The 2024-2025 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars

Zachary Braunstein, English and Philosphy, Politics, & Economics
Teacher Mentor: Iria Pico, Arnold O. Beckman High School, Irvine, California
Faculty Mentor: Ross Angelella, Department of English

My mentors have made a tremendous impact on my educational experience. When I was in high school, my Spanish teacher, Ms. Iria Pico, helped me learn how to better conjugate verbs. She inspired me to go home after each class and practice my language skills so I could improve my Spanish presentations without having to memorize a script. In my third year of college, I took the capstone English course for the Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House with Professor Ross Angelella. At that time, I was just learning about Stylus, one of the premier literary organizations on campus. With Professor Angelella’s help, I was able to learn more about different deadlines, requirements and pieces that Stylus was looking for as well as other literary organizations on campus. Professor Angelella’s advice played a role in encouraging me to become editor in chief of Stylus. Both mentors have been a great inspiration to me. Now, as a Terrapin Teacher, I enjoy helping young people expand their knowledge on subjects they are truly invested in, not just academically, but also socially and professionally. I know that both of my mentors are very proud of me.

Nikita Kale, International Business and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics
Teacher Mentor: Kristen Reier, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Randy Ontiveros, Department of English

When I faced the linguistic roadblocks of learning a Romance language in an American high school classroom, Ms. Kristen Reier brought French culture to life. Over four years, her Mardi Gras celebrations, film showings and pastry baking competitions instilled my excitement in discovering new experiences through a foreign language. I carried her confidence and nonjudgmental joy to immerse myself in French culture when I studied abroad in Paris. My interest in studying language is rooted in my passion for the humanities, which I was introduced to in college by Professor Randy Ontiveros. As director of the Honors Humanities program, Professor Ontiveros pushed me to use my philosophy degree to inspire change and challenge the traditional path of a liberal arts education. His pride in humanities students broadened my scope of professional opportunities, and I have since applied my studies to experiences in government, business and even the tech industry. I am beyond grateful to have had Ms. Reier and Professor Ontiveros as educators who boosted confidence in new cultures and industries. I aim to continue their advocacy for an education in the humanities as I professionally navigate the relationship between people, businesses and government.

Yuri Kim, Hearing and Speech Science
Teacher Mentor: Bryan Goehring, Takoma Park Middle School, Takoma Park, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Sarah Sohns, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences

Beyond his beloved “celebrations of learning” (biology exams) and elaborate forensics crime scenes, Mr. Brian Goehring is most importantly known for advising our middle school’s service-learning organization. Always selfless and kind, Mr. Goehring taught me how to lead an organization built upon a foundation of trust and genuine connection. Over seven years later, I still reflect on his guidance as I cultivate communities of my own within student organizations on campus. And as my interest in seventh-grade biology matures into a career path in audiology, I find a similar kindness in Professor Sarah Sohns. Crucially, she carries the type of kindness that inspires me to look at health care professions from a service-oriented perspective. Professor Sohns’ class taught me compassion through both her case studies addressing cultural competency and check-ins with her students. Between her hours in the clinic and the classroom, I am beyond grateful for the time Professor Sohns dedicates to advocating for her students, offering advice and simply being present. I cannot stress enough the impact Mr. Goehring’s and Professor Sohns’ unwavering support has had on my personal and academic life, and I am truly blessed to have such amazing role models to guide my future endeavors.

Anna Petersen, Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice
Teacher Mentor: Amber Perkins, Paint Branch High school, Burtonsville, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Tracy Tomlinson, Department of Psychology

A successful mentor challenges students to extend beyond their comfort zone. Ms. Amber Perkins, my theater director at Paint Branch High School, always encourages her students to persist when trying new experiences or confronting obstacles. Ms. Perkins provided me with valuable leadership opportunities both on- and off-stage. Her unwavering belief in my success instilled in me the confidence to speak in front of others and pursue my passions, which fostered the development of my goals to advocate for and help others. My UMD psychology mentor, Professor Tracy Tomlinson, challenged me academically. She encouraged me to think critically about contentious topics in the legal system and pushed me to re-evaluate my notions of criminal justice. Her enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring helped me realize my interest in legal psychology and my desire to work toward systemic change in the justice system. Both Ms. Perkins and Professor Tomlinson are committed and dedicated educators who actively engage their students in learning and confronting the many challenges of our time. I sincerely thank them for their mentorship and meaningful impact on the trajectory of my life.

Tabitha Tamulevich, Geographical Sciences and Sociology
Teacher Mentor: Heather Evans, Perry Hall High School, Nottingham, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Meyer Kestnbaum, Department of Sociology

Ms. Heather Evans was my AP U.S. government and politics teacher. She set the stage for how I approach learning, driving me to take my education seriously and helping me find meaning in my studies. It was invaluable to have someone in my corner who I knew I could turn to throughout my high school career. At UMD, I feel fortunate to have taken Professor Meyer Kestnbaum’s sociological theory course. Knowing the foundational theory helped contextualize my sociology studies and challenged my analytical skills. He wants everyone to not just learn the material but also interact with it. My mentors have carried me through my educational journey with their infectious passion, and I am beyond grateful for their support.

Abigail Manga, Information Systems
Teacher Mentor: Turner McManus, Oxon Hill High School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: David Ashley, Department of Marketing

A commonality between both of my mentors is that I genuinely looked forward to coming to their classes every day. Mr. Turner McManus, my practical law teacher and lacrosse coach, helped me to believe in myself and reminded me that there was nothing beyond my reach. His consistent support and encouragement extended far beyond the classroom and have helped shape me into the person that I am today. Professor David Ashley, who taught two of my QUEST Honors Program courses, always found a way to make learning enjoyable. Always cracking a joke and ensuring we were putting in our best effort, he fostered an engaging classroom environment that made us all feel supported and cared for. He taught me the importance of continuous self-improvement and being my authentic self, lessons I will carry for the rest of my life. Thanks to the guidance of my mentors, I’ve grown and flourished, leaving the classroom better than when I entered it.

Adelina Seck, Information Systems and Operations Management & Business Analytics
Teacher Mentor: Emily Roberts, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Roy Thomason, Department of Management and Organization

My high school calculus teacher, Ms. Emily Roberts, inspires each of her students to not only succeed in her classes, but also to pursue their passions in order to be successful in their future. Her optimistic and energetic personality shaped my perception in high school and ultimately led to the quantitative skills I learned becoming one of my biggest strengths and shaping my career ambitions. She was so supportive, especially during the pandemic, when she made every effort to be a resource and stay connected. At UMD, one of the most supportive professors I had was Professor Roy Thomason. He cares about each and every one of his students’ professional and personal successes, and teaches in a way that allows his students to translate his lectures and experiences into their own professional endeavors. Even before he was my professor, he led a business school trip that I went on, and from there spent time helping me prepare for interviews, solidify which career path to take and understand how to apply my strengths to my career. He has always been someone I can rely on, and I appreciate everything he has done for me!
*Ms. Roberts was named a Teacher Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2019-20.

Grayson Vintz, Finance and Accounting
Teacher Mentor: Debra Shannon, River Hill High School, Clarksville, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Sarah Kroncke, Department of Finance

Throughout my academic journey, a common theme among my mentors was their passion for fostering student growth. In high school, my AP calculus teacher, Ms. Debra Shannon, exemplified this passion. She excels at breaking down complex concepts and thoroughly explaining the nuances of each problem. Initially, I felt unprepared for the rigor of these college-level courses, but over two years, she invested time to help me develop strong study habits and gain the confidence to excel. Ms. Shannon also emphasized the importance of balancing academic success with other aspects of life, which was crucial for my personal development. Similarly, Professor Sarah Kroncke embodies this passion. Over the past year, I participated in the Lemma Senbet Fund, where she fosters a classroom culture that balances seriousness and diligence with fun and collaboration. Outside the classroom, Professor Kroncke takes the time to listen to my perspective as a student and advocate for my voice, empowering me to become a great leader. My experience with the Lemma Senbet Fund left me confident that the skills Professor Kroncke taught me will propel me in my future career in finance. I am deeply thankful for the impact these two people have on my life.
*Professor Kronke was named a Faculty Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2015-16.

Lora Abuobaid, Chemistry
Teacher Mentor: Avi Silber, Northwest High School, Germantown, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Kimberly Paczolt, Department of Biology

I want to thank Mr. Avi Silber and Professor Kimberly Paczolt for being two amazing teachers and mentors to me. Mr. Silber was my honors chemistry and molecular biotechnology teacher in high school and was the coordinator of the Academy of Biotechnology, where I served as an officer. His passion for chemistry was infectious, and his teaching style was engaging and fun. He incorporated songs and hands-on activities that I still remember today. Mr. Silber also mentored me, assisting with internship searches and providing me with networking and leadership opportunities. Professor Paczolt taught “Principles of Genetics” and had a great enthusiasm for the subject. She offered a plethora of valuable resources to the class, making genetics one of my favorite courses. I later became a Guided Study Sessions leader for her class. Professor Paczolt supported my organization, Students Against Skin Cancer, and served as our advisor, spreading awareness about skin cancer on campus and in the College Park and D.C. communities. She has been a mentor and provided opportunities for me to pursue my interests. I am truly grateful that I was able to be Mr. Silber and Professor Paczolt’s student and receive their guidance and mentorship.
*Professor Paczolt was named a Faculty Mentor by two 2024-25 Merrill Scholars.

Shawn Edelstein, Statistics and Public Policy
Teacher Mentor: Barbara Felicciardi, P.S. 169 Bay Terrace School, Queens, New York
Faculty Mentor: Jiehong Lou, School of Public Policy, Center for Global Sustainability

I have grown and thrived at each stage of my academic career with the help of valuable mentors. During my most formative years, I developed a successful mindset with the help of Ms. Barbara Felicciardi. As my first science teacher and my primary second-grade teacher, she taught me to be curious and explore the world around me. This set me on a path to my current position as a research assistant at the Center for Global Sustainability, where I have put my learning into practice under the mentorship of Professor Jiehong Lou. Professor Lou helped me bridge the gap between my studies in statistics and public policy, while teaching me new skills to analyze complex challenges in clean energy and environmental policy. I am grateful for the knowledge and kindness bestowed upon me by both of these individuals, as well as all of the teachers who have gotten me to where I am today.

Neha Sripathi, Microbiology
Teacher Mentor: Kathleen Morrow, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia
Faculty Mentor: Kimberly Paczolt, Department of Biology

Without Dr. Kathleen Morrow’s guidance as a mentor in high school, I never would have discovered the subfield of bioinformatics that I am researching today. As a former field researcher, she brought her expertise to the classroom and created a class that allowed us to explore real-world research and data analysis. This sparked a passion in me that I carried to UMD. She also nurtured my passion for microbiology by sponsoring the student microbiology club that I founded in high school, and this ultimately became my specialization in my biological sciences major. Professor Kimberly Paczolt was my genetics professor at UMD, and her passion for her field and her focus on teaching us new technologies helped shape my understanding of CRISPR. This sharpened my proposal for a Gemstone Honors research project, which I have been working on with my team for the last three years. Professor Paczolt also took me on as a teaching assistant for three subsequent semesters. Through her mentorship, I learned to be a better public speaker and communicator, and these are skills that will benefit me throughout my life.
*Professor Paczolt was named a Faculty Mentor by two 2024-25 Merrill Scholars.

Cole Hershman, Aerospace Engineering
Teacher Mentor: Veronica Murphy, Wilson Area High School, Easton, Pennsylvania
Faculty Mentor: Benjamin Silbaugh, Department of Aerospace Engineering

II was fortunate to have Dr. Veronica Murphy as my high school calculus and chemistry teacher. She challenged her students and instilled in me an appreciation for math and science through her teaching style and quotes from Jiminy Cricket and Mean Girls. I came to UMD with no major but a passion for math and science, and Professor Benjamin Silbaugh quickly gave me direction. He instructed “Introduction to Aerospace Systems” the fall of my sophomore year, and we indulged in many fruitful discussions about aerospace studies and the engineering world. He helped me find my passion for space flight dynamics and aerospace engineering. I have enjoyed every second of his lectures, and I am thankful for the support and guidance he has offered.

Owen Mank, Electrical Engineering
Teacher Mentor: Robert Davis, Colonel Richardson High School, Federalsburg, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Denny Gulick, Department of Mathematics

Growing up in rural Maryland and attending Colonel Richardson High School, the greatest contributor to my preparation for engineering at UMD was my Project Lead the Way teacher, Mr. Robert Davis. Whenever I had a question or a design I wanted to build, Mr. Davis was always there to mentor me, and his constant support helped me overcome many educational obstacles. His kindness inspired me throughout high school and fostered my love of engineering. With MATH140 being my first college course (at 8 a.m.) and having spent 30 minutes looking for the lecture hall after going to the wrong room, Professor Denny Gulick’s upbeat attitude and witty humor were a wonderful start to my first day of college courses. The following semesters, I often spent much of my time in his office hours, either asking questions or listening to stories about his experiences and his love of avocados. His kind nature and dedication to being available for his students helped me find my place in college and become comfortable with reaching out to others.

Jessica Doan, Information Science
Teacher Mentor: David Kraft, Magruder High School, Derwood, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Edward Bernat, Department of Psychology

Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many wonderful individuals who have significantly influenced my journey, often without my immediate realization. Mr. David Kraft, my high school math teacher, made a profound impact on my life. It was a slow realization that unfolded in the years following high school, and I’m grateful now for this chance to express my gratitude to him. Currently, Professor Edward Bernat serves as my mentor, offering invaluable support and guidance as I explore my interdisciplinary interests in design, neuroscience and research. His mentorship has been instrumental in my development, and I anticipate that his influence will continue to shape my future endeavors in meaningful ways.
*Professor Bernat was named a Faculty Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2016-17.

Marwa Barakat, Journalism
Teacher Mentor: Meredith Lang, Northwest High School, Germantown, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Christoph Mergerson, College of Journalism

Ms. Meredith Lang and Professor Christoph Mergerson have continuously supported me and challenged me to be the best student and journalist I can be. In ninth grade, I told Ms. Lang I wanted to pursue journalism in college. In 11th grade, I took her journalism class, as she was reviving our school’s student newspaper, where I served as editor in chief. Ms. Lang encouraged me to write and seek out stories, wrote recommendation letters for my college applications and most importantly, helped me find the potential that she always saw in me. She has celebrated many accomplishments with me, and I can’t wait to share upcoming milestones with her. Professor Mergerson made me feel seen and valued in a field where I have often felt like an outsider. Not only has he taught me invaluable lessons about journalism and its history, he has also pushed me to find my voice and stand for what I believe in. He has always been there to provide guidance and encouragement, support my endeavors or simply talk about the industry. Words cannot express how much his advice has motivated me to continue pursuing my passions despite the hardships that come with it.

Caitlyn Goldberg, Family Science and Sociology
Teacher Mentor: Robert Spivey, Glenelg High School, Glenelg, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Kerry Tripp, Department of Family Science

While both of these incredible individuals were originally my teachers, they each took on a mentoring role that drastically changed the course of my life. In high school, Mr. Robert Spivey encouraged me to join the mock trial team that he coached. Upon joining, I discovered my passion for advocacy and leadership, kicking off the chain of events that led me to apply to law school this fall. My junior year of college rolled around, and I was able to take family law with Professor Kerry Tripp. I had been looking forward to the class for years and enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. This class confirmed my desire to advocate for those who may not have as loud of a voice. After finishing the class, I realized I wanted to work with Professor Tripp further, and ultimately became her teaching assistant and research fellow the next semester. Throughout the semester, Professor Tripp encouraged me to focus on niche topics and allowed me to reflect on my personal interests in her new textbook. I am incredibly grateful for both of these mentors, and I truly cannot fathom being the person I am today without their influence.

Avery Moe, Kinesiology
Teacher Mentor: Andrea Dickie, Hammond High School, Columbia, Maryland
Faculty Mentor: Ross Miller, Department of Kinesiology

My high school calculus teacher, Ms. Andrea Dickie, created a supportive, safe space where I could grow both academically and personally. She was an amazing teacher who cheered me on in the classroom and in my extracurricular activities, making sure I always felt seen and appreciated. Her genuine care inspired my ambition to become a professor, where I aspire to support students with the same unwavering commitment she showed me. At UMD, I was fortunate to find another incredible mentor in Professor Ross Miller. He noticed my passion for biomechanics and offered his mentorship, playing a crucial role in my research and my path toward graduate school. Professor Miller’s belief in my potential has been a huge source of motivation, giving me the confidence that I can achieve my dreams. Thank you to these mentors for their immense support and encouragement throughout my academic and professional journey.

Danielle London, Psychology and Health Science, Communication, & Marketing
Teacher Mentor: Leigh Felix, Eastern Regional High School, Voorhees Township, New Jersey
Faculty Mentor: Sylvette La Touche-Howard, School of Public Health, Office of the Dean

Ms. Leigh Felix and Professor Sylvette La Touche-Howard have been invaluable mentors for my academic career and personal development. I’m grateful for their guidance, dedication and commitment to fostering my future success. Ms. Felix was my AP/Honors chemistry teacher who inspired me to challenge myself and tenaciously work toward my goals. She went above and beyond to assist me in learning chemistry. Ms. Felix also advocated for my success as a community service leader in the Key Club. Her guidance and faith in my abilities have been instrumental in furthering my compassion for others and my determination to succeed in the face of adversity. Professor La-Touche Howard taught the “Introduction to Public Health” course and is my mentor for my Individual Studies major. She sparked my curiosity in health communication and has assisted me in creatively combining my interests. Through her personalized guidance, interactive teaching style and unwavering encouragement, Professor La-Touche Howard has been instrumental in inspiring me to always follow my passions. I’m honored and thankful to have had the mentorship of both of these wonderful individuals who have played pivotal roles in my life and inspired me to pursue my dreams.
*Professor La Touche-Howard was named a Faculty Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2016-17.