Isabella Taveras

Isabella Taveras of Ridgefield Park, N.J. is a Nursing major pursuing a Certificate in Spanish for Health Care and Human Services Professionals. She has a 3.9 GPA and was recognized on the Dean’s List for Fall 2023. As a first-generation student, Isabella is proud of her roots and aspires to demonstrate that success is attainable through perseverance and resilience.

At Ramapo, she has been involved in the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead and the Honors Program, where she serves as a member of the Executive Board. This summer, she will be working with the Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) as a Success Mentor for incoming first-year students as well as volunteering in collaboration with the First Generation Student Center as a Legacy Leader. She is excited to invite incoming first-generation students early to campus and help them acclimate to Ramapo College before the start of the next semester.

After graduation, Isabella hopes to return to school to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing.

Krystal Costa

Krystal Costa of Verona, N.J. is a Social Work major with a concentration in Substance Use Disorders. She has a 3.4 GPA.

At Ramapo, she has been active in the Honors Program, the Cheer Team, and Residence Life.

Off-campus, she has been involved in Color Guard where she was a Captain and she also currently works as a barista at Starbucks.

Krystal’s plans on enrolling into the 4+1 program to get her Master’s. Her goal is to help children in the foster care system as well as help addicts who want to recover.

Rebecca Gathercole

Rebecca Gathercole of Cranford, N.J. is a Contemporary Arts Contract major with a minor in Creative Writing. She has a 3.95 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List every semester.

At Ramapo, she has been involved with The Ramapo News, where she is currently the Editor-in-Chief, Trillium, and the College Honors Program, where she was an Honors Mentoring Team Leader for two years. She has also worked at the Berrie Center for the Arts and the American History Textbook Project.

Rebecca currently works as a music publicity intern for Chromatic PR and was previously an editorial and PR/publicity intern at Overcup Press.

After graduation, Rebecca plans to pursue a career in PR and Publicity.

Alicia DiMontova

Alicia DiMontova of Cedar Knolls, N.J. is an MBA student at Ramapo and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. 

At Ramapo, Alicia is the President of the First Responders Club, Assistant Chief for Ramapo EMS, and a marketing committee member for Women in Business. 

She also works off campus as an EMT for a private service and owns a small business. 

After graduation, Alicia hopes to work as a coordinator in emergency management.

Sarah Glisson

Sarah Glisson of Cinnaminson, N.J. is a first-year Political Science Major and Public Policy Minor. She is a member of the College Honors Program and a Roadrunner Scholar. 

At Ramapo, Sarah has been active in several organizations and activities. This includes her roles as Student Ambassador for the Andrew Goodman Foundation, Honors Panelist for the Ramapo Student Discussion Panel, and her being a member of the 2023 Leaders In Service. She is also involved with Women In Business and currently serves as a Delegate for the Student Government Association. Sarah was recognized at the 2023 Opening Convocation as an Annual Summer Reading Essay Contest Winner. 

Sarah founded and presided over the Gender Equity Committee in her hometown and looks forward to bringing her passion for equality and political engagement to the Ramapo community. After college, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public office or healthcare administration.

Jestina Brown

Jestina Brown is a Biology Pre-Medical Major from Paterson, New Jersey. On campus, she is involved in the College Honors Program, Educational Opportunity Fund, and Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA). After graduation, Jestina plans to attend medical school and work within low-income communities in an effort to give back to communities much like the ones she came from.

Katelynn Haury

Katelynn Haury of Paramus, N.J. is a Social Science major with a minor in Environmental Studies. She has a 3.9 GPA and is on the Dean’s List. Katelynn is a member of the Honors Program and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, and she holds a Certificate of Biliteracy in German as well as an Environmental Stewardship Leadership Certificate from Columbia University.

At Ramapo, Katelynn has been active in the Student Government Association, Sunrise Club and Birding Club. Through Student Government, she holds the position of Senator-at-Large, where she is the liaison to the Cahill Career Center. She holds the position of Vice President of the Sunrise Club, a climate action organization, where she has been able to push for environmental action, like protesting fossil fuels in NYC. Katelynn is also President of the Birding Club, where she further has been engaged with helping the local environment through efforts to reduce bird-strikes on campus.

Additionally, Katelynn volunteers for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, where she volunteers to mentor a child and be a positive role model, as well as the Paramus Environmental Commission, which is one organization she has engaged in local environmental clean-ups with. 

After graduation, Katelynn wants to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work so she can become a licensed therapist post-graduation, as she aspires to help others in the future through her work with people and the environment.

Ossiris Garcia

Ossiris Garcia of Paterson N.J. is a first-year Biology major on the Pre-Med track with a 4.0 GPA. “My biggest motivation is my family, they are my everything,” she says. 

At Ramapo, Ossiris is a member of the Education Opportunity Fund, Honors Program, First-Generation Program, and Leaders In Service. She also participates in the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead, Biology Club, Pre-Med Club, and United Asians Association. Additionally, Ossiris serves as a volunteer and translator at food pantries for the Spanish-speaking community.

After graduation, Ossiris plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. She will be the first doctor in her family. 

Christiane Ezgilioglu

Christiane Ezgilioglu of New Milford, N.J. is a first-generation Mexican-Armenian-American. She is studying Biology, has a 3.6 GPA, is a part of the Honors College, and earned Dean’s List for Fall 2022.

At Ramapo, Christiane  has been active on the Armenian Students Association E-Board, working hard with the club and on her own to move legislation and raise money to support the liberation and end the genocide occurring in Artsakh of her homeland of Armenia. She also is a member of the Honors Program E-Board where she hopes to increase engagement with her fellow Roadrunners. “My hope is that as I continue at Ramapo, I will find more organizations and groups that are right for me to give back to the community.”

Christiane has also been involved in the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Eastern Region since childhood. She is currently serving as the Senior recording secretary in the New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter and serves on the Central Juniors Council as an advisor and social media manager. Any time that is not devoted to her academics is spent working with this non-profit to strengthen her culture in the American diaspora. She is committed to strengthening her ties to both her Mexican and Armenian cultures through volunteer work and seminars.

Her goal is to become a Pediatric Physician Assistant. To work on her patient care skills and gain more experience in the healthcare field, Christiane is currently working as a Physical Therapist Aide at Professional Physical Therapy where she works with children on the weekends to better her communication skills.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Esther Crowey

Esther Crowey of Newark, N.J. is a Biology major with a Public Health minor and a 3.7 GPA. In high school, she was a secretary for Literary Magazine and co-president of the International Club. Esther is a member of Ramapo’s Honors Program and Ramapo’s Education Opportunity Fund Program. 

At Ramapo, Esther is an active member of the Biology and Social Work Clubs at Ramapo College. She designs and writes cards for children who are in hospitals and creates ribbons to raise and fund awareness for Breast Cancer. 

Esther volunteers at St. Johns Soup Kitchen and aspires to join Ramsey’s EMT/Ambulance Corps. She enjoys dancing to Afrobeats and baking for family and friends.   

Esther has a passion for working with children with childhood cancer and hopes to pursue higher education by attending medical school and getting a master’s degree in social work.

Weina Xiao

Weina Xiao of Denville, N.J. is a junior Nursing student with a minor in Business Marketing. She is a part of the College Honors Program and currently holds a 3.7 GPA, as well as making the Dean’s List for the past 2 years.

Weina is an involved member of the Ramapo community. At the college, she is an Orientation Leader and a member of a career search committee. 

After graduation, Weina hopes to graduate with her BSN and work as a registered nurse to help people and communities in the future.

Rylie Klain

Rylie Klain of Garfield, N.J. is a double major in Communication Arts: Digital Journalism and Writing and English and Literary Studies on a Creative Writing Track. She has a 3.3 GPA, is a recipient of a Dean’s Scholarship, and is a member of the College Honors Program. 

At Ramapo, Rylie is an active member of the community, including Ramapo’s Theatre Department, and the Ramapo News. Her most recent production with the Theatre Department was Everybody in which she played a Somebody. As a Staff Writer for the Ramapo News, Rylie writes up-and-coming stories weekly for the school newspaper. 

Rylie has also been involved in off-campus organizations and activities including, Our Lady of Mount Virgin CCD Program volunteer work and babysitting. In Rylie’s volunteer work at OLMV, she aided the CCD director in any way possible and was always there to lend a helping hand. Through Rylie’s babysitting job she meets the physical, social, and emotional needs of those being cared for and works hard to provide for them to the best of her abilities. 

After graduation, Rylie hopes to have secured a job in the writing industry and continue to pursue her passions. 

Daeun Mun

Daeun Mun of Pompton Lakes, N.J. is an International Business Major with a 3.6 GPA and an Honors Student at Ramapo College. 

Before Ramapo, Daeun lived in over 10 countries until she arrived in the United States and is fluent in English, French, Korean, and Arabic. 

On campus, she is involved in the Honors Program as a Mentoring Leader and leads as the Student Government Association ASB Senator. She volunteers as an archery instructor during the Fall semester at a local park for students of young age and beginners.

Daeun is great at time management and is willing to have an internship at the United Nations.

Baila Pollack

Baila Pollack is a Nursing major with a minor in Psychology. She has a GPA of 3.93 and has made Dean’s List for all her semesters at Ramapo so far.

Baila comes from a very religious background where attending college was not the norm, and has fought very hard for the privilege of higher education. “Growing up, I never knew anyone who went to college. A college education is not something I will ever take for granted because it was never something I thought could be part of my future,” she states.

Baila currently works as a Medical Assistant at a community clinic, where she works with people who haven’t had access to proper healthcare. She takes her position very seriously, advocating for her patient’s needs and educating them on their health.

After graduation, Baila hopes to further her education by learning more about neuroscience and making a difference in people’s lives as a nurse.

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Jillian Carbine

Jillian Carbine of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a Psychology major in the Honors Program. She is a sophomore with a 3.8 GPA.

Off campus, she is a part-time service receptionist at Subaru. 

In the future, Jillian hopes to become a counseling psychologist and work to help people with substance use disorders and eating disorders navigate a path towards recovery.

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.

Melanie E. Cardoso-Lozano

Melanie E. Cardoso-Lozano of Sparta, N.J. is a Nursing major, Spanish minor, and holds the Certificate of Spanish for Health Care and Human Services Professionals. She is an Honors student, has a 3.6 GPA and has frequently made Dean’s List. Melanie is also the Vice President for the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead (ALMA), the President of the Spanish Club, Co-Apparel Chair of Nursing Student Organization (NSO), and Vice President of Sigma Delta Pi Honors Society.

She also is a member of the Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Chi Alpha Epsilon Honors Societies. Melanie has also volunteered with First Friends non-profit organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Teaneck Tutoring. After graduation she hopes to become a Registered Nurse and then obtain a Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Weina Xiao

Weina Xiao of Denville, N.J. is a sophomore Nursing major. She has a 3.9 GPA and made the Dean’s List for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.

At Ramapo, Weina is a part of the Nursing Student Organization and the Honors Program. 

She also works off-campus as a volunteer nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician.

“With everything that I have done on and off campus, I hope to proactively contribute to the healthcare field and become a registered nurse after graduation” says Wenia.

Anjali Patel

Anjali Patel of Woodbridge, N.J. is a Senior Law and Society Major with triple-minors in Political Science, American Studies, and Civic and Community Leadership. She has a 3.9 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and the Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Anjali has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Student Government Association, Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority as the Chapter Secretary, and Democracy Matters Club. Anjali was elected as President of the Student Government Association in May of 2020, reelected in May of 2021. “I am proud to currently be advocating and representing the interests of the student body for her second term,” says Anjali.

Anjali is also an Editor for the Ramapo College Journal of Law and Society, a Peer Tutor of the Office of Specialized Services, and an SGA Ambassador for Unity: The Student Voice Platform. Over the past summer, she interned with the State Government Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. “After graduating, I hope to work or intern in the law or political field as I prepare to go to law school in hopes of becoming an entertainment and media lawyer, and then eventually getting involved with government and politics,” says Anjali.

James Martinez

James A. Martinez of the Borough of Fairview, N.J. is a senior Bioinformatics major enrolled in the Honors Program. He has a 3.6 GPA and has been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, and the Gamma Sigma Alpha National Academic Greek Honor Society.

At Ramapo, James has been active in several organizations, ranging from Sophomores Advancing in Leadership, Residence Hall Association, Honors Admissions Team, and Alpha Phi Omega.

James has been involved in activities off-campus through organizations such as APO, he has been involved in service opportunities from local gardening at MEVO to nature cleanups around the Ramapo reservation. 

James plans on pursuing a Masters/PhD program after getting his bachelors at Ramapo. “In my future, I’d first like to go into Medical Genomic Research. Then I’d like to teach the growing world of Bioinformatics as a professor.” says James. As of the time being, he is looking forward to completing the opportunities discovered at Ramapo to prepare himself for his future career.

Anxhela Kalia

Anxhela Kalia of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a junior Psychology major with minors in Neuroscience, Crime and Justice Studies, and Marketing. She has a 3.8 GPA. She is a member of the Honors Program and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. She has also been a Dean’s List recipient every semester.

At Ramapo, Anxhela is a Resident Assistant, Founder and President of the Psychology Affiliation on campus, President of Psi Chi Honors Society, and Secretary of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. She was also an Honors Developmental Leader and part of the Admissions Team for the Honors Program.

Off campus, she is a Crisis Text Counselor and Intern at Advance Housing and has attended the National Collegiate Honors Conference. She also volunteers through various organizations such as tutoring for Million Reasons, volunteering for blood drives, Special Olympics, and her church’s youth group.

Sannia Balgahoom

Sannia Balgahoom of River Edge, N.J, is a sophomore Nursing major. She has a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List every semester.

At Ramapo, Sannia has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Student Government Association where she is a Senator-at-Large and a liaison to the Office of Student Conduct, a member of the Honors College where she also serves on the Executive Board, as well as a member of the Nursing Student Organization. She also received outstanding leadership by a first-year student award last spring.

Sannia has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations. She volunteers at her local mosque with food/clothes drives and other events.

“I really hope to eventually go to grad school and get a master’s degree to work as a General Nurse Practitioner,” says Sannia about her plans after Ramapo.

Hannah Velarde

Hannah Velarde of Oakland, N.J. is an Elementary Education major with an additional certification in Middle School Math. She has a 3.6 GPA, is part of the Honors Program, and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. 

Hannah is involved on campus with Ramapo Student Ambassadors, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Commuter Affairs. She has also volunteered at A Step Ahead Preschool and North Hudson Community Affairs. 

Hannah is enrolled in Ramapo’s 4+1 Masters in Special Education and hopes to eventually pursue a Ph. D. in the field of education. 

Grace Velarde

Grace Velarde of Oakland, N.J. is a Contemporary Arts Contract major with a Computer Science minor. She has a 3.97 GPA. She is a member of the Ramapo College Honors Program, Golden Key International Honour Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Alpha Lambda Delta.

Grace has been active in several other organizations and activities, at Ramapo including the Student Government Association as the Contemporary Arts School Senator, the Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors Program, and the Ramapo College Concert Band as an alto saxophone player.

Grace has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including doing freelance work for Warner Music Group and working as a Web Design/Digital Marketing Intern with Career Transition Resources, LLC. 

An accomplishment she is proud of is starting her own small business and art brand under the name Graceful Graphics in March 2020.

Cindy Lam

“I plan to attend medical school and work in underserved areas,” says Cindy Lam of Parsippany, N.J.  Cindy is a third-year Biology major and is part of the Honors and EOF Program. She has made the Dean’s List each semester since freshman year.

She is a student ambassador for Ramapo Admissions, Co-President of United Asian Association, Co-President of Biology Club, an E-Board member of the Honors Program, an SGA Senator-At-Large, and an active sister of Alpha Omicron Pi. She is also researching at the Cognitive Development Lab under her mentor, Dr. Ishak. 

Off-campus, Cindy serves her community by donating hand-made greeting cards to local children’s specialized hospitals and volunteers at Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital. “As an advocate against food insecurity, I also volunteer at food pantries when I travel to Vietnam at the Ho Chi Minh Food Pantry as well as the Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry where I organize food bags to distribute to the community.”

Dawn Nadine Sy

Dawn Nadine Sy of Butler, N.J. is a sophomore Biology major. She has a 3.84 GPA, consistently makes the Dean’s List, and is a Trustees Scholarship recipient.

Through the Honors Program, Dawn is an Honors Development Group Leader, where she mentors first year students. As the Secretary of Commuter Affairs in SGA, she represents the voice of commuter students, but she also contributes in other aspects such as designing the 2020 SGA Oktoberfest logo. 

Off campus, Dawn regularly donates blood through RedCross and Vitalant. She also works as a Dental Assistant at Cornerstone Dental of Mahwah, where she gains valuable patient care experience. She hopes to continue this passion of helping others by pursuing a Physician Assistant license post-graduation.

Gabriel Matthew Luyun

Gabriel Matthew Luyun of Fair Lawn, N.J. is an International Studies major and Computer Science minor. He has a 4.0 GPA.

At Ramapo, Gabriel has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Honors Program and being a political news contributor for the Ramapo News.

When he has some leisure time, Gabriel loves to read historical fiction books and solve crossword puzzles. He hopes to enter graduate school to increase his likelihood of pursuing his dream of becoming a diplomat.

Gabriela Buniowska

Gabriela Buniowska of Bridgewater, N.J. enrolled in a Biology major and she is in the 3+4 Early Acceptance Program for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. “My goal is to become a physician and serve those in need,” she says. Since 2016, she has volunteered as an EMT.

At Ramapo, Gabriela has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Residence Hall Council (RHC) and the Honors Program. She has been the Vice President of the Bischoff Hall RHC and a presenter at the National Collegiate Honors Council in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gabriela is proud to be the winner of Ramapo’s essay contest for the novel The Leavers by Lisa Ko. 

Weina Xiao

Weina Xiao of Denville, N.J. is a freshman Nursing major. She has a 3.93 GPA and made the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester. 

At Ramapo, Weina is a part of the Nursing Student Organization and the Honors Program. Off-campus, she works as a volunteer nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician. 

She hopes to proactively contribute to the healthcare field and become a registered nurse after graduation

McKenna Byrne

McKenna Byrne of Edison, N.J. is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance. She has a 3.7 GPA, frequently makes the Dean’s List, and is a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship. She’s also in the Honors Program.

On campus, McKenna is President and Treasurer of Ramapo Chorale and the Vice President of Membership for Alpha Phi Omega. She mentors first year students as an Honors Development Group Leader.

McKenna is also involved with the Girl Scouts of America. She organizes events focused on developing leadership, business, and communication skills for other Girl Scouts. She earned her Silver Award through restoring and rehabilitating public parks in Middlesex County.  

After graduation, McKenna plans to find a career that combines her passion for music and affinity for numeracy. She hopes to continue volunteering and giving back to her community wherever her life may lead.

Luka Marjanovic

Luka Marjanovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Theater major with a concentration in Acting and a minor in Creative Writing. He has a 3.97 GPA and makes the Dean’s List each semester, in addition to being a Presidential Scholarship recipient. 

Luka is in the Honors Program, part of Ramapo’s comedy improv troupe, the Fooligans, and writes numerous articles for the Ramapo News. He has also performed in the following mainstage productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, She Kills Monsters, and The Diaries of Adam and Eve, which was a virtual production. 

He enjoys watching local theater and participating in off-campus comedy and improv nights. After graduation, Luka plans on enrolling in an MFA program and possibly teaching theater.

Jeffrey Joseph

Jeffrey Joseph is a Biology major from Jackson, N.J. He is in the Honors Program and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. 

At Ramapo, Jeffrey has been active in several organizations and activities, including Leaders in Service, Rally Cap Sports, and Newman Catholic. He is currently the Vice President of Newman Catholic and has planned events with MEVO and soup kitchens nearby. Jeffrey also helps tutor students in biology and students with special needs. 

He is also involved with Habitat for Humanity and EMS off campus. Overall, he is passionate about community service and helping others.

Anjali Patel

Anjali Patel of Woodbridge, N.J. is a junior Law and Society major with a minor in Political Science. She has a 3.96 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and the Honors Program. 

At Ramapo, Anjali is involved in the Democracy Matters Club and is currently President of the Student Government Association. “I am proud to be advocating and representing the interests of the student body,” she says. 

Anjali is also an Editor for the Ramapo College Journal of Law and Society and a member of the New Jersey Student Government Coalition (NJSGC). After attending law school, she hopes to practice employment law and later get involved with government and politics.

Miriam Sokolska

Miriam Sokolska of Hawthorne, N.J. is a Visual Arts major concentrating in Art History and minoring in Museum and Exhibition Studies. She is a member of the Honors Program, has a 3.86 GPA, and consistently makes the Dean’s List. 

Miriam is involved with Ramapo Green, WRPR, and the Jane Addams Papers Project. She is a proud library worker off-campus and has presented art history research at the national level. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, and making zines with her friends.

Miriam hopes to pursue a Masters in Library Science or Archival Studies, along with other research opportunities in the future.

Allie Cheff

Allie Cheff of Jefferson Township, N.J. is a History major in the Teacher Education Program. She holds a 3.88 GPA, makes the Dean’s List every semester, and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.

Allie is part of the Honors Program and the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. Off campus, she works at a childcare center and tutors elementary and middle school students. 

Passionate about learning and teaching, Allie wants to begin her career as a middle or high school history teacher after she graduates.

Hima Kurian

“I hope to excel in my studies and provide the best patient care as a Nurse Practitioner,” says Hima Kurian of Paramus, N.J. Hima is a freshman Nursing major in the Honors Program. She has a 3.68 and was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

Hima is involved with the Leaders in Service Program, the Nursing Student Organization, and the South Asian Club. She also has a passion for dancing and performed a Bollywood dance for the Diwali and Holi programs on campus.

Off campus, Hima works as a cashier at Shoprite and volunteers at her church. She is an assistant teacher for second grade students of the Faith Formation program, and she works with youth and young adults to conduct various bonding and community service activities.

Gabriela Tactuk

“I hope that one day I can be an honorable representation of Latino culture in the medical field,” says Gabriela Tactuk, a Pre-Med Biology student from Englewood, N.J. Gabriela is a student in the EOF Program and the Honors Program. She has a 3.7 GPA and has made the Dean’s List several times. 

Gabriela has been a Biology Lab Teaching Assistant twice and a Supplemental Instructor for the 2019 EOF Program, where she worked closely with a professor to enhance student comprehension in the Social Science Inquiry course. 

She works as a scribe for a surgeon in Oradell and is an avid volunteer at Englewood Health. After graduation, Gabriela hopes to get a master’s in Molecular Biology, matriculate into medical school, and become a Trauma Surgeon. 

Anxhela Kalia

“I am proud to be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree,” says Anxhela Kalia of Fair Lawn, N.J. Anxhela is a junior Honors Program student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. She plans to pursue a career as a Neuropsychologist.

Anxhela is the Founder and President of the Psychology Affiliation and the Secretary of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. In the Honors Program, she has served as a Developmental Leader and a member of the Admissions Team. She was also a Resident Assistant in Bischoff Hall.

Off campus, Anxhela is a Pharmacy Technician at CVS Pharmacy. She also volunteers for blood drives, the Special Olympics, her church’s youth group, and campus clean ups.

She has a 3.85 GPA, has made the Dean’s List every semester, and is in the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.

Channing Smith

Channing Smith of Hazlet, N.J. is a Digital Filmmaking major and Music minor in the Honors Program. After her first year, her 3.8 GPA landed her a spot on the Dean’s List.  

Channing contributes her technical and creative skills to the film, radio and animation clubs. 

Her proudest accomplishment is that one of her films placed 2nd in Raritan High School’s first annual film festival. Channing plans to pursue a full-time job in the film industry after graduating.

Ayano Ueda

Honors Program student Ayano Ueda of Lodi N.J. is a Nursing major. After graduating, she plans to work as a Registered Nurse for a few years at a hospital before going back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Ayano is the Academic Chair for the Nursing Student Organization, Secretary-Treasurer of Phi Beta Delta Honors Society, and is on the Honors Program Admissions Team. “I enjoy meeting people and helping underclassmen navigate college,” she says. 

In her free time during the pandemic, Ayano writes letters of encouragement and hope to hospital staff and pediatric patients.

Her 3.9 GPA has put her on the Dean’s List every semester. 

Grace Velarde

Grace Velarde of Oakland N.J. is a Contemporary Arts Contract Major with a 3.97 GPA. She is a member of the Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Two of Grace’s paintings were chosen to be displayed at an art exhibition called “A New Berth,” held by the Camden Fireworks art gallery. A percentage of the commission made from the sold artworks was used to better the water system. “I was humbled by the opportunity to direct my passion for art toward helping those in need,” says Grace. 

On campus, Grace organizes open houses and gives campus tours as a Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador. She also plays the alto saxophone in the college’s Jazz and Concert Bands.

In her free time, Grace volunteers at organizations such as A Step Ahead Preschool in North Bergen, N.J. and the North Hudson Community Action Corporation in Union City, N.J.

Jessica Ryan

Jessica Ryan of Bloomfield, N.J. is a Literature/English major in the Teacher Education program. She is a member of the Honors Program and the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. She is also a consultant at the Center for Reading and Writing and a substitute teacher at Bloomfield School District.

Jessica served as a Senator-at-Large and the Secretary of Programming in the Student Government Association for three years. She is published in Trillium, the college magazine, and The Ramapo News. Currently she is a writer for YardCouch.com and hosts her own podcast, Just Kidding Podcast, on Spotify.

In Spring 2021 Jessica will be entering a student-teaching role at Bloomfield High School, alongside working as an editorial intern at Princeton University Press.

Melanie E. Cardoso-Lozano

Melanie E. Cardoso-Lozano of Sparta, N.J. is a Nursing major with a Spanish minor, and she earned a Certificate of Spanish for Health Care and Human Services Professionals. She has a 3.7 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester.

Melanie is in the Honors Program, the Nursing Student Organization, and is a member of several honor societies. She is also the Co-Vice President for the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead (ALMA) and the Vice President of the Spanish Club. 

Off campus, Melanie has volunteered with First Friends non profit organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Teaneck Tutoring. After graduation, she hopes to become a Registered ICU Nurse and obtain a master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Cindy Lam

Cindy Lam a second-year Biology major from Parsippany, N.J. She is in the Honors Program and is on the Honors Student Executive Board. Additionally, she is the Sergeant at Arms for the United Asian Association, President of the Biology Club, and is a Ramapo Admission Student Ambassador. 

Cindy recently served on the state board for the New Jersey District of Key Club as the Lieutenant Governor of Division 22. She oversaw seven Key Clubs and promoted leadership in community service. 

Off-campus, Cindy serves her community by donating hand-made greeting cards to local children specialized hospitals and volunteers as a patient-transparent at Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital. Whenever she travels back to Vietnam, she can be found at the Ho Chi Minh Food Pantry serving soup to the elders, ill, and anyone in need of help.

In the future, Cindy plans to attend medical school and travel to developing countries where she can aid those in need and create more healthcare opportunities.

James Martinez

James A. Martinez of Fairview, N.J. is a sophomore Bioinformatics major in the Honors Program. He has accumulated a 3.55 GPA over the past four semesters.

James was involved in Sophomores Advancing in Leadership (SAIL), where he joined other civically engaged students in pursuit of improving their leadership skills. He is also on the Honors Admission Team, through which he assists in interviews and presentations for prospective Honors Program applicants. Lastly, James is Treasurer for the Resident Hall Association and recently joined Alpha Phi Omega, a professional service fraternity.
Off-campus, he has been involved in various service opportunities, from local gardening at M.E.V.O. to nature cleanups around the Ramapo Reservation.

After graduation, James plans on pursuing a PhD. His future career plans are to go into Medical Genomic Research and to teach the growing world of Bioinformatics as a professor.

Cindy Lam

Cindy Lam of Parsippany, N.J. is a first-year Biology major and is part of the Honors Program, and a Fall 2019 Dean’s List student.

At Ramapo, Cindy has been active in numerous organizations and activities, including being a student ambassador for Ramapo Admission Student Ambassador, Sergeant at Arms of United Asian Association, the President of Biology Club, and an E-Board member of the Honors Program.

She recently served on the state board for the New Jersey District of Key Club as the Lieutenant Governor of Division 22 where she oversaw seven Key Clubs and promoted leadership in community service. Off-campus, Cindy serves her community by donating hand-made greeting cards to local children specialized hospitals and volunteers as a patient-transparent at Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital. Whenever she travels back to Vietnam, she can be found at the Ho Chi Minh Food Pantry serving soup to the elders, ill, and anyone in need of help.

Channing Smith

“One of my proudest accomplishment is placing second in Raritan High School’s first annual film festival,” says Channing Smith. As a Digital Filmmaking major and Music minor, she hopes to continue to evolve her talents here at Ramapo and learn more about the craft of film editing and music creation.

She is part of the Honors Program and plans to continue being part of it throughout her years at Ramapo. She graduated high school with a GPA of 3.9 and is currently at a 3.8 GPA after her freshman year.

Channing has been active in the Film Club where she has assisted in pre-production with her ideas of a horror film and Radio Club where she sets up equipment for different events, such as Open House. She has also created music and sound effects to help some animators in the Animation Club on their projects. She hopes to gain an internship and work within the film industry at a company like Disney.

She is from Hazlet, N.J.

Ayano Ueda

Ayano Ueda of Lodi, N.J. and is a sophomore Nursing major. She has a 3.9 GPA. She made the Dean’s List every semester since her freshman year, is a part of the Honors Program, and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta.

Ayano is a member of the Honors Program A-Team, the United Asians Association, and serves as the Community Service Chair for the Nursing Student Organization. “Through these organizations, I enjoy meeting prospective freshman and getting to know many people on campus.”
She is an elementary teacher’s aide for a Japanese weekend school, promoting the younger generation of Japanese-Americans to be proud of their heritage and continuously learn about the language and culture of Japan. “It makes me very proud to give back to a community that has provided me with so many life lessons, purpose, and a sense of identity.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Ayano plans to work as a registered nurse for a few years before going back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

Melanie E. Cardoso-Lozano

Melanie E. Cardoso-Lozano of Sparta, N.J. is a Nursing major with a minor in Spanish. She holds a Certificate of Spanish for Health Care and Human Services Professionals.

Melanie is a member of the Honors Program, the Nursing Student Organization, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She is also an Event Coordinator for the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead and is Vice President of the Spanish Club. Melanie has previously volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Teaneck Tutoring, and First Friends, a non-profit organization.

After graduation, she hopes to become a Registered ICU Nurse and then obtain a Master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner.

She has a 3.7 GPA and has made the Dean’s List every semester.

Anxhela Kalia

Anxhela Kalia of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a sophomore Psychology major with a Neuroscience minor. She has a 3.8 GPA, and is a member of the Ramapo College Honors Program and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. She has also been a Dean’s List recipient every semester. “I’m proud to be the first person to receive a bachelor’s degree in my family, and I hope to have a career as a Neuropsychologist.”

Anxhela is a Resident Assistant in Bischoff Hall, the Founder and President of the Psychology Affiliation on campus, and a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. She is also an Honors Developmental Leader and part of the Admissions Team for the Honors Program. She recently attended the Northeast Regional Honors Conference.

Anxhela works as a Pharmacy Technician at CVS Pharmacy. She also volunteers for blood drives, Special Olympics, her church’s youth group, and campus clean ups.

Allie Cheff

History major Allie Cheff is passionate about education and plans to begin her teaching career as a middle or high school History teacher.  Her work at a childcare center and as a tutor for elementary and middle school students is earning her valuable experience.

“I’m proud of my academic standing and that I’ve made Dean’s List every semester,” says Allie, who holds a 3.9 GPA. She is a member of the College Honors Program and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

She is from Jefferson Township, N.J.

Angelo Petillo

Angelo Petillo of Point Pleasant, N.J. is an Accounting major. He has a 3.5 GPA and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List several times.

Angelo is the Vice President of Tau Delta Phi fraternity and the Vice President of the Laurel Residence Hall Committee.  Angelo achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through an anti-bullying campaign project that was impactful to his community.  In addition to his studies, Angelo is currently an Accounting Intern at Corrado Financial Group. “I am proud to have successfully balanced my school, work, leadership roles, and social life.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Angelo plans to take the CPA exam and obtain his master’s in Accounting.

Audrey Miller

“I believe that accountants tell true stories with numbers. I want to use my skills to help others financially succeed,” says Audrey Grace Miller of River Edge, N.J.  An Accounting major, Audrey has a 4.0 GPA, and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta.

Audrey has been active in the Ramapo College Honors Program, Leaders in Service, and the Accounting Club. She has also volunteered with the Hackensack Riverkeeper, a watershed advocacy non-profit, that awarded her their Volunteer of the Year Award in February 2019.

After graduation, Audrey plans to pursue her CPA certification and a career in accounting for an international organization or business.

Madeline Martinez

Madeline Martinez of Freehold, N.J. is a junior Political Science major.  She has a 3.6 GPA and is in the Honors Program.  Madeline has been involved with and serves on the E-Boards for the Visual Artist’ Society, the Chess Club, and the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead.  “Through these activities, I have been actively promoting the importance of diversity on campus and working towards establishing an inclusive and open community.”

Madeline is studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea during the Spring 2019 semester.  Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and hopes to work for non-governmental organizations to increase the access to education for women in developing countries.

Nora Maamoun

“My parents raised me to believe that anything and everything is achievable,” says Nora A. Maamoun.  The Biology major has a dental concentration, and hopes to one day “be the dentist that everyone is excited to visit, not afraid.”

She is part of the Pre-Dental Club and the Biology Club on campus. Nora has also been part of the Junior Volunteer Program at the Valley Hospital and the El-Meery Non-Profit Charity Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt.

Nora is from Woodcliff Lake, N.J.  She has a 3.5 GPA.

Jessica Ryan

Jessica Ryan of Bloomfield, N.J. is a Literature major with a concentration in K-12 Education. She is a member of the Ramapo College Honors Program with a GPA of 3.6 that has earned her Dean’s List status every semester.

At Ramapo, Jessica currently serves as a Senator-at-Large in the Student Government Association. She is
a published author with work featured in Tarot, a crowdfunded anthology for global distribution. She also has over one dozen articles published in the Ramapo News.

Jessica is a Catechist in the Archdiocese of Newark and a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts. She currently teaches Children’s Liturgy at her parish and serves as a substitute on the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ Gold Award Advisory Committee. She also volunteers for the USO at Newark International Airport.

Jenna Vasquez

“Being in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a newborn and hearing the stories my family members tell me have truly inspired me to pursue a career in such a specialized unit. The nurses not only saved my life, but my family’s as well. Needless to say, I want to be like those nurses. And in fact, I will be,” says Jenna Vasquez of Long Branch, N.J. Jenna is part of the Honors Program, and has made the Dean’s List each of her semesters here. She has a 3.8 GPA.

At Ramapo, Jenna has been active in the Ramapo College Honors Program, Honors Program Admissions Team, Honors Development Group Leader, Nursing Student Organization, Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador, and Residence Life as a Resident Assistant (RA), a role she is particularly proud of.

Jenna has also been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, as Vice President, and the National Society for Collegiate Scholars. She has also been active in off-campus organizations, including working with Habitat for Humanity and Teaneck Tutoring. Outside of school, Jenna enjoys traveling and helping others. She loves volunteering and making a difference in the lives of others.

After attaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Jenna would like to then obtain her (MSN), with the track of Family Nurse Practitioner. Her post-graduation goal is to be a nurse in the Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Channing Smith

Channing Smith of Hazlet, N.J. is a Digital Filmmaking major and Music minor. She is part of the College Honors program.

At Ramapo, Channing has been active in the Film Club, Radio Club, and Animation Club. Channing has assisted the Film Club in pre-production with her ideas of a horror film, has assisted with equipment set up for the Radio Club and created music and sound effects to help animators.

“My proudest accomplishment is that one of my films placed 2nd in Raritan High School’s first annual film festival. I’m excited to evolve this talent, and learn more about the craft of film editing and music creations at Ramapo.”

She hopes to get an internship and eventually work in the film industry.

Dahiana Arenas

Dahiana Arenas of Oakland, N.J. is a Nursing major. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and has been on the Dean’s List for the past two semesters.

At Ramapo, Dahiana has been active in the RCNJ Honors Program, the Civic and Community Engagement Center, Commuter Affairs, the ENHANCE Mentorship program, and Alpha Omicron Pi Women’s Fraternity. Within the Honors Program, Dahiana serves on the Executive Board and several committees. Through the CCEC, she has participated in several alternative break trips- including a trip to India that she is leading this winter. Last year, Dahiana went to Ghana to volunteer at local villages and, in the spring, to Costa Rica to help out at an animal sanctuary. Over the summer, her chapter sent her to Tennessee to attend a Leadership Institute. Dahiana is continuing to develop her leadership skills as part of the 2018-19 Sophomores Advancing in Leadership (SAIL) cohort. On campus, she is a Peer Mentor for Leaders in Service program participants, commuter students, and ENHANCE members.

Off-campus, Dahiana is a certified Pharmacy Technician for Walgreens. She hopes to utilize her medical background and love of traveling to one day be a Nurse Practitioner, connecting with and caring for individuals all over the world.

Kimberly Evans

Kimberly Evans of Sayreville, N.J. is a junior history major in the teacher certification program as well as the College Honors Program. She has a 3.97 GPA.

At Ramapo, Kimberly has been active in several organizations, including serving as the secretary for the Future Teachers at Ramapo club and being a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. She currently works on campus as a transcription assistant for the Jane Addams Papers Project.

During high school, Kimberly was the athletic trainer’s assistant for the football team and the secretary for the theatre society’s business crew. Some of her proudest accomplishments include playing at Carnegie Hall with her middle school concert band and presenting her work at the National Collegiate Honors Council’s 2018 national conference in Boston.

“I hope to become a high school history teacher and eventually go to graduate school to earn my Master’s degree.”

Catherine Angela Clinton

Catherine Angela Clinton of Township of Washington, N.J. is a Biology major, with an intended minor in Psychology. She has a 3.3 GPA.

At Ramapo, Catherine has been active in several organizations, including the Roadrunner Pep Band, where she has served as Secretary and Treasurer.  She is also an active member of the  United Asian Association, as well as SAIL (Sophomores Advancing in Leadership) organization. Catherine is also an Honors Development Group Leader and regularly attends the language learning programs offered at the Roukema Center on campus.

Catherine is an Interpretation Associate at the Liberty Science Center, and previously worked as an Activity Leader for MLA Moving Language Ahead. She has done volunteer work abroad in Costa Rica at the Natuwa Macaw Sanctuary.

Rebecca Citarella

Rebecca Citarella of Scotch Plains, N.J. is a Nursing major in the Ramapo College Honors Program. She has a 3.65 GPA and made the Fall 2017 Dean’s List.

At Ramapo, Rebecca has been active in several organizations and activities, including Leaders in Service, Mackin Residence Hall Council, and the Ramapo College Honors Program.

Rebecca has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including Air Force ROTC and Younglife.  Outside of school, Rebecca enjoys traveling and participating in outdoor activities.

After college, Rebecca would like to be a pediatric nurse in the United States Air Force.

Mary Elizabeth Baldwin

Mary Elizabeth Baldwin of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a junior Literature major with a concentration in Creative Writing. She has a GPA of 3.6 and is a part of the Ramapo College Honors Program and Sigma Tau Delta (literature honor society).

At Ramapo, Mary Elizabeth has been involved in several organizations and extra-curricular activities including serving on the Honors Program Executive Board, working for the Center for Student Involvement, and being a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Alpha Psi Omega.

During her time at Ramapo Mary Elizabeth has also gone on two conferences with the Honors Program, one in Pittsburgh and another in Atlanta, where she presented work to students and faculty from across the nation.

Amish Regmi

Amish Regmi of Biratnagar, Nepal is a Computer Science major and a Math minor. He has a 3.87 GPA.

Amish is currently the President of International Student Organization and the Vice President of the Math Club and Model UN. He is also an Alumni Relations Research and Marketing Assistant Student Aide. While in Nepal, Amish was the treasurer of Leo Club, where he was involved in organizing community services activities, including a fundraiser for the earthquake-affected victims of Nepal in 2015.

“After completing my education, I plan to return to Nepal to work towards improving the quality of lives of so many students like me.”

Kimberly Evans

Kimberly Evans of Sayreville, N.J. is a History major in the Teacher Certification Program as well as the College Honors Program. She has a 4.0 GPA.

At Ramapo, Kimberly has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Future Teachers at Ramapo Club and the Alpha Lamdba Delta Honors Society. She recently received a job on campus with the EOF Program as a Student Supplemental Instructor.

During high school, Kimberly was the athletic trainer’s assistant for the football team and the secretary for the theatre society’s business crew. Some of her proudest accomplishments include playing at Carnegie Hall with her middle school concert band and earning a 5 on the AP Calculus Exam in high school.

After graduating Kimberly hopes to get a job as a high school history teacher and eventually go to graduate school to earn her Master’s degree.

Kelly Tagliaferre

Kelly Tagliaferre of Pittsburgh, PA is a Biology Major in the Physical Therapy Program. She is on track for Ramapo’s 3+3 program with Rutgers University for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She hopes to specialize her studies in geriatric care. She is also pursuing her yoga teaching certification to deepen her practice and share the benefits of yoga with others.

At Ramapo, Kelly has been active in several organizations, including the Honors College, Leaders In Service (LIS), and Yoga Club. Over the summer, Kelly attended the LIS leadership and service week long retreat where she volunteered at Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization (MEVO) and at House on a Hill.

Kelly has also been involved in Adopt a US Soldier as a pen pal to a US soldier and in a local physical therapy office as a volunteer aide at the center.  As an aide, she receives hands on experience learning the therapists’ treatment techniques. She assists the patients by prepping their exercise stations and chats with them to encouraging total mind and body wellness. She also works as a sales associate at Tommy Bahama.

Post-graduation, she plans on working as a Physical Therapist in a holistic medicine program. She will then pursue her massage therapy license and hopes to open her own practice incorporating her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, massage therapy license, and yoga teaching certification.

Nora Maamoun

“My parents raised me on the ideals that anything and everything is achievable,” says freshman Honors Program student Nora A. Maamoun. The Biology major has a dental concentration, and hopes to one day “be the dentist that everyone is excited to visit, not afraid.”

She is part of the Pre-Dental Club and the Biology Club on campus and has volunteered at Pascack Valley Hospital and the El-Meery Hospital Junior Volunteer Organization in Alexandria, Egypt.

Nora is from Woodcliff Lake, N.J. She has a 3.5 GPA.

Stephanie Guzman

Stephanie Guzman is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.  She also has a minor in International Business.

Her involvement at the College includes serving as secretary for both the Association for Latinos Moving Ahead, and for Model United Nations.  She is also a part of the Honors Executive Board and an active member of the Honors Admissions Team and International Student Organization.  “My hope is to attend law school after receiving my business degree.”

Mehnaz Ladha

Mehnaz Ladha of Dumont, NJ is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Journalism.  She has a minor in International Studies. Mehnaz has a 3.985 GPA and is a member of the College Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Mehnaz is a staff writer for the Ramapo News, secretary of Lambda Pi Eta, and newsletter developer for both the College Honors Program and Educational Opportunity Fund. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key Honor Society, and Sigma Iota Rho.

She is also active off-campus as a contributor to the quarterly newsletter published by the Turn-A-Frown-Around Foundation Inc. She has also interned at the Borough of Franklin Lakes and SunCity Paradise, where she presently is a full-time writer and editor. Mehnaz has also worked on updating the website of award-winning technology journalist, Andrea Smith.

After graduating from Ramapo, Mehnaz plans to attend graduate school and enter the field of business communications while continuing to contribute to magazine publications.

Achyut Gautam

Achyut Gautam of Kathmandu, Nepal is a sophomore pursuing a major in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Mathematics and Economics. He is also enrolled in the college Honors Program and has a GPA of 3.91.

He’s involved in multiple clubs and organizations on campus, including the Student Government Association (SGA), the International Student Organization (ISO), the Finance Club and the Civic and Community Engagement Center.

“As a student of Ramapo, I am confident that I will continue to grow more confident as a leader, accomplish my academic goals, and learn different invaluable life skills,” said Achyut.  In addition to his academic pursuits, he started working on a social venture to serve the communities of Nepal and plans to complete it by the end of 2017.

David Cifelli

David Cifelli of Millstone Township, NJ is a re-dental Biology major. He has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

David serves on the executive board of the College Honors Program, Biology Club, and the PreMed/PreHealth Club at Ramapo. He is actively involved in research within two schools, TAS and HGS, and is also a peer facilitator.

He is an editorial assistant for the Psychohistory Forum and assists at an orthodontist’s office in his hometown.

Jestina Brown

Jestina Brown of Paterson, N.J. is a Biology Major with a 4.00 GPA.

At Ramapo, Jestina is a part of several organizations and activities, including the Honors College, Educational Opportunity Fund Program and Black Student Union.

Jestina’s plan after graduation is to attend medical school. “I plan to give back to my community by one day putting interactive academic programs and scholarships into schools. I want to be the change I want to see in my community.” Jestina is originally from a small town in Jamaica, where she lived until she was 13 years old. 

“My goals are to become a neurosurgeon and work with Médecins Sans Frontières, an organization that provides medical assistance to those affected by disasters, conflict, epidemics, etc,” says Jestina.