COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland Office of Undergraduate Studies has announced the 19 recipients of its annual Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program, which recognizes top graduating seniors at the University of Maryland, and the professors and K-12 teachers who mentored them.
The program, named for the late university supporter and Washington-area publisher, recognizes the importance of mentorship and awards $1,500 scholarships, which are given in the K-12 teacher’s name to another student from that school district who will attend UMD the next academic year.
“The late Philip Merrill created this program to build a community of scholars, faculty members and K-12 teachers who recognize the importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “We are grateful for a program that celebrates invaluable mentorship and for the many teachers who have a long-lasting impact on the lives of our students.”
The program also highlights the achievements of the graduating seniors, who are selected by the academic colleges and schools. Scholars’ internships and research work ranges from fighting climate change to addressing global mental health disparities.
“These students’ accomplishments are a testament to the power of teachers and mentors in an academic journey,” said William A. Cohen, associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies. “The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program is creating an important legacy of teacher excellence—from K-12 through college—that leads to outstanding student achievements.”
The Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars for 2022-23 are:
Alexia Ayuk (Operations Management and Business Analytics)
Teacher Mentor: Renetta Herndon-Cintron, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Olney, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Pamela K. Armstrong, Department of Decision, Operations and Information Technologies
Nick Bailey (Operations Management and Business Analytics, Marketing)
Teacher Mentor: Jennifer Lopez, Westbrook Elementary School, Bethesda, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Mary B. Harms, Department of Marketing
Janna Chapman (Environmental Science and Technology, Geographical Sciences)
Teacher Mentor: Kristyn Madeja, Broadneck High School, Annapolis, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Thanicha Ruangmas, First-Year Innovation and Research Experience
Kyra Cromwell Reed (Fire Protection Engineering)
Teacher Mentor: Rita Pascale, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Bethesda, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Kenneth Isman, Department of Fire Protection Engineering
Aimee Dastin-van Rijn (Economics, Theatre)
Teacher Mentor: Victoire D’Agostino, St. John’s International School, Waterloo, Belgium
Faculty Mentor: Stacy Kosko, Department of Government and Politics
Logan Daytner (Geographical Sciences)
Teacher Mentor: Lauren Gardenbelle, South Carroll High School, Sykesville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Sinead Farrell, Department of Geographical Sciences
Fred Angelo Garcia (Physics, Astronomy)
Teacher Mentor: Yolanda King-Davis, Oxon Hill High School, Oxon Hill, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Massimo Ricotti, Department of Astronomy
Maanasa Gurram (Biological Sciences)
Teacher Mentor: Mary Jane Sasser, River Hill High School, Clarksville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Najib El-Sayed, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics
Joanna Hung (Mathematics)
Teacher Mentor: Harrison Toy, Robert Frost Middle School, Rockville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Dana Grosser-Clarkson, Center for Mathematics Education
Sterling Mullenix (Linguistics)
Teacher Mentor: Jenny Mey, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Bethesda, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Jeffrey Lidz, Department of Linguistics
Kuburat Oladiran (Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Teacher Mentor: Michelle Snape, Northwood High School, Silver Spring, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Heather Yarger, Department of Psychology
Deborah Omotoso (Family Science)
Teacher Mentor: Dana Shieh, Bishop McNamara High School, Forestville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Scott Roberts, Department of Psychology
Pravalika Palavarapu (Psychology, Sociology)
Teacher Mentor: Bryce Coon, Thomas S. Wootton High School, Rockville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Nicole DeLoatch, Department of Sociology
Bradley Polkowitz (Operations Management and Business Analytics, Marketing)
Teacher Mentor: Cindy Bravaco, Colts Neck High School, Colts Neck, N.J.
Faculty Mentor: Joseph Bailey, Department of Decision, Operations and Information Technologies
Rachel Robin (Government and Politics, Communication)
Teacher Mentor: Daniel McKenna, Poolesville High School, Poolesville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Jaclyn Bruner, Department of Communication
Racheal Ssentongo (Aerospace Engineering)
Teacher Mentor: Jack Stansbury, Poolesville High School, Poolesville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Jarred Young, Department of Aerospace Engineering
Brian Tinkler (Aerospace Engineering)
Teacher Mentor: Andrew Milcic, Severna Park High School, Severna Park, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Jarred Young, Department of Aerospace Engineering
Katelyn Wang (Kinesiology)
Teacher Mentor: Danielle Borgia, Mount Hebron High School, Ellicott City, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Elizabeth Brown, Department of Kinesiology
Hanna Zakharenko (Journalism, Information Science)
Teacher Mentor: Warren Hynes, Westfield High School, Westfield, N.J.
Faculty Mentor: Adam Marton, Philip Merrill College of Journalism