The INFO College proudly highlights Jessica Doan, a 2024-2025 Merrill Scholar, and her inspiring mentors
Nov. 1, 2024 – The University of Maryland’s outstanding graduating seniors are celebrating their mentors, expressing gratitude for the extra time they spent outside the classroom guiding, inspiring and encouraging them.
At a ceremony this afternoon, the 18 students selected as Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars will share recollections about important K-12 teachers and UMD professors–from meaningful pieces of advice to the lasting impressions made by quoting Jiminy Cricket during class.
The program, named for the university supporter and Washington-area publisher, highlights the importance of mentorship and provides stipends to the teachers and faculty.
“The late Philip Merrill left a lasting legacy by emphasizing the profound value of mentorship,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “It is truly rewarding to celebrate student achievements alongside the individuals who helped make their success possible.”
This year’s scholars are committed to a variety of causes and career goals, ranging from aerospace engineering to teaching. One has been researching pathogenic bacteria; another is developing an accessibility device. One founded a student political publication; another started a skin cancer awareness group.
“The accomplishments of these scholars reflect the lasting impact of excellent teaching and mentorship in driving exceptional student outcomes,” said William A. Cohen, Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies. “It’s moving to hear how these top students describe the impact that UMD faculty have had on them, as well as the vital role their teachers from elementary, middle and high school have played in their success.”
In addition to recalling lighter moments––one teacher was famous for rebranding biology exams “celebrations of learning”––scholars also shared memories of working alongside professors as teaching assistants and research fellows.
Biology Professor Kimberly Paczolt was honored as a mentor to two Scholars this year. Several teachers and faculty members have been recognized by students in previous years.
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For more information:
Laura Cech at 443-286-6402 or lcech@umd.edu
Photos are available.
The Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars for 2024-25 are:
College of Arts & Humanities
- Zachary Braunstein
English and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics
Teacher Mentor: Iria Pico, Arnold O. Beckman High School, Irvine, Calif.
Faculty Mentor: Ross Angelella, Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House - Nikita Kale
International Business and Philosophy, Politics, & Economics
Teacher Mentor: Kristen Reier, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Randy Ontiveros, Department of English
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Yuri Kim
Hearing and Speech Sciences
Teacher Mentor: Bryan Goehring, Takoma Park Middle School, Takoma Park, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Sarah Sohns, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences - Anna Petersen
Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice
Teacher Mentor: Amber Perkins, Paint Branch High School, Burtonsville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Tracy Tomlinson, Department of Psychology - Tabitha Tamulevich
Geographical Sciences and Sociology
Teacher Mentor: Heather Evans, Perry Hall High School, Nottingham, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Meyer Kestnbaum, Department of Sociology
Robert H. Smith School of Business
- Abigail Manga
Information Systems and Marketing
Teacher Mentor: Turner McManus, Oxon Hill High School, Oxon Hill, Md.
Faculty Mentor: David Ashley, Department of Marketing - Adelina Seck
Information Systems and Operations Management & Business Analytics
Teacher Mentor: Emily Roberts*, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Roy Thomason, Department of Management and Organization
*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, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Sarah Kroncke*, Department of Finance
*Professor Kronke was named a Faculty Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2015-16.
College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences
- Lora Abuobaid
Chemistry
Teacher Mentor: Avi Silber, Northwest High School, Germantown, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Kimberly Paczolt*, Department of Biology
*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, N.Y.
Faculty Mentor: Jiehong Lou, School of Public Policy, Center for Global Sustainability - Neha Sripathi
Biological Sciences
Teacher Mentor: Kathleen Morrow, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Va.
Faculty Mentor: Kimberly Paczolt*, Department of Biology
*Professor Paczolt was named a Faculty Mentor by two 2024-25 Merrill Scholars.
A. James Clark School of Engineering
- Cole Hershman
Aerospace Engineering
Teacher Mentor: Veronica Murphy, Wilson Area High School, Easton, Pa.
Faculty Mentor: Benjamin Silbaugh, Department of Aerospace Engineering - Owen Mank
Electrical Engineering
Teacher Mentor: Robert Davis, Colonel Richardson High School, Federalsburg, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Denny Gulick, Department of Mathematics
College of Information
- Jessica Doan
Jessica Doan
Information Science
Teacher Mentor: David Kraft, Colonel Zadok Magruder High School, Derwood, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Edward Bernat*, Department of Psychology
*Professor Bernat was named a Faculty Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2016-17.
Philip Merrill College of Journalism
- Marwa Barakat
Journalism
Teacher Mentor: Meredith Lang, Northwest High School, Germantown, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Christoph Mergerson, Philip Merrill College of Journalism
School of Public Health
- Caitlyn Goldberg
Family Science and Sociology
Teacher Mentor: Robert Spivey, Glenelg High School, Glenelg, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Kerry Tripp, Department of Family Science - Avery Moe
Kinesiology
Teacher Mentor: Andrea Dickie, Hammond High School, Columbia, Md.
Faculty Mentor: Ross Miller, Department of Kinesiology
Individual Studies Program
- Danielle London
Psychology and Health Science, Communication & Marketing
Teacher Mentor: Leigh Felix, Eastern Regional High School, Voorhees Township, N.J.
Faculty Mentor: Sylvette La Touche-Howard*, School of Public Health
*Professor La Touche-Howard was named a Faculty Mentor by a Merrill Scholar in 2016-17.
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The original release was written and published by Laura Cech of University of Maryland’s Office of Undergraduate Studies.