Dr. Rocky Lopes '80 Endowed Scholarships for Leadership & Education

Matthew Adjodha

Matthew is a Caribbean-American from Rockville, MD, pursuing a B.S. in public health science and a B.S. in cell biology and molecular genetics as a dual degree on the pre-med track. After graduating from UMD, he hopes to pursue an MD/Ph.D. or MD/MPH to become the first doctor and genetic epidemiologist in his family, aiming to use research to improve medical care and health policies for preventing chronic and autoimmune diseases in communities of color.

On campus, Matthew serves as co-president of the Asian American Student Union, vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society, and has served as the co-executive board chair of the College Success Scholars, among other roles. He has volunteered across campus with the Maryland Athletics Sports Nutrition Program, SPH Dean's Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Engagement, and One Tent Health.

His research experiences investigating addiction science, epigenetics, pharmacogenomics, and more, along with his internships at the FDA, Johns Hopkins University, and Mayo Clinic, have influenced his passion for understanding how social determinants literally change our bodies to champion more thoughtful, holistic healing.

Olivia Akhtar

Olivia is pursuing a dual degree in finance and international business with a minor in sustainability. She is actively involved in a variety of organizations and leadership roles on campus. Within the Smith School of Business, her involvement spans the Impact Consulting Fellowship, Justice for Fraud Victims, and the International Economics and Finance Society. Outside of Smith, her experience ranges from serving as the vice president of sustainability for the Resident Hall Association to being a member of the Global Challenges and Solutions Honors College, the Global Fellows Program, and as a trip leader for the Adventure Program. She is passionate about combining her interest in environmental sustainability with finance to create a meaningful impact.

Mary Akinrogbe

Mary is pursuing a degree in economics, with a focus on development and labor economics. At Maryland, she has engaged in research, participated in and led several student organizations, and served as a resident assistant, all of which have strengthened her leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

She has served as co-president of 17 For Peace and Justice, vice president of communication for La Plata Residence Hall, and treasurer for PERIOD@UMD. These experiences have allowed her to combine academic rigor with meaningful contributions to the campus community.

Trinity Abeng Allsop

Trinity is a sociology major with a minor in human development at the University of Maryland. Her academic interests center on understanding social systems and how they influence individual and community outcomes, particularly in areas related to education and equity.

Beyond the classroom, she serves as vice president of the Caribbean Students Association and president of College Mentors for Success. These roles have allowed her to celebrate culture, empower students, and provide mentorship to high school youth in Prince George's County. Her Maryland experience has been defined by the connections she has made and the leadership opportunities that have allowed her to grow while positively impacting others.

Jodi Aryee

On campus, Jodi is a leader within two organizations: NAACP (vice president) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Eta Epsilon chapter (president, former parliamentarian). She balances her leadership positions with an average of 1-3 jobs in various departments on and off campus; she is currently employed with STAMP Guest Services and the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Above all else, she is a daughter of two loving immigrant teachers, a partner of six years, and a friend to many who motivate her to do her best.

Raven Herron

Raven is a senior animal science major on the pre-professional track with a minor in general business. She is passionate about animal health and plans to pursue veterinary school after graduation. On campus, she stays actively involved through leadership and service roles, where she currently serves as vice president of the AGNR Student Council and works as a student ambassador and office assistant in AGNR's Office of Academic Programs.

She's also a dedicated member of several student organizations, including the Pre-Veterinary Society, Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, the Maryland Clay Target Team, Block and Bridle, and the UMD Equestrian Team and Club. She is co-raising Bailey, a golden retriever, on the guide dog track, through Terps Raising Pups and the Guide Dog Foundation.

Julia Bonfrisco

Julia Bonfrisco’s journey at the University of Maryland has been one of discovery, growth, and resilience. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household, the path to higher education was not always clear, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Coming from a background where higher education was a distant dream, stepping onto the UMD campus was a moment of triumph not just for Julia, but for her entire family.

At UMD, Julia has pursued a double major in Kinesiology and Psychology, driven by a deep passion for understanding the connection between physical and mental health. The university's dynamic environment has allowed her to delve into these fields, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that have shaped her academic and career goals. Julia’s role as a Student Administrative Assistant in the Department of Kinesiology has given her the opportunity to support fellow students and engage closely with faculty, deepening her understanding of the academic landscape and honing her organizational and communication skills.  Beyond academics, joining Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. has given Julia a strong sense of community and belonging. Through this sisterhood, Julia has developed leadership skills and contributed to initiatives that uplift the Latinx community on campus, including serving on the sorority's leadership team as academic chair and chapter recruitment and retention chair. These experiences have been deeply fulfilling, and she is proud to be part of a collective effort to make a difference.

Balancing work, studies, and extracurricular commitments has been challenging, but it has taught Julia invaluable lessons in time management, resilience, and the importance of community support. Her experience at Maryland has not only equipped Julia with the knowledge and skills needed for her future career but has also instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility to give back and pave the way for others who, like Julia, are navigating the complexities of higher education for the first time. UMD has been a place of growth, not just academically, but personally, and Julia is proud to be part of UMD’s vibrant and diverse community.

Eileen Chen

Beyond her coursework, Eileen Chen is deeply involved in various student organizations and leadership roles. As President of Alpha Kappa Psi and the Women in Business Association, a member of the Smith Dean's Student Advisory Council, and the VP of Marketing for the Smith Finance Group, Eileen is continuously honing her leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, Eileen is a Smith Ambassador and holds roles at the Center for Social Value Creation and the Office of Experiential Learning, where she is currently planning the fourth annual Sustainability in Business Conference. Her involvement in the QUEST Honors Program and the Smith Business Leadership Fellows further enriches her learning experience and helps her grow as a leader and a team player. Outside of Smith, Eileen is also an Alum from the Public Leadership College Park Scholars Program where she served two years as her cohort's representative on the Scholars Advisory Board.

Ashley Gitau

Ashley Gitau is a Government & Politics major at the University of Maryland. On campus, she serves as Vice President of Ignite, a club dedicated to empowering women to take on leadership roles and get more involved in politics. In her role, Ashley oversees the chairs on our executive board and collaborates with the President to ensure the smooth running of the club. Ashley is also the Mentorship Director for the Health Law Society, where she manages a program that pairs their members with current law students and provides them with resources to prepare for law school. Additionally, Ashley is a Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellow, a member of Phi Alpha Delta, and part of University Honors. She’s excited to apply the leadership skills she’s gained through these experiences to her future career as an attorney! Right now, Ashley is studying for the LSAT and looking forward to becoming a law student soon.

Angelica Reyes

Angelica Reyes is a Filipina-American, first-generation college student from Silver Spring, MD, pursuing a B.S in Middle School Math and Science Education with a minor in Human Development. Since committing to the University of Maryland nearly two years ago, Angelica has been involved in several organizations and leadership roles across campus. She held the positions of Freshman Representative and Cultural Chair for the Filipino Cultural Association, Peer Mentor for students in the C.D. Mote Jr. Incentive Awards Program, Student Ambassador for the College of Education, and soon an aide at the Center for Young Children (CYC) on campus. Outside of these responsibilities, Angelica has also volunteered in the community at places or with organizations like the Wider Circle and the PG County Animal Center, and also served as a tutor/mentor for middle school students at College Park Academy. All of these experiences have shaped Angelica’s memories at Maryland and motivated her ambitions to give back to her community as a prospective educator.

Fatima Saccoh

Fatima Saccoh is a first-generation Sierra Leonean American and a dedicated student at the University of Maryland. Throughout her college experience, Fatima has prioritized involvement in organizations that connect with and uplift the communities she is part of. As an active member of the Muslim Student Association, Fatima’s helped organize fundraisers and plan events that bring their community together. Additionally, Fatima serves as the treasurer of her sorority, Mu Delta Alpha, for the second consecutive year, where she’s developed her leadership and financial management skills.

In her academic pursuits, Fatima has been a Peer Mentor in her research lab since her sophomore year; guiding new students while conducting her own research projects. This role has allowed Fatima to enhance her mentorship abilities and leadership within the lab. She is also working to bring the Health Link Society to campus, aiming to create more opportunities for students interested in health-related fields.

Mary Samokhvalova

Mary Samokhvalova is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park Robert H. Smith School of Business pursuing dual degrees in finance and accounting. For the past two summers, Mary interned at T. Rowe Price Associates as an Associate Analyst Intern in the equity research division. Mary enjoys investing because she finds it dynamic to consider both micro and macro trends, create financial models and write about research findings, and innovate independent ideas via the powerful process of collaboration. This academic year, Mary will be serving as the information technology equity analyst for the Lemma Senbet Fund, UMD's premier undergraduate endowment fund.

On campus, Mary also serves as Advisor for the Collegiate Financial Management Association, UMD's premier financial literacy education student organization. Mary served as President for 1.5 years from second semester freshman year through her sophomore year and has served as Advisor since then. Mary commutes from Ellicott City, MD, where she lives with her family.

Sarika Kapadia

Sarika Kapadia is a BS student in Cell Biology and Genetics who served as a 2022 UMD Do Good Fellow to build an elementary school library/computer lab in a highly vulnerable community in Lusaka, Zambia. She is currently working at an on-campus microbiology lab seeking to research a natural and sustainable water filtration method to fight against waterborne pathogens in developing countries, and is the Water Sanitation sub-project team lead for Engineers Without Borders Nicaragua. This summer, she looks forward to researching Malaria and subsequent treatment at the University of Maryland Medical School as a UM Scholar. Sarika hopes one day to become a Doctor/researcher Without Borders.

Maya Moore

Maya Moore is a sophomore Business Management major originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is interested in either double minoring in Sustainability and Spanish or adding on another major within the business school. She recently gained an interest in finance, specifically personal finance and wealth and asset management, but she's currently in the process of researching more about it to see if this could be a potential future career path. On campus, Maya is very active in clubs and organizations as she is the Co-Chair of the Women's Empowerment Institute, the Director of Events for the National Association of Black Accountants, a student advisor for the Social Justice Alliance, and the Co-Founder and President of Next Generation Ministries to name a few. She loves being active on campus and is hoping to do more volunteering projects with the remainder of her time at the University of Maryland.  

Miriam Oke

Miriam Oke is a junior currently attending The Smith School of Business. She is originally from New York State, but don't ask where because she has moved over 15 times in her life! She is currently pursuing a Finance Bachelor's degree, and is hopeful to minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. 

Miara Sasdi

Miara Sasdi currently serves on the Student Honor Council for the University Student Judiciary where she makes decisions on academic misconduct cases and educates all students about the policies of the University of Maryland. She is also a student staff member for the University of Maryland Campus Food Pantry which aids in providing emergency food to students, staff, and faculty as well as creates programs to tackle food insecurity. Additionally, Miara also works as an Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Cybersecurity Professionals Colloquium Series course. Finally, she is an Honors intern for the Department of Justice where she has had experience working in the Criminal Division and Counterintelligence Division. 

Samaura Steele

Samaura Steele is a senior at the University of Maryland. She is in the Robert H. Smith School of Business studying Marketing and Management. She’s involved in school leadership as VP of Marketing of our American Marketing Association chapter, former student president of a community-service organization titled “CIVICUS,” and a former Division I athlete (cheerleading). She has also had the opportunity to intern for Maryland Athletics, Amtrak, and IBM. Samaura is looking forward to her career as a marketing professional and continuing to be a civically engaged leader.

Avery Vess

Avery Vess is a Research Assistant for the Cognition and Language Processing Lab, a member of the Departmental Honors Program for HESP, and a recipient of the BSOS Summer Scholars award. Previously, she was an intern at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology researching the molecular underpinnings of the obesity link of the N221D polymorphism. Avery is also the HESP Representative for the BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council and part of the Adele H. Stamp Chapter of the Mortar Board Honors Society. Avery hopes to pursue a clinical degree as well as a Ph.D. in the future so she can do research that informs future clinical practices in the field of communication science and disorders.

Jibreel Ali

Jibreel Ali is a junior attending the University of Maryland and is majoring in Biological Sciences: Neurobiology and Physiology, and with a minor in Sustainability Studies. Jibreel is on the pre-dental track and plans to eventually work as a general dentist so that he can promote oral health equity in underserved areas. Jibreel holds leadership positions in public health-focused clubs, Students for the Right to Health and United Against Inequities in Disease. Jibreel is a recovery leader for the Food Recovery Network, which works to tackle food insecurity by redistributing leftover dining hall food to the hungry. Jibreel is an officer in the Student Dental Advisory Board, which focuses on helping students on their journey towards dental school.

Umailla Fatima

Umailla Fatima is a senior studying Neurobiology and Physiology and Public Policy. During her four years at Maryland, she has been involved with and held leadership positions within several organizations. Umailla was the  President and Secretary of the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), the Policy Director of Combating Overdoses in Rural Areas, a legislator for the Student Government Association, and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa. As a student, she received citations from the Integrated Life Sciences Honors College and the Federal Fellows Program. Additionally, she has engaged in clinical opportunities and internships with Johns Hopkins University, Children's National Hospital, the MD Department of Health, and Cornerstone Government Affairs. 

India Harsley

India Harsley is double-majoring in Chemical Engineering and Psychology. India participates in multicultural organizations such as the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation as well as the Black Engineering Society. Additionally, India has been initiated into the Alpha Lambda Delta and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Briana Mercado

Briana Mercado is a biochemistry major minoring in non-profit leadership and social innovation. On campus, she has been involved with several organizations: Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., FlowerSTEM, FIMRC, Multicultural Greek Council, the Order of Omega, and Maryland Night Live. She has participated in research on campus through the FIRE program and in Dr. Stephanie Lansing's Bioenergy and Bioprocessing Technology Lab. After graduation, Briana plans to attend graduate school to study Pharmacology.

Kevin Okoli

Kevin Okoli is a senior studying Physiology & Neurobiology with plans to attend Dental School in the fall. Kevin is involved with Gymkana, and is a member of the Pre-Dental Society and the OMSE Academic Excellence Society. Additionally, he is a Resident Assistant and Building Manager for Stamp. Additionally, Kevin volunteers with a non-profit HIV clinic in Washington DC.

Juliana Sherchan

Juliana Sherchan is majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology on the pre-medical track. She was a part of the Global Public Health Scholars Program (GPH), which led her to become very passionate about health equity. Juliana became a volunteer for UMD’s SAFE Center for survivors of human trafficking as well as an undergraduate research assistant in the Motivated Cognition Laboratory to research health decisions and behaviors. Juliana has served as a Peer Mentor for freshmen in GPH. Juliana has served as a Peer Educator for the University Health Center, a Teaching Assistant for a freshman seminar, a Guided Study Sessions Leader for an introductory biology course, and an Undergraduate Learning Assistant for a neuroscience laboratory course. Additionally, Juliana serves as the Public Relations Chair for the Nepali Student Association. 

Sherry Xueyan Bai

Sherry is a multilingual educator from Wuhan, China, pursuing an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction at the University of Maryland. She is preparing to become a K–12 mathematics teacher committed to advancing equitable, innovative, and culturally responsive STEM education.

At UMD, Sherry maintains a 4.0 GPA and has completed mentored teaching internships in local public schools, where she supports multilingual learners and integrates academic language scaffolds into mathematics instruction. Drawing on her experience as a former software engineer, she is currently developing a learning game used in internship classrooms to support diverse K–12 learners.

Before graduate school, Sherry worked in the internet industry, leading cross-functional project teams and designing corporate training programs for over 250 new employees. She also serves as a simultaneous interpreter for Maryland Global Learning Initiatives, facilitating communication among international scholars and public officials.

After graduation, she hopes to teach mathematics in U.S. public schools, contribute to curriculum design, and mentor future educators in multicultural and STEM learning communities.

Carolina Correia

Carolina is a graduate student in the College of Education at the University of Maryland. She is pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction design with a TESOL specialization. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English language and literature and a minor in linguistics from the University of Maryland in the fall semester of 2024. During her undergraduate studies, she focused on language, writing, and rhetoric to explore how reading and writing shape society and to hone her teaching approach upon graduation. She was also an editor for the undergraduate literary journal Paper Shell Review from Spring 2023 to Fall 2024.

Coming from a family of teachers, she is now working as an English language development teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools, where she continuously strives to make a positive impact on multilingual learners’ education in Maryland. She hopes to remain in education and aspires to serve as an instructional coach for general education teachers working with multilingual learners.

Sheoli Gunaratne

Stay tuned — bio in progress.

Dylan Si Kaddour

Dylan is a graduate student in education. This scholarship has enabled Dylan to continue learning within their internship in Howard County, while deepening their professional preparation at the University of Maryland College of Education. Dylan began their journey as a paraeducator in Washington state, inspired by colleagues whose instruction shaped student confidence and growth. These experiences strengthened their belief that teacher leaders can expand equity and enrich curriculum through creativity, collaboration, and care. They value gratitude and teamwork as the foundation of professional growth, learning continuously from mentors and classmates. In five years, Dylan hopes to serve as a grade-level instructional team lead, codevelop accessible classroom materials, and contribute thoughtfully to their county’s curricular vision.

Michelle Leverich

Originally from Long Island, NY, Michelle began her higher education journey at George Mason University in Virginia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in forensic science. Driven by a deep curiosity about the natural world and a passion to help people, she entered the workforce as a lab technician. Her time in the field of DNA analysis strengthened her foundation in laboratory work and scientific inquiry. However, she felt drawn towards the field of education.

She chose to shift career paths and secured a position as a substitute teacher in Tennessee, where she gained meaningful classroom experience and grew her passion for teaching. Inspired by the impact educators had on her education and personal life, she enrolled in the University of Maryland’s MCERT program to become a teacher herself. Maryland's community and beautiful environment have quickly become a welcoming home and a nurturing learning environment.

While she continues to have a strong love for forensic science, she now hopes to help students see the magic of science in their everyday lives. She is especially committed to empowering women and marginalized communities to envision themselves as scientists, helping cultivate a new generation of thinkers who will push themselves and the field forward.

Allison Shaffer

Stay tuned — bio in progress.

Sophie Wilson

Stay tuned — bio in progress.

Yue Zhang

Yue got her bachelor’s in international relations from the University of Maryland. Now she is back, earning her M.Ed. and TESOL certification thanks to this scholarship. Before returning to UMD, she taught in MCPS for two years, deepening her passion for teaching and supporting students' academic and social growth. Previously, Yue worked as a FEMA fellow. Her immediate goal after graduating is to become a professional teacher in the summer of 2026, to support more multilingual learners in growing and thriving.

Reagan Cole

Reagan Cole is currently an undergraduate student completing the elementary/middle special education bachelor's program. After she graduates in the spring of 2026, she plans to get her master's immediately. Then she hopes to get a teaching position either back in Carroll County, where she completed the Teacher Academy of Maryland Program, or she would like to teach abroad. This desire stems from her mission trip to Ethiopia. The University of Maryland has helped with these goals in many ways. In the spring semester of 2024, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and gained cultural techniques that she can apply in her future career.

Brooke Denmark

Brooke Denmark is currently in her junior year at the University of Maryland. She is working towards a dual certification in elementary and special education, as well as a minor in business. Brooke is dedicated to understanding how to help students who learn differently succeed in school, with a priority placed on inclusion and social acceptance. 

Her immediate goal is to become a classroom teacher, but she is also looking ahead to combine her education and business degrees with the hope of becoming a school administrator. When not in the classroom, Brooke can be found in one of the athletic complexes representing the University of Maryland as a member of the cheer team.

Malayka Ghauri

Malayka Ghauri is a Pakistani-American, first-generation college student from Germantown, MD pursuing a B.S. in elementary/middle special education with certification in elementary education certification and mild to moderate disabilities certification. Since joining the University of Maryland, Malayka has actively engaged in various campus organizations and leadership roles. She is an alum of the Business, Society, and Economy Scholars program and currently serves as the lead marketing officer for College Park Tuning, a local car club.

Malayka’s commitment to education extends through her work with Teach For America through its Ignite Fellowship, tutoring students in low-income communities across the United States in reading and math. For two years, she’s been a dedicated member of Lakeland STARs, serving as a tutor and mentor, supporting elementary students in academic growth and personal development. She is in her second year of being an academic peer mentor for students in STAT100, a foundational math course taught at the university. She also works as a student aide, guiding early learners and supporting teachers at the Center for Young Children.

With aspirations to become an inclusive elementary school teacher in Maryland, Malayka’s caring nature and dedication to fostering supportive learning environments make her a promising future educator.

Vicky Guevara

Vicky Guevara is a returning student, after more than twenty years, I returned to complete my degree. For the past five years, she has been a vocational education instructor, Spanish tutor, and full-time parent to her two sons. During COVID, Vicky utilized her passion and exercised leadership by providing regular meals to senior citizens in her neighborhood who were unable to do so due to advanced age or other factors. Her academic goals are to graduate with honors, teach Spanish language skills, and become an educational advocate for ESOL students. 

Lindsay Marchant

Lindsay Marchant is a junior, special education major from Pine Brook, New Jersey. Upon graduation, Lindsay plans to teach at the elementary school level and hopes to get her master's in education. In addition to her studies, Lindsay is a peer advisor for the College of Education. As a peer advisor, she works with the advisors in the Office of Student Services to recruit and assist students interested in pursuing a career in education. 

Lindsay is also the captain of the Creative Development Committee for TerpThon, a student-run organization that raises money for Children's National Hospital in D.C. Lindsay is an active member of the Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, and currently holds the position of assistant philanthropy chair. Lindsay has worked as a tutor in reading and mathematics through Lakeland STARs, as head counselor at multiple summer camps, and as a supervisor at an after-school program. 

Outside of the College of Education, Lindsay is an alumna of the College Park Scholars Media, Self, and Society program. Each of these experiences has continued to inspire Lindsay and helped her to get a better understanding of the field of education!

Gracyn Marchesani

Gracyn Marchesani is currently a senior majoring in special education. She is originally from Royersford, Pennsylvania. She is currently a student intern with Montgomery County Public Schools as well as a substitute teacher. She will be a full-time student intern in the spring of 2025 for a kindergarten community-based classroom, where she has absolutely loved her journey so far. Gracyn will be continuing her education with the University of Maryland alongside the INSPIRED program where she will receive her master's in special education from fall 2025 to spring 2027. 

Her goal is to return to the DMV area throughout the master's program as a special educator while bringing everything she has learned at the University of Maryland to support student needs and foster inclusive, engaging learning environments. She aims to apply her learned skills in evidence-based practices and differentiated instruction to make a positive impact on her students' academic and social growth.

Delmy Morales

Delmy Morales, a resilient mother of three and the first in her family to attend university, has overcome countless obstacles in her journey to higher education. With an undocumented background, the goal of attending university once felt out of reach, but her determination, sacrifices, and support from her family brought her to the University of Maryland. Grateful to be part of UMD’s diverse community and to work with inspiring educators, Delmy feels empowered to pursue her career goals and aspirations.

Delmy is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in world language education and obtaining a teaching license for PreK-12 students. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education as a means to give back to the community that has nurtured her. Understanding the significant underrepresentation of the Latinx community in Maryland schools, she is deeply motivated to bring this vital representation into the classroom. Delmy aspires to be a beacon of hope for students who might feel that the dream of attending university is out of reach. Through her internships in both PGCPS and MCPS, she has witnessed the profound impact of helping students develop critical thinking skills and encouraging them to dream boldly.

The University of Maryland has ignited a profound passion in Delmy, empowering her to embrace the challenges of her professional journey with resilience and purpose. Inspired by UMD's supportive and equitable environment, she has discovered a powerful commitment to advocate for marginalized communities, driven by her vision to help create a more inclusive and uplifting world for all.

Alyssa Orlando

Alyssa Orlando is a senior, special education major at the University of Maryland. She is planning to be certified in general elementary education and general special education after her graduation in May 2025. Eventually, Alyssa hopes to work in the field of higher education or education policy. 

Alyssa is involved in a variety of areas of campus, too. She is a member of social greek life, a former teaching assistant, and a current member of the executive board of Omicron Delta Kappa. Alyssa's positions have shaped her passion for leadership both inside and outside of a classroom environment. She is grateful for her time at the University of Maryland and is sad that it is coming to an end this May!

2024/2025 Scholars not shown: Elya Neblett & Ashley Platt

Rosy Benitez

Rosy is a dedicated and passionate graduate student currently completing her Master's Certification Program (MCERT). Prior to beginning the MCERT program, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in Second Language Education from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2022. Throughout her undergraduate years, Rosy actively engaged with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) by working as an intern, classroom monitor, and ESOL paraeducator. Currently, she is a full-time student teacher for 12th-grade students, where she finds immense joy in helping them navigate their educational journey. As someone who values diversity and the power of education, Rosy aspires to make a positive impact by working in the MCPS community. Her enthusiasm and dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment make her an ideal educator.

Alan Friesen

Alan Friesen is a graduate student at the University of Maryland School of Education.  He is training to be a Social Studies teacher at the secondary level (middle school and high school). He's currently fifty-two years old, is married to his beautiful wife Xiaoqiong (Olivia), and he has three lovely daughters: Tina, Susan, and Nicole. Alan graduated from Maryland with a degree in History in 2001. Since that time, he's worked in hospitality in West Virginia, security, and transportation in Portland, Oregon, and, most recently, he delivered mail for the US Postal Service in New York City. He's always wanted to be a teacher, however, and this year that opportunity has finally presented itself.

Samuel Ham

Samuel Ham is a student in UMD’s College of Education MCERT program. After graduating with his Bachelor's in History in 2022, he began training to be a Social Studies teacher with plans to teach in his home county of MCPS.

Joanna Hung

Joanna Hung is a Master's student with a concentration in Secondary Math Education. She graduated from UMD with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation. She is passionate about supporting students to become curious, creative, and empathetic individuals. She is the founding president of the Future Math Teachers' Council at UMD, and she is currently student teaching at Hyattsville Middle School. Her goal is to return to Montgomery County Public Schools (where she graduated from) as a middle school math teacher.

Tamarah Smith

Tamarah Smith is in the Master of Education program with a concentration in Elementary Education at the University of Maryland. She is originally from the Bahamas but moved to the United States to pursue a career in architecture. After graduating, Tamarah saw how the field lacked the presence of women, particularly minority women like herself. She wanted to make a change to close the gap in fields that are male-dominated, so she made the decision to make the career change to teaching, which would allow her to make an immediate impact on students' lives. Her prior education was heavily STEAM-based, so she drew on the skills she already had and is involved in a STEAM club for girls.

Katelyn Szarko

Katelyn Szarko is a current Master's student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Elementary Education (MCert). She graduated with departmental honors in Psychology from the University of Richmond in May of 2023. At UR, she pursued a year-long honors thesis titled "Maladaptive Social Cognitions and Peer Victimization in Elementary-Aged Students," which helped to solidify her passion for elementary education. Katelyn also volunteered for two years as a mentor with the Youth Life Foundation of Richmond to assist elementary-aged students with homework and other supplemental activities after school. Following her graduation from UMD, Katelyn plans to teach in Maryland around the DC area in a high-need school. She looks forward to beginning her professional teaching career in the fall.

Gabriela Duncan

Gabriela Duncan is a Master's student majoring in Elementary Education. She also has her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language and Elementary Education. She plans to teach in a dual-immersion classroom where they teach bilingual education. During her undergraduate studies, she was a part of the Federal Work Study program as an America Reads mentor. In Federal Work Study, she worked in a kindergarten classroom where her primary focus was improving students' reading skills by providing additional support in the classroom.

Ian Faigley

Ian Faigley is a graduate student attending the University of Maryland, enrolled in the MCERT program, a one-year graduate-level teacher preparation program that leads to elementary, middle school, secondary, or preK-12 teacher certification and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. Ian is pursuing a teaching certification in secondary social studies, and is planning to teach at the high school level in Maryland upon completion of the program. Ian previously worked in the youth policy and advocacy field and is excited to make the career change to become an educator. Ian has served as a mentor for many years with the YMCA Healthy Futures program, as an animal therapy team with his dog Kona, and as a youth sports coach with KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now).

Stanley Motley

Stanley Motley is a graduate student obtaining a Master's of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with certification in physical education. He is actively volunteering in his community, teaching youth how to properly exercise while also giving them tips on how to live a healthy life. Lastly, he is a recent recipient of the Shape Maryland Outstanding Future Professional Award, which means he is on pace to change the world of education by positively impacting and motivating one soul at a time.

Sydney Rourke 

Sydney is currently a graduate student completing the Master's Certification Program (MCERT) program.  Prior to transferring to the University of Maryland for her graduate year, she completed her undergraduate studies and obtained a BA in Fine Arts while minoring in Art History and Educational Studies. She will be graduating in May with a Master's in Education. She is an art educator who is currently a full-time student teacher.  Art has always had a huge impact on her life, but teaching art has been the highlight of her year. She is excited to get into an art classroom of her own!

Josiah Simpson

Although he is still relatively early on the path, Josiah Simpson has managed to live quite an interesting and varied life. From active duty military service, to food and retail gigs, to teaching English to students in multiple states, the range has been both atypical and wonderfully enriching. One throughline, however, both connects his multiple experiences, and informs the perspective and attitude he has toward his work. Systemic racism and unjust power structures perpetuate a dangerous imbalance that oppresses and threatens countless lives every day. Teaching high school English in the Delta region of Arkansas, Josiah saw firsthand the effects of things like de facto segregation. A school that is composed of more than 90% black students are every day entering a building named after Confederate general Robert E. Lee. This is still the case at this very moment in 2023. It is plainly evident to Josiah that there can be no further progress in America and the education system without passionate individuals both recognizing, and engaging in this work and this larger struggle.

Xiaolin Yao

Xiaolin Yao was initially born in Zhejiang Providence in China. His family moved to Maryland in 2008 when he was nine years old and has stayed here ever since. He received his B.A. in Government & Politics with an official concentration in International Relations from the University of Maryland in the Spring of 2020. Upon graduating, Xiaolin worked as a federal contractor serving the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for over a year. Their primary mission was to process applications for FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program and various natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian. He returned to UMD to pursue his M.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education in Fall 2021. Xiaolin is in the last leg of his educational journey, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2023.