. She is the recipient of a University Scholar Award, the political science department’s Outstanding Senior Award and the History Department Award. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and the treasurer of the Golden Key International Honour Society, and served as a justice on the Student Judicial Board.

“UMBC has been of huge help to me in meeting my academic, practical and social goals. The school has helped me to gain practical experience necessary to ground what I have learned in the classroom in the real world. The study abroad office and my various academic departments helped me to pursue my dream of studying abroad. The school has done more than I would have ever expected to connect me to the world.”

Suni Shah

Plans: M.F.A., Filmmaking, New York Film Academy
B.A., Visual Arts with a Film/Video Emphasis
Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

A Linehan Scholar, Suni Shah has a talent for filmmaking that was nurtured by the mentors she met at UMBC. She was the treasurer of the Interdisciplinary Film Association and completed an internship at the National Aquarium, where she made a promotional video for its jellyfish exhibit. This passion carried over into her personal life, as well; she has completed two freelance promotional videos and five of her own short films. In addition to her interest in film, she was an active member of the Persian Student Association, serving as the human relations officer.

“UMBC has allowed me to explore my passion for film. I have cultivated a wide variety of skills that I truly don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else. UMBC also provided me with mentors and connections with others in my field. I am very proud to be graduating from UMBC and heading to further my education in New York City.”

Karen Silver

Plans: Master of Public Policy, UMBC
B.A., Health Administration and Policy
Cum Laude
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland

Karen Silver was able to incorporate her extracurricular and community service activities into her education curriculum at UMBC, giving her a broader look at public health. A President’s List Scholar, Karen was enrolled in the B.A./M.P.P. accelerated program in health policy. Serving as the program coordinator for Project HEALTH, they secured a $7,500 grant under her leadership from Newman’s Own Foundation’s Community Service Challenge.

“UMBC has allowed me to work in my extracurricular and community service activities as part of my education curriculum and, in doing so, I’ve had a significantly richer learning experience. The faculty is incredibly supportive and engaging, and the connections and relationships I have made here with them will last me throughout both my academic and professional careers.”

Sarah Solomon

Plans: Special Educator, New York Teach for America Corps; also plans to apply for a Fulbright to continue research in Mali
B.A. Gender and Women’s Studies
Minor: French
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Suffern, New York

Sarah Solomon took advantage of her opportunities at UMBC to pursue research on gender, development and youth activism in Mali. With the help of an Undergraduate Research Award, she was able to conduct this research during a semester abroad. On campus, Sarah worked at the Women’s Center and was a leader in several student organizations that focus on service and social justice such as the Student Solidarity Coalition, the Women’s Collective and Women Involved in Learning and Leadership. A Sondheim Scholar, she gained extensive experience through service learning and internships, ranging from a drop-in center for women on the street in Baltimore to the American Civil Liberties Union. She also interned as assistant to the president of the National Organization for Women in New York City. Sarah was honored to receive numerous University awards recognizing her academic achievements and commitment to service prior to graduation.

“At UMBC, I developed a strong network of students, faculty and staff who supported me and helped me grow as a person and a scholar. Thanks to the diversity and encouraging environment of the UMBC community, I was able to foster my professional endeavors, activism, service to the community and research skills.”

Amber Spry

Plans: Research Assistant Intern, Urban Institute; will apply for J.D./Ph.D. programs
B.A., Political Science; B.A., Media and Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Amber Spry has taken the interests she developed at UMBC far outside of the classroom. She presented a policy brief to Governor Martin O’Malley and received the Governor’s citation for Outstanding Commitment to Public Service. She presented original research at the National Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences research conference in Las Vegas and won an award at the Pi Sigma Alpha Research Conference. She is also a talented musician who was named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar and has performed across the country. Her other honors include the Samuel I. Rosenberg Citizenship Award and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Strive for Excellence Award, and she was named a Black Women in Sisterhood for Action Scholar and a Richard Gregory Freeland II Scholar. She served as a mentor for the College Night Choice Program, a member of the UMBC Gospel Choir, a senator in the SGA (where she was voted 2009’s Outstanding Senator of the Year) and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She is a representative to University System of Maryland Student Council and a volunteer at the U.S. Dream Academy.

“UMBC is my intellectual home. I've grown from someone who was just good in school into someone who genuinely loves learning. UMBC has also given me room to explore my other passions, and I believe I'm a well-rounded person as a result. I can be an academic, a musician, a volunteer, everything I want to be and UMBC embraces it. UMBC has helped me understand who I am and how I can make a lasting impact on my community.”

Hannah Wilson

Plans: Ph.D., Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison
B.S., Chemical Engineering
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland

UMBC gave Hannah Wilson the opportunity to discover and pursue her interest in biomedical research. A Meyerhoff Scholar and a MARC U*STAR Scholar, Hannah Wilson conducted three years of research on the mechanisms of bacterial infection with Julia Ross, professor and chair of chemical and biochemical engineering, and earned an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) for the 2009-10 academic year. She was a summer undergraduate research fellow at the National Institute of Standards in Technology in 2007 and completed internships at the Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institute Program at Clemson University (2008) and the Institute of Nanobiotechnology at Johns Hopkins University (2009). She presented research posters at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (2008), the 3rd NASA-NIST Workshop on Nanotube Measurements (2006) and UMBC's Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (2009 and 2010). She is a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society and served as president of UMBC Women's Club Volleyball for two years.

“My personal experience at UMBC has been outstanding thanks to the community of scholars that surrounds me. I am especially grateful for the faculty's help and support - holding extra office hours and study sessions and keeping their doors open when I needed guidance. Their commitment to teaching and engaging students has helped foster relationships beyond the classroom that I hope to maintain for years to come.”

Carla Valenzuela

Plans: M.D., Vanderbilt University
B.S., Biological Sciences
Summa Cum Laude
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

A summer research opportunity gave Carla Valenzuela both academic and cultural experience. While in Japan, she performed work on obesity with top researchers in the field. In her free time, she climbed Mount Fuji, which she deems as one of her greatest accomplishments. A Goldwater Scholar, Carla is interested in neuroscience, and her research projects at UMB related to this interest. She worked at the University of Maryland School of Medicine laboratory to gain more knowledge in this field. On campus, Carla was a Meyerhoff Scholar (and served on the Meyerhoff Student Council), a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and president and founder of the UMBC Running Club.

“UMBC and the Meyerhoff Program have both provided me with an incredible nurturing environment. I am so grateful to have been given opportunities to excel in academics and the chance to build life long friendships with amazing people.”

Gabrielle Wyatt

Plans: M.P.P./J.D., Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and Law School
B.A., Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Pikesville, Maryland

Gabrielle Wyatt has spent her years at UMBC immersed in issues surrounding education policy. Currently a consultant for the Office of Equity and Assurance for Baltimore County Public Schools, Gabrielle Wyatt is a Sondheim Scholar, an Undergraduate Research Award (URA) Scholar and a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellow at the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. She has completed internships at T. Rowe Price, the office of Congressman Buck McKeon and the YMCA at College Gardens, where she tutored at-risk youth. For her 2010 Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day project, she studied the impact of the foreclosure crisis on children. She was also included in the “Top 100 Women” list by the Maryland Daily Record in 2010. In addition to the PPIA Fellowship, Gabrielle also received the Taubman Center for State and Local Policy Fellowship, which together will cover full tuition, housing, and living expenses for her graduate study. As a Taubman Fellow, she will have the opportunity to engage in research with the Kennedy School’s Program for Education Policy and Governance.

“UMBC is a place where the scholar is celebrated. Students come here knowing that as undergraduates they will have graduate-level experiences, growing academically and personally. As a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar, I have been a part of Walter Sondheim’s legacy of community service, social justice and diversity. Whether I was tutoring students, navigating the tunnels of Capitol Hill or writing a policy memo for a public school district, I know that I have been a part of actual, measurable change. Not many undergraduates get to say that, but UMBC undergraduates can.”