Moose Family Scholarship

Eric Chen entered the University with only a few friends from high school, fearing that he wouldn't be able to find a footing in someplace new. He wasn't sure how he wanted his college years to look, and he found the idea of preparing for a career after graduating incredibly daunting. As Eric settled into the University, he was able to connect with a lot of people really quickly, from within his major to within the same clubs to social events. He joined many student groups with the hope of making new friends and finding new passions. Eric built the carbon fiber monocoque in the composites team of Terps Racing, became the first data acquisition lead in the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space's liquid rocket team, won the Northrop Grumman Environmental Sustainability Challenge with his team's smart water system, and more. Eric joined the Asian American student organizations, performing at the year cultural festival and attending many cultural events. He picked up breakdancing and became the treasurer of B-terps, UMD's breakdancing team. He joined QUEST, UMD's consulting and collaborative team program for business and STEM students. Lastly, Eric helped organize Bitcamp as both a tech organizer in 2023 and tech director in 2024, UMD's premier hackathon hosted in the Spring. He has met some of the most wonderful people within UMD, and has found someplace I can call home. Eric has thoroughly enjoyed courses such as Computer Architecture and Introduction to Quality and Design. Eric’s been able to take part in three internships during his time here, drastically influenced by his progress and experiences at UMD, and he feels prepared to take on any full-time role when he graduates or pursue any graduate education if he chooses to do so. Eric is so grateful for the opportunities he’s received while at UMD, and looks to make the best of his last year here.

Cecelia Dworak is pursuing a career as a high school social studies teacher, and is passionate about politics. On campus she is a member of the Student Government Association as a legislator. She’s also a Resident Assistant in a majority freshman residence hall. Through her involvement in SGA, she is pursuing a better understanding of the inner workings of politics. In addition, her position as an RA has helped Cecelia gain necessary experience working with youth, giving her a better understanding of adolescent development in order to optimize her potential as a future teacher.

Priyanka Ravi is a junior majoring in Cell Biology and Genetics, with a minor in Human Development. In addition to her studies, she is also the Vice President of the UMD chapter of Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM), and a research assistant at the Early Childhood Interaction Lab. Additionally she is a student tutor with the Academic Success Tutoring Services office. In her spare time, she enjoys rock-climbing as a part of the club climbing team, as well as volunteering at a clinic off-campus.

Maddy Merrill is a junior studying Government and Politics, and French in the Honors College. At the University of Maryland she has participated in academic programs like the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE)—as a student and two-year peer mentor—and the Federal Fellows Program, concentrating in political engagement and advocacy. Maddy is also a research assistant at UMD’s Center for International Development and Conflict Management. Additionally, Maddy is involved in several campus organizations, including the Pre-Law Fraternity, Ignite at Maryland, UMD Women’s Club Soccer, and the Honors College ambassador program.

Amanda Hernández is a sophomore journalism and information science double major at the University of Maryland. Amanda is also pursuing a minor in Spanish. She is currently an assistant news editor and covers justice, identity and equity issues at The Diamondback. In the fall, she will take on the new role of DBK en español editor where she will work with reporters to produce timely, accurate and original Spanish reporting. Over the past year, Amanda also interned for USA Today's politics desk. Upon graduating in 2023, she plans to use her experience in data and Spanish-language journalism to tell untold stories of underrepresented communities across the country.

Mario Menendez is a senior Information Systems and Marketing double major. Mario has served as a Resident Assistant and a member of the Smith School Dean’s Student Advisory Council. This CIVICUS student has held leadership positions with the Smith School’s Ambassadors Program, Coalition of Latinx Student Organization and Snider Undergraduate Research Engagement Program.