Current McNair Scholars
Meet our 2025-2026 McNair Scholar Cohort!
Farrah Charles
Health Behavior Science Major; Class of 2027
Farrah Charles is a second-year Health Behavior Science major interested in disease research and understanding how the body reacts to different conditions and environments. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a graduate degree in public health or a related field, where she can focus on studying diseases more deeply. She hopes to work in disease research or health coaching, helping people improve their health and prevent illness through education and support.
Julio Carrillo Soto
Statistics Major minoring in Computer Science; Class of 2026
Julio Cesar Carrillo Soto is a Statistics major with a minor in Computer Science. From a young age, he had a deep passion for mathematics, but it was during his senior year of high school, after taking a Statistics course, that he decided to pursue the art academically. During his college freshman year, he took an introductory Computer Science course and quickly developed a strong interest in coding, leading him to add a minor in the subject. As Julio explored the blend of Statistics and Computer Science, he became fascinated by the applications in artificial intelligence, particularly in Machine Learning and Deep Learning. This realization inspired his research interests, which focus on applying these techniques to address mathematical issues. This summer, Julio plans to investigate problems in combinatorics related to graph theory and the eigenvalues of graphs. As part of this research, he will explore the connections between machine learning, neural networks, and AI in solving or refuting conjectures in these areas. Julio Aims to contribute positively to the field of Mathematics.
Amalia Castillo
Sociology and Psychology Major; Class of 2026
Amalia Castillo is a sociology and psychology double major at the University of Delaware. She is a World Scholar and a Community Engagement Scholar, having studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and Athens, Greece. As a member of UD Alternative Breaks she volunteered in Baltimore, MD to improve childhood literacy during Spring Break 2023 and in Puerto Rico during Winter 2024 in various disaster relief projects. She has ample research experience and recently began a new position in the Queer Development Lab on a project regarding positive parental support for LGBTQ+ youth. Her research interests revolve around the formation of identity through intersections of race and sexuality. She plans to attend a graduate program to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. She hopes to eventually become a university professor and conduct meaningful research in her own lab. In her free time, Amalia enjoys cross-stitch, photography, and trying foods from various cultures.
Janice Castro
Fine Arts major; Class of 2026
Janice Castro, a dedicated Fine Arts major at the University of Delaware, chose her field with the aim of developing a well-rounded skill set necessary in becoming a professional artist. Through her research and artwork delving into the complex dynamics of her immigrant mother-daughter relationship, Janice is now driven to expand her research by creating narrative pieces that uncovers the powerful, heart-wrenching stories of immigrants, and their intricate relationships with their children. Her ultimate goal is to establish a supportive community, providing a safe space for individuals like herself and her family to feel acknowledged, connected, and empowered. Influenced by her mother’s unwavering support, Janice plans to pursue further education, attain an MFA (Master’s Degree in Fine Arts) here at UD, and hopefully secure the opportunity to teach in the Art & Design Department. Beyond academia, Janice actively engages in UD’s Figure Drawing Club, Creative Arts Club, plays the piano for Inter-varsity, and strives to connect with fellow Hispanic students through participation in the HOLA Club.
Sheyenne Faircloth
English Education major; Class of 2026
Sheyenne is a senior at the University of Delaware majoring in English Education. She is a Eugene du Pont Distinguished Scholar within the Honors College and is passionate about language, literature, culture, and the ways educational practices and rhetoric shape social systems and power structures. In the past, she has conducted research with the UD English Department, working to preserve historical documents and cultural literature. Sheyenne currently serves as a School-Age Administrator at The Summer Learning Collaborative, a nonprofit that co-creates out-of-school time programs for underserved students. She is also a Writing Fellow for the Honors College, mentoring first-year students through their writing processes. In her free time, Sheyenne enjoys writing, singing, arts and crafts, and spending time with loved ones. After earning her secondary education teaching certification in English, Sheyenne plans to pursue a Ph.D. in English and/or a J.D., combining her love for scholarship, literature, advocacy, and education.
Samantha Huerta
Kinesiology major with Spanish in Healthcare and Strength & Conditioning minor; Class of 2027
Samantha Huerta is a second-year Kinesiology major with a Spanish in Healthcare and Strength & Conditioning minor. For the past two years, she’s worked with a physical therapy professor researching lower extremity musculoskeletal and tendon injuries in the Delaware Tendon Research Group. Outside of classes, Samantha plays the violin in the UD Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, runs on the UD Club Cross Country and Track & Field Team, and advocates for equity for all Hispanic patients as the events coordinator for the Spanish for Healthcare club. She plans on attending a graduate program to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in the near future.
Kira Jefferson
Cognitive Science major, specializing in pre-professional Speech-Language Pathology and minor in Disability Studies; Class of 2026
Kira Jefferson is a dedicated student majoring in cognitive science with a specialization in pre-professional speech-language pathology. She also pursues a minor in disability studies, further deepening her understanding of accessibility and advocacy within healthcare. Passionate about research and social impact, Kira serves as a research assistant for the undergraduate research program, where she explores critical topics related to speech and language. Her research interests focus on implementing inclusive treatment options in the field of speech-language pathology and examining how different dialects influence language development. Additionally, as a Social Justice Peer Educator, she actively engages in fostering peer-to-peer dialogues and conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Post-graduation, Kira plans to obtain her master’s degree and licensure in speech-language pathology, with the goal of making a meaningful and inclusive impact in the field.
Seaanna Johnson
Political Science and Philosophy major; Class of 2026
Seaanna Johnson is a second-year honors student pursuing a double major in political science and philosophy, along with a double minor in public policy and legal studies. She is currently focused on a philosophical journey to understand why we live as we do. For Seaanna, simply accepting things as they are or have been is not enough. She finds it necessary to explore a diverse amount of perspectives to examine a phenomenon to truly be able to gain some sort of understanding of the reasons behind our choices and actions. By recognizing the reasoning behind why we do something or think a certain way, she believes we can better identify our true goals and determine the best path to achieve them.
Naomi Lara-Medina
Cognitive Science major with Pre-Professional Speech Language Pathology concentration and Spanish for Healthcare and Human Development and Family Sciences minors; Class of 2026
double minor in Spanish for Healthcare and Human Development and Family Sciences. She is passionate about the development of children raised in multilingual environments and communities. Post-graduation, she aims to pursue her master’s degree in speech-language pathology and aspires to provide professional support to underserved and low-income minority populations. On campus, she is a part of various registered student organizations such as the Campus Alliance de La Raza, Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated and volunteers at the Speech Language Acquisitions & Multilingualism (SLAM) Laboratory.
Kamari Lewis
Health Behavior Science Major Health Promotion Masters and Minor in Disability Studies: Class of 2026
currently working on his Health promotion master’s degree in the University of Delawares 4+1
program. Kamari holds several campus leadership positions, some of which include being a
residential assistant as well as a dishwasher for Vita Nova to fund his education. Over the past
year, Kamari has taken in-depth practicum experiences (such as working to coordinate inclusive
and accommodating physical activity lessons for individuals with physical and intellectual
disabilities) as well as working at the University of Delaware’s health coaching clinic as an intern
student for the diabetes prevention program. While working two jobs he finds time to give back
to the community by volunteering at the student wellbeing center. In his free time, he likes to use
the recreational gym facilities on campus, listen to music, play pool, spend time with friends, and
watch movies. He plans on continuing his education in the master’s program at the University of
Delaware in health promotion wit a concentration in health coaching to become doubly certified
in health coaching and health education.
Victoria Lugo
Psychology and English double major, with a minor in Spanish; Class of 2026
Victoria Lugo is a Psychology and English double major, with a minor in Spanish. Upon
graduating, she is hoping to attend graduate school and become an Occupational Therapist
who aids individuals in regaining their independence and performing the activities that they love,
so that they can feel like their best selves! Her research interests encompass investigating the
experiences of those with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and stroke, and potential
rehabilitative techniques to improve their mobility. On campus, she serves as a Writing Center
Tutor, a Writing Fellow, and also volunteers with Lori’s Hands and Sean’s House!
Simone Lunn
Neuroscience and Psychology major; Class of 2026
Simone is a third-year undergraduate pursuing dual degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Delaware. Her passion for these fields stems from a longstanding interest in understanding the complexities of the human mind and brain. For the past year she has worked in Dr.Knox’s lab researching topics involving emotional regulation and PTSD. She is also involved in Dr.Cohen’s lab where she supports clinical research by conducting telephone-based health interviews and cognitive assessments. Post-graduation, she aims to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. In her free time she loves to hangout with her friends, read, write, play music, and play video games.
Chandler Morrell
Psychology and Neuroscience major; Class of 2026
Meet Chandler Morrell, he is a Psychology and Neuroscience double major at the University of Delaware. Chandler chose Psychology and Neuroscience because he feels that humans have only just begun to explore these fields, and he wants the opportunity to have a massive impact on the entire field. Chandler’s specific area of interest for research lies within developmental psychology, where he wants to explore how trauma affects the developing brain and how these impacts affect children in later life. Currently, he is working for Dr. Philip Gable in the Social Cognitive Emotional Neuroscience Lab as a lead research assistant. Chandler is also an active member and employee at Sean’s House, a local non-profit that serves as a mental health safe haven for individuals 14-24. His future plans are to earn a doctorate degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in developmental psychology. He plans to both practice clinically and continue researching throughout his career. Outside of school, Chandler enjoys hobbies such as fishing, going to the beach, and playing basketball.
Melissa Perez Rangel
Psychology and History Major with a Spanish Minor; Class of 2026
the University of Delaware. For the past 4 years, she has worked tirelessly to improve her
knowledge of psychological topics, while also engrossing herself in the history of different eras.
On campus, she is involved in clubs such as HOLA, the largest Latinx organization on campus,
and Campus de La Raza (CALR), a socially and politically aware Latin group, and is the
president of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated, the first multicultural sorority in the
nation. She also is a Blue Hen Ambassador, more specifically a Diversity Enrichment Leader, for
the Office of Admissions and is often involved in welcoming incoming freshman and
prospective students. In her free time, she enjoys watching her favorite shows, shopping, and
reading books. She plans to get her masters in either psychology or history, then pursue a Ph.D in
psychology, with a specific focus on aviation psychology.
Iyanna Register
Communication with a concentration in media and minors in Interactive Media and Journalism; Class of 2026
Gem Marie Sobet is a sophomore majoring in Political Science at the University of Delaware. She is passionate about being a role model for inner-city youth and has spent nearly two years working directly with school-aged children. She participated in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program, where she explored legislation at the Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware, and learned about the bill-making process. Gem is a sister of Corazones Unidos Siempre Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as Parliamentarian, and also serves as a general board member of the Caribbean Student Alliance. She is exploring graduate school options and plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) to further her commitment to policy and public service. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and has a love for fashion.
Shelby Serrano
Animal Bioscience Major and Minor in Animal Nutrition; Class of 2026
Shelby Serrano is a third year Animal Bioscience Major in the College of Agriculture and Natural resources. Since last summer, she has worked in a Animal Nutrition Microbiology lab in her college, where she will be doing senior thesis about silage inoculant effectiveness. She is also an Ag Ambassador for her college, which are students responsible for engaging applicants. She intends to pursue a career as an Animal Nutritionist in her future, after attending graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Animal Science. She likes to read, cook new recipes, crochet and play video games.
Gem Sobet
Political Science Major; Class of 2027
Gem Marie Sobet is a sophomore majoring in Political Science at the University of Delaware. She is passionate about being a role model for inner-city youth and has spent nearly two years working directly with school-aged children. She participated in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program, where she explored legislation at the Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware, and learned about the bill-making process. Gem is a sister of Corazones Unidos Siempre Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated, where she currently serves as Parliamentarian, and also serves as a general board member of the Caribbean Student Alliance. She is exploring graduate school options and plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) to further her commitment to policy and public service. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends and has a love for fashion.
Harmony Smith
Psychology major and minor in Forensic Science; Class of 2027
transfer student, she has collaborated closely with a Psychology professor on research examining
how individuals make plea decisions and whether defendants are influenced by the Selective
Accessibility Model. On campus, she is involved in the Muslim Student Association and the
Black Student Union, and she participates in events hosted by the Center For Black Culture to
expand her social network and build meaningful connections. In her free time, she loves to read
books about the inconsistencies and complexities of the legal system, styling hair for clients,
playing squash, and writing poetry. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and
aims to work in the field of corrections in the future.
Amayah Sullins
Criminal Justice major; Class of 2027
Amayah Janae Sullins is a third-year Criminal Justice major with a minor in Africana Studies at the University of Delaware. As a McNair Scholar, her research explores Muslim prayer accommodations in public schools, focusing on First Amendment rights and the creation of inclusive spaces for religious students. On campus, she serves in several leadership roles, including President of Students Against Human Trafficking, Outreach Chair for the Muslim Student Association, and board member of the Arabic Language and Culture Club. She also works at the Center for Black Culture and is active in social justice initiatives that promote equity and belonging. Amayah plans to pursue a J.D. and continue her work in public policy.
Logan Szelestei
Psychology and Human Services major; Class of 2026
Logan Szelestei is a third-year Psychology and Human Services major. For the past eight months, they have worked as a research assistant in Dr. Sions’ Lower Limb-Loss lab; assisting with several research projects and are currently writing a manuscript on the association between coping self-efficacy and general adjustment to prosthetic use among the lower-limb loss population. On campus, they are treasurer of Sunrise Newark, a local environmental activism group that is focused on climate justice. In their free time, they enjoy listening to music, watching movies, going on nature walks, and reading. They plan to attend a graduate program to pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology in the near future.
Chloe Terrell
Art Conservation with a minor in Art; Class of 2026
Chloe is majoring in Art Conservation with a minor in Art. She is also a resident assistant on campus, works in old college cataloging donated items, and holds a position on the Art Conservation Club board. In her free time she enjoys painting, video games, and playing with her kitten, Jam. She is hoping to continue her academic career with a masters degree and subsequently work as a full time conservator.
Oviyanna Umoh
Neuroscience and Psychology major; Class of 2026
Oviyanna Umoh is pursuing honors degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology. She spent last summer as an Empower Fellow at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where she conducted epigenetic research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis under Dr. Amy Whitaker. She hopes to earn a PhD in Neuroscience and eventually run a research lab focused on neurological and psychological disorders as a principal investigator. In addition to her research, Oviyanna enjoys serving as a Writing Fellow for first-year Honors students at the University of Delaware. Beyond academics, she is involved in campus fashion clubs like The New and UDress, and is the communications chair for the University’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter.
Sofia (Antonia) Vazquez
Finance major and Computer Science minor; Class of 2026
Antonia Vázquez is a finance major and computer science minor. Her specific area of interest for research is exploring how students in economics classes perceive Lerner Business School as opposed to other academic disciplines. She is also involved in a research project at Sensify Lab, studying the usability of misinformation detection software. After graduation, Antonia is interested in pursuing doctoral studies in either finance or economics. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and reading.
2024 - 2025 Cohort
Marisol Catalan Olais
Marissa Brown
Janice Castro
India Dixon
Jack Doolittle
Kaitlyn Goblirsch
Luzbeth Guzman
Aliyah Harrison
Marcela Lemos
Lily Martinez
Luis Moreno
Chandler Morrell
Juan Parada
Akshay Patel
Charlie-Ann Perez
Makayla Pham
Wendy Sanchez-Rodriguez
Gharem Santos
Dulcine Stephens
Chloe Terrell
Oviyanna Umoh
Sofia (Antonia) Vazquez
Victoria Visconti
Ayla Wallace
Mekhi Williams
2023 - 2024 Cohort
Erlande Amisial
Nadia Brogan
Marisol Catalan
Chelsea Cohen
India Dixon
Jack Doolittle
Alyssa Gorton
Ariel Grier
Michaela Herdoiza
Shanea Higgin
Amber Kirste
Geraldine Lara-Silva
Jada Lawrence
Otto Mendez-Castro
Johana Mendoza
Kezia Osei-Sebuabe
Akshay Patel
Nikolaos Rafailidis
Wendy Sanchez-Rodriguez
Paul Schultz
Dulcine Stephens
Brooklyn Tyndall
Ayla Wallace
Mekhi Williams
Jazmine Winters
2022 - 2023 Cohort
Zainab Badru
Catherine Clark
Talia Collier
Zainab Gbadamosi
Annabelle Goetter
Alyssa Gorton
Michaela Herdoiza
Amber Kirste
Stacy Mahiga
Otto Mendez-Castro
Rebecca Metelllus
Daijon Newton
Chijindu Ogbunamiri
Shreeya Parekh
Nyla Pugh
Melanie Quindes
Diana Sanroman-Espinosa
Paul Schultz
Sabrina Sueiro
Emily Tavares-Sanches
Michael Trinidad
Obed Usenbor
Britney Vasquez
Danielle Whyte
Aliya Williams
2021 - 2022 Cohort
Sharvari Apte
Zainab Badru
Catherine Clark
Talia Collier
Annabelle Goetter
Alyssa Gorton
Michaela Herdoiza
Kyle Jenkins
Amber Kirste
Stacy Mahiga
Otto Mendez-Castro
Rebecca Metellus
Daijon Newton
Chijindu Ogbunamairi
Shreeya Parekh
Nyla Pugh
Melanie Quindes
Paul Schultz
Sabrina Sueiro
Emily Tavares-Sanches
Michael Trinidad
Obed Usenbor
Britney Vasquez
Danielle Whyte
Aliya Williams
2020 - 2021 Cohort
Janelly Abreu
Angela Akumiah
Sharvari Apte
Zainab Badru
Justin Brown
Catherine Clark
George Class-Peters
Aja Davis
Jonte Desire
Mimi Diani
Marcela Dow
Jennifer Fuentes
Ishika Govil
Kevin Gyamfi
Moses Martinez
Suhey Matamoros
Chijindu Ogbunamiri
Megha Patel
Catherine Peluso
Lauren Smith
Prosper Tarley
Emily Tavares-Sanchez
Alexys Turner
Obed Usebor
Britney Vasquez
Angela Yu
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